The 50 greatest animated movies to watch as a family

A visual stunner from the team behind Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse, The Mitchells takes its cues from the classic road-trip films of yesteryear. Parents trying to connect with their uninterested kids? Check. Pit stops at roadside attractions? Yup. A quest to free all of humanity from a machine apocalypse launched by a sentient iPhone and an army or robots? Okay, the Griswolds never dealt with that. But still, despite its kinetic action, this is very much a tender family film at its heart, one whose jokes hit with precision that speaks to parents and kids alike. Rated PG.

The rat can cook! This sweetly ridiculous movie about a naive, ambitious rodent named Remy (charmingly voiced by Patton Oswalt), who longs to become a great chef is witty, clever, gently moral and dramatically convincing. Who doesn't love Linguini (voiced by Lou Romano), a hopeless human moppet controlled by the supremely talented Remy? Will they win over the Snow White-style villain, a power-crazed food critic named Anton Ego (Peter O'Toole)? We won't spoil the fun for the three of you out there who don't yet know the ending! Stream on Disney+. Rated G

Don’t let the title scare you off from showing this Tim Burton classic to the wee ones. Sure, the stop-motion animation is a little oogie-boogie, but the story is far too sweet to cause many actual nightmares. Jack Skellington is the spindly Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, but he’s grown weary of frights. When he discovers the joy of another holiday called Christmas, it invigorates his passion for giving. But when you’ve spent your whole life scaring humans, making the transition to mirth and merriment isn’t smooth. Stream it on Disney+. Rated PG

Gru is awfully busy trying to steal the moon. However, his evil plan is uprooted when he becomes responsible for three orphan sisters. The wicked scientist doesn't seem to mind his new role as a father, but how will this affect his evil, other-worldly ordeals? Stream on Netflix. Rated PG

This Pixar classic, quite literally, takes the fun to new heights when balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen has his way. The grouchy senior ties a bunch of balloons to his home and lifts off to South America, something he's been dying to do for ages. All is fine and dandy...until Carl realizes he has company in the form of an overly enthusiastic Boy Scout. Stream on Disney+. Rated PG 

This Pixar feature is set in a fairy tale land that’s losing its magic—the elves who live there would rather use their phones and other devices than spells. But then young Ian Lightfoot (voiced by Tom Holland) brings his dead father back to life. Or, rather, just his legs. He sets off with his brother Barley (Chris Pratt) to complete the spell so he can see his father one last time—and maybe bring magic back to the elves. Stream on Disney+. Rated PG

This lovely tale of a young witch coming of age in a new town is the perfect entrypoint to Japan’s magnificent Studio Ghibli, a film of breathtaking artistry and huge heart. There’s really no conflict here. Just the story of a young girl making friends, hanging out with her wisecracking cat and learning to be independent. That’s not to say there’s no excitement – the climax featuring an imperiled dirigible is a white-knuckle bit of braveau animation – but really, just watching the hero cruise the friendly skies on her broom is enough to keep even the most cynical viewer smiling. Rated G. 

Equal parts endearing and heartbreaking, the Disney classic rotates around young lion Simba, who must rise to power after the loss of his father, Mufasa. You would think the family would be supportive, but one evil uncle has it in for the cub. Hang in there, Simba! Remember: Hakuna matata! (Don't forget to check out the 2019 live-action reboot!) Stream on Disney+. Rated G

Is there a sister duo out there more popular than Anna and Elsa? The two rose to Disney fame in 2013 when Elsa's powers froze the entire kingdom. Anna sets out on an adventure to put a stop to the never-ending winter and free her big sis from seclusion. We're willing to be you've heard the flick's popular tune, "Let It Go," a few million times, right? Stream on Disney+. Rated PG

Ariel has had enough of her mermaid tail, and the youngster yearns to see what life is like on land. The singing sensation of the sea gets a taste of this fantasy, courtesy of the wicked octopus, Ursula. However, the sea witch has a plan. If the hunky prince Ariel sets her sights on fails to kiss her within three days, Ariel will lose everything. Stream on Disney+. Rated G

A bold, beautiful and (let's be honest) somewhat bleak film transforms a dystopian future into something delightful and laugh-out-loud funny. The year is 2700, and a robot named WALL-E that has a cube for a belly and binoculars for eyes is left to clean up the Earth. The only humans left live a sterile, bloated life in a cruise ship-like spaceship—it's robots like WALL-E, the lovely and graceful EVE and even the sinister autopilot named (what else?) Auto who have the vivid personalities. Stream on Disney+. Rated G

Abandoned by their heartless parents, Jane Willoughby (voiced by Alessia Cara) and her twin brothers (Séan Cullen and Séan Cullen) try to please their sour nanny (Maya Rudolph) and become perfect children. Based on the bestselling book by Lois Lowry, this animated film also features the voices of Ricky Gervais and Terry Crews. Stream on Netflix. Rated PG

Shrek is an ogre who appreciates his seclusion from society, so you can imagine his discontent when a bunch of fairytale creatures invade his swamp, and in turn cramp his style. They've all been banished from Lord Farquaad's kingdom, so Shrek makes a deal with the pint-sized authoritarian to get his land back. All he has to do is retrieve the beautiful Princess Fiona—who's been locked away in a castle—so Lord Farquaad can make her his bride. It seems simple, right? Matters become complicated when Shrek grows close to Fiona on their journey—and when Fiona reveals a deep-rooted secret. Stream on Amazon Prime. Rated PG

Ernesto de la Cruz—a fictional Sinatra, if you will—is Miguel's idol. All the youngster longs for is to belt out beautiful ballads like his favorite singer. However, music is strongly prohibited in his family, for reasons unknown. With a trip to the Land of the Dead, Miguel starts to make sense of his family's ways. Stream on Disney+. Rated PG

Mumble isn't as musically inclined as his fellow penguins. Considering a heart song is what it takes to attract a mate, this little bird is in need of a back-up plan. Good thing he's one heck of a tap dancer! Stream on Netflix. Rated PG

This super-hero family finds it hard to assume a "normal" life without fighting crime. Since saving the world has been banned, they have no choice but to put their vigilante pursuits on hold. However, things change when Mr. Incredible must battle a robot on an island...and rely on his family for help when the mission goes awry! Stream on Disney+. Rated PG

Taking a page from Wonder Woman's book, The Incredibles 2 starts off with Elastigirl fighting crime while her hubby, Mr. Incredible, is home with the kiddos. It's not ideal, but it'll do. But when the crew needs to take down another nefarious plan, they'll just have to make it work. Stream on Netflix. Rated PG

The breakout star of 2014’s The LEGO Movie now gets his own action-packed, completely batty superhero spinoff, The LEGO Batman Movie. The first LEGO film was a real surprise: What could have been a lazy cash-in turned out to be sweet, funny and fiendishly original in the way it acknowledged and celebrated its own artificiality. And one of the film’s highlights was its take on Batman: a self-involved millionaire playboy who dresses in black body armor to fight crime and chase chicks. The inept egomaniac is at the center of this ferociously paced, wildly silly pastiche of the comic-book blockbusters that dominate today. Stream on Hulu. Rated PG

A Halloween celebration for the books, the Peanuts' festive '60s flick celebrates the best of the season as Linus waits patiently for a visit from the Great Pumpkin. Stream on Amazon. Not Rated 

Lewis Carroll created quite a whacky world in his beloved novel, and that quirkiness comes to life in Disney's animated take on Alice Wonderland. The young girl is in for an adventure when she falls down the rabbit hole, but the fun and games come to an end when she encounters the Queen of Hearts! Streaming on Disney+. Rated G

Cute cottontail Judy Hopps joins the police force in the city of Zootopia, which is inhabitated by any and every creature you could possibly imagine. She's determined to fit in and takes on a big mystery case, but the shrewd fox, Nick Wilde, gives Judy a run for her money. Stream on Disney+. Rated PG

Woody, a cowboy, is Andy's pride and joy...until the young boy is gifted with a new action figure, Buzz Lightyear. When these toys come to life, they go head-to-head to compete for the number one spot. Things go awry when Andy's family moves and the two toys must escape from the horrible neighbor, Sid Phillips. Stream on Disney+. Rated G

Based on Neil Gaiman's famous story, Coraline tells the story of a little girl who finds an alternate (and arguably better) universe behind a secret door. But what happens when no one has the intention of keeping Coraline in the real world? Stream on Apple TV. Rated PG

Hiccup is a young Viking who thinks he wants to hunt dragons...until he encounters one himself. Could it be that the mysterious creatures got a bad rap? Stream on Amazon Prime. Rated PG

Yikes! Poor Emmet was simply minding his business when he was mistaken for the Special, who has the power to save the world from evil. Will this calm, cool and collected LEGO be able to fulfill the task when an evil mastermind cooks up a wicked scheme? Stream on Hulu. Rated PG

When a prince is a bit too cavalier for his own good, he's transformed into a frightening beast. The only way to undo this curse is to find true love, a feat that doesn't seem terribly easy until he comes across a clockmaker's daughter, Belle. It'll take some assistance, but perhaps the beast will be able to show a softer side. Stream on Disney+. Rated G

Oh, how we adore the iconic puppy-spaghetti-slurping duo in Disney's canine romance. The two dogs are from seemingly different worlds, but will true love bring them together—before Lady's household turmoil tears them apart? Stream on Disney+. Rated G

This Disney Pixar film is a new classic that tells the story of monsters Sully (John Goodman) and Mike (Billy Crystal), who work together at Monsters, Inc., a power company fueled by the screams of human children collected by monsters who go into the human world to scare them. When a haunting fail brings a small child into their world, they must work together to make things hilariously right. Stream on Disney+. Rated G

Po is more like a sloth than a panda, yet the lazy and gawkish bear longs to become a kung fu champ. He'll have to make his dreams a reality when the evil-minded snow leopard Tai Lung threatens his village. Stream on Amazon Prime. Rated PG

This moving sequel to 2003’s Finding Nemo follows the adventures of Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), an adorably ditzy amnesiac blue tang fish, as she seeks the Californian family she suddenly remembers losing. Dory rediscovers her childhood home in a corner of the California Marine Life Institute, a place for ichthyological study, presided over by the disembodied, omniscient voice of Sigourney Weaver, playing herself—she brings a wonderfully surreal note to the film that will sail over the heads of younger viewers but that you will love. Stream on Disney+. Rated PG

Princess Rapunzel is kidnapped from her crib by a woman intent on staying forever young with the help of the princess’ magical long locks. Rapunzel grows up within the confines of her tower, always wishing she could explore the world and the lanterns that float outside her window. When her endless stream of creative activities no longer satisfies her, she ventures out with a tower thief and begins a journey to discover that the danger never lurked beyond the walls of her tower, but rather within them. Stream on Disney +. Rated PG

Princess Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) is all hair: Her long, flowing crimson locks steal the show. She's also plucky, rebellious and not down with the traditions sanctioned by her mother, Queen Elinor (voiced by Emma Thompson), that go with the regal lifestyle. Her Royal Highness isn't impressed by the princess’s radical notions. (Marry for love instead of having your hand won by a suitor?!? Ridiculous!) So is it any shock that when Merida finds herself in the presence of a wood-carving enchantress, she wishes the Queen into a, shall we say, bear of a predicament? The slapstick that follows takes us through stunningly detailed Scottish locations. Stream on Disney+. Rated PG

There's an arcade game character, Ralph, who's grown tired of his bad-guy persona. He embarks on a quest to prove that he can be nice, but trouble follows. Stream on Netflix. Rated PG

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's beloved story gets an animated spin in this 2016 release. Journey alongside an aviator who shows a girl a whole new world where she has a chance to relive her childhood and learn what really matters in life. Stream on Netflix. Rated PG

Dumbo's certainly the most eccentric part of the circus. The poor elephant with gigantic ears is the target of much ridicule, which makes things even more grueling during the circus. However, the joke's on everyone else when Dumbo learns his ears allow him to fly! Expect to shed a few tears with this one. Stream on Disney+. Rated G

This classic cartoon is one of the most iconic films in the Disney repertoire. With dream-like visuals, a gorgeous classical score and Mickey at the center of it all, the 40's flick will easily captivate viewers into its surreal world. Note that some visuals might be better suited for the older tots in your crew. Stream on Disney+. Rated G 

Chris Van Allsburg's picture book gets the animated treatment in a lovable holiday film that's destined to become a classic. When a young boy expresses doubts about those Christmas traditions, a train ride to the North Pole changes his opinions. Stream on Netflix. Rated G