The Absolute Best Movies/Shows For Kids

A true favorite of mine among all films. As other Hayao Mayazaki films do, many of which I also recommend, this film includes elements of mysticism and nature. It centers around two young female protagonists. The film promotes being connected and kind to nature. And Totoro is simply so lovable! (So lovable that I own a Totoro doll...)

This film was so charming and funny. It is quickly becoming one of my favorites. The racial representation of characters is diverse, with an Asian boy as the main character. There is not much very significant female representation though.

An excellent film with a native Hawaiian female protagonist. The filmmakers who were not native Hawaiians referred to native people's knowledge of their culture to make the film. However, there may still be flaws to this representation made by outsiders.

A review proclaiming that Lilo & Stitch is the most feminist-friendly Disney film: http://feministdisney.tumblr.com/post/11134614957/lilo-and-stitch-proof-that-disney-can-get-it-right

Multiracial, many women, and canon lesbian and non-binary characters! An amazing and touching show.

Another beautiful creation from Miyazaki. This film certainly contains one of the most elaborate and creative plots of his movies, if not the most. As many of his movies do, this film also contains meaningful messages of appreciation, loyalty, and love. Love is often at the core of his films, as he praises it in its many forms. There is a little bit of blood and scary imagery.

Here is a review that praises Miyazaki's portrayal of a female protagonist and the depth and dimension he gives the supposedly "bad/evil" characters, which many films directed towards children lack: http://feministdisney.tumblr.com/post/9576935276/so-i-know-its-not-technically-a-disney-film-but

I highly enjoyed this film, especially with its beautiful animation and imagery. Pixar finally created a movie with a female protagonist! Along with feminist messages, this film also contains messages about following one's heart and compassion. What made this film especially refreshing is that there was no emphasis on straight romance for the protagonist.

I can also see Miyazaki's influence, who is a huge inspiration to Pixar, upon this movie with its elements of mysticism and nature.

I just adore Dr. Seuss's whimsical, yet profound, stories. I haven't yet seen the version of this made quite recently, but I doubt it is better than this version that sticks close to the book. I also love the message within this movie, which is that all forms of life, especially all human beings, but even beyond that, are equal in value.

I have not yet seen this but have heard good things about it as Pixar's first film featuring a protagonist of color. The film includes Hindu religious elements.

Encourages nonviolence yet a rather violent movie. Lacks female representation. But has some representation of disabled characters!

A sweet series with a lovely female protagonist who has an amazing imagination. Future sequels may not appeal to children as much, but they are still enjoyable.

The film has a black female protagonist and messages of anti-imperialism and friendship.

Another excellent Miyazaki movie! Once again, there are messages about the importance of respecting nature and nature having a sentient quality.

Another lovely story by Dr. Seuss. This story, however, is probably the most political, overtly at least. This film criticizes human's greediness that parasitically exploits Earth's resources. With an environmental message, this movie also empowers its audience by telling us that we all have the power to change the world for the better.
Quote from the film: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing's going to get better. It's not."

A recent live theatrical rendition of The Wiz, a retelling of The Wizard of Oz that centers black characters and aesthetics. Amazing cast, fantastic visuals. Very enjoyable. I loved that there was a voguing scene in Emerald City and that there was a female Wiz.

A favorite of mine growing up. Many women characters. However, little representation of people of color. Includes allegorical messages about oppression and inclusion.

I dislike that the villain must be socially considered "ugly," while the good person must be socially considered pretty. I also dislike that the movie negatively portrays masculine women, possibly even queer-coding, meaning an association of gay with bad, through the villain.

Still a good movie though that promotes Matilda leaving a rather emotionally abusive household.

Created by a Ghanaian American animator, this film draws on African culture with a young black female protagonist.

One of my favorite Pixar films. This film is just so touching and endearing and includes an environmental message.

And from a feminist lens, Pixar refreshes the dynamic in the typical heterosexual romance between Wall-E and Eve by having her being the one to come to Wall-E's rescue. Eve's character is not as central as Wall-E's though.

A modern, race-bent retelling of Annie with black leads. Some critics found this movie to not be as good as the original. I still enjoyed it a lot.

I haven't watched this in many years, but it seems promising as a race-bent retelling of Cinderella with a multiracial cast.

Though I haven't seen this movie in its entirety in quite some time, I still recall loving it. This is another creative and funny movie made by Pixar. Of course, I also love the message within the movie which challenges prejudice and promotes love and acceptance.

Such an enjoyable, surreal journey!

Perhaps Pixar's funniest film. But more than just that, this is another touching, captivating Pixar creation. This movie encourages acceptance, appreciation, and understanding.

Oh my goodness, this movie was just not at all what I was expecting. This might be Pixar's most serious, emotional movie. This movie just contains so much meaning. It portrays the difficulty people go through with any loss and grieving. It also reveals the waste in resulting isolation and bitterness and the risk that's completely worth it when someone opens up to the world again. I don't know if children would fully appreciate this movie, but it's still great.