First Movies for Kids

Last updated: April 3, 2026

As attention spans grow, kids get eager to watch longer movies. But with very young kids, anything scary or super intense will probably be too much. We've hand-picked some of our favorites -- including delightful picture book adaptations and beloved animated classics -- that have plenty of positive messages and role models for kids and parents to enjoy together. Read the reviews before you settle in so you can prep kids for anything that might disturb or confuse them. For even more ideas, check out our 50 Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12.

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Blue's Big Musical Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

Blue's Big Musical Movie

age 3+

Blue puts on a musical.

1999 NR (78 minutes)

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Curious George: Royal Monkey Poster Image

MOVIE

Curious George: Royal Monkey

age 3+

Beloved monkey trades places with royalty in gentle tale.

2019 G (86 minutes)

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Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Tiger Family Trip Poster Image

MOVIE

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Tiger Family Trip

age 3+

More kid-friendly entertainment from inquisitive tiger cub.

2017 NR (51 minutes)

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Dinosaur Train: What's at the Center of the Earth? Poster Image

MOVIE

Dinosaur Train: What's at the Center of the Earth?

age 3+

Dino family's fun journey emphasizes curiosity, courage.

2017 NR (120 minutes)

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Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Jake's Never Land Rescue Poster Image

MOVIE

Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Jake's Never Land Rescue

age 3+

Fun-filled adventure is engaging for young pirate fans.

2013 NR (148 minutes)

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Lost and Found Poster Image

MOVIE

Lost and Found

age 3+

Picture-book adaptation will delight even youngest kids.

2013 NR (54 minutes)

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Meet the Small Potatoes Poster Image

MOVIE

Meet the Small Potatoes

age 3+

Singing spuds' mockumentary is funny for kids and grown-ups.

2013 NR (115 minutes)

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Miffy the Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

Miffy the Movie

age 3+

Sweet animated film reinforces preschool skills in fun way.

2013 G (68 minutes)

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One Big Ocean Poster Image

MOVIE

One Big Ocean

age 3+

Biodiversity, environmental concerns in marine adventures.

2017 NR (60 minutes)

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Paw Patrol: Mighty Pups Poster Image

MOVIE

PAW Patrol: Mighty Pups

age 3+

Paw Patrol movie shines a light on perseverance and courage.

2019 NR (44 minutes)

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Room on the Broom Poster Image

MOVIE

Room on the Broom

age 3+

Short and sweet adventure about a generous witch.

2013 NR (27 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 Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland Poster Image

MOVIE

The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland

age 3+

Sesame Street fans will love this sweet movie.

1999 G (73 minutes)

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The Daniel Tiger Movie: Won't You Be Our Neighbor? Poster Image

MOVIE

The Daniel Tiger Movie: Won't You Be Our Neighbor?

age 3+

Daniel helps a nervous new neighbor friend feel at home.

2018 NR (47 minutes)

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The Gruffalo Poster Image

MOVIE

The Gruffalo

age 3+

Favorite book adaptation promotes brains over brawn.

2011 G (40 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 Snowman Poster Image

MOVIE

The Snowman

age 3+

Charming, wordless, book-based holiday fable for all ages.

1982 G (26 minutes)

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The Snowman and the Snowdog Poster Image

MOVIE

The Snowman and the Snowdog

age 3+

Sweet holiday sequel about a boy who misses his dog.

2013 G (70 minutes)

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Thomas & Friends: The Adventure Begins Poster Image

MOVIE

Thomas & Friends: The Adventure Begins

age 3+

Trains' sweet origin story promotes friendship, cooperation.

2015 NR (45 minutes)

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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.