Best Movies for an 8-Year-Old

Paddington is a great choice. The writing is clever and funny, and its characters are easy to root for. Paddington’s good nature and innocence drive both the plot and the comedy.

At its heart is a message that an 8-year-old can carry with them: kindness can have a real impact on the people around you. You do not need to change yourself to fit in with your peers. Be yourself, and be kind.

Ratatouille follows Remy, a rat who dreams of becoming a chef. In Paris he befriends a young man named Linguini. They work together in secret: Remy creates the food while Linguini poses as the chef.

The movie reminds children that where they come from does not have to determine where they go. Hard work can move a dream forward, and friendship and teamwork can survive moments of tension when people choose to support each other.

For Christmastime, The Muppet Christmas Carol is a wonderful pick. In my opinion, it is the quintessential Christmas Carol adaptation and one of the best Muppet movies.

Michael Caine makes an excellent, grouchy Ebenezer Scrooge. It is fun to discover which Muppets take on the familiar roles: Kermit is Bob Cratchit, Gonzo is Charles Dickens and Fozzie Bear is the fittingly named Fozziwig. It works for 8-year-olds and the rest of the family.

The King of Kings is an animated retelling of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It follows familiar New Testament stories and presents them in a way that helps young viewers understand what is happening and connect with the story.

It is not only a strong faith-focused choice; it is an enjoyable movie in its own right. Families looking for an accessible introduction to these stories should put it near the top of the list.