Celebrating Childhood: A Look at Timeless Children’s Films
Movies made purely for children are a rare gem across the globe. The world of a child should be brimming with joy. While many children are born into poverty, hardship, or war-torn countries, they still deserve the simple pleasures of childhood.
Children’s films should be made with kids in mind, without adults overthinking things. If the kids enjoy it, that’s the mark of a great children’s movie.
Must-See Children’s Films
Here are some must-see children’s films that have stood the test of time:
1. Children of Heaven (小鞋子)
- Country: Iran
- Director: Majid Majidi
This heartwarming and realistic film tells the story of Ali, a young boy from Tehran. When he loses his sister’s shoes, the siblings must share a single pair, alternating between classes. A local race offers a pair of sneakers as the third-place prize, and Ali, usually a top runner, must now strive for third place.
The race scene is the film’s highlight, with Ali intentionally slowing down to ensure he finishes third. Children of Heaven, like its title, is simple and genuine. Ali’s pure heart and the film’s humanistic touches have cemented its classic status.
2. 霹雳贝贝 (Pili Beibei)
- Country: China
- Director: Weng Luming
A rare gem in Chinese sci-fi cinema, Pili Beibei tells the story of a boy born with the ability to generate electricity. The film follows Beibei’s journey as he learns to control his powers, moving from misuse to using them for good and caring for others.
3. Iron Monkey (少年黄飞鸿之铁猴子)
- Country: Hong Kong
- Director: Yuen Woo-ping
This film explores the early years of the legendary Wong Fei-hung. A Robin Hood-esque figure known as Iron Monkey fights corruption, while a young Wong Fei-hung and his father become entangled in the conflict. The film is notable for its action sequences and the casting of a young girl as Wong Fei-hung.
4. Home Alone (小鬼当家)
- Country: USA
- Director: Chris Columbus
When Kevin is accidentally left behind during his family’s Christmas vacation, he must defend his home from a pair of burglars. Kevin’s inventive traps and slapstick antics make this a hilarious holiday classic.
5. The Way Home (爱家)
- Country: South Korea
- Director: Lee Jeong-hyang
This heartwarming film tells the story of a city boy who learns to appreciate his rural grandmother. In a materialistic world, The Way Home emphasizes the importance of family bonds.
6. 101 Dalmatians (101斑点狗)
- Country: USA
- Director: Stephen Herek
Cruella de Vil’s obsession with Dalmatian fur leads her to pursue 101 puppies. The clever dogs band together to thwart her plans in this live-action adaptation of the Disney classic.
7. Kick Boxer Series (好小子)
- Country: Taiwan
- Director: Chu Yen-ping
This series of action-comedies features three resourceful and kind-hearted young boys who get into various adventures.
8. Shaolin Popey (新乌龙院)
- Country: Taiwan
- Director: Chu Yen-ping
This slapstick comedy showcases the talents of child stars Hao Shaowen and Shi Xiaolong.
9. I Not Stupid (小孩不笨)
- Country: Singapore
- Director: Jack Neo
This film explores the pressures faced by children in school and at home, highlighting the generation gap between parents and children.
10. Rob-B-Hood (宝贝计划)
- Country: Hong Kong
- Director: Benny Chan
Jackie Chan stars in this action-comedy about a trio of thieves who develop a bond with a kidnapped baby.
11. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (E)
- Country: USA
- Director: Steven Spielberg
This classic film tells the story of a boy who befriends an alien.
12. Harry Potter Series (哈里特)
- Country: USA
- Director: Chris Columbus, et al.
The adventures of the boy wizard have captivated audiences of all ages.
13. Star Wars Series (星球大战)
- Country: USA
- Director: George Lucas
This epic space opera has become a cultural phenomenon.
14. Ace Ventura Series (神探飞机头)
- Country: USA
- Director: Tom Shadyac, et al.
This comedy promotes animal rights.
15. Garfield Series (加菲猫)
- Country: USA
- Director: Peter Hewitt
This film brings the beloved cartoon cat to the big screen.
16. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (谁陷害了兔子罗杰？)
- Country: USA
- Director: Robert Zemeckis
This film combines live-action and animation.
17. The Chronicles of Narnia (纳尼亚传奇)
- Country: USA
- Director: Andrew Adamson
This fantasy epic tells the story of children who discover a magical world.
18. Life Is Beautiful (美丽人生)
- Country: Italy
- Director: Roberto Benigni
This film tells the story of a father who uses humor to shield his son from the horrors of the Holocaust.
19. San Mao the Vagabond (三毛流浪记)
- Country: China
- Director: Zhao Ming, Yan Gong
This film is based on the popular comic strip.
20. Agent Cody Banks Series (少年特工凯迪)
- Country: USA
- Director: Harald Zwart, et al.
This film follows the adventures of a teenage secret agent.
21. Spy Kids Series (特工小子)
- Country: USA
- Director: Robert Rodriguez
This film tells the story of two children who become spies to save their parents.
22. The Dull Ice Flower (鲁冰花)
- Country: Taiwan
- Director: Yang Li-kuo
This film tells the story of a teacher who recognizes the artistic talent of a young boy.
23. March of the Penguins (帝企鹅日记)
- Country: France
- Director: Luc Jacquet
This documentary follows the lives of emperor penguins.
24. Pan’s Labyrinth (潘神的迷宫)
- Country: Mexico
- Director: Guillermo del Toro
This dark fantasy film tells the story of a young girl who escapes into a world of fantasy.
25. All About Ah-Long (阿郎的故事)
- Country: Hong Kong
- Director: Johnnie To
This film tells the story of a father who tries to reconnect with his son.
26. Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (雷蒙尼奇的不幸历险)
- Country: USA
- Director: Brad Silberling
This film tells the story of three orphans who are pursued by their evil uncle.
27. Disappearance of the Atmosphere (大气层消失)
- Country: China
- Director: Feng Xiaoning
This sci-fi film tells the story of a boy who can communicate with animals.
28. Little Bell Series (小铃铛)
- Country: China
- Director: Xie Tian
This film combines live-action and puppetry.
29. Liar Liar (大话王)
- Country: USA
- Director: Tom Shadyac
This comedy tells the story of a lawyer who can only tell the truth for one day.
30. Jurassic Park (侏罗纪公园Ⅰ)
- Country: USA
- Director: Steven Spielberg
This film brings dinosaurs back to life.
31. Dumb and Dumber (阿呆与阿瓜)
- Country: USA
- Director: Farrelly Brothers
This comedy tells the story of two dimwitted friends.
32. Kung Fu Hustle (功夫)
- Country: Hong Kong
- Director: Stephen Chow
This action-comedy tells the story of a small-time crook who becomes a kung fu master.
33. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (查理和巧克力工厂)
- Country: USA
- Director: Tim Burton
This film tells the story of a boy who wins a tour of a chocolate factory.
34. Peter Pan (小飞侠)
- Country: USA
- Director: P.J. Hogan
This film tells the story of a boy who never grows up.
35. Scooby-Doo Series (史酷比)
- Country: USA
- Director: Raja Gosnell
This film brings the beloved cartoon dog to the big screen.
36. Dr. Dolittle Series (怪医杜立德)
- Country: USA
- Director: Betty Thomas
This film tells the story of a veterinarian who can talk to animals.
37. Cinema Paradiso (新天堂电影院)
- Country: Italy
- Director: Giuseppe Tornatore
This film tells the story of a boy who falls in love with cinema.
38. Shaolin Soccer (少林足球)
- Country: Hong Kong
- Director: Stephen Chow
This film combines soccer and kung fu.