For generations, growing up has been interlaced with the magic of Disney. Between the endearing characters, colorful storylines, and moving messages, few things spark kids’ imagination as a Disney movie does. The characters become catalysts for dress-up or playtime, the songs cycle on repeat, and the storylines orient a kid-size moral compass.
Not only are the best Disney and Disney Pixar movies in the front of our minds and hearts during our childhood, but many of us also go on to fondly reminisce about our favorites long into adulthood, too. Disney movies have been lighting up screens since Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs in 1937, all the way to today, with the latest movie, Hoppers, in theaters now. Fortunately, now, more than ever, we’re seeing a diversity of characters, casts, and plots—ensuring that as many kids as possible see themselves represented in the magic.
So get your Disney+ subscription queued up because we’ve compiled a list of the best Disney movies for every age, from toddlers through older kids.
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Key takeaways
The best Disney movies for kids depend on age. Toddlers and preschoolers love musical, low-stakes films like Cars and The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, while older kids enjoy deeper stories, adventure flicks like Big Hero 6, and live-action Disney films like The Parent Trap. This guide breaks down 100+ Disney movies by age, with ratings and parent tips.
Quick List: Best Disney movies for kids by age
- Toddlers: Cars, Cinderella, Finding Nemo, Frozen
- Ages 4–6: Toy Story, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Moana
- Ages 7–9: Inside Out, Zootopia, Coco, Up
- Ages 10+: Turning Red, The Mighty Ducks, The Princess Diaries, Freaky Friday
Best Disney movies for toddlers
For their first foray into Disney movies, the best ones will present your toddler with sing-song music, happy-go-lucky characters, and a low scare-factor. Keeping them engaged can be especially tricky considering their short attention spans, so you might be watching these movies in two parts, but they’re fun family viewing, regardless.
Cars (2006)
Rated: G
Where to watch: Disney+
Why it’s great for toddlers: Vibrant animation turbocharged with fun, friendship, and race car driving.
Parent watch-out: While the Cars movie franchise includes Cars 2 and Cars 3, parents caution that Cars 2 is a little violent and best suited for older kids.
In a world where towns are populated with cars, a young, ambitious racecar named Lightning McQueen is a star obsessed with winning. One day, he finds himself in a small town called Radiator Springs on the way to another race. Little ones will feel for Lightning McQueen’s ambitious determination to be the best, while also recognizing that the friends he makes are also key to what makes him a winner.
Finding Nemo (2003)
Rated: G
Where to watch: Disney+
Why it’s great for toddlers: A visually stimulating underwater adventure with a simple plot: reunite Nemo with his dad, Marlin.
Parent watch-out: You might just want to skip the scary barracuda moment at the beginning of the movie, as well as Dory and Marlin’s encounter with a scary deep-sea anglerfish.
This kaleidoscope underwater adventure follows companions Marlin and Dory as they set out to rescue Marlin’s son, Nemo, who has been captured by a diver and confined to a fish tank. Little ones will be mesmerized by the vivid colorscapes and in giggles by the antics of quirky characters. Plus, it’s a lovely melange of entry-level messages about the courage, persistence, and kinship that can define those bravely taken journeys of our lives. The sequel, Finding Dory, also offers toddlers who insist on repeat viewing another movie to check out.
Frozen (2013)
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Disney+
Why it’s great for toddlers: Simple plot-line, sing-along music, and heroes with magical powers. Plus, the sweet, good-natured snowman, Olaf, who “likes warm hugs.”
Why parents love it: Instead of a romantic love story, this Disney princess flick centers on love between sisters. Plus, the music is epic.
Parent watch-out: The snow monster Marshmallow might be mildly scary for some kids.
A must-watch for many a toddler—and human of any age, at that—is this treasured story of newly anointed Queen Elsa, who is fumbling with her magical powers, and her princess sister, Anna. Elsa mistakenly curses their kingdom into an eternal winter, while Anna loyally embarks upon a mission to save it and regain closeness with her sister. With its wonderfully catchy songs, toddlers get to experience a heartwarming quest against dazzling winter scenes and learn the power of love, the joys of sisterhood, and the rewards of perseverance. The sequel, Frozen 2, adds to these lessons as kids grow, teaching children to manage fear and accept change, even when it is difficult.
Pooh’s Heffalump Movie (2005)
Rated: G
Where to watch: Disney+
Why it’s great for toddlers: Shorter 1 hr 16 min run time, low-stimulation, and cute, fun-loving characters.
Why parents love it: Simple themes of friendship and teamwork. Plus, heartwarming original music from Carly Simon.
This movie, produced by Disneytoon Studios—a division of Disney—never made it to theaters, but it’s definitely a hidden gem Disney movie for toddlers. Pooh and his adorable gang of friends—Piglet, Tigger, Roo, Rabbit, and Eeyore—try to catch a seemingly mysterious Heffalump. In befriending one named Lumpy, they come to find out that strange appearances can be misleading—Heffalumps are actually kind! If you want your little one to learn the lesson of being open to the pleasant surprises of new friends, no matter what they look like, this is it.
More animated Disney movies for toddlers:
- Cinderella — G (1950)
- The Aristocats — G (1970)
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — G (1977)
- The Tigger Movie — G (2000)
- Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (Disney short film) — G (2017)
Best Disney movies for kids ages 4-6+
Preschool is such a sweet spot for Disney movies—it’s at this age that the characters, the adventures they go through, and the lessons they learn really start to stick. Many princess phases begin at this age, too, and you’ll find many of the Disney Renaissance animated movies in this list. From adorable Dalmatians and lion cubs to friendly monsters and astronauts, to brave adventurers, your preschooler is going to have the best time discovering their Disney movie favorites on this list.
Mary Poppins (1964)
Rated: G
Where to watch: Disney+
Why kids love it: The musical mix of live-action and animation sparks imagination.
Parent watch-out: This film is a little long for young kids at 2 hr 19 min, so you may have to watch it in two parts.
With their mother busy fighting for women’s suffrage and their father unhappy in his work at the bank, children Michael and Jane are in need of a new nanny. When the magical Mary Poppins (played by Julie Andrews) appears, adventures ensue in this Academy Award-winning musical movie.
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Rated: G
Where to watch: Disney+
Why kids love it: Talking furniture, sing-song music, a bookworm, and a loveable beast.
Why parents love it: The nostalgia, the music, and it was the first Disney animated movie Oscar-nominated for Best Picture.
Of the countless princesses Disney has brought to life, Belle is certainly one to be admired—for her beauty, yes, but her brains, too. A book lover with a big heart, this classic Disney movie captures her compassionate attempts to soften the heart of a prince-turned-beast, upon having been locked up in his castle. Besides showcasing a strong female protagonist and a fantastical series of characters, Beauty and the Beast has memorable messages about acceptance, bravery, and the sacred nature of inner beauty.
Aladdin (1992)
Rated: G
Where to watch: Disney+
Why kids love it: The Genie, brought to life by Robin Williams, remains a hilarious Disney icon—plus, the music is undeniably catchy to sing along to.
Parent watch-out: The Cave of Wonders and Jafar’s snake transformation can be scary for some kids. The film has been criticized for stereotypes and sexism, which may warrant ongoing family discussions.
What kid hasn’t housed a collection of wishes that they dreamed would come true? Aladdin’s golden opportunity to rub a magic lamp and share his wishes offers hope that it’s possible. Overall, the movie is an enduring gem, filled with adventure, humor, uplifting songs, and a meeting of hearts.
Encanto (2021)
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Disney+
Why kids love it: Colorful setting, music to sing on repeat, and lovable characters.
Parent watch-out: Bruno may feel scary at first, but his theme song is so catchy.
Encanto centers on the colorful, close-knit Madrigals—a Colombian family where each member has a unique gift, except Mirabel. One of the newer films on the list, it tackles the complexity of family dynamics in a kid-friendly way. Viewers begin to understand how intergenerational family bonds crumble without empathy and understanding. This Disney movie also gets bonus points for the soundtrack! Lin-Manuel Miranda produced the bulk of the music, and after watching the movie, the songs are sure to become a staple in your household.
More animated Disney movies for kids ages 4-6+:
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs — G (1937)
- Alice in Wonderland — G (1951)
- Lady and the Tramp — G (1955)
- One Hundred and One Dalmatians — G (1961)
- The Jungle Book — G (1967)
- The Rescuers — G (1977)
- The Fox and the Hound — G (1981)
- The Little Mermaid — G (1989)
- The Rescuers Down Under — G (1990)
- The Lion King — G (1994)
- A Bug’s Life — G (1998)
- Toy Story — G (1995)
- Toy Story 2 — G (1999)
- Monsters, Inc. — G (2001)
- Lilo & Stitch — PG (2002)
- Bolt — PG (2008)
- The Princess and the Frog — G (2009)
- Toy Story 3 (2010)
- Tangled — PG (2010)
- Monsters University — G (2013)
- Moana — PG (2016)
- Finding Dory – PG (2016)
- Frozen II – PG (2019)
- Toy Story 4 – G (2019)
- Luca – PG (2021)
Best Disney movies for kids aged 7+
By elementary school, kids are beginning to really anchor some defining aspects of their identities. They’re more sure of what their interests are, who their role models are, where their imagination goes, and what makes them laugh.
When it comes to pairing them with Disney movies they are going to love, chances are they’re going to have a pretty good sense of what might click for them, not to mention they can handle some of the scarier moments that might have frightened them as younger viewers. Parents can begin to introduce more of the best Disney live-action movies. And you’ll find many family favorite movies from the ’80s and ’90s on this list, ready to revisit with your own kids.
Mulan (1998)
Rated: G
Where to watch: Disney+
Why kids love it: Brave and battle-tested Mulan comes out a surprising hero, along with her loveable sidekicks and a fun soundtrack.
Parent watch-out: The battle scenes might be intense for some younger viewers.
Mulan boldly disguises herself as a man so that she can replace her ailing father in the Chinese army. By defying gender norms and lifting up her friends along the way, she is a fantastic role model who shows kids that you can live outside the box, take risks, and emerge triumphant. Not to mention, the song “Reflection” by Christina Aguilera, included in this movie’s soundtrack, is unforgettable.
The Parent Trap (1998)
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Disney+
Why kids love it: Finding a long-lost sibling and playing pranks on the adults? A kid’s dream.
Why parents love it: A millennial favorite full of nostalgia and summer camp vibes. Plus, supporting characters Chessy and Meredith Blake are enduring icons.
The 1998 remake of The Parent Trap is an all-time favorite. The story of two twin sisters separated as babies, both played by Lindsay Lohan in her breakout role. At age 12 the twins find each other at summer camp and team up to reunite their parents.
The Incredibles (2004) & The Incredibles 2 (2018)
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Disney+
Why kids love it: Preserves the charm of superheroes for older kids
Parent watch-out: The Incredibles opens with a scene that touches on suicide.
Though the Parr family is supposed to hide their superpowers because society has outlawed them, they have been called to revive their heroic abilities in order to save the world. Blending satisfying action with the meaningful bonds that keep families close, these movies give kids—every parent’s little superheroes—a sense of purpose for sharing the special abilities they possess.
WALL-E (2008)
Rated: G
Where to watch: Disney+
Why kids love it: A loveable robot on a mission to save Earth.
Parent watch-out: Humans are depicted as lazy, obese, and obsessed with technology and overconsumption, which may feel both timely and require some family conversations.
For a little flavor of sci-fi coupled with delightfully clever characters, Wall-E is one of its kind when it comes to Disney movies. Wall-E is a resourceful robot who spends his days collecting treasures and organizing waste in a future Earth devoid of humans. When he sparks a connection with the polished robot EVE, they combine forces and attempt to save the destiny of humanity. School-age kids start to become more sensitive to climate issues and human conflict, so they will definitely resonate with these robots’ do-good mission and their intent to protect both people and the planet.
Inside Out (2015)
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Disney+
Why kids love it: Colorful characters depict emotions in an easy-to-understand way.
Parent watch-out: The themes in both movies can be a little sad/heavy at times.
As kids are coming to grips with the range of emotions they might experience on any given day, Inside Out and the sequel Inside Out 2 are both stellar depictions of how our emotions—even when they’re unpleasant—can be to our advantage. The story centers around Riley, and the inner workings of her emotions—all of which have been personified as characters. The emotions don’t always see eye to eye about what’s best for her as she tries to navigate a new city, school, sports teams, and friendships. Ultimately, however, the emotions all care about her well-being, and the movie leaves kids with the invitation to befriend and honor each of their emotions.
More animated Disney movies for kids age 7+:
- Peter Pan — G (1953)
- Robin Hood — G (1973)
- Pocahontas — G (1995)
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame – G (1996)
- Hercules – G (1997)
- Tarzan – G (1999)
- Ratatouille — G (2007)
- Up – PG (2009)
- Brave – PG (2012)
- Wreck-It Ralph – PG (2012)
- Big Hero 6 — PG (2014)
- Zootopia – PG (2016)
- Coco – PG (2017)
- Ralph Breaks the Internet– PG (2018)
- Raya and the Last Dragon – PG (2021)
- Elemental – PG (2023)
More live-action Disney movies for kids age 7+:
- Swiss Family Robinson — G (1960)
- The Parent Trap — G (1961)
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids — PG (1989)
- Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken — G (1991)
- The Mighty Ducks — PG (1992)
- Cool Runnings — PG (1993)
- D2: The Mighty Ducks — PG (1994)
- Remember the Titans — PG (2000)
- The Princess Diaries — G (2001)
- The Rookie — G (2002)
- The Lizzie McGuire Movie — PG (2003)
- Miracle — PG (2004)
- The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement — G (2004)
- Enchanted — PG (2007)
- Cinderella Live Action — PG (2015)
- Jungle Book Live Action — PG (2016)
- Beauty and the Beast Live Action — PG (2017)
- Aladdin Live Action — PG (2019)
- The Little Mermaid Live Action — PG (2023)
Best Disney movies for older kids 10+
Older kiddos are reaching the point where they’ve evolved alongside the (potentially many) Disney and Disney Pixar movies they’ve found they enjoyed the most so far. Now they can stretch their minds to some of the added character complexities and brushes with existential themes.
Whether you have an older kid with evolving interests or one still rooted in what they adored years back, you can count on a captivating Disney movie to nourish their growth!
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Disney+
Why kids love it: Time travel, a spaceship, and a hilarious robot named Max.
Parent watch out: Some language.
Looking for an ’80s family movie? Put on Flight of the Navigator. Twelve-year-old David disappears in the woods and is discovered eight years later—but he hasn’t aged. As scientists try to determine why, David escapes on a spaceship adventure alongside his robot assistant, Max—voiced by actor and comedian Paul Reubens. While kids might be skeptical of the 1980’s special effects, the movie still holds up.
Turning Red (2022)
Rated: PG
Where to watch: Disney+
Why kids love it: Meilin turns into a giant red panda when her emotions get the best of her.
Why parents love it: Set in 2002 Toronto, it has plenty of nostalgic throwbacks like Tamagotchis, UGG boots, and the boy band craze.
Parent note: The film does mention periods and pads as well as some more mature language.
Turning Red is a coming-of-age story following 13-year-old Meilin Lee as she manages friendships, crushes, her overprotective mother, and “the change” when she turns into a giant red panda. The movie may give tweens—and parents—a peek at what’s coming and an opening for conversations before you both get there.
More of the best Disney movies for ages 10+
- The Rocketeer — PG (1991)
- Newsies — PG (1992)
- Hocus Pocus — PG (1993)
- The Nightmare Before Christmas — PG (1993)
- Tom and Huck — PG (1995)
- Heavyweights — PG (1995)
- Freaky Friday — PG (2003)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl — PG-13 (2003)
- Holes — PG (2003)
- National Treasure — PG (2004)
- Secretariat — PG (2010)
- Tron: Legacy — PG (2010)
- Maleficent — PG (2014)
- Soul — PG (2020)
- Cruella — PG-13 (2021)
- Onward — PG (2020)
- Jungle Cruise — PG (2021)
- Inside Out 2 — PG (2024)
New Disney movies (2025–2026)
Disney/Pixar always has exciting new films in development—from original films young kids will love like Hoppers, to live-action remakes of and sequels to nostalgic favorites. Here are some of the most recent Disney movie releases and what’s coming soon.
Best new Disney movies for ages 5-7
- Elio (2025) — G — age 5+
- Lilo & Stitch Live Action (2025) — rated PG — age 6+
- Zootopia 2 (2025) — PG — age 7+
- Hoppers (2026) — PG In theaters now — age 7+
- Toy Story 5 (2026) — PG coming to theaters June 19, 2026
- Moana Live Action (2026) — PG coming to theaters July 10, 2026
Best new Disney movies for ages 8+
- Freakier Friday (2025) — PG — age 8+
- Snow White Live Action (2025) — PG — age 8+
- Tron Ares (2025) — PG-13 — age 13+
Katherine Ballesta-Rosen, Former Editorial Intern
Besides being an avid reader and writer since girlhood, Katherine decided to kick her literacy-laden background up a notch by receiving her Master’s in teaching, and went on to teach English Language Arts to high schoolers for several years. As a former intern at The Everymom, Katherine wrote about topics such as maternal wellness, relationships, and more.
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
Kathy Sisson has been a key contributor in the editorial parenting space for eight years, not only as a full-time editor at The Everymom but previously as a freelance writer for top parenting sites, including Scary Mommy, Motherly, Parent Co., and more. As an editor at The Everymom, she has produced hundreds of articles on a range of parenting topics, reviewed dozens of family-focused products, interviewed leading experts in the children and parenting world, and created viral parenting social media content. A mom of two, she is committed to sharing the honest, helpful, and often humorous stories of motherhood.
