The 30 Best (and Not Scary) Movies for Toddlers
Real talk: If you watch one more episode of Paw Patrol, you’re going to go postal on those cartoon canines. You need a good selection of movies for toddlers that your kid and you will love. And you need it NOW. Keep reading for 30 great flicks that are all appropriate for the under-five set.
The 30 Best Family Movies of All Time
1. The Red Balloon (1956)
Films Montsouris
Scary moments: A little bit of bullying where a group of kids chases the boy to try and steal his balloon.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 34 minutes
This Oscar-winning short about a red balloon following a young French boy named Pascal around Paris is pure magic. With little dialogue and beautiful scenery, this film will captivate little kids (and grown-ups, too).
2. The Peanuts Movie (2015)
Twentieth Century Fox/ Peanuts Worldwide LLC
Scary moments: No scary moments although Lucy is her usual rude self, so you might want to make sure your kid doesn’t pick up any of her sass.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 93 minutes
The popular comic strip comes to life in this family-friendly flick starring the whole Peanuts gang. While Charlie Brown tries to win over the love of his life, Snoopy is determined to defeat the Red Baron.
3. The Gruffalo (2010)
Magic Light Pictures/ Studio Soi
Scary moments: There are a few imaginary scenes where the mouse is being eaten by other animals, but the little creature triumphs in the end.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 40 minutes
This TV short is based on the classic children’s book about a mouse walking through the forest and outwitting predators along the way. A cute animation that will let your mini know that smarts are more important than size.
4. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Studio Ghibli
Scary moments: The girls’ mother is sick in the hospital, but these scenes aren’t sad or distressing.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 86 minutes
Two sisters move into a new house, where they encounter plenty of weird and wonderful creatures (the soot spirits at the start of the film may be a little frightening for some, but they’re not around for long).
5. Cars (2006)
Walt Disney Pictures
Scary moments: There's some mean behavior and the use of words like "idiot," "fool" and "moron," so copycat toddlers may need some supervision while watching.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 116 minutes
When Lightning McQueen, a famous race car, gets stranded in Radiator Springs, he makes some new friends and discovers that there's a lot more to life than being famous.
6. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
Walt Disney Productions
Scary moments: Rabbit gets lost in the woods by himself, which may upset some sensitive kids.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 74 minutes
Based on the classic tales from A. A. Milne, this movie follows Pooh Bear and his pals on a series of fun-filled shenanigans around the Hundred Acre Wood. There’s some mild danger here (think: Pooh getting chased by a swarm of bees) but no scary monsters or ghouls to speak of.
7. Thomas & Friends: The Adventure Begins (2015)
HiT Entertainment/ Arc Productions
Scary moments: There’s nothing scary here, although the bickering amongst the engines may cause adult viewers to require extra vino.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 45 minutes
All aboard this train-filled adventure that follows a fearless young tank engine getting to know his new home, the Island of Sodor. Features lots of great themes about friendship, hard work and cooperation.
8. The Snowman (2014)
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment/ TVC London
Scary moments: None. (The snowman does melt at the end but the child isn’t upset about it.)
Recommended age: 2+
Run time: 26 minutes
There’s no dialogue in this animated adaptation of the classic children’s book—just beautiful music, a sweet storyline and short run time for more distractible viewers.
9. The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland (1999)
Columbia Pictures/Jim Henson Pictures
Scary moments: There’s a bad guy who wants the blanket for himself…but that’s about it.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 73 minutes
When Elmo’s blue blanket accidentally gets thrown away, he embarks on a journey to Grouchland to get it back. Kids will love the catchy songs and parents will love the valuable lessons about sharing and working together.
10. Curious George (2006)
Universal Feature Animation
Scary moments: There’s nothing scary about this funny tale although impressionable kids may need reminding that some of George’s whacky antics are for monkeys only.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 87 minutes
The man with the yellow hat (voiced by Will Ferrell) travels to Africa in search of a rare artifact but returns with a stowaway. Now back in New York, he must look after his pet monkey while halting plans to demolish the museum where he works.
11. Blue's Big Musical Movie (2000)
Nick Jr.
Scary moments: While each character does face a specific challenge, there’s nothing scary or concerning in the movie.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 78 minutes
Steve and his four-legged friend, Blue, are stepping away from their classic red chair to throw a big musical in their backyard. The movie includes useful lessons about empathy and perseverance while musical segments will teach children about tempo and rhythm.
12. Lost and Found (2008)
Contender Entertainment Group
Scary moments: There are two to keep an eye out for. One is a giant, scary storm that happens out at sea, while the other involves a giant octopus that rises out of the ocean to speak with the boy and the penguin.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 54 minutes
In this adaptation of Oliver Jeffers' picture book of the same name, a little boy embarks on an exciting new adventure with a penguin that he finds on his doorstep. The importance of love and having compassion towards others are some takeaways you can expect from the film.
13. Stellaluna (2003)
Tundra Productions
Scary moments: An owl appears and chases the bats away, causing Stellaluna to fall and lose contact with her mother.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 41 minutes
The movie follows a lost baby bat who’s determined to find and reunite with her family. The movie not only teaches kids about different types of animals, but it also encourages children to be kind and accepting of other people’s differences.
14. VeggieTales: Lord of the Beans (2020)
Big Idea Entertainment
Scary moments: There's some spooky music (that clearly pokes fun at Lord of the Rings) and a few villainous forks (yes, forks) with glowing eyes.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 52 minutes
When a young Flobbit, Toto, inherits a magical bean with great powers, he goes on a quest to discover what his amazing new gift should be used for.
15. Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Tiger Family Trip (2017)
9 Story Media Group
Scary moments: No scary scenes here, but you'll probably identify with Daniel's parents as they deal with some challenges of traveling with kids along the way.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 51 minutes
Get ready to join Daniel and his family as they go on a journey to visit Grandpere. The movie is as educational as it is entertaining, since it teaches kids important skills like how to ask for help, how to deal with certain social situations, and how to manage their feelings.
16. Lotte From Gadgetville (2006)
Rija Films
Scary moments: Expect a bit of suspense when Lotte's father goes missing for a little while, but aside from that, nothing seriously scary occurs.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 78 minutes
In this delightful movie, we get to see Lotte's hometown of Gadgetville, a place that's filled with inventors and their exciting new creations. The movie addresses friendship, family and the importance of working hard.
17. Maya The Bee Movie (2015)
Studio 100 Film
Scary moments: The hornets might appear intimidating, and there are moments when it seems like a character is hurt. But these scary moments are pretty mild and they're resolved quickly.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 79 minutes
Maya, a freshly hatched bee, must prove her innocence when she’s accused of stealing the Royal Jelly. A sweet flick that helps kids learn the importance of friendship, trust, and teamwork.
18. Curious George: Royal Monkey (2019)
Imagine Entertainment
Scary moments: None—but there are a few moments of mild awkwardness and tension.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 86 minutes
Chaos ensues when George accidentally switches places with Phillippe, the Kingdom of Simiana's royal monkey. The movie offers a fun take on how people can understand new perspectives while they're in another person's shoes.
19. Meet the Small Potatoes (2013)
Disney
Scary moments: No scary moments, although a few of the characters do have a snarky attitude.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 115 minutes
Though it's mostly silly and humorous, kids will love learning about music, interpersonal relationships and how fame can change someone's life.
20. Splash and Bubbles: One Big Ocean (2016)
PBS Kids
Scary moments: None at all, but expect an awkward, funny moment or two.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 52 minutes
It's never too early to start teaching your tot about preserving the environment. As Splash and his pals journey across the vast ocean to help a young turtle, they learn about different sea creatures and how they're all connected.
21. The Little Bear Movie (2001)
Nelvana Limited
Scary moments: A mountain lion tries to pursue and eat the animals, and there's one dangerous storm.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 75 minutes
While Little Bear and Father Bear are out on a camping trip, Little Bear makes a new friend named Cub. After learning that he's been separated from his parents, Little Bear and his friends make it their mission to help.
22. Pixie Hollow Games (2012)
DisneyToon Studios
Scary moments: Just the introduction of the storm fairies who resemble a big, dark cloud with lots of lightning and thunder.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 23 minutes
Here's your opportunity to teach your kid about the power of teamwork. In Pixie Hollow Games, Tinker Bell teams up with her friends to compete in a major gaming event.
23. The Animal Train (2014)
TVC London
Scary moments: None, but worth noting that there are animals and humans in danger, which could upset sensitive kids.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 29 minutes
After staying up late to watch a documentary, Ben falls asleep and dreams about boarding a special train for several endangered animals. Despite the serious topic, each animal's journey is explained in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
24. Sesame Street: The Magical Wand Chase (2017)
Sesame Workshop
Scary moments: There's a brief moment of panic when Abby suddenly drops her wand, but no super scary scenes here.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 43 minutes
When a mysterious bird grabs Abby's magic wand during a hot-air balloon ride, she and her pals embark on an adventure to retrieve it, making new friends along the way.
25. The Jungle Book (1967)
Walt Disney Studios
Scary moments: The plot involves an evil tiger named Shere Khan, so there are a few—including an intense final battle between Shere and the bear, Baloo.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 80 minutes
This musical classic follows Mowgli, an abandoned boy who's raised in the Indian jungle by wolves. His animal friends advise him to leave the jungle before the evil tiger comes—but Mowgli isn't quite ready to part ways.
26. Blue's Big-City Adventure (2022)
Nickelodeon Movies
Scary moments: None, but Josh does experience a bit of nervousness and anxiety as he tries to make his audition.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 74 minutes
When Josh lands an audition for a big Broadway musical, he loses his handy notebook, which leaves him confused about where to go. Fortunately, he enlists the help of a few friends to make it to the audition in time.
27. Fun and Fancy Free (1947)
Walt Disney Productions
Scary moments: There are musical sequences that say bears show love "with a slap," scary thunderstorms and a towering giant, so you might want to monitor as the kids watch.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 74 minutes
This charming classic features two short stories, including Bongo, which follows the adventures of a circus bear, and Mickey and the Beanstalk, Disney's version of the famous fairy tale.
28. Pinkfong & Baby Shark's Space Adventure (2019)
CJ Entertainment
Scary moments: The main characters encounter zombies and ghosts, but these "scary" creatures are soon revealed to be kind.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 65 minutes
If your toddler is already obsessed with the Baby Shark song, you can treat them to this special, which includes plenty of catchy tunes. In the movie, Pinkfong and Baby Shark travel through outer space in search of a missing star.
29. Spookley the Square Pumpkin (2004)
Holiday Hill Farm
Scary moments: The square pumpkin is initially teased and bullied by the round pumpkins, and there's one major storm.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 47 minutes
It may be Halloween-themed, but this is a charming tale with a positive message about accepting yourself. Spookley, a little square pumpkin, feels like he doesn't fit in. But with the help of his friends, he starts to embrace what makes him different.
30. Miffy The Movie (2013)
KRO
Scary moments: There are no scary moments here, only minor setbacks that the characters learn to overcome during their journey.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 68 minutes
In this movie (which features an inclusive group of bunnies), Miffy and her pals go on a fun treasure hunt, using riddles about movement, color, shapes, numbers and sounds to help them find the mysterious prize.
