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.

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The Tigger Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

The Tigger Movie

age 3+

Tigger's bouncy quest will appeal to younger viewers.

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.

2008 G (86 minutes)
Bolt Poster Image
MOVIE

Bolt

age 5+

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

2008 PG (96 minutes)
Cars Poster Image
MOVIE

Cars

age 5+

Pixar comedy is full of four-wheeled fun.

2006 G (116 minutes)
Finding Nemo Poster Image
MOVIE

Finding Nemo

age 5+

Sweet father-son tale has some very scary moments.

2003 G (101 minutes)
Monsters, Inc. Poster Image
MOVIE

Monsters, Inc.

age 5+

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

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

Over the Hedge

age 5+

Cute animated tale with some mild scares, cartoon violence.

2006 PG (96 minutes)
Ponyo Poster Image
MOVIE

Ponyo

age 5+

Miyazaki's stunning adventure is geared to younger kids.

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

WALL-E

age 5+

Brainy, charming, eco-friendly animated adventure.

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.

2009 PG (81 minutes)
Enchanted Poster Image
MOVIE

Enchanted

age 6+

Adorable fairy tale is a fabulous family flick.

2007 PG (107 minutes)
Ice Age Poster Image
MOVIE

Ice Age

age 6+

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

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

Kung Fu Panda

age 6+

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

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.

2002 PG (85 minutes)
Ratatouille Poster Image
MOVIE

Ratatouille

age 6+

Cute rat tale has some peril and potentially scary moments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2004 PG (90 minutes)
Up Poster Image
MOVIE

Up

age 6+

Pixar's stunning adventure is an upper for everyone.

2009 PG (98 minutes)
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