12 Most Loved Animated Movies Every Kid Should Watch At Least Once

Some films from our childhood are etched in our memories forever. And some are the more recent ones that many of us have loved viewing with our families over the weekend. We asked parents about the most unforgettable animated movies all children should watch, and this is the list we came up with. Many of these films are loved by children and adults love to keep going back to them for their timeless quality or for the quiet life lessons they pass on to us.

Made by well-known Japanese filmmaker Miyazaki, this cute and poignant story is about two sisters in Japan, who move to a new home with their father to be closer to their mother who is in the hospital. The girls encounter magical creatures from the nearby woods who keep coming into their house. One large creature is Totoro, whom they befriend. This lovely story about family and friendship is sure to tug at your heartstrings.

This is a fun film and will make both children and parents fall in love with the characters in this story. Sulley and his best friend Mike work in a factory that produces energy for the monster world, from the screams of little children. They go to the bedrooms of children during the night and scare them to make them scream. One day, a child enters the factory by mistake, and the many adventures that follow form the crux of this film.

This classic from Pixar changed the way we looked at animation films, because it was so different both in terms of storytelling and technology, in a good way. The impactful story of the toys that belong to a boy named Andy and their many adventures strikes a chord with both children and adults. It is all about trust and friendship, a must-watch with family.

Eleven-year-old Riley moves with her parents to San Francisco and is not happy about it. This beautifully picturized animated feature shows how her emotions, sadness, joy, anger, fear, and disgust, headquartered in Riley's brain, fight with each other to find the best way to help her cope with the change. This moving story teaches a lesson on handling strong feelings.

A charming film that both children and adults would want to watch again and again, Up has won many awards and tells the story of an old man, who goes on an adventure in his floating house. It has humor, adventure, and thought-provoking themes of loneliness, everlasting love, family and compassion.

This lovable adventure involving prehistoric animals from the Palaeolithic Ice Age, and its four sequels, are a laugh riot and a treat to watch because of the fantastic scenes created with animation technology. The characters of this cartoon movie, including Sid the sloth, Diego the tiger, and the mammoth Manny form an instant connection with children.

The early Disney version of Rudyard Kipling's famous book brought to life the unforgettable characters Mowgli, the boy brought up by wolves, Sher Khan the tiger, Bagheera the panther, and Baloo the bear. The animated film has memorable music and lots of fun and adventure, woven into a tale of survival, friendship and trust.

This thought-provoking animated science-fiction film about a waste-collecting robot, who is left alone to clean up a deserted city, can be interesting for children and can also get them thinking. This charming movie explores deeper themes of environmental problems brought about by humans.

This visually stunning animated film will just take your breath away while keeping your children engaged. This is a beautiful story based on Irish folklore about spirits and creatures called selkies that exist as seals in water and can transform into humans on land. It has magic, adventure, and cute characters, all that your child can ask for.

This story of a clumsy and lovable panda named Po, who is destined to lead a clan of warriors, has an instant connection with children. The action sequences in the film will keep the little ones as well as parents on the edge of their seats, and the story about triumph and knowing oneself will strike a chord with everyone.

This charming musical based on the legend of the Grand Duchess Anastasia, who is supposed to have escaped an execution, is full of adventure, mystery, and twists and turns. The story revolves around an orphan, Anya, who resembles the Grand Duchess, and her escapades.

The almost lyrical and beautifully made classic by Miyazaki is about a 10-year-old girl, Chihiro Ogino, who while moving to a new house with her parents, stumbles into an abandoned Japanese bathhouse and gets drawn into the world of spirits. A must-watch for all children and adults.

Of course, don't forget Finding Nemo and Ratatouille! What's your favorite list of movies?