It is known that the best movies for preschoolers provide emotional training for toddlers. If your toddler is old enough to understand deeper concepts, you can talk to them about what they just watched to discuss lessons learned.
Child Mind Institute calls this “active viewing,” which it describes as “encouraging kids to engage with the content they’re seeing on screens actively.”
Here, you’ll find some popular movies appropriate for toddlers and families. Put one of these movies on and keep your toddler focused enough to allow you to do some chores around the house.
Whether on TV or a tablet, Toddler movies may open up new worlds for your kids. They can also encourage kids to use their imaginations and create a feeling of adventure in them.
According to the Child Mind Institute, children’s screen time improves their learning and self-regulation.
Movies may also help families communicate when parents watch movies with their children and actively participate in the story.
According to the Child Mind Institute, children’s self-regulation skills from watching movies with their parents also provide emotional training.
Children may “reflect on the conduct and actions of characters.”
1. The Incredibles (2004)
‘The Incredibles’ is one of the best movies for preschoolers. It’s a fun Pixar animated movie, and the story revolves around the Parr family.
Bob and Helen Parr are two seasoned superheroes in an alternate universe where superheroes are resented for the collateral damage in battle.
They have offspring with superpowers that have interesting superpowers like them.
The family tries to hide their true identities by dressing as a regular middle-class American family. However, fanboys must repair their familial bonds when they go off the rails.
The movie is captivating, visually stunning, action-packed, and has a strong moral message.
2. Madagascar (2005)
Talking about these wild animals are adored by babies. ‘Madagascar’ is one of the best movies for preschoolers.
The zebra Marty and the lion Alex are close friends, and Alex is the ‘king of New York’ and the star of Central Park Zoo. Marty yearns for a little more adventure in his life and tries to get out of the confines of the zoo.
Melman the giraffe, Gloria the hippopotamus, and Alex try unsuccessfully to persuade him otherwise.
They land in the wilds of Madagascar, where, thanks to a bizarre series of circumstances, they experience the ride of their lives.
3. Baby Boom (1987)
Nancy Meyers co-wrote this smart family comedy about a wealthy lady who becomes the surprised mother of a 14-month-old young girl after her long-lost cousin passes away.
Although this is aimed towards slightly older children, and some gender politics are outdated, Diane Keaton’s impeccable timing keeps the movie-going.
4. Beethoven (1992)
Beginning with the 1992 original story about a huge St. Bernard named Beethoven and the mischief he gets into; John Hughes produced an unexpected success franchise in the 1990s. Although it is mostly a physical comedy for children, adults will be charmed by Bonnie Hunt and Charles Grodin’s great comic timing.
5. Kung fu Panda (2008)
‘Kung Fu Panda,’ one of the best movies for preschoolers, is an entertaining franchise. Comic episodes overshadow the protagonist’s attempt to establish his position among the greats. Po has a fantastic sense of humor and is bound for greatness.
As the dragon fighter, he is tasked with bringing peace to Dragon Valley. As he progresses through his educational cycle, he swings from unworthy to quite stoic about his abilities.
In addition, the movie is brilliantly active, good-looking, and full of slapstick fun, and Jack Black voices it superbly.
6. Ratatouille (2007)
‘Ratatouille,’ directed by Pixar’s own Brad Bird, follows the story of Remy, a determined rat. After his idol’s death, Remy aspires to be a superb chef like his famed chef AugusteGusteau.
After a sad incident, he finds himself in Gusteau’s restaurant, where he corrects the blunders of an inexperienced boy chef named Linguini.
The sauce becomes a smash, and they form covert cooperation to create delicious meals.
The new owner of Gusteau’s restaurant acts as an enemy in the search for the secret, jeopardizing Remy’s life.
In addition, the movie is excellent, with a broad theme of the merits of not giving up.
7. Mary Poppins (1964)
One of the best movies for preschoolers is Mary Poppins, a real Disney classic. It’s a musical fantasy film based on the Mary Poppins series of books by P. L. Travers.
In the movie, Mary Poppins is a funny nanny who looks after Mr. Banks’ children, Jane and Michael. Mary Poppins is also a wonderful character in this fantasy movie.
She uses her magic to overcome several problems while ensuring the kids clean up after themselves.
She’s a fairy in disguise because she provides a happy atmosphere in the house and for the kids and finds answers to Mr. Banks’ work problems.
Julie Andrews’ Mary Poppins casts her spell in the picture, which is a treat for all kids.
8. The Croods: A New Age (2020)
This sequel to the 2013 DreamWorks smash, which was nominated for a Golden Globe and premiered during the 2020 Christmas season, is already available on Hulu.
The full voice cast returns in another story about the beloved prehistoric family, this time when they discover another tribe who has physically walled themselves off from the world’s perils. It’s a little over-the-top, but it’s one of Hulu’s few modern family movies.
9. Toy Story (1995)
Toy Story is one of the best movies for preschoolers and launched Disney-wildly Pixar’s successful Toy Story franchise.
The toys in the film are alive, as they communicate and move like any other person, but they preserve their lifelessness as toys in the presence of humans.
Andy’s favorite toy is Woody, shaped like a western horse rider until he receives Buzz Lightyear as a birthday present.
Buzz is a basic space robot that looks like a Transformer, and Woody is uneasy as he devises a plot to replace Buzz with the help of other toys.
In addition, the movie is a roller coaster of toys performing impossible things and toys being toys.
10. Despicable Me (2010)
Gru’s pride is shattered as he gets stumped by a new villain in town. Gru intends to shrink and seize the moon with the help of his sidekick, scientist Dr.Nefario, and his army of Minions.
He intends to steal the shrink ray from arch-nemesis Vector’s headquarters by posing as three orphans selling cookies.
When the plan doesn’t go as planned, things get serious. Gru enlists the aid of the Minions to save the girls he had previously adopted. As Gru and Vector’s antics escalate, he transforms from supervillain to super dad.
In addition, the movie is intrinsically warm, as good prevails over evil, and the children are adorable.
11. Tinker Bell (2008)
‘Tinker Bell, one of the best preschool movies, is based on J. M. Barrie’s famous drama ‘Peter Pan or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.’
In the movie, Tinkerbell is a fairy who gets her spinoff. She is transported to Pixie Hollow after being born from a baby’s first giggle, and Tinkerbell discovers her real calling as a tinkerer of things.
The journey begins when she befriends four other fairies. The movie is also a genuine continuation of the renowned Peter Pan world, and its simple charm is guaranteed to appeal to children.
12. Dumbo (2019)
Following the failure of ‘Fantasia,’ Disney returned to its roots, searching for a straightforward narrative with plenty of heart.
There was ‘Dumbo’! One of the circus animals, Mrs. Jumbo, gets her kid, and Dumbo is a nickname given to the baby because of his huge wing-like ears.
Dumbo can fly even though other animals socially stigmatize him. The picture is relatively short, set during World War II, and emanates warmth and cheerful enjoyment.
13. Finding Nemo (2003)
This is another heartwarming movie favorite among children of all ages. Nemo is a clownfish whose father, Merlin, is overprotective.
Nemo gets mistakenly lost on a field trip, and his father begins searching for his missing kid.
Dory, a curious blue tang with short-term memory loss, meets him on his quest. To find Nemo in Sydney, they face numerous challenges and adventures together.
Each character’s nature changes throughout the trip as they confront their greatest fears while maturing into greater living entities.
This movie is a kid’s favorite because it shows the undersea environment with great care, and the characters Dory, Marlin, and Nemo have a special place in children’s hearts.
14. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
‘The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,’ another Disney classic, first-time viewers are a must-see.
It’s the famous story of Winnie the Pooh, the honey-loving bear with more heart than honey. Pooh bear has companions that assist him in gathering more honey while battling venomous bees and Tigger, a lethal tiger.
As the movie introduces the iconic characters of Pooh Bear, Christopher Robin, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger, it’s a collection of short featurettes.
