Disney has existed in childhood decades. It be it the old-fashioned hand-drawn animation or the new CGI adventures, these films do not just entertain children, but they educate them about goodness, courage, love, and life. In the case of toddlers and preschoolers, the correct Disney films may bring huge values in the simple, colorful, and entertaining manner. Here is the list of 15 must-watch Disney movies, which are divided and discussed by parents with lessons.
Disney Movies for Ages 2–5 (Toddlers & Preschoolers)
1. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
- Reasons children enjoy it: Light hearted narration and mild humor, likeable characters.
- Learnings: The friendship, empathy, problem-solving.
- Parent tip: Question, “What could you do to help your friend, who is like Piglet, when he is scared?
2. Finding Nemo (2003)
- What kids like about it: Rainbow world of the ocean, smart characters, and jokes.
- Lessons: Courage, self-reliance, love in the family.
- Parent tip: Talk about why the dad in Nemo was overprotective - and when children should go out on their own.
3. Frozen (2013)
- Why children are obsessed with it: Memorable music, magic abilities, the relationship between Anna and Elsa.
- Lessons: True love does not always have to be romantic it can be family.
- Parent suggestion: Discuss sibling love and acceptance.
4. Cars (2006)
- What makes kids into it: Rapid vehicles, race, and comedy.
- Lessons: Lesson of humility, of being a team player, of making friends more important than fame.
- Parent tip: Question, What is better, to be a winner or a helper of a friend?
5. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
- Why children adore it: Monsters that are more ridiculous than harmful.
- Teachings: Courage to overcome fear, benevolence, friendship.
- Parent tip: Discuss the fact that things that seem fearful may not be so bad in the first place.
6. Moana (2016)
- Why children like it: The adventure, magic, sea, powerful characters.
- Lessons: Self-discovery, respect to nature, courage.
- Parent question: Question, What is it that keeps Moana bold, even when she is scared?
7. Toy Story (1995 & sequels)
- What kids like about it: Living things, funny situations and action.
- Others: Friendship, loyalty, coping with change.
- Parent tip: Talk about the experience of having a new friend in your life.
Disney Movies for Ages 5–8 (Early School Years)
8. The Lion King (1994)
- Why children adore it: Animals, music, Hakuna Matata.
- Lessons: Circle of life, responsibility, courage.
- Parent tip: Be prepared to discuss loss (the death of a parent, Mufasa).
9. Peter Pan (1953)
- Reasons why children prefer it: Flying, magic, Neverland.
- Lessons: creativity, teamwork, courage.
- Parent hint: Speak about the balance between being young and remaining young at heart, but being responsible.
10. Encanto (2021)
- Why children are fond of it: House of magic, catchy songs, graphic imagery.
- Lessons: Each child is special and not only with talents but also in personality.
- Parent suggestion: Question, What is special about you without magic?
11. Zootopia (2016)
- The reason the kids like it: Adventure, funny animal life.
- Learnings: Diversity, inclusion, tolerance.
- Parent tip: Discussion on the importance of everyone being heroes regardless of their size and background.
12. Inside Out (2015)
- Why children love it: Emotic feelings as characters.
- Lessons: How to feel and how to manage it.
- Parent tip: Have your child identify the things that make him or her feel Joy, Sadness or Anger.
13. Big Hero 6 (2014)
Reasons why kids like it: Baymax, the huggable robot, action, superheroes.
Lessons:Compassion, grief, team work.
Parent tip: Teach the concept of empathy and caring about other people by using Baymax as an example.
Disney Movies for Ages 8+ (Older Kids & Family Viewing)
14. Coco (2017)
- The reason why kids like it: Music, family, color images.
- Lessons: Family ties, remembering the ancestors, pursue their passions.
- Parent tip: Talk about why it is better to remember and show respect to the loved ones.
15. Brave (2012)
- The reason why kids are fond of it: Powerful princess (Merida), magic, adventure.
- Lessons: independence, responsibility, mother-daughter relationships.
- Parent tip: Discuss the need to listen and compromise in families.
How to Make Movie Time Educational
- Watch together: This is when parents are a part of the game as children learn better.
- Stop and explain: Pause when you are confused or scared and tell the story in simple terms.
- Ask questions: Stimulate critical thinking, “What would you do if...?
- Relate to real life: Link movie ethics (sharing, kindness, courage) with everyday life.
- Lesson to be repeated: Strengthen the ethical by mentioning it in daily life.