20 Top Disney Movies for Toddlers & Kids

Disney films are a part of everyone’s childhood. Who can forget Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Dumbo that went on to become classics over time? But Disney movies have evolved over time. From turning fairy tales into movies, Disney family movies have started to focus on social issues that are rampant in society today. Most movies for kids on Disney today address issues that parents need to be aware of and make their children informed about it. The older classics have dealt with many issues that probably were relevant to those time but times have changed and we need to make children aware of the current problems in society.

More than problems there are several other aspects of life like sharing, kindness, compassion, charity and many more that children need to understand and hold on to values that will sustain them for life. Regardless of old or new, Disney movies for children always have a theme or moral for parents to pick on and discuss with kids. Check out these best Disney movies for toddlers, preschoolers & kids.

Disney Movies for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Old Disney movies for kids come with messages that are integral to living and existence. Kids between the age of 1-5 are very adaptable. Their brains are like a sponge and what they see, they absorb and live by. We bring to you 10 of the best Disney classics that are a must-watch for kids:

1. The Lion King

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A great Disney movie for 4-year-olds and 5-year-olds, it is classic that both adults and kids will love. It teaches two very important lessons. First is the circle of life. It emphasises that not everyone born is around forever and it is not an easy lesson to learn. Children need to learn this at some point to accept a loss. The second one is, of course, the eponymous “Hakuna Matata” aka “ Have no worries”. It focuses on having an optimistic and happy disposition that could change one’s destiny.

2. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

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A great Disney movie for 3-year-olds, they will love Winnie the Pooh and his entire gang. Pooh’s gentle demeanour, soft voice, sweet and endearing personality will not take long to melt their hearts. His charming friends with distinct personalities like Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Eeyore and Christopher Robin make the movie an exciting watch for babies and toddlers. Each series also teaches kids about friendship, tackling problems and reaching out to friends in times of help.

3. Finding Nemo

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Finding Nemo and Finding Dory are Disney classics that have become kid staples. The animations are gorgeous and the story flows so beautifully that kids are glued to it long after they have finished watching it. Nemo is an enthusiastic fish wanting to explore the world much to the chagrin of his father, while Dory suffers from memory loss as she battles with larger fish in the ocean in his journey. The movies have some witty jokes and take kids through the magical world of sea creatures.

4. Moana

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Moana is one of Disney’s children movies that sends very important messages. It not only has a strong storyline but also sends a message through the look of the characters. Moana is not the typical princess with an impressive silhouette and slender figure. She looks realistic and healthy with some muscle on her arms and legs. She is portrayed as a toughie and changes the standard norms of beauty for children. She is inspiring in her demeanour and kids can get a lot of inspiration from her character.

5. Toy Story

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One of the first Disney films to become extremely popular, it has several sequels. It encourages kids to surround themselves with good people and respecting everyone’s beliefs. It also talks about not judging a book by its cover.

6. Peter Pan

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Based on the timeless book by J M Barrie, this movie is about how children never want to grow up. Peter Pan flies into the Darling family home one night, whisking Wendy and her two younger brothers to Neverland. They befriend his fairy friend Tinker Bell and in finding that children in Neverland that never grow up. They meet the Lost Boys and also defeat the enemy, Captain Hook.

7. Frozen

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A modern Disney classic, Frozen captivates little ones with its magical ice kingdom, lovable snowman Olaf, and the powerful bond between sisters Anna and Elsa. The unforgettable songs (like “Let It Go!” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”) will have preschoolers singing along, while the themes of self-acceptance, courage, and unconditional love make it both entertaining and meaningful.

8. Cinderella

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This timeless fairy tale teaches kindness and resilience as Cinderella overcomes adversity with grace and a little help from her fairy godmother. The gentle pacing, charming talking mice (Gus and Jaq), and magical transformation scene create a sense of wonder perfect for preschoolers. The iconic ball scene, complete with Cinderella’s sparkling blue gown and glass slippers, feels like a dream come true for little ones, while the satisfying ending—where good triumphs over evil—reinforces positive values.

9. Dumbo

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A tender story about a baby elephant with oversized ears who learns to embrace his uniqueness and turn his “flaw” into his greatest gift. The emotional bond between Dumbo and his mother (especially during the heartwarming “Baby Mine” scene) teaches compassion, while Timothy the mouse adds playful humor to balance the story’s more poignant moments. At just 64 minutes, it’s ideal for young attention spans, though parents of sensitive toddlers may want to skip the mildly intense circus scenes or the surreal “Pink Elephants” sequence.

10. The Jungle Book

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Mowgli’s wild adventures with Baloo the bear (“The Bare Necessities”), Bagheera the panther, and the mischievous King Louie (“I Wanna Be Like You”) are packed with catchy songs and jungle fun. The vibrant animation and lighthearted storytelling (like Baloo’s carefree philosophy) make it a hit for ages 3+, though very young viewers might need reassurance during Shere Khan the tiger’s growling scenes. The film’s themes of friendship, bravery, and finding where you belong are woven seamlessly into the adventure, making it both exciting and comforting for preschoolers.

Disney Movies for Kids

Kids after the age of five seek something different in movies and Disney caters to this too. The below list of Disney movies for young kids will make sure your kids have a takeaway from them after every watch:

1. The Hunchback of Notre Dame

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Another good Disney movie for kids to teach viewers to never judge someone on their appearance. Parents will definitely teach this to kids by the movie. It also reinstills the belief that there is a hero in all of us.

2. Mulan

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The main protagonist is a Disney princess who does not care about sparkly ball gowns and dreaming about Prince Charming. Instead, Mulan is a strong-willed, brave and true fighter in body and spirit. It challenges gender stereotypes and does not categorise girls and boys. It also makes kids believe that everyone is the same irrespective of colour or origin.

3. Mary Poppins

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A great Disney movie for 6-year-olds, Mary Poppins is a classic musical about a nanny with supernatural powers. With some rollicking and chaotic twists, the characters walk through the film and learn all about life through music and fun. The nanny celebrates family and fun and also teaches kids discipline and routine.

4. Ralph Breaks the Internet

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A sequel to the movie “Wreck-it Ralph”, Ralph and Venellope are now friends. They discover a new Wi-Fi arcade that leads them to a new adventure over the internet to repair the game and save everyone. The movie is a colourful and clever sequel that tackles the complexity of the online world.

5. Hercules

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The movie brings Greek mythology to life. Baby Hercules, son of Zera and Hera, is taken away by Hades and bought to earth to live among mortals. Hercules needs to prove his worth on Earth to show that it is worth living among the Gods on Mount Olympus. With help from Philocetes his friend, Hercules gains strength to defeat evil creatures on his way.

6. The Incredibles

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The movie is all about a family of undercover superheroes trying to live the quiet suburban life and are forced to save the world. Two super parents come out of retirement but, eventually, their superhero kids in-training end up rescuing them. It stresses on living together as a family and getting together to solve problems and confront them.

7. Encanto

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This vibrant musical tells the story of the magical Madrigal family where every member has a special gift – except Mirabel. The film’s Colombian setting introduces kids to Latin American culture while exploring themes of generational expectations and unconditional love. Mirabel’s journey shows that you don’t need superpowers to be special.

8. The Little Mermaid

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Ariel’s underwater adventures have captivated children for generations with memorable songs like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World.” This classic teaches kids about curiosity, sacrifice, and following their dreams while also showing the importance of communication (literally – since Ariel loses her voice!). The colorful sea creatures and vibrant animation make it visually engaging, while the love story between Ariel and Prince Eric remains wholesome and age-appropriate.

9. Big Hero 6

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Set in futuristic San Fransokyo, this action-packed yet heartwarming story follows teen genius Hiro and his inflatable healthcare robot Baymax. The film beautifully balances superhero action with emotional depth as it explores themes of grief, friendship, and using technology for good. Baymax’s cuddly design and innocent personality make him instantly lovable, while the diverse team of young heroes demonstrates the power of teamwork and innovation.

10. Luca

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This charming coming-of-age story about two sea monster boys exploring the Italian Riviera is a perfect introduction to themes of friendship and acceptance. The sunny animation and lighthearted adventures (like their obsession with Vespa scooters) make it appealing to younger viewers, while the underlying message about embracing differences resonates with all ages. Unlike more intense Disney films, Luca offers a gentle, conflict-light story ideal for sensitive children.

FAQs

1. How early can screen time with Disney movies actually benefit toddlers’ development?

While the American Academy of Pediatrics generally discourages screen time before 18 months, carefully curated Disney movies can support language and emotional development when introduced strategically after 2 years old. The key is active co-viewing – discussing characters’ feelings, singing along to musical numbers, and connecting stories to real-life experiences. Research shows animated films with clear facial expressions and simple narratives (like many Disney classics) can help toddlers recognize emotions when parents provide context.

2. Could the “Disney voice” (high-pitched, musical speech) impact my child’s natural speech development?

Many Disney characters speak in an artificially bright, sing-song cadence that linguists call “musical speech.” While appealing to young ears, prolonged exposure without balance could temporarily affect a child’s natural speech patterns. Parents can mitigate this by mixing Disney viewing with shows featuring naturalistic dialogue, and by modeling normal speech during conversations about the movies. Most children naturally phase out any affected speech by elementary school.

Disney has made so many movies that it is impossible to list all that is a great watch for families and kids. No matter what, Disney has always made movies that are instantly likeable with relatable characters and strong messages. Whether it is books made into films or scripts that have been animated, Disney classics have always been chartbusters and broken records.

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