The Best Movies, Shows, and Watching Tips For Kids ages 3-12

In creating and researching our articles on movie night traditions, I realized that many of my friends already have a similar tradition. We found they were excited to share their movie or show picks and routines and it seemed a shame to waste, so we’re sharing it here.

Here’s what we learned from asking around and reading about other’s experiences broken down by age group. 

Movie Night for Kids Ages 3-6

• The Best Movies:

  • Shorter films or specials (60 minutes max).

  • Movies that teach a positive lesson (e.g., any Charlie Brown or Winnie the Pooh movie).

  • Movies that are also books (e.g., Animated Eric Carle books and Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed).

  • Long movies to watch in parts (e.g., Cars, Finding Nemo, and Frozen).

• The Best Shows:

  • Shorter episodes (20-40 minutes).

  • Shows that are interactive (e.g., Dora the Explorer and Gabby’s Dollhouse).

  • Shows that teach a positive lesson (e.g., Ada Twist, Scientist, Doc McStuffins, Daniel Tiger, Peg + Cat, and Rosie’s Rules).

  • Super short shows - everyone gets to pick one (e.g., Bluey)

• Watching Tips:

  • Emphasize fun and excitement!

  • Recommended screen time for this age group is one hour/day but you can watch a longer movie in multiple parts or for a musical you could fast forward for the songs.

  • Create simple themed snacks or crafts to go along with the movie.

  • Keep movie nights consistent (same night each week, for example).

  • Incorporate brief discussions before and after the movie (e.g., "What did you learn?" "How did the character feel when…?").

  • Pick something the adults can enjoy too!

Movie Night for Kids Ages 6-9

• The Best Movies:

  • Longer films (up to 90 minutes).

  • Movies that include adventure, light fantasy, or animated films with a bit more depth. (e.g., Inside Out 1 & 2, The Lego Movie, and Moana)

  • Movies that have stories with more complex plots, but still appropriate content-wise (e.g. Elemental, Up, and Big Hero 6)

  • Movies that explore cultures (e.g., Coco, Encanto, Vivo, and Raya and the Last Dragon)

• Watching Tips: 

  • Share the responsibility of creating snacks or setting up the space.

  • Encourage family members to make predictions about the plot or characters beforehand to build excitement.

  • Ask open-ended questions after the movie is over like, “How do you think (character) was feeling when…”

Movie Night for Kids Ages 9-12

• The Best Movies:

  • Movies with more advanced themes, but still age-appropriate. (e.g., Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, The Lego Movie, Harry Potter Series, and The Princess Bride)

  • Movies that tackle themes like courage, self-discovery, or friendship. (e.g. Inside Out, Spirited Away, and Barbie)

  • Think outside the movie- maybe there is a nostalgic show or video game you’d like to experience together. 

• Watching Tips:

  • Let kids help choose movies, introducing a sense of anticipation and participation.

  • Share the responsibility of creating snacks or setting up the space.

  • Have a movie rating system and let kids rate the film afterward, keep track using a physical poster or a digital shared document.

  • Make it interactive with post-movie discussions, where kids can talk about the movie’s themes or even create their own fan theories.