Look, I’m gonna say something controversial
Kids’ movies aren’t just for kids. They’re for everyone. And I’m not just saying that because I’ve been editing kidsmovies.net for the past decade. I mean, honestly, who doesn’t love a good animated feature? (I’m looking at you, Marcus, who still claims he only watches action flicks.)
I remember back in 2010, I was at a conference in Austin, and this director—let’s call him Dave—said something that stuck with me. He said, “The best kids’ movies are the ones that make adults cry more than the kids.” And I was like, “Dave, you’re onto something here.”
Take Inside Out, for example. I saw it with my niece, and by the end, I was a wreck. My niece? She was fine. She was already onto the next snack. But me? I was a mess. And I’m not ashamed to admit it. Because that movie? It’s genius. It’s about emotions, and growing up, and how we all deal with change. It’s not just for kids. It’s for everyone.
But here’s the thing
We’ve been sold this idea that kids’ movies are somehow lesser. That they’re just fluffy, silly things that don’t have any real substance. And that’s completley ridiculous. I mean, look at Toy Story. It’s about friendship, and loss, and what it means to be a good person. It’s deep stuff. And it’s not just for kids.
I was talking to a colleague named Sarah about this the other day. She said, “You know, I think adults watch kids’ movies because they’re a way to reconnect with their childhood.” And I was like, “Sarah, you’re probably right. But it’s also because they’re just really good movies.”
And let’s talk about the music. I mean, come on. Who doesn’t love a good musical number? I still sing “Let It Go” in the shower. (Don’t judge me.) And it’s not just me. It’s alot of people. Music is a universal language, and kids’ movies have some of the best songs out there. I mean, “Hakuna Matata”? “Under the Sea”? “I Wan’na Be Like You”? These are classics. They’re timeless. And they’re not just for kids.
But here’s where I’m gonna lose some of you
I think we need to stop pretending that kids’ movies are just for kids. They’re for everyone. And we need to start treating them that way. We need to start giving them the respect they deserve. Because they’re not just fluffy, silly things. They’re important. They’re meaningful. And they’re for everyone.
And look, I get it. Not every kids’ movie is a masterpiece. Some of them are just plain bad. But that’s true of any genre. And just because a movie is bad doesn’t mean the genre is bad. It just means that movie is bad. (Looking at you, Foodfight!.)
But here’s the thing about bad kids’ movies. They’re still better than alot of the stuff out there. I mean, have you seen some of the movies that are out there for adults? They’re terrible. They’re boring. They’re pretentious. And they’re not even trying to be anything other than terrible, boring, and pretentious. At least bad kids’ movies are trying. They’re trying to be fun. They’re trying to be entertaining. And even if they fail, at least they’re trying.
But here’s the real kicker
Kids’ movies are a great way to introduce kids to the world of film. They’re a gateway drug, if you will. (And no, I’m not talking about the kind of gateway drug that my brother-in-law is always going on about. I mean the kind that gets kids interested in something that’s actually good for them.)
I remember when my nephew first saw The Lion King. He was four years old, and he was completely entranced. He loved it. And from that moment on, he was hooked. He wanted to see every movie he could get his hands on. And now? He’s a film major in college. And it all started with The Lion King.
And it’s not just me. It’s alot of people. Kids’ movies are a way to introduce kids to the world of film. They’re a way to get them interested in something that’s actually good for them. And they’re a way to spend quality time with your kids. (Which, let’s be honest, is something we could all use a little more of.)
But here’s the thing. Kids’ movies are also a way to introduce adults to the world of film. I mean, look at Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. That movie is a masterclass in animation. It’s a work of art. And it’s not just for kids. It’s for everyone. And it’s a great way to introduce adults to the world of animation. To show them that animation isn’t just for kids. It’s for everyone. And it can be a work of art.
And look, I get it. Not everyone is gonna love every kids’ movie. That’s fine. Not everyone loves every movie. But that doesn’t mean that kids’ movies are somehow lesser. It just means that not everyone is gonna love every movie. (And that’s okay.)
But here’s the thing. Kids’ movies are important. They’re meaningful. And they’re for everyone. And we need to start treating them that way. We need to start giving them the respect they deserve. Because they’re not just fluffy, silly things. They’re important. They’re meaningful. And they’re for everyone.
But here’s where I’m gonna get real
I’m not saying that every kids’ movie is a masterpiece. I’m not saying that every kids’ movie is gonna change your life. But I am saying that every kids’ movie is worth a shot. Because you never know. You might just find something that you love. You might just find something that speaks to you. You might just find something that makes you cry. (And that’s okay.)
And look, I get it. Not everyone is gonna agree with me. That’s fine. Not everyone agrees with me about anything. But I’m not writing this for everyone. I’m writing this for the people who get it. For the people who understand. For the people who love kids’ movies as much as I do.
And if you’re one of those people? Great. Welcome to the club. Let’s watch Moana together. (And yes, I will cry. Again.)
But before we go, let’s talk about gift ideas occasions buying guide for kids’ movie lovers. I mean, who doesn’t love a good gift? And if you’re looking for the perfect gift for the kids’ movie lover in your life, look no further. Because I’ve got you covered. From Frozen merchandise to Toy Story action figures, there’s something for everyone. And trust me, they’ll love it. (And so will you.)
But here’s the thing. Gifts are great. But what’s even better is the experience. The memories. The laughs. The tears. The songs. The dances. The inside jokes. The shared love of a good movie. That’s what it’s all about. That’s what makes kids’ movies so special. And that’s what makes them worth watching. Over and over again.
So go ahead. Watch that kids’ movie. Sing along. Dance along. Cry along. Laugh along. And enjoy. Because that’s what it’s all about. That’s what makes kids’ movies so special. And that’s what makes them worth watching. Over and over again.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Alex. I’ve been editing kidsmovies.net for the past decade, and I’ve seen alot of movies. I’m not ashamed to admit that I love kids’ movies. I cry at them. I sing along to them. I dance along to them. And I think everyone should do the same. Because kids’ movies are for everyone. And they’re worth watching. Over and over again.
