In a world of animated films and TV shows, finding something for the whole family to enjoy is often difficult. If you had kids, sure, you could sacrifice watching something silly that strictly panders to children. But why not pick one of the many animated films that checks both boxes? Something that not only keeps your children’s attention but a film that does that while also catering to the adults in the room.        

Movies and TV shows have rating systems for a very specific reason. There are ratings for G-R. With G being the lowest possible rating, G movies are for “General Audiences,” meaning the movie is suitable for all ages. Then, of course, there is a “PG” rating. PG stands for “Parental Guidance”. While many PG films are generally suitable for many or all audiences, certain scenes may be deemed inappropriate for younger children.

Ratings Say Alot With Animated Films

With all the exposure for kids these days, PG is the new G. Looking at the next two ratings, PG-13 and R. PG-13 suggests parental guidance if the viewer is under 13. Of course, R-rated films feature adult content and are restricted to those under 17 without an adult present. I lay out all this to showcase the wide range of films that movie creators have to work with. Somewhere in this range falls the genre of “family movies.” The sweet spot varies from family to family, but the perfect movie for the whole family falls within this range of movie ratings.

(Photo by Vernon Yuen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The movie is not too childish yet witty enough to entertain adults. This is why the rating system is important: Certain films may not have suggestive themes but rather contain more intense concepts. For instance, look at a recently released film like “Inside Out 2,” which is rated PG. Inside Out Two does not have any “suggestive themes,” but the deeper concepts of the film are much more intense than they seem, and they cater to adults.

Adult Concepts With A Childish Delivery Method

Themes of anxiety, fitting in, and loss of joy as you grow older are exceptionally mature concepts in a kid’s movie. It just so happens that this film delivers these themes in such a pretty-colored, easily digestible, and masterfully executed style that nobody questions. Let’s find movies for the whole family! If you continue scrolling, you’ll find several great movies that are appropriate to put on with the kids that won’t bore you to death as a parent! Kids and adults also love movie heroes; read the list of the greatest movie heroes here!          

•  Inside Out

  As previously mentioned, Inside Out and its sequel, Inside Out 2, are masterpieces of what animated movies should strive for. They are films that feature very colorful, kid-friendly characters. The films focus on a kid growing up and how the world forces her to face her emotions and healthily deal with them. Nobody’s perfect, though. You can’t get everything right on the first try! The main character, Riley, and her emotions get the best of her countless times as they try to navigate the world. They are growing and feeling as they go—a truly astonishing set of films that parents can enjoy just as much as their kids.

• Shrek

  Another film that isn’t necessarily for little kids as it possesses some crude humor that adults can and will laugh sarcastically at. There are several very real adult concepts in these movies. However, most of those concepts are simply hiding in plain sight in some of the scenes. The overall plot line is still very child friendly. But for instance, in Shrek 2, there is a specific scene where Shrek, Puss in Boots and Donkey get arrested and the writers poke fun at (some) real life police conduct. Again, it’s placed in the film to poke fun satirically and not to make any kind of bold statement. The main point is that no child would pick up on that though! So many things like this are found in these movies and they for sure will keep the whole family entertained.

   

• How to Train Your Dragon

  Here’s another movie that I thoroughly enjoyed as a 26-year-old man. This is a film that I wish was a part of my childhood, as it is truly an unforgettable watch. It is about an age-old feud that seems to have no end. But a young boy struggling to find confidence in his place in the world unites dragons and people through understanding and a sense of self. Another remarkable watch for the whole family.

• Moana

  It’s yet another movie that is not too childish for any age. An inspirational story of an incredibly strong young woman who is determined to do whatever it takes to save her civilization. She is willing to sacrifice everything to make the world better, and she’s the perfect role model for any little girl. This world needs more fun movies that showcase strong female characters that don’t rely on the strength of others. Moana fits the mold to a tee. If you haven’t watched Moana already, it’s a must-see film.

• Coco

  Coco Is a unique film centered around Dia De Los Muertos or “The Day of The Dead”. It is an incredibly great watch for the whole family with, yet again, themes that are truly captivating for all ages. This movie places an enormous amount of importance on family. Something that I think is crucial to the plot could potentially be very beneficial to a young child learning from a movie. Sometimes, the easiest way for a child to learn things like that is through easily digestible avenues like television or movies like “Coco.”

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