Best Movies for a 9-Year-Old

How to Train Your Dragon is a great film for most ages, but especially for kids with a love of dragons. It is the story of Hiccup, a young viking living in a village of dragon slayers who aspires to hunt dragons like everyone around him — until the day he finally gets his chance.

There are some intense moments in this film, so if your child is very skittish it might not be the best choice. Otherwise I recommend it highly as one for parents and children to enjoy together.

Paddington is a fun, kid-friendly movie about a talking bear who travels to London, England, to find a home. It is a story of found family, perseverance and choosing kindness.

The movie demonstrates great lessons for parents to teach their children and it keeps kids' attention throughout. A few moments can be intense for younger children, so I do recommend watching it with them.

Coco is a beautiful film about music and the importance of family. It follows Miguel, a boy who loves music but comes from a family that forbids it.

The soundtrack is wonderful — fun songs for the kiddos and beautiful ones for the parents. This movie will have kids laughing one moment and parents crying the next, in the best way possible. I highly recommend watching it with your children.

The Iron Giant follows a boy named Hogarth living in the small town of Rockwell. One day he meets an unexpected friend who loves iron — and is made entirely of it.

The two play games and get themselves into trouble, but underneath it all the film is about having a choice in who you are. There are some intense moments, so I recommend parents watch it alongside their children. It is absolutely worth the watch.