I have been running into issues with finding movies for my younger family members (10 and 7). They get scared easily at movies with overtly evil characters and hard situations. They were terrified of Finding Nemo and Up for reference.
Looking for any suggestions out there of lighter child friendly movies. Thanks in advance
these are great suggestions, my 2 Y.O. loves both films. But if this kids get scared with Finding Nemo, the first minutes of Totoro (with the little black things) will freak them out.
Yeah I don't see Ghibli movies going over well if Up or Nemo scared them. Totoro is very chill, but these kids seem extra scared.
Great idea! I didn’t think about Studio Ghibli
Ponyo as well
I find Ponyo sadly rather tedious. And for GOD'S SAKE don't show them Princess Mononoke! Kiki and Totoro are head and shoulders the best for the younger set.
Tread carefully on Studio Ghibli. Ponyo, Kiki, and Totoro are probably safe bets. Spirited Away and Mononoke probably not so much. Especially if they are scared by Nemo…
Shaun the Sheep
I’ll check this out. Thanks
My kids are the same. Disney movies always kill-off parents. Why?
Shaun the Sheep, and all the Aardman films, are great. The newest Shaun the Sheep movie “Farmageddon” is our favourite.
Paddington and Paddington 2 are both amazing films event outside of the fact that they're kid's films. I can't remember anything from them that would be as scary as the average Disney animated thing.
Not sure how to hide a spoiler, so I'll be as vague as possible. Early in the movie, there is a storm in which someone is killed. It is not at all graphic and is essential to the story, and is not focused on much after the short scene where it happens (3 minutes max.). It may just be me being paranoid, but I would recommend watching that scene first to see what I mean. If that kind of thing bothers them, you may be able to skip it.
Thanks! Great suggestions!
Well, my nieces were about 6-7 when they saw sing for the first time. It’s got a somewhat generic “save the rec center” plot, but they liked the music in it
They loved Sing! Great recommendation for anyone looking for this as well
And, no one dies in it. Concerned that this is outside the norm in a kids movie, but here we are.
The Bad Guys (just added to Netflix recently)
Interesting! Thanks I’ll give it a quick watch
I just watched it today by myself to test it out for my kids. It's not scary at all, very cartoony. Evil plans involve just stealing money using comical means, and no one gets actually hurt.
My kids are very upset by death and threatening villains, too, and I felt they would love this movie.
I did a quick scrub through to refresh my memory and nothing jumped out at me; my nephews loved it (same ages) though admittedly, they are not as afraid of things…it’s a genuinely funny movie; I watched it at their recommendation and also loved it. 😜
Don’t think there’s any scary stuff in Wall-E and it’s a beautiful, touching movie!
Wall-E is terrifying. Early in the movie Eve tries to shoot Wall-E a bunch of times, then loses her temper and blows up a bunch of shit. We didn't even make it to the scene where the steering wheel electorocutes Wall-E to death.
Fair enough!
Also Ratatouille
Doesn’t ratatouille start with like a lady shooting a gun at the rats haha
This is the one I’ve been leaning towards so far
for some reason the first movie that comes to mind is Secret of Nimh.
don't show them Secret of Nimh.
Haha yeah this would not go well
The Pixar movie Inside Out is really good and suitable for that age
Thanks but Bing Bong’s scene would be in that too scary vibe for them
I'm sure there is a website that tell you when the scary parts in films so you might be able to skip that part
Skipping parts isn't necessarily the best thing to do.
Perhaps describing exactly what is going to happen. Act it out. Make a game of it. Imagine you're going to fade away where no-one can see you. Pretend you can't see each other. These are just off the top of my head. Obviously you're the best person to make the decision for your own children. All the best.
Might be what needs to happen
There's a scene before that where they let the nightmare clown out when they are in the dream part, would def skip that as well.
haha bing bong in general was creepy.
So funny to think what some kids find scary. My four year old is fine until suspenseful music starts
Both my kids were crying in this movie.
I was crying!
LOL stay away from all Disney movies
LOL my main issue
I read that Disney does it on purpose. it is to teach kids to overcome the trauma, that is why it is in the beginning, Nemo, Bambi, etc. And always a happy ending.
Stick to books! You can stop and talk, close and finish later, etc.
Except the Winnie the Poohs
Happy Feet
Happy Feet! I forgot about this one
Credentials: I have three children, the youngest of whom is now 11. I've always looked for films with positive female role models as well, rather than the Disney princess shite. I've been very careful over the years to not push them too far, too fast. I'd always sit and watch a new film with them. Also I might preempt some things to help them get over stuff, but of course you're the best person to judge that for your own children. Sometimes it's useful to read the parental guide on IMDb, e.g. for Moana. However, sometimes it can make the tamest of films sound terrible, so take it with a pinch of salt. Also https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ is a useful resource of reviews by parents and children, and classification based upon things parents might be concerned about, e.g. consumerism, alcohol, positive role models, etc. Good luck! Enjoying films with my children is one of the great joys in life.
A bugs life is scary... especially Hopper
"Are you saying I'm stupid?"
"YES! AAA ha ha ha ha ha"
"I will be in my trailer."
Like I say, it's up to individual parents. Talk it through, retell the story in your own words, prepare them, contextualise, reflect on what makes it scary with your children, etc. It helps to talk. Maybe talk about films they've already seen, ask what was scary, how did the film makers/story tellers make it scary, etc, etc. Helping children to not shy away from being scared, showing them how it can be okay, is an important task.
I mean OP said they were scared of Nemo and Up
Well, they're growing.
It might have been better to say what films they do like.
Just found this site! There’s a few on this list that they already have seen and don’t go over too well but I’ll take a look through the list
Despicable Me maybe?
That’s a good one! Thank you!
Minions
Blues Clues Movie
Christopher Robin movie
Great list! Thanks!
I can't think of any that don't have any scenes of peril.My 3 year old loves Encanto the scary bit is not as bad (bruno scene) because the song is catchy you pay attention to that
Haha yeah they had issues with Ratatouille but maybe the dancing and songs will help
Shrek
We did Shrek with them but without seeing any I other Disney/Pixar the movie flew right over their heads
Ratatouille maybe...no super evil characters, but a few scary scenes for the rats.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Megamind
In Rat that hanging knife scene did them in on this one…
The others are good ones. Thanks
If you ever need something shorter than a movie, Pui Pui Molcar on Netflix will be perfect. Maybe the French movie A Town Called Panic - which you do not need to know French for, it's stop motion with animal and cowboy little figurine toys and it's "acted" like the old silent movies so you get the basic story from the movements and plot without dialogue being strictly necessary. Miniscule is another maybe? There are some meanie flies and a ladybug is lost alone for a while, but the bugs are like bugs not people-bugs and there's no talking at all just bug sounds so maybe that would keep the intensity down?
Also, are your nieces okay? They seem a little old for some of the things you've said in your comments are scary to them. Do adults often watch with them and talk about the movies? Kids have to be taught how to process emotions and fictional events, they don't really get it through osmosis just being around older folks. If an adult is watching with them, children will often follow their lead in how they respond to strong imagery. Kind of like how toddlers won't always cry after a fall if the parent stays calm or says something like "wow! you're good at falling! can you show me how to jump?" An adult they trust and love sometimes commenting during or after intense scenes "wow, that would really bother me, I bet they figure it out though bc they are so good at problem solving" or things like that can really help. It helped my kids who did not like even mildly scary stuff, but take it or leave it bc I know there could be a situation I don't know or understand going on and your nieces are just being normal kids.
Thank you for the suggestions and concerns. There’s a lot of factors for them being this way but this is not the place for it
There is a cartoon version of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. I loved that as a kid. You can find it on YouTube.
Old cartoons from the 1980's: Inspector Gadget, Garfield, Care Bears, My Little Pony, Charlie Brown (Peanuts). Most of them are less than 30 minutes. It will be easier for you to screen. And I bet you can find them on YouTube as well. I know the Garfield Christmas special is there. Super cute, no villain.
Great calls! Thank you
There was also a Peanuts movie that came out recently (2015) that might work. Nothing too scary in that one, it's just a long Peanuts cartoon.
I have a nephew similar in this, we found the following to be his favourite:
Cars (2006)
The Grinch (2018)
Sing (2016)
Smurfs (2017)
Trolls (2016)
Amazing list! Thanks
Those Wallace and Gromit movies maybe?
It has some scary stuff, but it's goofy claymation?
That’s a good call!
Luca is lovely and while there are emotional scenes, there's no great peril...
Was just debating to use this one
Requiem for a dream.
Toy Story (1) and Bug’s Life
Sid is terror fuel for them especially his room.
I haven’t seen Bugs Life in a while so I’d have to see if I can get away with Hopper
Are you trolling?
I wish…
Inazuma eleven it's a series
Thanks I’ll take a look
Not a movie, but Avatar the last aribender.
They may pick up some pretty good life wisdom there. Adults too.
Greatest child series of all imho. I agree as I still watch this time to time
If we're doing not-movies, Bluey is one of, if not the, best children's shows I've ever watched. It's wholesome and hilarious without being saccharine or pandering. My wife and I regularly watch it when the kid's not even in the room.
Excellent Aussie series and we all love it. Has so many little bits of Aus culture sprinkled throughout and it's just a pleasure to watch.
A Goofy Movie? Aside from one scene involving a waterfall the movie has very little in the way of peril and no villains. It’s got a badass soundtrack too.
That is a good one as well!
What about the Sasquatch scene!?
I guess but it dancing to the BeeGees kinda diffuses the whole situation.
Fair point!
The beginning of the movie nightmare sequence scares my daughter
Funnily my brother and I couldn't even watch it without falling the floor laughing. The part where he runs right up to the camera and squints and there is some weird foghorn sound in the background?
Still, one of my fav kid films.
Fantastic Mr. Fox maybe?
Never seen. Will check it out
How to train your dragon
Antz
Cloudy with a chance of meatballs
Thanks! I forgot about Cloudy
Mary Poppins (the original - I find the sequel vastly inferior)
Thanks!
>overtly evil characters and hard situations
I don't think Frozen has anything overt in it
Not sure if they would be too old for this, but pretty much any 'Winnie the Pooh' movie. I watched all of them when I was younger, and still go back to them sometimes for comfort when I'm having a bad day because they're so light. No major conflict, peril, or even villains. Just stuffed animals doing their own thing.
The Peanuts Movie had zero peril
We're Back ('93) - wholesome, in my memory
A Troll in Central Park ('94) - not quite what you're looking for, but I'll suggest it anyways
We're Back has one of the creepiest villain scenes in kids movie history, his demise is nightmare fuel
Oof. Whoops.
The Aristocats!
That and Winnie the Pooh are the two safest Disney movies
Watership down builds character.
Never seen this. I’ll check it out
Don’t, they’re joking. It’s typically at the top of traumatic kids movie lists. Take Secret of Nimh and bump it up a notch or two and you got Watership Down.
He's taking the piss, that movie is horrifying (but excellent).
Yeah don't I assumed you'd have heard of it. Definitely not for sensitive kids.
It does build character though.
Dudley doo right. 90s with Brendan Fraser.
Arthur Christmas!
How about a festive movie:
Klaus (2019) - on Netflix (it's one of the best animated Christmas movies to come out in the past few years).
Common Sense Media rate it a 6+
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/klaus
(scroll down to see the section 'what parents need to know' for details on the movie and maybe decide based on that)
and on IMDb many countries have it as 7 or 7+
Arthur Christmas is also excellent. It usually pops up on Netflix each year.
I was going to suggest cloudy with a chance of meatballs. There is a few moments that I guess may be scary based on your description. But also it's food so maybe it won't effect them the same.
The Peanuts Movie had zero peril
I’d say Emperors New Groove maybe? The “scenes of peril” are so punchy with the comedy that they really do just come off as basically slapstick
The Penguin and the Pebble. Some of the calmer Muppet movies. Maybe an Ernest P Worrell movie?
Ponyo might be a good move. Anime interpretation of The Little Mermaid.
My Neighbour Totoro is also wonderful
Penelope comes to mind.
The Muppets movies have already been mentioned, but seem like a good idea too.
If you want to take it even further back, the Herbie movies seem quite innocent to me too.
Movies based on Dr. Seuss's works maybe?
Alvin and the Chipmunks perhaps?
August Rush
(Mr.) Bean
Billy Elliot
Finding Neverland
Mrs. Doubtfire
Hairspray
Pleasantville
Rat Race
Robots
Short Circuit
Surf's up
I hope there's something to your liking in there. Have fun!
[removed]
Angry Birds
Despicable Me
Sing
Happy Feet
Shawn The Sheep
Paddington 1 & 2
There new Paw Patrol movie on paramount+
I would lean more DreamWorks films. I found when the villain threatens someone's life, that's when it got scary for me. So Darla and the explorer in up where both going to kill the main person. Like cruella she was literally going to kill all the puppies. Old Disney didn't pull punches. But kung fu panda it was a battle over a scroll. Over the hedge didn't have death as a stake. I think kids pick up on the gravity of situations really well. That being said my Only qualification is being a child myself once.
2006's Curious George is the sweetest kids movie. Skews a bit younger, but the 7-year-old should love it.
I understand this post is asking for movie recommendations, but this is concerning a little, what's made those poor kiddos so terrified of things like that?
Yeah…we don’t have the time to get into that….
My kids were terrified of Darla.
(1938) - The Adventures of Robin Hood (they still haven't made a better version)
(1959) - Operation Petticoat
(1961) - It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
(1964) - Father Goose
(1965) - The Great Race
(1965) - Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines
(1966) - The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming
(1966) - What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?
(1967) - Doctor Doolittle
(1968) - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (does have a scary character, the child catcher)
(1969) - Monte Carlo or Bust
(1971) - On Any Sunday
(1971) - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
(1973) - The Three Musketeers
(1976) - Cannonball!
(1976) - Car Wash
(1976) - The Gumball Rally
(1980) - Silver Dream Racer
(1980) - The Gods Must Be Crazy
(1981) - History of the World, Part 1
(1981) - The Cannonball Run
(1982) - My Favorite Year
(1982) - Six Pack
(1983) - A Christmas Story
(1983) - Stroker Ace
Y'know; off the top of my head.
Willy Wonka has one of the most terrifying scenes of any children’s movie ever.
I've heard people say that but it never really struck me that way. But if someone easily scared I could see that.
The whole point of the post is that the kids get scared easily lmao
Have you ever met a real child?
I have. Have you ever heard of fast-forward?
Thanks! I’ll take a look through these
If the kids are spooked by Finding Nemo and Up, don’t show them Willy Wonka.
Yeah, that dark acid-trip in a tunnel scene is a no-go.
It's a mad mad mad mad world starts with a bunch of people finding a dying guy.
Finding Nemo and Up? I don't think those kind of scares will leave a scar. I have watch much worst than this as a kid.
I recommend Star Wars Episode IV:A New Hope.
Before you focus on some of the more violent scenes in that film, I think this is so otherworldly and so much of its time and place, that it can prove to be a stepping stone for them getting more courageous to handle more violent fare.
Furthermore, I would think any of the Muppet movies could also work.
I agree as I grew up with this but Vader would not go over well even in such an outlandish setting
Star Wars??? They're afraid of Disney movies. Star Wars is really intense in comparison. You've got angry aliens, sand people, arms getting cut off, people getting shot, Darth Vader, Jawas, and a monster in a garbage compactor.
And it’s so very cute and creatively done.
It’s not enough to have stories without any conflict. I’d promote stories with tense elements, but done in a manner that is otherworldly, to help raise them to become courageous.
These aren't your kids though. Maybe defer to the parent/guardian.
By definition, the parent/guardian will look over the list of suggestions and make his/her own decisions. I’m not forcing them to abide my choice over My Little Pony the Movie. I’m stating that there might be a loophole in the kids’ fears, which they as parents may or may not want to consider.
Brah just call it star wars
Bro is 10 and gets scared at evil characters in movies
Yes she is. Welcome to my issue
By the time I was 10 I was already an Evil Dead and Saw enthusiast.
That's fucked up
Good for you?
and now look at you. you grew up into a loser.
Wdym I ain't a loser
Fucker.
vosha0 t1_iy8i1xa wrote
Kiki’s Delivery Service
My Neighbor Totoro
Try those?