Coco (2017)
This vibrant Pixar masterpiece is a celebration of family, culture, and music. The story follows a young boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician, despite his family's baffling generations-old ban on music. On his quest to prove his talent,
he accidentally finds himself in the stunning and colourful Land of the Dead. It’s a visually dazzling and deeply emotional journey about honouring your ancestors and following your passion. With its beautiful animation and an Oscar-winning original song, "Remember Me," Coco is a fantastic choice that opens up conversations about family history and traditions. It’s a film that resonates with both children and adults and is available on Disney+ Hotstar and for rent on other platforms.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
This isn't just another superhero movie; it's a visual revolution. The Oscar-winning film introduces us to Miles Morales, a Brooklyn teen who becomes the Spider-Man of his universe. He soon discovers there are others, and he must team up with Spider-People from different dimensions to save all realities. The groundbreaking animation style, which mimics a comic book come to life, is unlike anything you've seen before. Its heartfelt story about finding your own way and the idea that anyone can wear the mask makes it inspiring for all ages. It's a thrilling, funny, and poignant film that parents will likely enjoy just as much as their older kids. The film is available for streaming on Prime Video and JioHotstar in India.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)
If you’re looking for a film that will make the entire family laugh out loud, look no further. This story centres on the quirky and slightly dysfunctional Mitchell family, whose road trip to drop off their eldest daughter at film school is interrupted by a robot apocalypse. What follows is a hilarious and action-packed adventure as this ordinary family becomes humanity's last hope. The film is packed with witty humour, inventive animation, and a surprisingly touching story about a father and daughter learning to understand each other. It’s a celebration of family, embracing weirdness, and the importance of human connection in a tech-obsessed world. This movie is available on Netflix, and can be rented on Prime Video and Apple TV.
Klaus (2019)
A modern Christmas classic in the making, Klaus is a must-see regardless of the season. The film reimagines the origin story of Santa Claus through the eyes of Jesper, a selfish postman stationed in a grim, frozen town in the North. There he meets a reclusive toymaker named Klaus, and their unlikely friendship brings laughter and joy back to a town that had forgotten it. The film’s stunning, hand-drawn animation style gives it a unique, storybook charm. It’s a heartwarming, funny, and beautifully crafted story about kindness and selflessness that will leave your family feeling warm and fuzzy. Klaus is a Netflix Original and a perfect pick for a cosy night in.
Inside Out (2015)
Pixar has a knack for making us feel all the feels, and this film does it literally. Inside Out takes us inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley, where her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—are characters working at a control centre. When a major life event throws her emotions into chaos, Joy and Sadness must embark on a journey through her mind to restore balance. It’s a brilliantly clever and deeply empathetic film that helps kids and adults alike understand the complexity of emotions. It serves as a great conversation starter with your children about their own feelings and is widely considered one of the best animated films ever made. It can be streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
Hanuman (2005)
For a film that connects with Indian culture and mythology, the 2005 movie Hanuman is an excellent choice. This film was a landmark in Indian animation and beautifully tells the story of Lord Hanuman, from his mischievous childhood to his pivotal role in the Ramayana. The movie showcases his incredible strength, devotion, and bravery in a way that is engaging and inspiring for children. It familiarizes a new generation with one of Hindu mythology’s most beloved figures in an entertaining format. The simple yet effective animation and powerful storytelling make it a timeless classic for families in India.
