Animation · Family Movie Night · Pixar · Parent-Friendly · Adventure
Top 5 Animated Movies Parents Will Love Too
Movie Knight Editorial Team ·
Tired of cartoons that don't hold your interest? This list highlights five animated films with the depth, humor, and heart to entertain parents just as much as their kids.
The best animated movies for the whole family tell stories that resonate with both children and adults on different levels. They achieve this by blending stunning visuals and kid-friendly humor with sophisticated themes like loss, self-acceptance, and sacrifice.
These films prove that animation is a medium, not a genre, capable of telling some of the most moving and thought-provoking stories in modern cinema. They are crafted with a dual audience in mind, ensuring that movie night is a rich and engaging experience for everyone on the couch.
Choose tonight’s movie
Quick picks
- Up
- Klaus
- The Wild Robot
- Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
- Kubo and the Two Strings
Movie Knight guide
The full list
No. 1
Up
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Adventure is Out There
Up
An elderly widower and a young Wilderness Explorer fly to South America in a balloon-lifted house. Parents should be prepared for mature themes of loss and loneliness, particularly in the film's famously emotional opening sequence. This film works best for kids 7 and up.
No. 2
Klaus
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A New Holiday Classic
Klaus
A selfish postman and a reclusive toymaker accidentally invent Christmas by delivering gifts to a bleak, frozen town. The story is overwhelmingly positive, but some characters are initially grumpy and there are brief moments of mild peril, like a sled crash. This film works best for kids 6 and up.
No. 3
The Wild Robot
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Nature and Nurture
The Wild Robot
A robot stranded on a remote island must adapt to her wilderness surroundings and forms an unlikely family with the local animals. The film gently explores themes of survival, family separation, and animals in peril within its beautiful, heartwarming story. This film works best for kids 7 and up.
No. 4
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
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Swashbuckling Sequel
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
On his ninth and final life, a swashbuckling cat seeks a mythical wishing star to restore his lives, learning to value the one he has left. The film contains exciting action sequences and a genuinely scary wolf villain who represents death. This film works best for kids 7 and up.
No. 5
Kubo and the Two Strings
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Stop-Motion Epic
Kubo and the Two Strings
A young storyteller with a magical instrument must battle gods and monsters to uncover the truth about his fallen samurai father. This beautiful stop-motion film deals directly with the loss of family members and features some scary supernatural beings. This film works best for kids 8 and up.
Before you press play
A note for parents
The films on this list are celebrated for their emotional depth, which is what makes them so compelling for adults. This can also mean they touch on mature subjects like grief, fear, and mortality. These moments are handled with care and provide opportunities for meaningful family conversations.
Questions parents ask
Parent FAQ
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