Movie recommendations for young and old

January 6, 2024 10:14 AM

Need some movie recommendations that will be enjoyable for a 4 and 14 year old. Adults too would be a plus. No guns or violence. Studio Ghibli and Pixar have been well loved but are getting old. Bonus points if easily found on Netflix, HBO Max, or Disney Plus. Thanks!
posted by steinwald to Media & Arts (19 answers total)

It's only one-hour long, total, so Netflix's new Pokémon Concierge show is basically a short movie for young and old. The link goes to a currently spoiler-free Fanfare discussion that explains why it's a fit for many who haven't engaged with Pokémon before.
posted by Wobbuffet at 10:25 AM on January 6, 2024 [2 favorites]

The Wolfwalkers/Song of the sea/Secret of Kells trilogy is A+ and on Apple+.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 10:30 AM on January 6, 2024 [17 favorites]

Strong second for chesty_a_arthur’s answer.
ALSO this is your perfect opportunity for the classic mid-century musicals. Start with Singin in the Rain!
posted by ojocaliente at 10:47 AM on January 6, 2024 [9 favorites]

Encanto

Yes Day
posted by Night_owl at 10:53 AM on January 6, 2024 [1 favorite]

LEO
posted by tristeza at 10:55 AM on January 6, 2024

If they haven't seen Emperor's New Groove yet it is the best Disney movie with the best villain and is fun for everyone.
posted by phunniemee at 10:57 AM on January 6, 2024 [8 favorites]

The original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder.
posted by ActionPopulated at 11:15 AM on January 6, 2024 [2 favorites]

City of Ghosts on Netflix is charming. Kids make a show about ghosts in LA, which are real and also conveniently multicultural.
posted by Acari at 11:17 AM on January 6, 2024 [1 favorite]

On second thought—if TV is okay as well as movies, Steven Universe.
posted by ActionPopulated at 11:55 AM on January 6, 2024 [1 favorite]

Wallace & Gromit
posted by lizard music at 12:15 PM on January 6, 2024 [7 favorites]

If TV is an option: Top Chef and Great British Baking Show have well done kids versions that could be enjoyable for this group. Also, Nailed It! is so fun.

For movies:
Nature documentaries
The Lego Movie
School of Rock
The Princess Bride (unless it’s too violent for the little one)
Paddington and Paddington 2
Elf
Father of the Bride
ET (unless it’s too suspenseful/scary for the 4y.o.)
Mitchells vs. the Machines
Back to the Future
Enchanted
Jumanji (original or remake)
Bend it Like Beckham
Love, Simon (if the 14-y.o. likes romcoms)
Any of the muppet movies
posted by theotherdurassister at 12:28 PM on January 6, 2024 [3 favorites]

WALL·E if it hasn’t been seen yet
Klaus (on Netflix) is very good
The Reluctant Traveler (tv show on Apple TV) was a surprise hit
Honey I Shrunk the Kids
posted by CMcG at 1:03 PM on January 6, 2024 [1 favorite]

Ella Enchanted
posted by pangolin party at 1:39 PM on January 6, 2024 [1 favorite]

Paddington 2 is a work of sublime genius and suitable for all ages.
posted by biffa at 1:45 PM on January 6, 2024 [8 favorites]

Chicken Run!!!!
posted by brookeb at 3:44 PM on January 6, 2024 [3 favorites]

Mr. Bean is on Hulu and Amazon Prime, or Tubi, Pluto TV, and YouTube with ads.
posted by MiraK at 4:37 PM on January 6, 2024

Despicable Me
Kung Fu Panda
The NeverEnding Story
The Goonies

(Someone above mentioned nature documentaries. I agree they can be great but may show nature red in tooth and claw, which means seeing animals suffering, dying, or dead. Personally I'd watch any episodes before showing them to a 4 year old as they can be upsetting even for adults.)
posted by underclocked at 12:03 AM on January 7, 2024 [2 favorites]

Lilo & Stitch has some ridiculous Wile E. Coyote type violence, but if that works for you it's a remarkable film.
posted by away for regrooving at 12:48 AM on January 7, 2024 [2 favorites]

Buster Keaton's 1925 silent movie The General. Non-stop hilarious action on a runaway train. My kids and I watched it when they were in the age range of yours, and everybody loved it.
posted by Well I never at 2:01 PM on January 7, 2024