The 10 Best (and Not Scary) Movies for Toddlers
Real talk: If you watch one more episode of Paw Patrol, you’re going to go f***ing postal on those cartoon canines. You need a proper movie. And you need it NOW. Here, ten great flicks that are all appropriate for the under-five set.
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‘The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh’
Based on the classic tales from A. A. Milne, this movie follows Pooh Bear and his pals on a series of fun-filled shenanigans around the Hundred Acre Wood. There’s some mild danger here (think: Pooh getting chased by a swarm of bees) but no scary monsters or ghouls to speak of.
Scary moments: Rabbit gets lost in the woods by himself, which may upset some sensitive kids.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 74 minutes
‘My Neighbor Totoro’
Two sisters move into a new house, where they encounter plenty of weird and wonderful creatures (the soot spirits at the start of the film may be a little frightening for some, but they’re not around for long).
Scary moments: The girls’ mother is sick in the hospital, but these scenes aren’t sad or distressing.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 86 minutes
‘The Jungle Book’
Bagheera the Panther and Baloo the Bear try to convince a young man-cub named Mowgli to leave the jungle and join the human world in this Disney classic. Just try not to sing along to “Bare Necessities.”
Scary moments: The final fight scene between Baloo and Shere Khan (a tiger) may be a little intense for sensitive viewers.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 78 minutes
‘The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland’
When Elmo’s blue blanket accidentally gets thrown away, he embarks on a journey to Grouchland to get it back. Kids will love the catchy songs and parents will love the valuable lessons about sharing and working together.
Scary moments: There’s a bad guy who wants the blanket for himself…but that’s about it.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 73 minutes
‘Curious George’
The man with the yellow hat (voiced by Will Ferrell) travels to Africa in search of a rare artifact but returns with a stowaway. Now back in New York, he must look after his pet monkey while halting plans to demolish the museum where he works.
Scary moments: There’s nothing scary about this funny tale although impressionable kids may need reminding that some of George’s whacky antics are for monkeys only.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 87 minutes
‘Thomas & Friends: The Adventure Begins’
All aboard this train-filled adventure that follows a fearless young tank engine getting to know his new home, the Island of Sodor. Features lots of great themes about friendship, hard work and cooperation.
Scary moments: There’s nothing scary here, although the bickering amongst the engines may cause adult viewers to require extra vino.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 45 minutes
‘The Snowman’
There’s no dialogue in this animated adaptation of the classic children’s book—just beautiful music, a sweet storyline and short run time for more distractible viewers.
Scary moments: None. (The snowman does melt at the end but the child isn’t upset about it.)
Recommended age: 2+
Run time: 26 minutes
‘The Peanuts Movie’
The popular comic strip comes to life in this family-friendly flick starring the whole Peanuts gang. While Charlie Brown tries to win over the love of his life, Snoopy is determined to defeat the Red Baron.
Scary moments: No scary moments although Lucy is her usual rude self so you might want to make sure your kid doesn’t pick up any of her sass.
Recommended age: 4+
Run time: 93 minutes
‘The Gruffalo’
This TV short is based on the classic children’s book about a mouse walking through the forest and outwitting predators along the way. A cute animation that will let your mini know that smarts are more important than size.
Scary moments: There are a few imaginary scenes where the mouse is being eaten by other animals, but the little creature triumphs in the end.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 40 minutes
‘The Red Balloon’
This Oscar-winning short about a red balloon following a young French boy named Pascal around Paris is pure magic. With little dialogue and beautiful scenery, this film will captivate little kids (and grown-ups, too).
Scary moments: A little bit of bullying where a group of kids chases the boy to try and steal his balloon.
Recommended age: 3+
Run time: 34 minutes
