50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

Last updated: April 13, 2024

There are movies that are easy to forget, and then there are the titles on this list -- bursting with memorable characters, plots that twist and turn, and positive messages relevant for years to come. Consider this your own personal checklist to the best kids' movies released since the turn of the millennium. They'll take you everywhere from fantastical places like a school of witchcraft and wizardry to the real-life (but equally epic) shores of New Zealand. And if you're looking for our favorite picks from before the year 2000, make sure to check out 50 Classic Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12.

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Finding Nemo Poster Image

MOVIE

Finding Nemo

age 5+

Sweet father-son tale has some very scary moments.

May 30, 2003 2003 G (101 minutes)

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Frozen Poster Image

MOVIE

Frozen

age 5+

Wintry Disney musical is fabulous celebration of sisterhood.

November 27, 2013 2013 PG (102 minutes)

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Luck Movie Poster

MOVIE

Luck

age 5+

Colorful, charming animated tale has positive messages.

August 5, 2022 2022 G (97 minutes)

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Shaun the Sheep Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

Shaun the Sheep Movie

age 5+

Tons of barn-animal fun in sweet stop-motion adventure.

August 5, 2015 2015 PG (85 minutes)

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WALL-E Poster Image

MOVIE

WALL-E

age 5+

Brainy, charming, eco-friendly animated adventure.

June 27, 2008 2008 G (103 minutes)

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Despicable Me Poster Image

MOVIE

Despicable Me

age 6+

Clever, funny, and sweet villain-with-a-heart-of-gold tale.

July 9, 2010 2010 PG (95 minutes)

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Encanto Poster Image

MOVIE

Encanto

age 6+

Vibrant visuals, catchy songs, moving messages.

November 24, 2021 2021 PG (99 minutes)

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Ferdinand Poster Image

MOVIE

Ferdinand

age 6+

Sweet story about compassion, nonviolence has a few scares.

December 15, 2017 2017 PG (106 minutes)

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How to Train Your Dragon movie poster: Hiccup rides Toothless, his fist in the air

MOVIE

How to Train Your Dragon

age 6+

Thrilling adventure sends brains-over-brawn message.

March 26, 2010 2010 PG (90 minutes)

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Ice Age Poster Image

MOVIE

Ice Age

age 6+

Clever, funny, touching; like a great road movie.

March 15, 2002 2002 PG (85 minutes)

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Inside Out Movie Poster: Riley's emotions stand in a group, Joy throwing her hands wide

MOVIE

Inside Out

age 6+

Creative, clever story about big feelings has peril, scares.

June 19, 2015 2015 PG (102 minutes)

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Lilo and Stitch movie poster: Lilo and Nani surf a wave under the title in red font

MOVIE

Lilo & Stitch

age 6+

Great characters, life lessons in Hawaii-set Disney film.

June 21, 2002 2002 PG (85 minutes)

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Moana Poster Image

MOVIE

Moana

age 6+

Memorable musical with a Pacific Islander lead, some scares.

November 23, 2016 2016 PG (113 minutes)

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Shrek movie poster: Fiona, Shrek, Donkey, and Farquaad pose in front of a large "S" with ogre ears

MOVIE

Shrek

age 6+

Gross-out laughs meet a marvelous fairy tale mix.

May 18, 2001 2001 PG (93 minutes)

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The Lego Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

The Lego Movie

age 6+

Hilarious toy tale plugs product but is nonstop fun.

February 7, 2014 2014 PG (100 minutes)

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Up Poster Image

MOVIE

Up

age 6+

Pixar's stunning adventure is an upper for everyone.

May 29, 2009 2009 PG (98 minutes)

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Big Hero 6 Poster Image

MOVIE

Big Hero 6

age 7+

Awesome origin story is action-packed, deals with grief.

November 7, 2014 2014 PG (102 minutes)

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Coco Movie Poster: Miguel and Hector stand back to back on a path made out of marigold petals

MOVIE

Coco

age 7+

Stunningly animated, poignant tribute to family and culture.

November 22, 2017 2017 PG (109 minutes)

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Poster Image

MOVIE

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

age 7+

First Potter movie is a magical ride but also intense.

November 16, 2001 2001 PG (152 minutes)

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Song of the Sea Poster Image

MOVIE

Song of the Sea

age 7+

Beautiful Irish tale explores myths, sibling relationship.

December 19, 2014 2014 PG (93 minutes)

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