50 Movies for Preschoolers & Toddlers — That Aren't Too Scary (2024)

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Amelia Edelman, Lindsey Hunter Lopez

June 10, 2020 at 12:50pm EDT

Plus IconDisney/Amazon. Design: Ashley Britton/SheKnows.

Whether your state has opened up somewhat or you’re still largely (miraculously) stuck in your home/yard with your kids, plenty of us parents are running through our go-to list of classic family movies fast. But while older kids will happily watch Star Wars with you or get into a TV series you’ll both love, what about family movies the littlest ones will tolerate? You don’t want fighting, scary monsters… it can feel pretty limiting to watch movies with the under-six set. But get ready to fire up the DVR (or the Disney+, or the Netflix, or the Hulu, or the DVD player…does anyone still have one?) because we’ve rounded up movie titles that are perfect for preschoolers — or even toddlers, provided they’re past that two-year-old screen-time cutoff.

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It can be challenging to find age-appropriate content for the smallest kiddos, but these tried-and-true movie options will keep them entertained — not hiding under the covers. Whether you’re looking for a great family movie night pick, or you simply need something compelling to keep the kids out of your hair for 90 minutes, you can’t go wrong with these magical movies. From Disney classics like Robin Hood and Cinderella to live-action films like Mary Poppins and Pollyannato stop-motion claymation like Shaun the Sheep to modern masterpieces like Moana, there’s sure to be something here that your child will enjoy. Because you can only watch Frozen so many times (although, yes, we did put Frozen on this list, too).

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A version of this article was originally published in August 2017.

‘101 Dalmatians’
Okay, so, disclaimer: Cruella DeVille is medium-terrifying and yes, she does want to make puppies into fur coats. But she’s also one of the most delightful Disney villains in history? And said puppies do not turn into coats, of course, as they win the day. This is Disney, after all. So if your kiddo can get past Cruella’s PETA-problematic goals, they’ll love hanging out with these sweet puppies for awhile. Just look at their lil’ tails wagging! The original animated 101 Dalmatians hits Disney+ June 19, so get ready.
'101 Dalmatians' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Despicable Me’
If there’s one creature that the two- to five-year-old set loves, it’s a minion. And we can see why. Start them off with Despicable Me and before long you’ll all be watching the two sequels, plus the Minions movie itself.
'Despicable Me' on Amazon Prime
$3.99
Buy now
‘The Sword in the Stone’
Oh boy did we love this one growing up. A tale of the underdog beating the bullies — and the rare classic Disney movie with absolutely zero princesses involved — The Sword & the Stone proves brains (and a little magic) will beat brawn any day.
'The Sword in the Stone' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Dumbo’
Ok so the mom-baby separation aspect of this one is so real and so sad, but honestly it seems to mostly go over the heade of little kids — and just makes parents cry. This adorable baby elephant is worth a watch regardless.
'Dumbo' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Bambi’
Speaking of the Saddest Animal Mom Moments of Disney, spoiler alert: Bambi’s mom dies at the beginning of this movie. The good news? It’s totally skippable; just start the movie later on and the littles will never know. They’ll be too busy giggling at all the “twitterpated” animals falling in love.
'Bambi' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘The Land Before Time’
These dino kids also get separated from their parents, but their reunion at the end of the movie is oh-so sweet. Bonus points for teaching your preschooler what a brontosauraus and triceratops are, so they don’t go through all of childhood thinking “Littlefoot” and “Sara” are the species names like we did.
'The Land Before Time' on Amazon Prime
$3.99
Buy now
‘Oliver & Company’
Those of us parents who were ’80s kids growing up in NYC (hi!) will relate so, so hard to this iconic city-kid — er, dog — Disney film. The Billy Joel and Huey Lewis songs really just seal the deal.
'Olive & Company' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Zootopia’
Keep in mind that this animal-fueled gem is rated PG (apparently it has “thematic elements” and also flashing lights? We don’t remember that part exactly). But if you’re there to keep your kiddo company, there’s no question that you’ll both adore this tale of a bunny (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) who joins the police force. Plus, just look at this sloth.
'Zootopia' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘The Peanuts Movie’
Kids and parents will love watching 2015’s The Peanuts Movie together — easy to stream on Amazon Prime, no less. After all, it’s a truth universally acknowledged that happiness is a warm puppy.
'The Peanuts Movie' on Amazon Prime
$3.99
Buy now
‘Peter Pan’
You can’t go wrong with this story that has charmed kids — and adults who don’t want to grow up — since J.M. Barrie first penned it in 1904. The animated Disney version is a go-to — or you can branch out and have a family singalong to the 1954 Mary Martin musical version, too.
'Peter Pan' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Leap’
This lovely tale of Felicie, an orphan who just wants to dance, will leave any tot (and likely some parents too) twirling around the living room. Bonus points for voices by Carly Rae Jepson, Mel Brooks, and Kate Effing McKinnon!
'Leap!' on Amazon Prime
$3.99
Buy now
‘Newsies’
And speaking of dancing, this one proves there’s no way it’s just for girls. Is there any better way to get little boys amped up about unions and pirouettes than a musical family viewing of Newsies? Nope. NO better way.
'Newsies' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Ratatouille’
This sweet tale of a rat who beats the odds to pursue his passion — becoming a chef in a fancy restaurant in Paris — will teach kids from a young age to keep following their dreams, regardless of any eye-rolls they get. Oh, and the movie will also definitely make you hungry.
'Ratatouille' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
See Also
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‘Babar’
The 1989 Babar movie was resurrected in its 2013 iteration, and it’s available on Amazon Prime. Will the snappily-dressed King of the Elephants save his home from invading rhinos? You bet he will.
'Babar' on Amazon Prime
$2.99
Buy now
‘Snow White’
Disney’s first full-length animated feature film may have something of a cringe-worthy storyline (Snow White’s stepmom tries to have her killed because she’s jealous she’s pretty? Yikes). But it’s also filled with woodland creatures — and delightful dwarves — that will make any little kid smile and sing along.
'Snow White' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Mary Poppins’
Since 1964, children have loved perfect, plucky nanny Mary Poppins. Disney’s live-action film is pure jaunty fun.
'Mary Poppins' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Bedknobs & Broomsticks’
But don’t let the live-action classics stop at Mary Poppins. Angela Lansbury’s character may well be a witch in Bedknobs & Broomsticks, but she’s anything but scary. Kids will love the songs (‘Portobello Road’! So good!) and the interjections of animation, too.
'Bedknobs & Broomsticks' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Pollyanna’
And while we’re on a live-action kids movie kick, this sweet 1960 film stars Hayley Mills as the spirited kid who believes anything can be bested with a healthy dose of positivity. So maybe these days she’d be a semi-toxic brightsider but ehhh… ain’t nostalgia fine?
'Pollyanna' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘The Parent Trap’
For Hayley Mills with a bit more humor, try the original tale of separated twins who reunite — and try to woo their parents back into each other’s arms. Or, you know, you can always go modern with the Lindsay Lohan version.
'The Parent Trap' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Le Ballon Rouge’ / ‘The Red Balloon’
Yes we’re putting a foreign film on here, how did you expect us to get to 50 otherwise?! This 1956 family fantasy tells the story of a little French boy and his very special (read: magical) red balloon. Watch it on iTunes and you’ll never be the same.
'Le Ballon Rouge' / 'The Red Balloon' on iTunes
$2.99
Buy now
‘Ponyo’
Little ones are enthralled by director Miyazaki’s gorgeous 2009 sea adventure. Spunky goldfish Ponyo escapes her wizard-like father to become a human child.
'Ponyo' on Amazon Prime
$16.99
Buy now
‘Sing!’
If you’re cool with your kids constantly singing “Oh my God, Look at her BUTT,” by all means, show them Sing! The 2016 animated musical has a really catchy soundtrack and a fun story about animals in a singing competition.
'Sing!' on Amazon Prime
$3.99
Buy now
‘Moana’
Strong-willed Moana takes to the sea in 2016’s Polynesian adventure from Disney. Beautiful animation, fun characters and a strong soundtrack make this an instant classic.
'Moana' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland’
Elmo enthusiasts will love this 1991 Sesame Street flick. The friendly red monster must retrieve his blanket from faraway Grouchland.
'The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland' on Amazon Prime
$3.99
Buy now
‘Thomas & Friends: The Adventure Begins’
Choo-choo! Thomas the Train fans will enjoy the British engine’s 2015 backstory based on the original books. See how the Sodor gang got started.
'Thomas & Friends: The Adventure Begins' on Amazon Prime
$5.99
Buy now
‘The Gruffalo’
A short, sweet movie based on the beloved children’s book, 2009’s The Gruffalo follows a smart mouse outwitting his predators.
'The Gruffalo' on Amazon Prime
$3.99
Buy now
‘The Lion King’
There are some dark moments in this 1994 Disney movie, but preschoolers love Simba’s musical coming-of-age tale. Or you can even go for the updated, live-action version; it’s now available tostream on Disney+.
'The Lion King' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Curious George’
The classic books (and the modern TV series) provide the basis for this refreshingly kid-centric 2006 movie about George the monkey and the Man with the Yellow Hat.
'Curious George' on Amazon Prime
$3.99
Buy now
See Also
8 Space Movies for Kids
‘The Adventures of Milo and Otis’
A bit slow by today’s fast-paced standards, actual puppies and kittens are the stars of this adorable 1989 hit.
'The Adventures of Milo and Otis' on Amazon Prime
$3.99
Buy now
‘Alice in Wonderland’
The colorful, kooky 1951 Disney classic features surreal animation sure to please any small child.
'Alice in Wonderland' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Horton Hears a Who!’
An elephant discovers the teeny-tiny city of Whoville in this 2011 adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic.
'Horton Hears a Who!' on Hulu
$5.99
Buy now
‘Finding Nemo’
Preschoolers love this undersea adventure about a father and son clownfish. There are some scary moments, but overall, this 2003 Pixar flick is perfect for young ones.
''Finding Nemo' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Cinderella’
Baby’s first fairy tale! Disney’s 1950 classic is the softest of the princess movies, perfect for an introduction to animated movies.
'Cinderella' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Sofia the First: The Floating Palace’
Fans of the Disney Jr. TV series Sofia the First will love this light mermaid fare from 2014. Perfect for the younger ones.
'Sofia the First: The Floating Palace' on iTunes
$7.99
Buy now
‘Lady and the Tramp’
Released in 1955, Lady and the Tramp is classic Disney. A love story between dogs makes for a sweet preschool movie.
'Lady and the Tramp' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Charlotte’s Web’
This 1973 animated movie is a beloved classic following Wilbur the anxious pig and wise, calm Charlotte the spider. If your kids like this one, watch the 2006 live-action movie next.
'Charlotte's Web' on Amazon Prime
$3.99
Buy now
‘Happy Feet’
Adorable penguins… what could be better? This 2006 animated tale follows Mumble, a penguin with a talent for tap dancing.
'Happy Feet' on Amazon Prime
$3.99
Buy now
‘The Jungle Book’
A fun, jazzy animated classic, 1967’s The Jungle Book is a great intro to Disney films. Man-cub Mowgli is guided by jungle animals on a journey of self-discovery.
'The Jungle Book' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’
A favorite from famous anime makers Studio Ghibli, 1998’s Kiki’s Delivery Service is a mystical coming-of-age story that follows a young witch.
'Kiki's Delivery Service' on Amazon Prime
$16.99
Buy now
‘Monsters, Inc.’
Monsters aren’t for every preschooler, but this 2001 Pixar flick is a cute movie. Monsters need kids’ screams to run their city, but what happens when a little girl enters their realm?
'Monster's Inc.' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘A Bug’s Life’
Does your kiddo like creepy crawlies? This 1998 animated Pixar movie is for them. An ant recruits a ragtag group of bugs in order to defend his colony against grasshoppers.
'A Bug’s Life' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘The Snowman’
It’s holiday fare, but this wordless 1982 film about a boy and a snowman is special enough to watch anytime. Plus, it’s short enough to keep preschoolers’ attention.
''The Snowman'' on Amazon Prime
$3.99
Buy now
‘The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh’
This sweet 1977 animated movie depicts A. A. Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood — and that silly old bear — perfectly.
'The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Toy Story’
Toy box friends Woody, Buzz and more come to life in this 1995 Pixar classic. Will Andy’s favorite playthings make it back from the horrible neighbor kid’s house?
'Toy Story' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Frozen’
This Disney musical juggernaut came out in 2013, but preschoolers just can’t let it go. Little ones love Anna, Elsa and company.
'Frozen' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Shaun the Sheep Movie’
The Wallace and Gromit stop-motion animators tackle barn animals in this adorable 2015 movie inspired by the British TV show. And it’s just as adorable as it looks.
'Shaun the Sheep Movie' on Amazon Prime
$1.99
Buy now
‘My Neighbor Totoro’
Children are entranced by Miyazaki’s 1988 animated wonder about sisters and their fantastical friends. You’ll love it too.
'My Neighbor Totoro' on Amazon Prime
$16.99
Buy now
‘The Little Mermaid’
Disney’s 1989 classic is an enchanting romp under the sea. But beware the scary sea witch scenes.
'The Little Mermaid' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Trolls’
Despite the troll-hungry Bergens, which could scare sensitive little ones, this 2016 animated hit is a fun, colorful romp with a super-catchy soundtrack.
'Trolls' on Amazon Prime
$3.99
Buy now
‘Robin Hood’
Parents will remember this sweet 1973 Disney version of the Robin Hood folktale. It has cute critters and catchy tunes.
'Robin Hood' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
‘Cars’
Kids into vehicles should definitely catch this 2006 Pixar flick featuring talking cars. Then they can venture into Planesand the Cars sequels! Cars 3 is still in theaters in some areas.
'Cars' on Disney+
$12.99
Buy now
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