16. The Incredibles (2004)
A superhero movie that is smart, funny, and super appropriate for kids, The Incredibles features a whole family of superbeings, including Mr. Incredible (voiced by Craig T. Nelson), Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), and their kids Violet, Dash, and baby Jack-Jack, whose powers are just starting to reveal themselves. The Incredibles remind us that families really are a team, and we’re way more powerful when we work together.
17. Enchanted (2007)
This partly-animated but mostly live action comedy/fantasy gem works on two levels — as a parody of classic Disney princess movies, and as an actual Disney princess movie, featuring Amy Adams, James Marsden, Patrick Dempsey, and Susan Sarandon, all at the top of their game.
18. Frozen (2013)
There’s a reason devoted fans of Frozen can’t let it go. Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell) are unforgettable as sisters torn apart by Elsa’s uncontrollable ice powers. The pulsing plot is full of surprising twists and turns, and it’s refreshing for a Disney princess movie to value sibling love above the romantic kind. Plus, there’s a sequel, Frozen 2, coming out on November 27, 2019.
19. The Peanuts Movie (2015)
Classic Peanuts cartoons are a blast to share with kids, especially “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” but when it comes to full length features, the newest movie might actually be the best. It captures all the funny and memorable quirks of insecure Charlie Brown, loudmouth Lucy, World War I-obsessed dog Snoopy, and the rest of the gang with a heartwarming story about Charlie’s brief foray into popularity.
20. Moana (2016)
Based in Polynesian lore, Moana is the story of a strong and spunky leader-in-training who embarks on a dangerous sailing journey to save her people. Her sidekicks include a dim-witted rooster named Hei Hei and the shape-shifting Demigod Maui (voiced by The Rock) whose motives aren’t always pure. Gorgeous Disney animation, catchy songs (written by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda), and a heart of gold cement this newcomer in the kid movie canon, at least according to everyone in my daughter’s first grade class.
Photos: Getty
