I’m not saying kids’ movies are better than adult movies
But honestly, I think they’re better than adult movies. Look, I’ve been in this business for 20+ years, and I’ve seen it all. The Oscars, the indie darlings, the blockbusters that fizzle. And you know what? The stuff that sticks with me? The stuff that makes me laugh, cry, and think? It’s the kids’ movies.
I mean, think about it. When was the last time an adult movie made you feel pure joy? Not the cynical, ironic joy of a Quentin Tarantino flick, but real, unadulterated happiness. For me, it was Soul last year. I saw it with my niece, and I cried like a baby. And I’m not ashamed to admit it.
My epiphany happened in 2017
It was a Tuesday, I think. Or maybe it was a Wednesday. Whatever. I was at the cinema with my friend Marcus—let’s call him Marcus because I don’t want to embarrass him. We were supposed to see some gritty drama about a detective with commitment issues. But then we saw the trailer for Coco. And Marcus, bless his heart, said, “Come on, let’s see the cartoon.”
I was like, “Marcus, we’re adults. We can’t just…” But he cut me off. “Shut up and watch the movie, Dave.” And you know what? He was right. It was beautiful. It was emotional. It was… I don’t know, it was better than any adult movie I’d seen in years.
Kids’ movies are the new art house
I’ve talked to a lot of people about this. My colleague, let’s call her Sarah, she’s a film critic for The Times. She told me, “Dave, kids’ movies are the new art house. They’re where the real creativity is happening.”
And she’s not wrong. Look at Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. That movie was a visual masterpiece. It was innovative. It was daring. And it was for kids! But it’s not just the animation. It’s the stories. It’s the themes. It’s the way they tackle complex issues like grief, identity, and, you know, saving the world from evil.
And let’s talk about the music. Kids’ movies have some of the best soundtracks out there. Remember “Try Everything” from Zootopia? Or “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana? They’re not just catchy tunes. They’re anthems. They’re emotional journeys. They’re… okay, I’m getting carried away here.
But what about the parents?
I get it. You’re a parent. You’ve got a million things to do. You’ve got to make dinner, do the laundry, figure out why your kid’s school needs 214 boxes of tissues by next Friday. You don’t have time for some deep, meaningful kids’ movie.
But hear me out. Kids’ movies are a great way to spend quality time with your little ones. And, honestly, they’re a great way to take a break from adulting. You can sit down, relax, and enjoy a story that’s not about a detective with commitment issues.
And if you’re looking for some healthy meal ideas to enjoy while you’re watching, check out sağlıklı tarifler yemek önerileri. Trust me, your body will thank you.
A tangent: The power of nostalgia
I’m not sure why, but kids’ movies have this incredible power to evoke nostalgia. Maybe it’s because they’re often about childhood adventures, or maybe it’s because they remind us of our own childhoods. Whatever it is, it’s powerful.
I was talking to my friend Lisa about this the other day. She’s a psychologist, and she told me, “Dave, nostalgia is a powerful thing. It can make us feel connected to our past, to our memories, to our younger selves.” And kids’ movies, they tap into that. They make us feel like kids again.
Which is why, when I saw Toy Story 4, I cried like a baby. Again. It’s not just a movie about toys. It’s a movie about growing up, about letting go, about… okay, I’m getting emotional again.
But what about the critics?
I know what you’re thinking. “Dave, you’re just a softie. Kids’ movies are for kids. Adults should watch adult movies.” And to that, I say: pfft.
Look, I love a good gritty drama as much as the next guy. But kids’ movies? They’re not just for kids. They’re for everyone. They’re for the young at heart. They’re for the dreamers. They’re for the people who believe in magic, in adventure, in the power of friendship.
And if you don’t believe me, talk to my friend Marcus. He’s seen every Pixar movie at least three times. And he’s a grown man. A grown man who cries at animated movies. And he’s not ashamed of it. Neither should you be.
So go ahead. Watch that kids’ movie. Sing along to the soundtrack. Laugh at the jokes. Cry at the sad parts. And enjoy the fact that, for once, you’re not watching a movie about a detective with commitment issues.
About the Author
Dave Johnson is a senior magazine editor with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He’s a self-proclaimed kids’ movie connoisseur and is not ashamed to admit that he owns every Disney Princess DVD. When he’s not watching animated films, he can be found arguing about the merits of Marvel vs. DC or trying to convince his colleagues that Frozen is the greatest movie of all time.
Ever wondered how your favorite streaming service or gaming platform manages to keep up with your endless binge-watching or marathon gaming sessions? Dive into the wild world of e-commerce and uncover the secrets behind the scenes.
Before you trust that glowing review for the latest movie or game, take a moment to consider why online reviews aren’t always reliable—it might change how you see your next entertainment choice.
