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Best Magical Movies

We love Harry Potter as much as the next person, but he's not the only magical character the movies have to offer. In fact, magic in cinema has thrilled us for generations. The glittering Technicolor of the yellow brick road was just the beginning, as Mary Poppins, Willy Wonka, Atreyu, Gandalf, and Aslan showed us more fantastical worlds and faraway places over the years. Kids who can't get enough of spells and sorcery are sure to enjoy this list of favorites and should also check out Books About Magic.

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The Magical Wand Chase: A Sesame Street Special Poster Image
MOVIE

The Magical Wand Chase: A Sesame Street Special

age 4+

Elmo, Abby and gang celebrate neighborhood diversity.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
Barbie & Chelsea: The Lost Birthday Poster Image
MOVIE

Barbie & Chelsea: The Lost Birthday

age 5+

Animated Barbie adventure has mild peril, positive lessons.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Bayala: A Magical Adventure Poster Image
MOVIE

Bayala: A Magical Adventure

age 5+

Elves overcome prejudice to work together in animated tale.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Frozen Poster Image
MOVIE

Frozen

age 5+

Wintry Disney musical is fabulous celebration of sisterhood.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Kiki's Delivery Service Poster Image
MOVIE

Kiki's Delivery Service

age 5+

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

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1990)
My Little Pony: A New Generation Poster Image
MOVIE

My Little Pony: A New Generation

age 5+

Sweet tale of acceptance has some mildly scary scenes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
My Neighbor Totoro Poster Image
MOVIE

My Neighbor Totoro

age 5+

Beautifully animated fantasy about friendship fit for all.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1988)
Ponyo Poster Image
MOVIE

Ponyo

age 5+

Miyazaki's stunning adventure is geared to younger kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
Cinderella (1997) Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

Cinderella (1997)

age 5+

Musical take on classic fairy tale is an inclusion landmark.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1997)
The Sword in the Stone Poster Image
MOVIE

The Sword in the Stone

age 5+

Delightful classic brings King Arthur legend to life.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1963)
Tangled Poster Image
MOVIE

Tangled

age 5+

Fantastic princess adventure is fun, with great messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2010)
Thunder and the House of Magic Poster Image
MOVIE

Thunder and the House of Magic

age 5+

Charming animated adventure is magical for little kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
Beauty and the Beast Poster Image
MOVIE

Beauty and the Beast

age 6+

Disney fave has great music, strong messages, some scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1991)
Cinderella (2015) Poster Image
MOVIE

Cinderella (2015)

age 6+

Easy-on-the-eyes fairy tale promotes kindness.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Encanto Poster Image
MOVIE

Encanto

age 6+

Vibrant visuals, catchy songs, moving messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Enchanted Poster Image
MOVIE

Enchanted

age 6+

Adorable fairy tale is a fabulous family flick.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2007)
Epic Poster Image
MOVIE

Epic

age 6+

Animated adventure amuses but doesn't live up to its title.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Fantasia Poster Image
MOVIE

Fantasia

age 6+

Breathtaking animation feat -- with some creepy visuals.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1940)
Mary Poppins Poster Image
MOVIE

Mary Poppins

age 5+

Classic family movie has positive messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1964)
Mary Poppins Returns Poster Image
MOVIE

Mary Poppins Returns

age 6+

Blunt is a delight in sweet, nostalgic, toe-tapping sequel.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)