20 Best Animal Movies for Kids to Watch and Enjoy

By Anisha Nair | Updated: 23/04/2025

Kids love animals, and they love watching movies too – just imagine your kid’s delight when he watches a movie that may feature animals! Funny animal movies for kids are a fantastic way to entertain, educate, and inspire young minds while fostering a love for nature and wildlife. These films often feature heartwarming stories, funny moments, and valuable life lessons that children can easily relate to. If you are on the lookout for animal movies, then your search may end here, as we shall be making some recommendations of animal movies that your kid may love to watch. From animated adventures to live-action tales, these movies showcase the bond between humans and animals, teaching kids about friendship, courage, and compassion.

Animal Movies That Kids Will Love to Watch

Kids get fascinated with various kinds of animals and may want to know more about them. Apart from enjoying watching their favourite animals on screen, the following movies may help your child learn some good virtues and values too. Here are some of our recommendations for animal films for kids:

1. Stuart Little

This is a 1999 release, and the protagonist of the movie is a small rat named Stuart. This rat is adopted by the ‘Little’ family as their second child. The story revolves around the adventures and ordeals this adorable rat faces throughout the movie. The character of the villainous cat ‘Snowbell’ is exceptional, and it does full justice as an antagonist.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

5+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

Kids would love to watch this movie because it is amazing the way the director depicts a rat to be a part of a human family – not as a pet, but as a family member. The various adventures that Stuart goes through are hilarious and amusing, and will surely entertain your child.

2. 101 Dalmatians

Originally released in 1961, this movie is great for a kid who is an absolute dog lover. The movie features two dogs named Pongo and Perdita who meet in London Park. Eventually their owners marry each other. The story revolves around these two dogs and their fifteen puppies. There is a dog kidnapper who wishes to kidnap these puppies in order to help a fur-crazed woman named Cruella de Vil, who wishes to make fur spotted coats. It is a great movie that spreads a message of fulfilling social responsibilities.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

4+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

Your child would love to watch the adorable puppies do all kinds of funny activities throughout the movie.

3. Shiloh

Released in 1996, this movie is about a dog which is rescued by a child named Marty. Marty finds a beagle on a bridge, and after learning that the dog is being abused by his owner, Marty takes the dog to his home and protects him. The movie may help your child understand about animal abuse and how it may adversely affect animals.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

7+ years (due to mild emotional themes)

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

Kids will love to watch a child who becomes an instant hero after saving a dog from the treachery of his master. The transformation of Shiloh from a frightened dog to a brave one is also something that kids may like to watch.

4. Beethoven

This movie came in the year 1992, and it features a Saint Bernard in the lead role. The film deals with a dog’s struggle to win over his father’s love. The film has some hilarious moments and scenes that may amuse your child. The movie may have such an impact that your kid may urge you to get a Saint Bernard as a pet.

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Suitable Age Group

5+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

The acts of this gigantic dog are not only funny, but he is an absolute charmer in the movie. Your child will love the way the dog makes efforts to win the love of everyone around him.

5. Airbud

This dog flick, released in the year 1997, is an adaption of a true story of a rescued dog. The film’s protagonist is a dog named Buddy. The story revolves around this golden retriever which helps a shy kid muster up enough courage to play basketball with his teammates.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

6+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

Kids would love to watch a dog show off his basketball skills, and they may find it hilarious to see how a dog tries to fit into the team.

6. My Dog Skip

The film released in the year 2000, is set in the year 1942. The film revolves around a 9-year-old boy who gets a dog, a Jack Russell Terrier, on this ninth birthday and how their friendship develops. The film takes its inspiration from Willie Morris’ childhood adventures.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

7+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

The acts of Skip are too entertaining and hilarious. The sheer idea of a dog driving a car and stealing bologna from the butcher is rib-tickling.

7. Cats and Dogs

This 2001 movie shows the age-old tussle between dogs and cats in a fun way. The central idea of the story is a Persian cat’s plan, which involves ruling over the world. However, the plan seems a bit far-fetched when a beagle comes into the scene. The voice over by Alec Baldwin and Susan Sarandon render an added edge to the movie and make it funnier.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

5+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

The cute battle between the cats and dogs is adorable and funny at the same time. The movie is a real entertainer.

8. Free Willy

First screened in the year 1993, this is a movie which describes the friendship of a whale and a 12-year-old child. Both, the whale and child, want freedom as one stays in a fish tank and other in the foster home. The way their friendship forms is what the movie all about.

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Suitable Age Group

6+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

Kids would love to watch a sea giant play games with a little boy and how the boy teaches some fun tricks to the whale.

9. Old Yeller

This heart-wrenching flick was released in 1957. The movie revolves around a dog that arrives on a farm on his own. This stray dog becomes attached to the family staying on the farm and even risks his life in protecting them from a wild bear. This story may not have many funny elements, but it depicts the love and devotion that the dog shares for the family.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

8+ years (emotional ending)

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

Kids may love the way dog tries his best to protect the family.

10. Homeward Bound

Released in 1993, this movie revolves around a golden retriever, a bulldog, and a cat. All three of them are looking out for their lost family in the forests of California. The movie also features various other animals as the three animals’ quest progresses in the movie.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

5+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

The kids would love the various adventures and perils their four-legged friends undertake as they make their way back home.

The above-mentioned movies are our recommendations of some of the best animal movies that you can make your kid watch.

11. The Secret Life of Pets

First screened in 2016, this animated comedy reveals what pets really do when their owners leave home. The story follows Max, a terrier whose perfect life is disrupted when his owner brings home a sloppy mongrel named Duke.

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Suitable Age Group

5+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

Kids will giggle at the pets’ wild antics and secret lives, especially when a fluffy white bunny leads a gang of abandoned pets.

12. Zootopia

Released in 2016, this animated film follows Judy Hopps, a bunny police officer who teams up with fox con artist Nick Wilde to solve a mysterious case in the mammal metropolis of Zootopia.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

6+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

The colorful animal world and hilarious sloth scene at the DMV will have kids laughing while learning about prejudice and determination.

13. Babe

This 1995 live-action film tells the story of Babe, an orphaned piglet who believes he can be a sheepdog. With kindness and courage, he wins over the farm animals and humans alike.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

5+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

Kids adore the talking animals, especially Babe’s polite manners and his unexpected success at sheep-herding.

14. Finding Nemo

First released in 2003, this Pixar classic follows clownfish Marlin’s epic journey across the ocean to rescue his son Nemo, with help from forgetful Dory.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

4+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

The vibrant underwater world, funny sea creatures, and heartwarming father-son story captivate children of all ages.

15. The Lion King

This 1994 animated masterpiece follows Simba, a lion cub who must accept his destiny as king after his father Mufasa’s tragic death.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

5+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

The unforgettable songs, funny Timon and Pumbaa duo, and exciting animal kingdom drama make this a timeless favourite.

16. Charlotte’s Web

The 2006 adaptation of E.B. White’s classic novel tells how a clever spider named Charlotte saves Wilbur the pig from slaughter through her miraculous web messages.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

6+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

Kids connect with Wilbur’s innocence and cheer for Charlotte’s creative solutions to help her friend.

17. Madagascar

Released in 2005, this animated adventure follows four zoo animals who find themselves shipwrecked on Madagascar after escaping their enclosures.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

5+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

The penguins’ antics and King Julien’s hilarious dance moves (“I like to move it, move it!”) keep kids endlessly entertained.

18. Dolphin Tale

This 2011 true story follows Winter, a dolphin who loses her tail in a crab trap and learns to swim with a prosthetic tail.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

6+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

Kids are inspired by Winter’s resilience and the human-animal bond that helps her overcome challenges.

19. The Jungle Book

The 2016 live-action remake follows Mowgli, a man-cub raised by wolves, as he journeys through the jungle with panther Bagheera and bear Baloo.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

6+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

Baloo’s fun-loving personality and the exciting jungle adventures make this a thrilling watch.

20. Happy Feet

Released in 2006, this musical follows Mumble, an emperor penguin who can’t sing but discovers an amazing talent for tap dancing.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Suitable Age Group

5+ years

Rated As

Why Kids Will Love Watching This Movie

The penguin dance sequences and catchy songs make kids want to dance along with the characters.

How to Choose a Perfect Animal Movie for Children

Animal movies for kids are a great way to entertain and educate young minds while fostering empathy and love for creatures big and small. Here are a few key factors to consider before picking the perfect animal movie for your child.

Check the Age-Appropriateness: Ensure the movie’s content is suitable for your child’s age. Some animal films may have intense scenes, mild peril, or emotional moments that could be overwhelming for very young kids. Look for ratings, parental reviews, or summaries to gauge if the movie aligns with your child’s sensitivity level.
Consider the Educational Value: Many wild animal movies teach important lessons about friendship, bravery, or environmental conservation. Choose films that not only entertain but also introduce meaningful themes, helping your child learn while they enjoy the story. Documentaries and animated films with factual elements can be especially enriching.
Look for Engaging Storytelling & Humour: Children are more likely to stay interested if the movie has a fun, engaging plot and lighthearted moments. Slapstick comedy, talking animals, or adventurous storylines can make the film more enjoyable while keeping young viewers entertained from start to finish.

FAQs

1. Can animal movies help children overcome the fear of certain animals?

Some kids are afraid of dogs, spiders, or even larger wildlife. Carefully selected and good animal movies that portray these creatures in a friendly or heroic light can help reduce fear by fostering positive associations. Parents should start with gentle, humorous, or heartwarming films before introducing more realistic depictions.

2. Do animal movies influence kids’ attitudes toward pet adoption?

Films featuring rescued or adopted animals (like strays or shelter pets) may inspire children to view pet adoption more favourably. However, parents should discuss the responsibilities of pet ownership afterwards to ensure kids don’t romanticise the idea without understanding the commitment involved.

3. Are there animal movies that promote environmental awareness?

Beyond entertainment, some films subtly (or directly) address topics like deforestation, endangered species, or ocean pollution. These can spark early eco-consciousness in kids. Parents can enhance the impact by discussing the real-world issues portrayed and exploring kid-friendly conservation activities afterwards.

Movies help in developing a child’s vocabulary, as well as visual memory. However, there are various other types of intelligence that you should begin developing in your child at a young age. The Intellikit is a monthly subscription box that has interactive and fun activities for kids based on a unique theme each month. Each activity focuses on one of the eight ‘smarts’ in children, which together promote all-round development. So, set your child on the road to fun learning by subscribing to these activity boxes, today!

Also Read:

Musical Movies for Children
Best Educational Movies for Kids
Back-to-School Movies for Kids
Best Animated Movies for Children
Fun Facts About Animals for Kids

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