When you and your kindergartner sit down to a movie, you want it to be really good quality. It’s hard to know which movies are best without taking the time to preview them all. We’re going to save you some time. Check out this list of classic movies for kindergartners, all proven to be kid-friendly and worth the time spent watching them.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937): Most kindergartners already know the timeless story of Snow White, the evil stepmother, the funny and loyal little dwarfs, and the poisoned apple. Enjoy it all over again on screen with this first animated feature created by Disney.
The Wizard of Oz (1939): When a twister sweeps Dorothy and her dog into the land of Oz, she follows the Yellow Brick Road to find the Wizard who can tell her how to get back home. Some kids love Dorothy, others love the Cowardly Lion, or the Tin Man, or even the Scarecrow. Sit down and enjoy all the great characters in this movie with your child!
Miracle on 34th Street (1947): This classic Christmas movie about Kris Kringle (is he the real Santa Claus?) warms the hearts of children and their parents during the holiday season.
Mary Poppins (1964): Two children meet their new nanny and are swept away by her magical antics. A song and dance on the rooftops, an uproarious tea party in the air, and a race between carousel horses are only some of the delights in this classic movie. Will the new nanny and the children be able to lighten up their very serious father? Watch and find out!
The Sound of Music (1965): The hills are alive with the sound of music, and this musical is alive with the heartwarming songs that bring life to a naval captain’s home and his seven children. Humor, history, and just the right amount of adventure delight viewers of all ages.
Annie (1982): Spunky, redheaded orphan Annie is a fun character for your child to watch and relate to. She may be only an orphan, but her character shines in this classic non-animated musical.
Beauty and the Beast (1991): Watch this earlier animated version of the classic fairy tale. Love grows between Belle and the Beast, but the selfish and wicked Gaston tries to spoil the plot. The enchanted palace consists of some fun minor characters who know how to sing some lively songs.
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993): Animal-lovers will love this adventure of two dogs and a cat who try to find their beloved owners by crossing through the California wilderness.
A Little Princess (1995): Enjoy this story of a wealthy and imaginative young girl whose time spent in a strict English boarding school does not diminish her imagination although her position in life is lowered considerably. Will her life ever brighten?
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1999): When you’ve been accidentally miniaturized, the backyard can be a dangerous jungle, and getting back to normal size can seem too hard to manage. This comedy/adventure brings on the laughter and helps kids think outside the box.
Charlotte’s Web (2006): Wilbur the pig realizes he’s going to be ham, and his spider friend works out a clever plan to save him. Wilbur may be “some pig,” but this movie is “something wonderful” to watch with a child who quite possibly has as much empathy and imagination as Fern, the girl who raised Wilbur as a piglet.
Tangled (2010): The tale of Rapunzel gets a modern twist in this funny adventure story where the princess’ rescuer is an unlikely thief named Flynn. This movie contains all the classic elements of royalty, magic, and evil. Your child will be hanging on the edge of his seat to find out how it ends.
Finally, the most current classic movies for kindergartners is:
Frozen (2013): This may be a more recent movie, but it became an instant classic. Enjoy the suspense, humor, and adventure of royal sisters Elsa and Anna as they try to put an end to an accidental perpetual winter in their kingdom.
Plan your next family movie night with one of these great films!
Did we miss your favorite classic movies for kindergartners? Please add it in the comments section below.
