The best movies for toddlers the whole family will love

All kiddos should be so lucky as to have a nanny like Mary Poppins. This whimsical Disney tale follows the Banks children as they journey alongside their new caregiver who is nothing short of magical, and we assure you this heartwarming classic will never go out of style.

Who can resist Pooh and his crew? Join our beloved bear as he moseys around the Hundred Acre Wood with the likes of Piglet, Tigger, Owl, Eeyore and other furry friends in this beloved 1977 classic. 

A thumb-shaped old man fulfils his late wife’s wishes with the help of an over-eager Wilderness Explorer and a talking dog named Dug. Kids will swoon at the floating house and Dug’s antics, while parents will have to explain why they’ve been sobbing since the first ten minutes. Anyone who wanders off mid-film deserves the cone of shame.

If we could replace the MTA with everyone's favorite locamotive, chances are that New Yorkers would actually rather enjoy their commutes. In this animated movie, Thomas and his crew leave the Island of Sodor in search of their buddy James, proving the importance of strong friendships.

The classic Disney tale answers the eternal question: ‘What if Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was a flying baby elephant and had giant ears instead of a glowing schnoz?’ The story isn’t precisely the same, but the message is, which is that it’s okay to be different. Just be prepared to respond to nightmares about pink dancing pachyderms for years afterward. 

Who doesn't love getting cozy at the end of a long day? We can't blame Elmo when he goes on a quest to the icky Grouchland to retreieve his blanket  – it's an essential item when you require some r&r. We're with ya, Elmo! 

We'll never let go of this Disney princess movie. Viewers everywhere fell in love with Anna and Elsa as they endured a never-ending winter (Snow Queen Elsa never let the cold bother her, anyway). We explored the ups and downs of sisterhood and belted out a few bops along the way. When Idina Menzel voices the main character, you can't help but sing along. 

Sure, it’s the movie that unleashed those annoying, nattering Minions on the world, but the original Despicable Me indulges in a kind of old-school animated zaniness that works for simple-minded kiddos and nostalgic adults alike. Heck, you might even get a bit verklempt as supervillain Gru has his cold heart unexpectedly melted by a trio of orphans. 

It’s at once a send-up of fairy tales and a classic fairy tale in itself, in which a hideous ogre competes for the affection of a beautiful princess who is way out of his league – or so he thinks. The in-jokes jabbing at Disney will whoosh over your kids’ heads, but everyone can get a laugh out of wisecracking sidekick Donkey. 

When this Pixar movie raced into theaters, it left its tire tracks on our automotive-loving hearts. Though Lightning McQueen meant to head to the Piston Cup Championship in the franchise's first film, we're grateful he loses his way and meets the likes of Doc Hudson, Mater and Sally. 

It's not every day you come across a little boy who was raised by animals. Hang out with Mowgli as he stumbles upon the wonders of Monkey City while in search of the missing bracelet he received from his friend, Kitty. But what happens when Mowgli isn't the only one to discover Monkey City's treasures?

While most Studio Ghibli films are often for much older children, this sweet and charming tale about two young sisters who befriend woodland spirits is brilliant for all ages. Not only is it a beautiful celebration of nature and sisterhood, but little ones will fall in love with the film’s cast of fantastical creatures.

Children will fall head over heels in love with this delightful and energetic Disney Pixar movie about two monsters whose encounter with a young human named Boo changes the fate of the city of Monstropolis forever. Billy Crystal is particularly excellent as the voice of Mike Wazowski, a character so funny that you’ll be laughing no matter your age.

The inhabitants of Andy’s toybox have been part of our lives so long now that it feels like they were our playthings growing up. Likewise, it’s hard to imagine a time when Woody and Buzz weren’t friends, but that’s how they start in this Pixar classic, before coming together to defeat a common enemy: Sid, the toy-torturing miscreant neighbour boy.

This British musical will forever reign supreme on our list of best movies for kids. Truly Scrumptious can't resist Caractacus Potts and his two kids...or his family's wacky car, and we can't resist this classic.