Watching movies or sitcoms with children is the easiest way to build that elusive bond with your children as it gives you insights to understand the children better. What moves them, what tickles their funny bones, what concerns them and when do they become quiet. In addition to being fun, it can help kids learn new words, languages, and values as well as expand vocabulary and relieve stress.
Children are like a ball of energy, and they love to watch movies of all genres. The little ones especially like the ones that have lively and colourful characters.
So, here is the list of binge-worthy movies and sitcoms that are not only entertaining, funny, and magical but also teach some great lessons about life – subtly, though.
Ho-Ho! Holidays are also here, and you have all the more reasons to plan out movie nights with your little ones and family. Without further ado, make this list yours and let us know which ones you’ve watched during the holidays; we are all ears.
Here goes:
- Kung Fu Panda
Kung Fu Panda, the most fantastic animated movie of all time, holds a special place in the heart of almost everyone. With anthropomorphic animal characters, this movie is more than its title. It is about a panda named Po who has Kung Fu talents, but he is unaware of it. His high-kicking adventure begins when he gets chosen to protect his valley from the vicious snow leopard, Tai Lung.
With a balanced combination of action, comedy, and entertainment, ‘Kung Fu Panda’ is a must-watch family film. It is an entertaining film for every age group as it teaches some of the greatest life lessons. It elucidates that the power you seek outside lies within you, and you can explore this power by being you, the real You.
- Finding Nemo
Filled with heart-pounding moments, ‘Finding Nemo’ is a story about Marlin, a clownfish, and his overprotective instincts toward his son Nemo. In the movie, Marlin ventures off to rescue Nemo when it is taken away by some scuba divers and placed into a fish tank at a dental office to eventually be given as a birthday gift to the dentist’s niece Darla. And Darla is known to kill her fish. How Marlin finds his way to his son is innovative and absolutely an engaging journey!
The line by Nigel, the Pelican, “Fish got to swim, birds got to eat.” in the film is quite thought-provoking. If you realize, there are actually no real villains, they’re just creatures that act according to their nature, and there are only a few that rise above it.
Nemo is a Greek word for “nobody”. So, in reality, Marlin, the clownfish who has over-caring instincts for his son, is finding no one but ‘Himself’. On the voyage, Marlin learns to rise above his own fears. He learns to be more adventurous and exploratory; he also receives timely parenting tips from a surfer fellow, a turtle, while his son Nemo learns to live on his own on the other side, self-reliantly.
The best thing about this film is that you find yourself warmly invested in it as soon as the movie begins. With its simple plot, this movie has several memorable characters and relatable events that will stay with you even after it ends. ‘Finding Nemo’ is a perfect family movie with an unexpected, entertaining, action-packed adventure.
- How to Train your Dragon
This movie is a must-watch for children who are fascinated with dragons. It has an equal amount of fun and emotional moments between the characters and its events that make it memorable. ‘How to Train your Dragon’ is a story about a teenage boy named Hiccup who lives on the island of Berk with his family. He aspires to hunt dragons and wants to join others in the town’s fight against the dragons that often raid his town. Despite the fact that everyone perceives him as small, weak and unfit for it, Hiccup ventures out and catches Night Fury, the rarest dragon species, and tries to kill it, but he is unable to do so. Eventually, they form a friendly relationship with each other. Hiccup learns that his people have misjudged the species and that there may be more to the creatures than he and others assume about them.
You are introduced to the theme and all the characters in the first five minutes of this movie, making it intriguing and keeping you hooked until the end. This movie comes as a blast full of animated series and is loved by one and all.
- Mr. Young
Mr. Young is a Canadian sitcom meant for younger kids. It is a story about a child prodigy named Adam Young who enters college at the age of nine years, and by age fourteen, he begins his career teaching science to high schoolers. This show has many likeable and funny characters that can bring a smile to everyone’s face.
This sitcom is a recommended watch for children aged 6 or above.
The show presents the daily challenges faced by Adam in such a comical way that it is sure to give your family an enjoyable laugh. So are you ready to explore the extraordinary life of Mr. Young?
- Ratatouille
An inspiring story with a touch of humour, ‘Ratatouille’ follows a rat named Remy whose dream is to become a chef, but no one in his family truly supports his dream. Then something happens, and Remy meets a boy named Linguini and gets a chance to showcase his culinary skills with the condition that he keeps his identity hidden.
This movie conveys the same dilemma we feel when we want to pursue something but start doubting our capabilities, especially when nobody supports us or believes in us. This movie also shows how Remy overcomes his hesitancy and fulfills his dream. It’s a sure delight.
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
If your little ones want to experience the fantastical rollercoaster ride with chocolatey goodness, then Charlie and the Chocolate factory won’t disappoint them. It is a classic movie that follows a boy named Charlie who wins a contest and gets a chance to tour the magical candy-making factory of Willy Wonka.
Although this movie has scenes that will make you burst into laughter, it also teaches some moral values like-
- How one’s greediness can get them in trouble and
- Being grateful for small things in life matters.
With a perfect dose of comedy, songs, and magic, this movie is for everyone.
- Up
“You are never too old to live your dream.”
‘Up’ is a heartwarming and unforgettable film that shows the life of a seventy-eight-year-old widower named Carl, who one day sets off on a lifelong journey; a journey that he once wanted to set out on with his late wife. An uninvited passenger named Russel, an eight-year-old boy, joins him as he ventures off, making Carl’s voyage completely different from what he had ever imagined.
With adventure and comedy, this movie also takes you along heart-touching moments that show the endearing bond between Carl and his wife Ellie and how she’s still alive in his memories even after her death.
- The Kids Are Alright
A fantastic sitcom that shows the family dynamics that anyone can relate with. Each of its episodes revolves around a catholic family raising eight sons. Even though the cast is mega, each character has their own personality. One thing that makes it distinct from other family sitcoms is the way they discuss the sensitive topics and issues, making it a classic watch.
Today’s kids majorly think about mobile phones and social media as a source of enjoyment, but this sitcom describes a family that enjoys each other’s company more than anything in the world. ‘The Kids are Alright’ is a must-watch show.
- Baby’s Day Out
Baby’s Day Out is a movie that was made especially for children. This film revolves around a baby who has a great time with himself but gives a tough time to three thieves. Essentially, it is a story where a trio of kidnappers kidnaps a baby to get some money but soon find that the baby causes too much trouble for them to handle. Some of the scenes feel irrational, but the baby’s innocence and mischievous acts make those scenes enjoyable.
In a nutshell, this movie has many laugh-out-loud scenes that will surely bring a smile to your child’s face.
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
It will not be wrong to say that Harry Potter is not just a movie; it is an emotion that opens the doors of the fantasy world for many kids. Based on the eight-novel series written by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter is a story about a boy named Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione, who enter Hogwarts School to learn witchcraft. There they learn spells, uncover secrets, and develop a family bond with every member.
This movie gave a new wing of creativity and imagination to many 90s kids. So, don’t be surprised if, after watching Harry Potter, your kid asks for a Hogwarts letter.
- Diary of A Wimpy Kid
Based on the bestselling book, ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ is a coming of age story about a boy named Greg who is a new entrant to middle school, but his bizarre personality makes his middle school life difficult. To attain the recognition and status that he feels he deserves, Greg devises an endless number of inevitable plans, all of which fail. And he pens all of them down on paper, in a journal. ‘Diary of A Wimpy Kid’ is a pretty entertaining movie that will make you and your children laugh and rekindle some good old memories.
Also, this movie presents meaningful discussions that every parent must have with their children. Do watch this movie with your little ones!
- Coco
A perfect Holiday movie for kids, Coco is a heart touching story that unfolds magnificently to give you and your little ones a delightful experience. It is about a boy named Miguel who aspires to become a musician. In his attic room, he listens to the Late Ernesto De La Cruz’s music and wants to become a famous musician like him, but his family is completely against his dream. One day Miguel tries to steal the guitar of Ernesto Del La Cruz from his grave, and in doing so, he finds himself in the land of the dead. There he finds many of his dead relatives and tries to figure out why his family thinks of music as a curse.
This movie has comical characters with a lot of surprises that make it appreciable among kids and is a perfect movie to be watched by one and all.
Ending Note
Movies and sitcoms mentioned above are available on different OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney Hotstar. So, if you are ready to have some fun laughs and memorable moments with your little ones, give a shout out! Seize the above list!
Cheers! And have a happy time with your little ones!
And please don’t forget to share the movies you’ve watched during the holidays. We would like to give you a shout out too on our pages. Share share share!