Ridham Vashishth
Films for children have etched their enchanting niche, one that can mesmerize not just youngsters but those young at heart as well. Whether it’s the whimsical charm of animations, the adrenaline rush from action adventures, or the heartwarming pull of comedies, the range and depth of kids’ movies have seen a significant upswing. With the rise of streaming platforms, cinema trips have evolved into cozy movie nights at home, and what better platform to explore than Paramount+?
Bursting with diverse offerings from animations to live-action, Paramount+ ensures a cinematic treat for every kiddo and the kid in every adult. Seeking a chuckle-filled comedy, an epic adventure, or an animated delight? Dive in as we journey through the best G and PG-rated gems on Paramount+. This list is the ultimate cinematic compass for the young and the forever young.
12. Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021)
Directed by Walt Becker, this movie is about Clifford, a Vizsla, who has a peculiar trait. He grows in size after receiving love. So when misfit middle schooler Emily Elizabeth (Darby Camp) brings little Clifford home and gives him all her love, he grows to be the size that is almost equivalent to that of their house. As expected, people start to notice, and among them are those of a genetic facility that thus plans to bring Clifford in for tests. How Emily keeps her best friend safe as he wreaks havoc, much to the entertainment of the viewers, while affecting people’s lives in unexpected ways is what we get to see in this sweet kids drama. The rest of the cast includes Jack Whitehall, Darby Camp, Tony Hale, and John Cleese. ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ can be streamed here.
11. IF (2024)
Directed by John Krasinski, ‘IF’ is a live-action/CG fantasy comedy starring Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, Krasinski, and Fiona Shaw. We meet twelve-year-old Bea (Fleming), who, in her tragic state, joins a man named Cal in his endeavor to provide children with Imaginary Friends, AKA IFs, as their previous human companions have all grown up. As Bea and Cal go about providing humans with their suitable IFs, she finds a new sense of purpose and gets a new way of looking at life. ‘IF’ deals with loss, bereavement, imagination, self-expression, and individuality while keeping things simple and enjoyable for kids and even grown-ups, especially visually. The film offers a stellar and highly-talented voice cast, including Steve Carell (‘Despicable Me’), Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. (‘The Batman’ animated series), Awkwafina (‘Kung Fu Panda 4’), Emily Blunt (‘Animal Crackers’), and George Clooney (‘Fantastic Mr. Fox), among others. You can watch ‘IF’ here.
10. Swindle (2013)
‘Swindle’ is an adventure comedy film directed by Jonathan Judge, skillfully adapted from Gordon Korman’s novel of the same name. Griffin, the main character, stumbles upon a multi-million dollar baseball card, only to mistakenly sell it at a staggering loss. Griffin and his friends embark on a thrilling adventure to retrieve the card. This ensemble film boasts a talented cast, with Noah Crawford, Chris O’Neal, Jennette McCurdy, Noah Munck, Ariana Grande, Ciara Bravo, and Fred Ewanuick taking the lead roles. ‘Swindle’ isn’t just about the chase; it’s a heartfelt tale about friendship, trust, and perseverance, making it an enthralling watch for kids who love action-packed stories underlined with valuable life lessons. You may watch the film here.
9. Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)
As the title suggests, the James Bobin directorial is based on the popular Nick Jr. animated series ‘Dora the Explorer.’ It follows 16-year-old Dora (Isabela Moner), her pet monkey, Boots, and their friends as they set off on a thrilling adventure to find Parapata-the Lost City of Gold in Peru before the bad guys, led by a man named Powell (Temuera Morrison), can get access to it and steal its riches.
However, the route is filled with obstacles, including quicksand and other kinds of traps, and only teamwork can lead them to success. Moreover, Dora’s parents (Michael Peña and Eva Longoria) are also missing, and she has to find them. Brilliantly performed and a true homage to the original animated show, ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ can be enjoyed by kids and their parents too. It can be streamed here.
8. The Addams Family (1991)
Based on the iconic cartoon and the black-and-white animated sitcom, Barry Sonnenfeld’s ‘The Addams Family’ centers on the titular sophisticated and macabre family. When the missing brother of the patriarch returns, the family is overjoyed. However, it is soon revealed that the brother is not who he seems to be and has his nefarious intention. It is up to the Patriarch to find the truth before it’s too late.
While this is the main plot, it is the depiction of the family and its gothic lifestyle that make the movie hilariously entertaining. Starring Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, and Christina Ricci, ‘The Addams Family’ is renowned for its special effects and costumes and was awarded the Best Horror Film of the Year by the Horror Hall of Fame. You can watch it here.
7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)
‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ is an animated superhero film directed by Jeff Rowe. This reimagined story, co-written by a talented team including Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Jeff Rowe, Dan Hernandez, and Benji Samit, takes us on a fresh adventure with our favorite turtles. When a mysterious mutagen falls into New York’s sewers, it transforms four turtle brothers and a rat into mutants. Years later, they embark on a mission to stop a mutant gang’s plan to dominate over humans.
The ensemble voice cast features Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Ayo Edebiri, Maya Rudolph, John Cena, Rose Byrne, Giancarlo Esposito, Jackie Chan, Ice Cube, Paul Rudd, Post Malone, and Hannibal Buress. This film is a rollercoaster of action, humor, and heartfelt moments, making it perfect for kids. Its underlying themes of family, acceptance, and identity resonate deeply, ensuring it’s not just another superhero film but a tale that speaks to the heart. Feel free to check out the movie here.
6. Paw Patrol: The Movie (2021)
‘PAW Patrol: The Movie’ is an animated action-adventure comedy directed by Cal Brunker. The film is based on the popular television series ‘PAW Patrol,’ created by Keith Chapman. This film adaptation sees Ryder and the PAW Patrol pups rushing to Adventure City, where the newly-elected Mayor Humdinger is stirring chaos. With the familiar voices of Kingsley Marshall, Keegan Hedley, Shayle Simons, Lilly Bartlam, and Ron Pardo, the voice cast is further enriched by stars like Iain Armitage, Marsai Martin, Yara Shahidi, and Kim Kardashian. ‘PAW Patrol: The Movie’ finds its spot on this list due to its captivating storyline, exhilarating adventure, and themes of teamwork and bravery, making it a delightful watch for kids. You can watch ‘Paw Patrol: The Movie’ here.
5. Blue’s Big City Adventure (2022)
Featuring the world’s most beloved puppy, Blue, from the Nickelodeon show ‘Blue’s Clues & You!’ which is a revival of ‘Blue’s Clues’ (1996–2006), ‘Blue’s Big City Adventure’ is a live-action/animated musical comedy-drama. In the movie, Josh (Josh Dela Cruz), the host of ‘Blue’s Clues & You!,’ and Blue arrive in New York to audition for a Broadway musical. It is directed by Matt Stawski. A must-watch for kids, it can be streamed right here.
4. Rags (2012)
‘Rags,’ directed by Bille Woodruff, is a Nickelodeon Original musical film that gives a contemporary, gender-switched twist to the classic Cinderella tale. The film navigates the world of Charlie Prince, a talented orphan with musical aspirations, and Kadee Worth, a pop sensation yearning for genuine expression. The leading roles are played by Max Schneider and Keke Palmer, supported by a talented cast including Drake Bell, Avan Jogia, and Zak Santiago. The movie captivates its audience through its enthralling music, vibrant performances, and underlying themes of self-identity and determination. It’s a fresh take on the age-old story of dreams and destiny, making it a delightful addition for kids. You can stream ‘Rags’ here.
3. Surf’s Up (2007)
Directed by Ash Brannon and Chris Buck, ‘Surf’s Up’ is an animated mockumentary comedy that explores a teenage penguin’s love for surfing. As Cody Maverick (Shia LaBeouf has voiced) sets off for the Big Z Memorial surfing competition on Pen-Gu Island to win it and prove himself, he makes new friends and has new experiences that make him realize that there’s a lot more to life than just winning. Appreciated for its visuals, powerful story, and life morals, ‘Surf’s Up’ is a charming drama custom-made for kids. It can be streamed here.
2. Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ is a thrilling action-adventure comedy film directed by Jeff Fowler, based on Sega’s iconic video game series. In this exhilarating tale, Sonic teams up with a local sheriff to thwart the evil plans of the brilliant but wicked Dr. Robotnik. Ben Schwartz voices the lightning-fast blue hedgehog, Sonic. The film boasts a talented ensemble, including James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Jim Carrey, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, and Donna J. Fulks. As a modern adaptation of a beloved gaming franchise, this movie perfectly captures the essence of the original character while introducing him to a new generation, making it an unmissable movie for kids who adore high-paced adventures. Feel free to check it out here.
1. Rango (2011)
‘Rango’ is an enthralling animated Western comedy film directed masterfully by Gore Verbinski. The film follows Rango, a chameleon with an identity crisis, as he becomes the unlikely savior the town’s been waiting for. With voice talents like Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin, Ned Beatty, and Bill Nighy, it transports viewers to the arid world of Dirt, a drought-stricken town in need of a hero. Combining humor, action, and a unique aesthetic, ‘Rango’ stands out for its compelling narrative and the intricate detailing of its animated world. Its innovative take on the classic Western genre and lessons about self-discovery make it a must-watch for kids seeking action-packed tales with heart. You may watch it here.
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