Many of today’s parents were kids of the 90s. They were introduced to heartbreak when Simba lost Mufasa. They know the lyrics to “Part of Your World”. And They learned how to be brave like Mulan.
But the past decade has had its fair share of instant classics, too, such as: Finding Nemo, Inside Out, and Wall-E.
Truly, there is no shortage of movies to share with your kids which they can look back on one day as part of the great memories of their childhood.
More than entertaining storylines, these underrated animated films speak deep universal truths and present them in unforgettable ways kids can relate to.
1. Ernest and Celestine (2014)
Based on a series of children’s books, this Oscar-nominated animated film is a great way to teach your kids (even those as young as three years old) the concepts of equality and true friendship.
This visually stunning film, in watercolor 2-D animation, is filled with valuable lessons such as breaking from the norms, and protecting those you love and finding your place in the vast, chaotic world.
2. The Croods (2012)
This 3-D animated adventure comedy follows the journey of Eve, a girl with an insatiable fascination with the unknown, and her caveman family who, unlike her, fears the outside world.
After their cave is tragically destroyed, they must journey through the outside world they feared so much with the help of an inventive boy.
It teaches kids the value of knowing one’s own mind, being brave, and the concept of home as wherever your loved ones are.
3. Ponyo (2005)
In this fantastical animated adventure from the iconic Hayao Miyazaki, a young boy forms an unlikely friendship with a goldfish who turns into a human girl.
It highlights strength of family and friendship.
Though the animation is cutesy, the film explores themes towards the end that may be scary towards the end. It’s best to be right beside them throughout this thrill ride.
4. The Good Dinosaur (2015)
It starts off with a simple premise: what if the asteroid which hit earth all those years ago, wiping out all dinosaurs, missed?
In the alternate world where humans and dinosaurs live side-by-side, an Apatosaurus named Arlo lives with his family on his farm.
Born smaller than his siblings, he has to contend with wanting to make his family proud as tragedy strikes. He makes an unlikely human friend who teaches him the value of forgiveness and focusing on the good in life.
5. Song of the Sea
In this beautifully shot animated film, a little boy struggles with caring for his baby sister after being abandoned by their mother.
This fresh take on an action-adventure fantasy will give your kids valuable lessons about family and caring for your loved ones despite the heartbreak life brings.
6. The Secret World of Arrietty
In the middle of this artfully depicted film is Arrietty, a tiny heroine who journeys through the big, scary world, making unlikely friendships along the way.
This is perfect viewing for kids who are entering their “big boy/girl phase” (around 7 and up) because it leaves them with a sense of wonder in all the possibility the future holds.
7. 9
This post-apocalyptic film featuring sentient robots isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when we think of required viewing for kids. But what’s great about is this is that it’s thrilling to watch but is also packed with valuable lessons, perfect for introducing your child to more complex films.
This is great for kids 10 years old and above.
8.The Book of Life
With vibrant animation exploring dark themes, this animated adventure musical comedy is a modern adaptation of the tale of Orpheus.
It follows the journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between his heart’s desire and what his family expects of him; he embarks on an adventure through three fantastic worlds where he must overcome his fears.
9. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
This is quite probably one of the more underrated Miyazaki films but it is definitely a must-see.
This is good viewing for kids aged 9 and above, because it offers a different take on heroes, presenting them in unusual forms.
Fantastical elements weaved into an epic adventure makes this required viewing for the whole family.
10. Meet the Robinsons (2007)
This science-fiction dramedy follows the journey of Lewis, a brilliant young inventor, who grew up in an orphanage.
He meets a mysterious stranger who takes him away in a time machine to the future which turns out to be the same road to his past.
This teaches us the value of family, trusting our journey, and believing in our dreams.
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