Films are a great way to take a peek into an animal’s lifestyle with directors offering the audience the chance to look at the world from an animal’s point of view. Children especially can learn a lot about certain animals (like a cat, a dog, a horse etc), their powers and their habitats through animal movies. The films might not instill discipline in your kid but would teach him some great lessons on friendship, love, bravery and honesty.
Top 10 Animal Movies for Kids
1. Babe (1995)
The first animal movies for kids is Babe. This is an Australian film whose plot revolves around the life of a pig named Babe, who believes that he is a sheepdog. What is interesting about this film is the main character’s ability to maintain his individuality even when forced to do the opposite.
What kids like:
The kids will love the idea of all the animals talking and expressing their thoughts freely. Seeing a pig managing the herd of sheep would obviously get the children excited.
Rated: G
2. Free Willy (1993)
Free Willy narrates the story of a 12-year-old boy’s friendship with an orca whale living in a fish tank in an adventure park. The story begins with the child getting caught for putting graffiti on the whale’s tank and progresses with the boy finding a true friend in the orca as they both endure captivity—the boy in the foster home and the whale in the fish tank. You would like the film’s message on the importance of freedom and family. Michael Madsen’s portrayal of the kid’s dad is worth-watching too.
What kids like:
Willy, the orca whale, indulges in a lot of fun activities with the kid and learns how to do a summersault and a high five. The kids would love to see the killer whale play and have fun.
Rated: PG
3. Stuart Little (1999)
Stuart Little is a cute little film about a rat Stuart who gets adopted by the “Littles” (a human family) as their second son. The film’s plot revolves around Stuart’s adventures and misfortunes as he adjusts to living with a human family. The film also has a very cute yet very villainous cat named Snowbell and you would like Nathan Lane’s excellent portrayal as Snowbell.
What kids like:
Children would be able to relate with Stuart’s initial struggle in the family and would also be amazed at how seemingly ordinary objects can be transformed into wonderful items.
Rated: PG
4. Cats and Dogs (2001)
Cats and Dogs is a film that revolves around a secret war between the cats and the dogs. The film’s main plot is related to a Persian cat’s plans to rule over the world with a beagle standing in the way. You will love to hear the serene voices of Susan Sarandon and Alec Baldwin.
What kids like:
The kids will totally love the action in the movie while they will obviously fall in love with all the cute animals on show as well.
Rated: PG
5. My Dog Skip (2000)
My Dog Skip is a film about a young and skinny nine-year-old and his birthday gift—a Jack Russell terrier. The film, set in 1942, revolves around the boy’s friendship with the dog. The film is inspired from the childhood memoirs of Willie Morris, who later became Herper’s editor.
What kids like:
The kids would love to see the dog Skip commit a variety of hilarious tasks. The sight of the dog driving the car and nicking some bologna would have them in fits.
Rated: PG
6. 101 Dalmatians (1961)
101 Dalmatians is a tale of two pooches whose owners marry one another. The story revolves around the two pooches and some fifteen pups that get adopted and a puppy kidnapper who wants the puppies to earn money through their spotted coats. You will like the message regarding social responsibilities that the film delivers.
What kids like:
The kids would love the fun activities that puppies indulge in throughout the film.
Rated: PG
7. Shiloh (1996)
The story of Shiloh revolves around a child who starts to take care of a beagle after finding out about the dog’s abusive owner. The child lies in the process when he secretly takes the dog to his own home. The film poses very credible ethical questions regarding the topic of animal abuse.
What kids like:
The kids would love the role of Marty who emerges as a hero by saving the frightened dog and would like the transformation of Shiloh from being a scared dog to a brave friend.
Rated: PG
8. Air Bud (1997)
Air Bud is a story of a golden retriever Buddy who becomes everyone’s heartbeat as he dazzles everyone with his basketball skills. The dog even helps a shy kid mount enough courage to try out for the basketball team. The film was adapted from the true story of a stray dog that was discovered from the mountains of Sierra Nevada.
What kids like:
The kids will love the sight of a dog showing basketball skills and mixing itself with the best players in the game.
Rated: PG
9. Homeward Bound (1993)
Homeward Bound tells a tale of three animals—a golden retriever, a bulldog and a cat—as they try to look for their family in the forest of California. You will love the heartwarming ending to the movie.
What kids like:
The kids will love all the animals on show as the film features a porcupine and a mountain lion along with the three main animal leads.
Rated: G
10. Beethoven (1992)
Beethoven narrates a tale of a St. Bernard who slowly gains the love of a father. The film is sometimes dark, though it offers a lot of opportunities to laugh as well. After watching the movie, you might be eager to get a St. Bernard in your home.
What kids like:
The kids will love the funny tale and will obviously fall in love with the gargantuan dog.
Rated: PG
For more recommendations on animal movies for kids, watch the video below: