Best International Films for Kids

Last updated: February 24, 2026

If your kids are old enough to read subtitles, then they're ready to be introduced to some of our favorite international films, from anime classics (some of which have dubs available) to masterpieces of European cinema. Exposing your kids to cultures other than their own is also a great way to challenge prejudices and cultural stereotypes. You might even be able to inspire your kids to learn another language after viewing these films!

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Kiki's Delivery Service Poster Image

MOVIE

Kiki's Delivery Service

age 5+

A mystical, positive take on girl's coming of age.

December 20, 1990 1990 G (105 minutes)

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Knight Rusty Poster Image

MOVIE

Knight Rusty

age 5+

German animated knight quest is fun for kids of all ages.

October 14, 2014 2014 NR (84 minutes)

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My Neighbor Totoro Poster Image

MOVIE

My Neighbor Totoro

age 5+

Beautifully animated fantasy about friendship fit for all.

June 14, 1988 1988 G (86 minutes)

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The Red Balloon Poster Image

MOVIE

The Red Balloon

age 7+

Imaginative story told entirely through vivid visuals.

March 11, 1957 1957 NR (34 minutes)

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A Cat's Life Movie Poster: A kitten is pictured on a white background, with the words "A Cat's Life" in blue above

MOVIE

A Cat's Life

age 8+

Cat lovers will purr for French film; minor peril, language.

March 29, 2024 2024 PG (85 minutes)

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Howl's Moving Castle Poster Image

MOVIE

Howl's Moving Castle

age 8+

Charming Miyazaki fairy tale with surreal villains.

June 10, 2005 2005 PG (119 minutes)

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Spirited Away Poster Image

MOVIE

Spirited Away

age 9+

Magnificent movie with scary creatures and a strong heroine.

April 20, 2002 2002 PG (125 minutes)

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Wadjda Poster Image

MOVIE

Wadjda

age 9+

Beautiful, nuanced tale of an independent Saudi girl.

September 13, 2013 2013 PG (98 minutes)

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Belle and Sebastian Poster Image

MOVIE

Belle and Sebastian

age 10+

Beautiful film about WWII has intense themes, drinking.

March 31, 2015 2015 NR (104 minutes)

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Chicken for Linda! Movie Poster: Linda sits, while her shocked mother, Paulette, stares at a flying chicken

MOVIE

Chicken for Linda!

age 10+

Offbeat animated comedy has language, intense moments.

April 5, 2024 2024 NR (76 minutes)

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Mr. Blake at Your Service! movie poster: A man in a blue suit holding a cat wearing a party hat, with people standing on a grand staircase behind him

MOVIE

Mr. Blake at Your Service!

age 10+

Positive messages, some language in charming comedy drama.

June 20, 2025 2025 NR (110 minutes)

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Ta Ra Rum Pum Poster Image

MOVIE

Ta Ra Rum Pum

age 10+

Fanciful Bollywood dramedy fine for tweens and up.

April 27, 2007 2007 NR (156 minutes)

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The Wind Rises Movie Poster: Two characters kiss under an umbrella

MOVIE

The Wind Rises

age 10+

Lovely, contemplative tale of famed aeronautical engineer.

February 21, 2014 2014 PG-13 (126 minutes)

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Ikiru movie poster: An elderly Japanese man sits on a swing in the snow

MOVIE

Ikiru

age 11+

Classic Japanese tragedy features terminal illness, smoking.

March 25, 1956 1956 NR (143 minutes)

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My Life as a Dog Poster Image

MOVIE

My Life as a Dog

age 11+

Sensitive subtitled coming-of-age movie for older kids.

March 24, 1987 1987 PG (101 minutes)

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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Poster Image

MOVIE

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

age 12+

Magical, award-winning martial arts fairy tale.

December 22, 2000 2000 PG-13 (120 minutes)

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Dancing in Jaffa Poster Image

MOVIE

Dancing in Jaffa

age 12+

Uplifting docu promotes religious tolerance via dance.

August 12, 2014 2014 NR (90 minutes)

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Dangal Poster Image

MOVIE

Dangal

age 12+

Tough father trains unwilling daughters to be champions.

December 21, 2017 2017 NR (161 minutes)

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L'immensità movie poster: Luana Giuliani sits on steps, eating an ice cream, beside Penelope Cruz

MOVIE

L'immensità

age 12+

Italian drama has language, sexual threat, domestic abuse.

May 12, 2023 2023 NR (99 minutes)

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Perfect Days movie poster: Koji Yakusho smiles as he looks up to the sky

MOVIE

Perfect Days

age 12+

Heartwarming Japanese drama has partial nudity, smoking.

February 7, 2024 2024 PG (124 minutes)

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