As a parent, I have been subjected to more than my fair share of animated kid's movies and shows that do nothing but numb my brain into a television induced coma. This is especially true when it comes to some classic animated films.
But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes one of these movies aimed specifically at kids is just so good, that we as adults can get away with watching it, and enjoying it, as adults even without our children.
If you happen to be a parent in the same boat as me, I assure you that these are worth watching.
1. Sing - 2016
This movie was absolutely spectacular. I sat down with my kids when they were already half way through the movie. Once it was finished and I had put my daughters to bed I went back downstairs and started it over from the beginning. I was constantly laughing, the characters are well developed, the story is believable, and the music from this movie is amazing. Even if you don't have any kids this is worth watching.
2. How to Train Your Dragon, franchise - 2010
This movie was actually nominated for two academy awards, and those nominations were well deserved. The film's animation is amazing, the story is great, and the recognizable voices (Craig Ferguson, Gerard Butler, Jonah Hill, and starring Jay Baruchel make it all the more enjoyable. There is just enough adult humor that the kids won't understand to have us laughing constantly and the fight scenes are also great. And really, who has never dreamed of riding a dragon?
3. Cars, franchise - 2006
Lightening McQueen's character was written extremely well. You start off hating him but end up going on a roller coaster ride until we can't help but root for him. The secondary character and the setting make for a very entertaining watch. It plays well on the small-town "hillbilly" attitude as well. I recommend watching movies 1-3 in a single shot, if you have the time for it that is.
4. Zootopia - 2016
If there was only a single reason to give this movie a watch, is that it has a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It also won the Academy Award, Golden Globe, Critics' Choice Movie Award, and the Annie Award for the Best Animated Feature Film. It is a clever movie aimed at looking at the diversity of the world through the journey of the first Bunny Cop on the Zootopia police force. I laughed constantly throughout the movie. I highly recommend this flick for any adult out there.
5. Moana - 2016
2016 was a great year for animated movies,and Moana was a big reason for that. Sure, it was a South-Pacific version of Frozen, but this one was much more geared towards adults. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson does a spectacular job entertaining us, and the story speaks to everyone who has ever dreamed of going on an adventure. Plus, most of us would love a tropical vacation, this movie might just make you pull the trigger on that.
6. Kung Fu Panda, franchise - 2008
This is likely my favorite movie/franchise on this list. It is such a great underdog story of self-realization and beating the odds. It has an all-star cast who take us on a hilarious journey, and the fight scenes are truly epic. You don't often get to say that all three movies of a trilogy are fantastic, but in this case you do. Personally, my favorite is Kung Fu Panda 3.
7. Monsters University - 2013
The second movie is this animated universe, Monsters University is far better than the first installment, Monsters Inc. Most of us can relate to what the university/college experience is like, and this film, though slightly exaggerated, hits the nail right on the head. It is wildly funny and well written. There are also several hidden meanings throughout the movie.
8. The Incredibles - 2004
This family of superheroes aren't from the Marvel or DC universe, but they live incognito in a world that no longer wants them. This movie would make an awesome live action movie, but the animated version is still hilarious. Family squabbles that include a variety of super-powers are always entertaining. There are jokes, cool fight scenes, and a great twist at the end. Well worth the time it takes to watch this one. This would be a good one for a fun date night, just saying.
If you need a break from monotonous kid's movies and shows, here are the answers.
