Best Animal Movies for Kids

Last updated: May 1, 2026

Kids love animals -- and they love movies where animals are the star almost as much. Funny animated critters, daring live-action expeditions, heartwarming dramas, and more: These movies make for a howling family movie night. From domesticated pals like dogs and cats and farm-living friends like pigs and horses, to majestic wild animals like wolves and lions and sea-faring buddies like turtles and dolphins, this list has something for every kids' interest. After some more animal adventures? Then be sure to check out our list of Children's Books About Animals. Or learn more about the lives of these animals in the real world with our Best Animal Documentaries list.

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Kitten Party Poster Image

MOVIE

Kitten Party

age 2+

Short, playful film of kittens romping is cute to the max.

2010 NR (39 minutes)

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Curious George Swings into Spring Poster Image

MOVIE

Curious George Swings into Spring

age 3+

Friendly monkey's escapades teach tots about nature.

2013 NR (57 minutes)

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Puffin Rock and the New Friends movie poster: Cartoon birds and an otter all behind an egg

MOVIE

Puffin Rock and the New Friends

age 3+

Sweet Irish animation has teamwork, empathy, migrant theme.

2024 NR (79 minutes)

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Stellaluna Poster Image

MOVIE

Stellaluna

age 3+

Picture book gets a sweet musical adaptation for families.

2012 G (41 minutes)

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Tabby McTat movie poster: A gray tabby cat sits next to a bearded busker with a guitar in front of a river

MOVIE

Tabby McTat

age 3+

Friendship, perseverance, and change in animated adaptation.

2023 NR (25 minutes)

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The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Poster Image

MOVIE

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

age 3+

Remains faithful to A. A. Milne's beloved classic stories.

1977 G (74 minutes)

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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)

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Winnie the Pooh Poster Image

MOVIE

Winnie the Pooh

age 3+

Adorable big-screen Pooh adaptation is short and sweet.

2011 G (69 minutes)

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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)

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PAW Patrol: The Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

PAW Patrol: The Movie

age 4+

Brave, talented pups save the day in pre-K adventure.

2021 G (88 minutes)

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The Aristocats Poster Image

MOVIE

The Aristocats

age 4+

Jazz and hijinks make this Disney cat tale meow.

1970 G (79 minutes)

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The Little Bear Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

The Little Bear Movie

age 4+

Gentle tale of bear friendship has a few tense moments.

2003 G (75 minutes)

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101 Dalmatians Poster Image

MOVIE

101 Dalmatians

age 5+

Lovable cartoon classic with cute dogs and a mean villain.

1961 G (79 minutes)

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A Bug's Life Poster Image

MOVIE

A Bug's Life

age 5+

Cute animated tale with some mild peril and scary bugs.

1998 G (95 minutes)

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Air Bud Poster Image

MOVIE

Air Bud

age 5+

Sweet dog tale has some peril and mature themes.

1997 PG (98 minutes)

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Animated mouse in red jacket and blue hat, city skyline in background.

MOVIE

An American Tail

age 5+

Heartwarming tale of immigrant mouse has some peril.

1986 G (81 minutes)

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Babar: The Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

Babar: The Movie

age 5+

Animated elephant adventure has some peril.

1989 G (70 minutes)

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Bambi Poster Image

MOVIE

Bambi

age 5+

Disney's original circle-of-life story.

1942 G (70 minutes)

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Bolt Poster Image

MOVIE

Bolt

age 5+

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

2008 PG (96 minutes)

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Cats & Dogs 3: Paws Unite Poster Image

MOVIE

Cats & Dogs 3: Paws Unite

age 5+

Silly sequel has mild peril and potty humor.

2020 PG (84 minutes)

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