First Movies for Kids

As attention spans grow, kids get eager to watch longer movies. But with very young kids, anything scary or super intense will probably be too much. We've hand-picked some of our favorites -- including delightful picture book adaptations and beloved animated classics -- that have plenty of positive messages and role models for kids and parents to enjoy together. Read the reviews before you settle in so you can prep kids for anything that might disturb or confuse them. For even more ideas, check out our 50 Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12.

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The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland Poster Image
MOVIE

The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland

age 3+

Sesame Street fans will love this sweet movie.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1999)
Blue's Big Musical Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

Blue's Big Musical Movie

age 3+

Blue puts on a musical.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1999)
Curious George: Royal Monkey Poster Image
MOVIE

Curious George: Royal Monkey

age 3+

Beloved monkey trades places with royalty in gentle tale.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
The Daniel Tiger Movie: Won't You Be Our Neighbor? Poster Image
MOVIE

The Daniel Tiger Movie: Won't You Be Our Neighbor?

age 3+

Daniel helps a nervous new neighbor friend feel at home.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Tiger Family Trip Poster Image
MOVIE

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Tiger Family Trip

age 3+

More kid-friendly entertainment from inquisitive tiger cub.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
Dinosaur Train: What's at the Center of the Earth? Poster Image
MOVIE

Dinosaur Train: What's at the Center of the Earth?

age 3+

Dino family's fun journey emphasizes curiosity, courage.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
The Gruffalo Poster Image
MOVIE

The Gruffalo

age 3+

Favorite book adaptation promotes brains over brawn.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)
Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Jake's Never Land Rescue Poster Image
MOVIE

Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Jake's Never Land Rescue

age 3+

Fun-filled adventure is engaging for young pirate fans.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Lost and Found Poster Image
MOVIE

Lost and Found

age 3+

Picture-book adaptation will delight even youngest kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Poster Image
MOVIE

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

age 3+

Remains faithful to A. A. Milne's beloved classic stories.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1977)
Meet the Small Potatoes Poster Image
MOVIE

Meet the Small Potatoes

age 3+

Singing spuds' mockumentary is funny for kids and grown-ups.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Miffy the Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

Miffy the Movie

age 3+

Sweet animated film reinforces preschool skills in fun way.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
One Big Ocean Poster Image
MOVIE

One Big Ocean

age 3+

Biodiversity, environmental concerns in marine adventures.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
Paw Patrol: Mighty Pups Poster Image
MOVIE

PAW Patrol: Mighty Pups

age 3+

Paw Patrol movie shines a light on perseverance and courage.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Room on the Broom Poster Image
MOVIE

Room on the Broom

age 3+

Short and sweet adventure about a generous witch.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
The Snowman Poster Image
MOVIE

The Snowman

age 3+

Charming, wordless, book-based holiday fable for all ages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1982)
The Snowman and the Snowdog Poster Image
MOVIE

The Snowman and the Snowdog

age 3+

Sweet holiday sequel about a boy who misses his dog.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Stellaluna Poster Image
MOVIE

Stellaluna

age 3+

Picture book gets a sweet musical adaptation for families.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2012)
Thomas & Friends: The Adventure Begins Poster Image
MOVIE

Thomas & Friends: The Adventure Begins

age 3+

Trains' sweet origin story promotes friendship, cooperation.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Tigger & Pooh and a Musical Too Poster Image
MOVIE

Tigger & Pooh and a Musical Too

age 3+

Hundred Acre Wood pals learn lessons in friendship.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)