10 Children's Movies Adults Will Secretly Love

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Let’s face it, sometimes adulting gets a little overwhelming. You crave a break from the daily grind, a world where problems are solved with talking animals and catchy tunes. Enter the world of children’s movies! But wait, aren’t those just for, well, children? Think again! Many animated films boast clever humor, heartwarming stories, and beautiful animation that can entertain viewers of all ages.

So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to rediscover the magic of cinema with these 10 children’s movies that adults will secretly (or not so secretly) love:

1. The Lion King (1994)

Children's Movies Adults Will Love — Children’s Movies Adults Will Love

This Disney masterpiece is a coming-of-age story that resonates with audiences of all ages. Follow Simba, a young lion cub destined for greatness, as he navigates the circle of life, confronts loss, and ultimately embraces his responsibility as king. The animation is breathtaking, the music is iconic (cue the “Hakuna Matata” singalong!), and the story is timeless.

Adult Appeal in The Lion King

Universal Themes: The Lion King tackles themes of loss, responsibility, and self-discovery, themes that remain relevant throughout life.
Witty Dialogue: The film is packed with quotable lines and clever humor that adults will appreciate more than children.
Breathtaking Animation: The animation in The Lion King holds up beautifully, even decades later.

2. The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

This British stop-motion gem is a hilarious and heartwarming tale about a quirky inventor, Wallace, and his loyal dog, Gromit. When a giant, monstrous rabbit terrorizes their town, Gromit must stop Wallace from entering a disastrous vegetable competition and, of course, save the day. The stop-motion animation is meticulously crafted, the humor is delightfully dry, and the story is full of charm.

Why Adults Will Love Wallace & Gromit

British Wit: The film is full of clever wordplay and subtle humor that adults will find more amusing.
Stop-Motion Magic: The meticulous stop-motion animation is a visual treat for all ages.
Heartwarming Story: Despite the quirky humor, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit has a touching story about friendship and loyalty.

3. Spirited Away (2001)

This Japanese animated film from the legendary Hayao Miyazaki is a visually stunning and imaginative adventure. Spirited Away follows Chihiro, a young girl who stumbles upon a world of spirits and must work in a bathhouse to save her parents. The film is filled with fantastical creatures, beautiful animation, and a powerful message about courage and self-reliance.

Why Adults Will Love Spirited Away

Visually Stunning: Spirited Away boasts some of the most breathtaking animation ever seen in a film.
Rich Symbolism: The film is layered with symbolism and metaphors that adults will appreciate on a deeper level.
A Coming-of-Age Story: Spirited Away is a beautiful story about a young girl’s journey of self-discovery and bravery.

4. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Children's Animation — Children’s Animation

This DreamWorks animation is a heartwarming story about friendship and defying expectations. Set in a Viking village where dragons are considered enemies, Hiccup, a scrawny young boy, befriends a wounded Night Fury dragon. The film tackles themes of prejudice, acceptance, and the importance of following your dreams.

Why Adults Will Love How to Train Your Dragon

Stunning Animation: The animation in How to Train Your Dragon is beautiful, especially the soaring flight sequences.
Strong Characters: The characters, both human and dragon, are well-developed and relatable.
Emotional Depth: Despite being a children’s film, How to Train Your Dragon has surprising emotional depth.

5. Toy Story (1995)

This Pixar masterpiece revolutionized animation and captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Toy Story takes viewers into the world of Andy’s toys, who come alive when humans aren’t around. The film explores themes of friendship, jealousy, and the power of imagination.

Why Adults Will Love Toy Story

Nostalgia Factor: Toy Story taps into the nostalgic feelings of childhood playtime, resonating with adults who once cherished their own toys.
Clever Humor: The film is packed with witty dialogue and jokes that fly over kids’ heads, but tickle adults’ funny bones.
A Touching Story: Despite the lighthearted tone, Toy Story has a surprisingly touching story about the bond between a boy and his toys.

6. Moana (2016)

This Disney film tells the story of Moana, a brave Polynesian princess who sets sail to save her people. Moana is accompanied by Maui, a demigod with a mischievous streak. The film boasts stunning animation, catchy music, and a powerful message about following your heart and honoring your heritage.

Why Adults Will Love Moana

Empowering Story: Moana is a strong and independent female protagonist who defies expectations.
Beautiful Music: The music in Moana is a blend of traditional Polynesian sounds and modern pop, resulting in a truly catchy soundtrack.
Breathtaking Animation: The animation in Moana is stunning, from the lush landscapes to the vibrant underwater world.

7. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

This stop-motion gem is a visually stunning and emotional adventure. Kubo, a young boy with a magical shamisen (a three-stringed lute), must embark on a quest to defeat a vengeful spirit with the help of a monkey and a beetle samurai. The film is full of beautiful stop-motion animation, heartwarming moments, and a powerful message about the importance of family and storytelling.

Why Adults Will Love Kubo and the Two Strings

Stop-Motion Mastery: The stop-motion animation in Kubo is some of the most impressive ever created.
Emotional Storytelling: The film tackles themes of loss and grief in a way that is both touching and hopeful.
Visually Stunning: From the detailed sets to the expressive characters, Kubo is a visual treat.

8. The LEGO Movie (2014)

This film took the world by surprise with its clever humor, meta-references, and infectious energy. Emmet, an ordinary LEGO minifigure, is mistakenly identified as the prophesied “Master Builder” who can save the LEGO universe from the evil Lord Business. The film is a hilarious and action-packed adventure with something for everyone.

Why Adults Will Love The LEGO Movie

Pop Culture References: The film is packed with pop culture references that adults will appreciate more than children.
Witty Dialogue: The dialogue is full of clever jokes and meta-humor that will fly over kids’ heads, but keep adults entertained.
A Celebration of Creativity: The LEGO Movie is a joyous celebration of creativity and imagination.

9. Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

This animated film takes a fresh spin on the classic Spider-Man story. Miles Morales, a Brooklyn teenager, becomes Spider-Man and teams up with a variety of Spider-People from across the multiverse to defeat a powerful villain. The film boasts a unique animation style, a phenomenal soundtrack, and a heartfelt story about finding your place in the world.

Why Adults Will Love Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Visually Stunning: The animation style in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is unlike anything you’ve seen before. It’s a vibrant and innovative blend of comic book aesthetics and animation techniques.
A Love Letter to Spider-Man: The film is a love letter to the Spider-Man mythos, packed with Easter eggs and references that fans will appreciate.
A Coming-of-Age Story: Despite the superhero action, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a touching story about self-discovery and finding your inner hero.

10. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

This heartwarming film from the legendary Hayao Miyazaki follows the adventures of Satsuki and Mei, two sisters who move to the countryside with their father. The girls encounter a friendly giant forest spirit named Totoro and embark on a series of magical adventures. My Neighbor Totoro is a visually stunning and beautifully hand-drawn film that celebrates childhood wonder and the beauty of nature.

Why Adults Will Love My Neighbor Totoro

Enchanting Animation: The hand-drawn animation in My Neighbor Totoro is a visual treat, filled with lush landscapes and whimsical characters.
A Celebration of Childhood: The film captures the innocence and wonder of childhood in a way that will resonate with adults.
A Timeless Story: My Neighbor Totoro is a story about family, friendship, and the power of imagination that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Conclusion

So, the next time you’re feeling nostalgic or simply want to escape into a world of wonder, don’t discount children’s movies! These films offer a unique blend of humor, heart, and imagination that can entertain viewers of all ages. Grab your popcorn, put on your favorite PJs, and rediscover the magic of cinema with these timeless classics!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What if I haven’t seen any of these movies? Where do I start?

This list is just a starting point! There are countless fantastic children’s movies out there. Read reviews, check out recommendations online, or browse streaming services to find a film that piques your interest.

Q2: Is it okay to enjoy children’s movies as an adult?

Absolutely! There’s no shame in enjoying a good children’s movie. In fact, many adults find them to be a refreshing and nostalgic escape from the pressures of everyday life.

Q3: Are there any other genres of children’s movies that adults might enjoy

Absolutely! Here are a few other genres of children’s movies that adults might enjoy:

Fantasy: Films like “The Spiderwick Chronicles” (2008) or “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” (2016) offer fantastical worlds and imaginative creatures that can spark the imagination of viewers of all ages.
Stop-Motion Animation: The meticulous craftsmanship of stop-motion animation creates a unique charm that adults can appreciate. Look for films like “Coraline” (2009) or “ParaNorman” (2012) for a visually stunning experience.
Coming-of-Age Stories: Many children’s films explore themes of friendship, identity, and growing up, themes that resonate with adults who can relate to these experiences from their own childhoods. Consider films like “The Iron Giant” (1999) or “Megamind” (2010).
Musicals: Animated musicals often boast catchy tunes and elaborate song-and-dance numbers that can be enjoyed by both adults and children. Check out films like “Sing” (2016) or “Coco” (2017) for a toe-tapping good time.
Holiday Films: Christmas movies like “Elf” (2003) or Halloween classics like “Hocus Pocus” (1993) offer a dose of nostalgia and holiday cheer that adults can appreciate. These films can be a fun way to get into the festive spirit.

Q4: Are there any benefits to watching children’s movies as an adult?

Absolutely! Children’s movies can be a source of:

Stress relief: They offer a lighthearted escape from the pressures of everyday life.
Nostalgia: They can evoke happy memories of your own childhood.
Imagination: They can spark creativity and inspire you to think outside the box.
Simple joys: They can remind you of the beauty of simple things in life.

Q5: What if I watch a children’s movie and don’t enjoy it?

That’s okay! Not every movie will be a hit. The beauty of having so many options is that you can keep exploring until you find one that resonates with you. Read reviews online or ask friends for recommendations to find your next cinematic adventure.