It’s a place to admit it: you’re an adult and you’re still watching cartoons. Since Shrek challenged the throne of the Disney family by revolutionizing the fairy tale genre in 2001, children’s movies have increasingly targeted parents and their target audience, toddlers and tweens. It’s no shame to watch a children’s movie when you’re home alone.
To plan your next movie night, here are 19 of the most productive children’s movies that adults will enjoy, too.
This collaboration between George Lucas, puppeteer Jim Henson and the wonderful David Bowie is an eye-catching fantasy film for children. But let’s face it: a movie about a woman guilty of her evil weight by kidnapping her little brother has all the ingredients. of your favorite Lifetime movie.
Where to stream: Peacock, Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex, virtual rental
This old film, a combination of live action and animation, will make your children laugh, but its plot, which revolves around an accused murderer, has all the ingredients of a film noir, with (more or less) sex, violence and murder.
Where to stream: Disney+, virtual rental
This adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s book about a woman who discovers a hidden world at home, directed by Henry Selick of The Nightmare Before Christmas, aimed at a family audience thanks to its catchy stop-motion animation. However, its horror elements are the explanation for why parents watch the movie after the kids go to bed.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Who knew a stop-motion children’s film about a clever fox who robs three farmers could do something like that about the effects of greed? Well, it was directed by beloved artist Wes Anderson, who also brought his signature theme of family dynamics, which he first explored in The Royal Tennebaums, to this Roald, Dahl adaptation (the first on this list).
Where to stream: Disney, virtual rental
Older children will love Martin Scorsese’s striking visual adaptation of The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Moviegoers will pay attention to the references to film history that the noted director placed in the film.
Where to stream: Hoopla, virtual rental
When Michael Bond wrote the first e-book about Paddington, he said it wasn’t written especially for children. Perhaps that’s why the second film based on his stories about a talking bear from darker Peru is so popular with adults. It’s also because Hugh Grant is putting on one of his most productive performances as the villain Phoenix Buchanan.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Any Disney will capture your child’s attention. However, this dark and complicated adaptation of Victor Hugo’s old novel of the same name will also have adults interacting, even if the gargoyles are talking.
Where to stream: Disney, virtual rental
Speaking of complicated animated films, this Oscar-winning edition of the web-slinger (and its sequel) is the best thing for older kids and their nerdy comic-book loving parents.
Where to stream: Fubo, virtual rental
It’s another animated superhero movie, but at the center of this Pixar film is the very human story of a dysfunctional circle of family members who seek to keep the world (and themselves) together.
Where to stream: Disney, virtual rental
Our current Roald Dahl adaptation is a twisted story about a boy who discovers an extended family that needs to turn the world’s young people into mice. Kids will relate to the concept of the small, gentle fight against an evil enemy, and adults will relate to its elements of horror and camp.
Where to stream: Digital rental
My Neighbor Totoro, about two sisters who notice magical creatures living near their new home, is the best film to introduce young people to the paintings of animator Hayao Miyazaki. Come to think of it, it’s also the best film to introduce uninitiated parents to Studio Ghibli’s acclaimed production.
Where to stream: Max, Digital Rental
Chances are, your kids are more interested in the practical special effects of this fantasy film than in its twist-and-turn plot about a boy who joins the main characters in their quest to retrieve ancient treasures and events. British comedy team Monty Python will be very happy with the film’s dry sense of humor and the fact that many of the stars of the cast are found.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel
Your (older) kids will love watching the titular mischievous teenager transform into other creatures, including a whale and a rhino, in her quest to help a knight prove his innocence in the murder of a queen. Parents will enjoy the subversive story and exclusive animation. The taste of the movie.
Where to stream: Netflix
This gorgeously animated French film about a mismatched bear and mouse oozes a Zootopia vibe that will appeal to young children. Unlike its Disney counterpart, however, it tackles some real-world issues in a way that doesn’t seem condescending, which will capture interest. of adult spectators.
Where to stream: Tubi, Digital Rental
The most recent Roald Dahl adaptation on this list, this dark film, directed by Danny DeVito, tells the story of a woman who uses her intelligence and special powers to give the abusive adults in her life what they deserve. It looks a bit like a Stephen King movie, but visually it’s a laugh for adults and, unfortunately, too available for some parents.
Where to stream: Netflix, Fubo, virtual rental
The sublime hand-drawn animation is enough of an explanation for anyone to watch this movie. Its plot centers on a woman named Robyn who meets a magical tribe. It is undeniable enough for children to enjoy and understand. When friendship becomes confusing for Robyn, the film takes on a touching emotional size that parents will appreciate.
Where to stream: Apple TV+
Most Pixar movies are aimed at parents, but this movie about robots falling in love is more like a Jacques Tati movie than anything advertised in a Happy Meal. The discussion is minimal and the maximum of comedy is in the visual realm. In short, it’s great.
Where to stream: Disney, virtual rental
Is this stop-motion film, based on the YouTube shorts created by Dean Fleischer-Camp and Jenny Slate, a bizarre adult comedy about a talking shell or a movie about a family on the move?The answer is yes.
Where to stream: Netflix, Paramount+ with Showtime, Hoopla, Kanopy, virtual rental
This animated harvest tells the story of a boy who befriends an alien robot. environment, which is why adults, including myself, share it with their young people 25 years later.
Where to stream: Paramount with Showtime, virtual rental
Jason Keil is a writer, editor, and podcast host based in Phoenix, Arizona. Despite the attempts, he still hasn’t read the copy of Infinite Jest” that is on his nightstand. “””