Children’s movies that are equally entertaining for adults

Over the years, screens have become more and more incorporated into parenting. The means may have changed, once VHS and antennas and now iPads and Netflix, but the fact of the matter is that they’re everywhere. That doesn’t mean it’s all bad!

Watching movies as a family can be a fantastic way to bond. You enter the emotional ride together, one person’s laughter at a joke can make another laugh even harder, and you all come away from it with the same moral lesson delivered. Of course, that all depends on picking the right movie.

There’s nothing less useful than sitting children down in front of a TV, flicking on whatever mind-numbing movie is playing, and going off to do something else. Instead, why not take advantage of the wide range of movies that you enjoyed as a kid, or watch a new film that everyone can enjoy together?

The children’s film industry isn’t just creating animations that will capture young people’s attention for an hour and a half—these days, most children’s movies are catered towards their parents, AKA the paying customers. And it’s working! There are so many hidden jokes and veiled analogies in children’s films that they’re enjoyable for people of any age.

So, as you gear up for your next family movie night, pick from this long list of flicks that are sure to leave you with the warm, lasting joy created only by shared laughter, endearing characters, and quality time.

Both the original and the long-awaited sequel have absolutely hilarious moments that even adult comedies fail to achieve. Plus, along with imaginative characters, the films tackle some bigger societal issues.

Steven Spielberg’s classic sci-fi story of an extraterrestrial stranded on planet Earth is pure movie magic, and grownups will enjoy the throwback, particularly in seeing a baby-faced Drew Barrymore.

This stunning Studio Ghibli film, about a girl trying to save her family after they’ve been turned into pigs by an evil witch, is a necessary dose of fantasy and artistry for all adults.

The latest live-action version is actually more child-friendly than the animated classic, which includes a scene where Jasmine pretends to seduce Jafar and even kisses him. Both have their hilarious moments, and of course Robin Williams and Will Smith are the gems of each.

Let’s be honest, the best part about having kids is that you can re-watch J.K. Rowling’s magical story of witchcraft and wizardry without being judged, right?

With the underlying message of following your dreams, this movie delivers the slapstick humor and adventurous thrills to keep all viewers invested. Plus, the story is a great reminder that family is one of the best achievements of all.

Dory, played by Ellen DeGeneres, was so funny in this flick that she got her own equally hilarious follow-up, ‘Finding Dory.’

This film adaption of the popular Roald Dahl book is a fantastic throwback (shout-out to Danny DeVito) and the Trunchbull always gets viewers of any age shaking in their boots.

The original 1995 movie is one of the necessary introductions to Robin Williams that every child must have, and the story about a magical board game will keep the whole family enthralled.

Every parent should show their kids this film so they stop complaining about their chores. The catchy tunes will keep you humming along too.

Widely praised, this animated film features an incredible cast including comedy giants like Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, and Elizabeth Banks.

A killer soundtrack (courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda) and an empowering heroine make this a feel-good flick for families of all ages.

Mixing video games and sci-fi villains, this movie has all the fixings for young ones, but it also has some hilarious moments that serve as treats for all the parents who brought their kids to see it.