Children’s Films

What makes a good children’s film? Is it the funny characters or it could be the plot that closely follows favourite stories? Or is it the special effects and animation which allows the imagination to take flight? Who knows all of these things and more?

Certainly if filmmakers knew then they would be laughing all the way to the franchise bank. But then even films that do not do well in cinemas often end up selling millions of DVDs and merchandise items later on. Perhaps those with a more cynical view could say that filmmakers nowadays do not so much make films but bring out brands readymade for all markets.

As parents all we want for our children is a story that entertains them and does not scare them too much. So what, you might ask, are the best films for children out there. Here is a list of a list of top ten children’s films, in no particular order, which will kids of all ages will love:

Toy Story

This is what really happens to toys when children are not in the room. One of the ground breaking films to use CGI it is still a classic and now has two sequels to keep the kids amused.

Shrek

Who would have thought an ugly, grumpy, green ogre could be a hero. This is a fairytale, where the hero rescues the princess from a tower guarded by a dragon on his trusty steed, with a massive twist.

Dark Crystal

An oldie but what a goodie. This was the first feature length action film with no human beings on the screen.

Nanny McPhee

Often films based on books are never as good; but not this one. Children will behave forever when threatened with Nanny McPhee.

The Incredibles

Who would not want their family to be like the Parrs? With superhero parents and children fighting together to beat the forces of evil and still time to do your homework.

Monsters Inc.

Another story that tells it like it really is. Where do the monsters in the cupboard come from? Another world of course, where your children’s screams are used as an energy source.

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone

We have all wished that we were special and that we really didn’t belong to the family we live with. Well luckily for Harry he was so much more than the scruffy annoying relative; he is a wizard.

The Princess and the Frog

The classic tale of the spoiled princess who finds a frog and has to kiss it to turn him into a handsome prince... or is it?

Up

What a fantastic idea add a million balloons to your house and float away on an endless adventure.

Finding Nemo

A brilliantly original story. What parent would not search high and low and overcome their own phobias and psychoses to find their child.