Picking an animated film that the whole family would enjoy can be a difficult task, as sometimes, a cartoon is meant specifically for girls or boys, and at other times, the plot is just too boring for adults to really watch it. The animated film suggestions we offer on this list are versatile and universal, old and new so that everyone can feel like they can enjoy family movie night together. Every film has a trailer that you can view by pressing the play symbol on the video.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
G Rated: allowed for all ages
In a future world where humans seem to have vanished from Earth, the last inhabitant of the trash-laden planet is a small waste-collecting robot. But is he truly alone? Don’t be fooled by the cuteness of animation and adventure plot, this Sci-Fi animated film delves into some pretty deep philosophical questions.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
G Rated: allowed for all ages
A classic that needs no introduction, 'The Lion King' is a family favorite for good reason. One of our favorite aspects of this animated film is how the dramatic twists are skillfully balanced out with episodes of comic relief. Apart from that, it’s a great friendship lesson for kids, and you still have time to show them the original before the computer-animated version comes out in July 2019.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
G Rated: allowed for all ages
One of the most unusual animated films I have ever encountered, 'Ratatouille' is set in a French chef restaurant, where a young kitchen cleaner quickly turns into chef by virtue of a strange friend, a talented and cute little rat cook. But the restaurant’s reputation is in danger, as a fearsome food critic is about to close it down...
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family
PG-Rated: parental guidance required
Marrying the two genres of cartoon and talent show in one is 'Sing', a story about a koala that decides to revive an old theater by making it the scene for a music competition. Apart from some stunning musical performances, the film offers a compelling plot, as the lives of many equally interesting, cute and talented animal characters get tangled together as they become the finalists of the show.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
PG-Rated: parental guidance required
What do you do when your life is past the stereotypical prime, you’re alone, but you dream of becoming an explorer persists? That’s right, you take a million balloons, tie them to your house and fly to the jungle, chasing your dream, unsuspecting of the fact that the source of real happiness was tagging along the whole time. 'Up' is as beautifully complex and layered as a cartoon can be.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
G Rated: allowed for all ages
To see the big picture, it is sometimes necessary to turn things upside down, and in Alice’s world, everything is not how it should be, don’t you agree? Teach the kids that not everything is black and white, and the world can be full of magic and weirdness by showing them this cartoon and remind yourself of that lesson, too. It’s a must-see, in our books.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
PG-Rated: parental guidance required
In this imaginary universe, Vikings have been protecting their village from fearsome dragons for centuries, but are these creatures as malicious as they appear to be? Restoring your faith in humanity is a young Viking boy with a secret dragon pet. But will he be able to preserve the relationship with his pet for long?
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
PG-Rated: parental guidance required
An inspiring story about a boy and his pursuit of music and uncovering of his family history. A young boy Miguel travels to the underworld to ask his great-grandfather why there is a music ban in his family. Colorful and stylistically-unique, this animated film inspires and urges to pursue your talent no matter what, and who doesn't need that?
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
G Rated: parental guidance required
Delve into a traditional Japanese setting with a dash of mystery and magic as you follow the journey of Kubo, a musically-gifted young boy whose past is shrouded in mystery. Featuring a unique style of animation, 'Kubo and the Two Strings' also has a captivating and dramatic storyline, which is sure to attract both adults and kids alike.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
G Rated: allowed for all ages
Although it’s been not so long since its release, 'Finding Nemo' was raised to cult status along with such classic cartoons as 'Little Mermaid', 'Looney Tunes' or 'Tom and Jerry'. Both young and old know about this cartoon, and rightfully so, as the adventures of a worried clownfish and his friends on the quest to save his son are truly captivating, whether or not you’re a fan of marine life or animated films, for that matter.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
G Rated: allowed for all ages
For those of you who love music, a creative artistic style and Ancient Greek and Roman mythology, consider this incredibly famous cartoon. The characters are impeccable, interesting and often very funny, too, so we’re convinced that both kids and adults would enjoy it.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
G Rated: allowed for all ages
This cartoon is a Japanese-American production, and it’s unique in its kind. The film is a heart-wrenching story about the adventures of a unicorn who, when learning that she is the last of her kind, sets out on a journey to find out what happened the rest of her species. The film features many musical compositions, and we are convinced that everyone will be able to appreciate it.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family
G Rated: allowed for all ages
Speaking of animated films based on musical compositions, how could we fail to mention the sequel to the famous 'Fantasia' (1940) feature film, both of which are a composition of short films to classical music compositions. Both films were produced by Walt Disney, and the music of the sequel consists of segments performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by James Levine.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
G Rated: allowed for all ages
The timeless story by Dr. Seuss about an elephant finding an entire tiny civilization in a speck of dust has been turned into a computer-animated film, and a really good one, too, in our opinion. Simply follow Horton’s adventures along on screen, or uncover what philosophical insights the story offers.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
PG-Rated: parental guidance required
All of us have to learn about emotional awareness, especially those of us who are still growing up. This entertaining and funny tale is great at showing how, on the inside, we all have constant emotional struggles, especially at times when our life changes dramatically.
Image source: BagoGames
