Best Animated Movies—For Grandparents and Their Grandchildren

We watch a lot of movies with our granddaughter. If you’re a parent or grandparent or babysitter or basically anyone who spends time with children, you will also know that you will probably watch their favorite ones over and over again. I am certain we watched Frozen when it first came out on video several times every day for at least a year. I was more than ready to just “Let It Go!”

When I was growing up, I would have to say that The Wizard of Oz was my favorite movie. It aired on television one time a year. I would anticipate that one day of the year each and every year. I remember one year, our TV was on the blink and my dad set up a small black and white TV that had a picture that constantly rolled.

I cried and cried because I didn’t get to watch the movie that year!

Now we have the movie on video and also on our Amazon Prime account so I can watch it anytime! My granddaughter has not shown interest in this classic movie…yet! But because she is so much like me, I’m pretty sure she’s going to love the adventures of Dorothy, Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion! Oh, and don’t forget about Toto and the Wicked Witch of the West!

Most of the movies that attract the interest of children include a fun mix of music, adventure and drama, at least in the case of my granddaughter. It’s kind of funny because my grandchildren and I most often enjoy the same kinds of movies. Even my grandson!

Here is our pick for the best five animated movies that not only are fun to watch, but also teach a valuable lesson.

Frozen

Frozen is the story of two young sisters, one with a special gift. Anna and her sister Elsa, The Ice Queen, are caught in a story about fear and the power of love to overcome all wrong.

With a host of other characters including mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven and Olaf, this musical, animated drama includes the hit song, “Let it Go.”

It is an epic journey that teaches children that love can conquer evil. It’s a wholesome message for all of us.

It stars Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff.

My granddaughter and I give Frozen a 5 out of 5 rating! There are some scary things that take place in the movie.

At first, Anna was my granddaughter’s favorite character. Everything was about Anna! Now that she’s five, everything is about Elsa the Ice Queen!

Click this link or the image below to purchase this movie.

Monsters, Inc.

We absolutely love Monsters, Inc. the story that focuses on two monsters Sulley and Mike Wazowski.

Sulley and Mike Wazowski are the top scare team at Monsters, Inc. The scare factory they work at collects screams for energy in the city of Monstropolis. Without screams there is no power for the city.

When human little girl “Boo” enters their life, their entire world changes—for the better and they learn the powerful lesson that there are things stronger than fear including love!

The movie stars John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Mary Gibbs.

My granddaughter and I give Monsters, Inc. a 4.5 out of 5. The movie is a bit scary for younger viewers.

Click the link or the image below to purchase this movie.

Moana

Again a wonderful movie which incorporates one of the elements that children (and adults, too) love—music! Who knew that Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) could sing? It’s a pleasant surprise.

Moana is the story of a young girl who is very curious about the world outside of her tiny island which is dying.

Moana sets sail with the help of her grandmother on a mission to save her people. Along the way she meets Maui—a once powerful demigod who reluctantly helps her.

Music, daring adventure and drama pack this movie making it a delight to watch and to learn from. Sometimes we have to go against the odds to make a difference in the lives of our family and friends.

The movie stars Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House.

We give this movie a 4.5 out of 5. There are some elements that can be frightening for younger viewers.

Click the link or the image below to purchase this movie.

Beauty and the Beast

This is one of my favorite movies—I prefer the animated to the live action one, but both are very good. Because I love this movie, it was only natural that I would introduce my granddaughter to it.

Beauty and the Beast is the story of Belle, a beautiful peasant girl who wants more than “this provincial life!”

Her father, an inventor, goes to a fair to show an invention, but gets lost in the woods. Cold and afraid, he enters the enchanted castle of the Beast.

Through music, drama and danger, the movie teaches the lesson that beauty is only “skin-deep” and that love really is blind—it is the heart that counts.

“Be our guest” and enjoy this wonderful story! The animated version stars Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White. The live-action version stars Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans.

We give the animated version a 5 out of 5 and the live-action version a 4.5 out of 5 (because my granddaughter and I prefer the animated version.)

Click the link or the image below to purchase this movie.to purchase this movie.

Finding Nemo

This is one of the first movies we watched with our granddaughter. She enjoyed the bright color of Nemo the clown fish! Her favorite fish is still the clown fish!

Nemo is a young clown fish who gets separated from his dad, Marlin. The story revolves around Nemo, Marlin and Dory, a friendly, but very forgetful fish who helps Marlin in his search for Nemo.

Nemo is taken to a dentist’s office and there, he and his fellow captives in the aquarium come up with an escape plan for Nemo.

The movie stars Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould.

We give Finding Nemo a 4.5 out of 5.

Click the link or the image below to buy this movie.

Tying it all Together

Children’s movies can be very good teaching tools giving our children, grandchildren excellent life lessons. The combination of music, action and drama make for a fine fit for most children. Some scary elements may need some explanation from an adult who should watch with their child/grandchild.

Thank you for visiting my site. I would love to hear your thoughts on this post. Please leave questions or comments below and I will get back to you very soon!

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About the author

Karin Nauber, “G.G.” is a professional journalist who has worked in the newspaper business for the past 27 years. She is also a grandmother who, along with her spouse, is raising one of their granddaughters. G.G. has five grandchildren with whom she enjoys spending as much time as possible. She began this website with the hope of helping other grandparents who may be struggling with their role as parent/grandparents. If you would like to contact her, please do so at: gg@grandparentssecondstory.com.