Best 2000s Kids' Movies

Last updated: February 5, 2026

MySpace, High School Musical, the iPod, Bratz dolls, Neopets, iCarly, Heelys—if any of these give you a blast from the past, you probably grew up in the "aughts." A time of rapid technological advancement, the early 2000s gave rise to many of the trends we know and love today. The smartphone, video streaming, social media, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe all made their debut appearance in the first decade of the 21st century. Feeling nostalgic for the simpler times of the internet? These best early 2000s kids' movies will take you back to the times Netflix sent you DVDs in the mail. For more fun throwback films, check out the Best '80s Movies and Best '90s Movies for Kids.

Filter by:
Sort by:
The Tigger Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

The Tigger Movie

age 3+

Tigger's bouncy quest will appeal to younger viewers.

February 12, 2000 2000 G (77 minutes)
Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! Poster Image
MOVIE

Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!

age 4+

Adorable 'toon fun for all, no matter how small.

March 13, 2008 2008 G (86 minutes)
Bolt Poster Image
MOVIE

Bolt

age 5+

Super-dog adventure is fun, age-appropriate for kids.

November 21, 2008 2008 PG (96 minutes)
Cars Poster Image
MOVIE

Cars

age 5+

Pixar comedy is full of four-wheeled fun.

June 9, 2006 2006 G (116 minutes)
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)
Monsters, Inc. Poster Image
MOVIE

Monsters, Inc.

age 5+

Cute, kid-friendly monster movie; may scare sensitive kids.

November 2, 2001 2001 G (92 minutes)
Over the Hedge Poster Image
MOVIE

Over the Hedge

age 5+

Cute animated tale with some mild scares, cartoon violence.

May 19, 2006 2006 PG (96 minutes)
Ponyo Poster Image
MOVIE

Ponyo

age 5+

Miyazaki's stunning adventure is geared to younger kids.

August 14, 2009 2009 G (103 minutes)
WALL-E Poster Image
MOVIE

WALL-E

age 5+

Brainy, charming, eco-friendly animated adventure.

June 27, 2008 2008 G (103 minutes)
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Poster Image
MOVIE

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

age 6+

Age-appropriate food adventure goes down easily.

September 18, 2009 2009 PG (81 minutes)
Enchanted Poster Image
MOVIE

Enchanted

age 6+

Adorable fairy tale is a fabulous family flick.

November 21, 2007 2007 PG (107 minutes)
Ice Age Poster Image
MOVIE

Ice Age

age 6+

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

March 15, 2002 2002 PG (85 minutes)
Kung Fu Panda Poster Image
MOVIE

Kung Fu Panda

age 6+

Action-packed start of a franchise; scary scenes, fatphobia.

June 6, 2008 2008 PG (88 minutes)
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)
Ratatouille Poster Image
MOVIE

Ratatouille

age 6+

Cute rat tale has some peril and potentially scary moments.

June 28, 2007 2007 G (110 minutes)
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)
The Emperor's New Groove Poster Image
MOVIE

The Emperor's New Groove

age 6+

Fun, goofy cartoon misrepresents Incan culture.

December 15, 2000 2000 G (78 minutes)
The Princess and the Frog Poster Image
MOVIE

The Princess and the Frog

age 6+

First African American Disney princess is a good role model.

December 11, 2009 2009 G (97 minutes)
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie

age 6+

Movie spin-off is very similar to the edgy animated TV show.

November 19, 2004 2004 PG (90 minutes)
Up Poster Image
MOVIE

Up

age 6+

Pixar's stunning adventure is an upper for everyone.

May 29, 2009 2009 PG (98 minutes)
Common Sense Media

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.