From animated classics to modern-day blockbusters, HBO Max boasts an extensive collection of children’s movies, ensuring there is something for every little movie enthusiast.
These films are a source of entertainment and nostalgia and serve as a platform for learning, imparting essential life lessons and values to young minds.
With engaging storytelling, stunning animation, and memorable characters, this list of kids movies on HBO Max offer an unforgettable cinematic experience that will leave a lasting impression on kids and parents alike.
15 kids’ movies to watch on HBO Max
Wizard of Oz (1939)
The Wizard of Oz is a classic that has captured the hearts of generations since its release in 1939. The film tells the story of a young girl named Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) who is swept away from her Kansas home Whisked away by a tornado, and finds herself in a magical land named Oz
With her companions, the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), Tin Man (Jack Haley), and Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), she sets forth on a journey to meet the Wizard of Oz, convinced that he possesses the power to assist her. return home.
The Wizard of Oz is a must-watch for kids and adults as it teaches valuable friendship, courage, and perseverance lessons. It’s an excellent movie for parents looking for an entertaining way to spend quality time with their children while introducing them to one of cinema’s greatest films.
Harry Potter (film series)
The Harry Potter film series, based on J.K. Rowling’s beloved books, has captivated audiences worldwide with its magical storytelling. Set in a world where wizards exist alongside muggles, the series follows the journey of Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), a young wizard who discovers his true heritage on his eleventh birthday.
As he navigates the enchanting halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry encounters mythical creatures, tackles challenging spells, and forms lifelong friendships with Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint).
The spells and potions classes, Quidditch matches, and thrilling battles against Lord Voldemort all come to life on the big screen, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience for viewers. With eight films spanning ten years, the Harry Potter series has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences of all ages and reminding us of the power of friendship, courage, and the magic within.
Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away is a captivating animated fantasy film released in 2001, directed by the renowned Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The movie weaves a mesmerizing tale of courage, self-discovery, and the enchanting world of spirits.
The story revolves around a young girl named Chihiro Ogino, who stumbles upon an otherworldly realm while moving to a new home with her parents. They inadvertently enter a mysterious abandoned amusement park, which reveals itself to be a bustling bathhouse for spirits and supernatural beings.
Chihiro’s parents are transformed into pigs after indulging in the food meant for spirits, leaving her trapped in this strange and perilous place. Alone and frightened, Chihiro encounters a young boy named Haku, who becomes her ally and guide.
To break the curse and rescue her parents, Chihiro must find a way to adapt and navigate the intricate, magical realm. She gets thrust into a series of bewildering and sometimes dangerous encounters with eccentric spirits and entities, each representing a unique aspect of Japanese folklore.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
You can’t resist the whimsical charm that a family film like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory offers. The film is Tim Burton’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale.
Each character is perfectly casted, from the eccentric Willy Wonka (Johnny Depp) to the lovable protagonist Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore). The film also features memorable performances from Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Bucket and David Kelly as Grandpa Joe.
The story follows a young boy, Charlie, and his fellow golden ticket winners who embark on their tour of the chocolate factory; viewers get transported into a world of pure imagination.
The special effects and set designs are truly remarkable, bringing to life everything from lickable wallpaper to an army of Oompa Loompas. Let’s not forget the iconic musical numbers performed by Deep Roy as the Oompa Loompas themselves.
Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007)
Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) is a live-action animated musical that follows the adventures of struggling songwriter Dave Seville (Jason Lee) and his three talented chipmunks – Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), Simon (voiced by Matthew Gray Gubler), and Theodore (voiced by Jesse McCartney).
In this first of three installments, the chipmunks navigate the ups and downs of fame while spreading joy through their music. The movie is perfect for kids who love music, comedy, and heartwarming stories.
Evan Almighty (2007)
In this spinoff of Bruce Almighty, Steve Carell takes on the hilarious role of Evan Baxter once again. Freshly elected to Congress, Evan is eager to fight for change, but God (Morgan Freeman) has a different plan for him: building an ark in preparation for another biblical flood!
Evan struggles to balance his political career and family life with this monumental task, all while dealing with the skepticism of those around him.
In this family-friendly comedy, there will be plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments as Evan learns valuable lessons about faith, family, and what it truly means to make a difference.
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Kung Fu Panda is an animated comedy hit featuring a celebrity voice cast including Jack Black (as Po), Angelina Jolie (portrays Master Tigress), Seth Rogen (as Master Mantis), Jackie Chan (who voices Master Monkey), Lucy Liu (as Master Viper), David Cross (plays Master Crane), and Dustin Hoffman (as master Shifu).
The film follows Po, a lovable but clumsy martial arts-loving panda who dreams of becoming a kung fu master but works at his father’s noodle shop instead.
Po’s life takes an unexpected turn when he gets chosen as the prophesied Dragon Warrior to defend the Valley of Peace from the villainous Tai Lung, an exiled kung fu prodigy seeking ultimate power.
With the guidance of his wise mentor, Master Shifu, and the support of the skilled Furious Five, Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Viper, and Crane, Po embarks on a humorous and action-packed journey to harness his inner strength and discover the true meaning of heroism.
Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
Horton Hears a Who is a delightful computer-animated comedy adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic that features an all-star cast including Jim Carrey, who voices Horton; Steve Carell, who voices Mayor Ned McDodd; Seth Rogen, who voices Morton, and Isla Fisher who voices Dr. Mary Lou LaRue.
The story follows Horton the Elephant as he discovers a speck of dust that contains an entire microscopic community called Whoville. Despite being ridiculed by his jungle friends for believing in something they can’t see or hear, Horton is determined to protect his new friends from harm and bring them to safety.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Fantastic Mr. Fox is a visually stunning and highly entertaining film based on a novel written by British author Roald Dahl. The stop-motion animation used in the movie is breathtakingly beautiful, and the voice cast featuring George Clooney as Mr. Fox, Meryl Streep as Mrs. Felicity Fox, Bill Murray as Clive Badger Esq., Willem Dafoe as Rat, and Owen Wilson as Coach Skip impeccable.
The story follows Mr. Fox as he tries to outsmart three farmers who are hunting him and his family. The characters are lovable and familiar, making it easy for viewers to become invested in their plight. Despite some tense moments throughout the movie, it ultimately has a heartwarming message about family and perseverance.
Coraline (2009)
If you’re looking for a kids’ movie that’s a little more on the spooky side, then Coraline is the perfect choice. This stop-motion film from LAIKA continues to be a favorite among families and is now available for streaming on HBO Max.
Directed by Henry Selick, who also brought us A Nightmare Before Christmas, the dark fantasy horror film centers around a young girl named Coraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning) who discovers a parallel world where everything that is seemingly perfect quickly takes a dark turn.
This movie which is an adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s book of the same name doesn’t shy away from giving kids some thrills while also delivering an important message about appreciating what you have in life.
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2013)
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies is filled with humor and satire. The writers poke fun at the conventions of the superhero genre and even include cameo appearances from well-known DC characters like Batman and Superman.
The animated comedy film is based on the DC comics-inspired TV series of the same name, which follows the adventures of Robin (voiced by Scott Menville), Starfire (Hynden Walch), Cyborg (Khary Payton), Beast Boy (Greg Cipes), and Raven (Tara Strong) as they fight crime and save the world.
Determined to prove their worth and gain the recognition they deserve, the Titans embark on a wild and wacky journey to Hollywood. They aim to convince a top-notch filmmaker to create a film about them, thinking it will cement their status as true superheroes. Along the way, they encounter numerous comedic situations and face the nefarious plans of the dastardly villain Slade.
The LEGO Movie (2014)
With its clever and unpredictable storytelling, The LEGO Movie has become a legitimate phenomenon, sparking an entire franchise and rekindling the love for the toys that spark creativity.
This animated film, released in 2014, tells the story of Emmet Brickowski (voiced by Chris Pratt), a regular LEGO figure who gets mistakenly identified as the ‘Special,’ a being who is supposed to save the LEGO universe from ruin.
Along with a group of master builders, including Batman (voiced by Will Arnett) and Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks), Emmet embarks on a journey to stop an evil tyrant from destroying their world. What sets The LEGO Movie apart from other animated films is its unique animation style that blends computer-generated images with LEGO bricks that follow real-life LEGO pieces’ rules.
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014)
In this third installment of the Night at the Museum franchise, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) must travel across the pond to London’s British Museum to save the tablet of Ahkmenrah, which is losing its powers and causing all the historical figures from New York’s American Museum of Natural History to behave erratically.
Along for the ride are some familiar faces, such as Owen Wilson’s cowboy Jedediah and Steve Coogan’s Roman centurion Octavius, as well as new faces like Dan Stevens as Lancelot and Rebel Wilson as Tilly the night security guard at the British Museum.
Scoob! (2020)
Directed by Tony Cervone, Scoob! is a fresh take on the classic mystery-solving gang’s origin story, including their first encounter with their lovable, talking Great Dane, Scooby-Doo (voiced by Zac Efron).
In the animated mystery comedy, you’ll see how the gang uncovers a plot to release Cerberus upon the world while discovering Scooby’s secret legacy and epic destiny.
“Scoob!” beautifully captures the essence of friendship, loyalty, and the power of teamwork as the gang navigates through hilarious mishaps and daring escapades. Along the way, they encounter familiar characters from Hanna-Barbera’s universe, including Blue Falcon, Dynomutt, and Dee Dee Skyes.
DC League of Super-Pets (2022)
DC League of Super-Pets is yet another animated superhero film that is a must-watch. The movie revolves around a group of anthropomorphic pets who possess superpowers and come together to form a league. The cast includes iconic characters from DC Comics, such as Superman (voiced by John Krasinski) and Batman (Keanu Reeves).
The storyline follows a misfit character named Krypto (voiced by Dwayne Johnson), Superman’s Labrador Retriever, who teams up with other super-powered animals, including Ace, a boxer (Kevin Hart), PB, a potbellied pig (Vanessa Bayer), and Merton McSnurtle a red-eared slider turtle (Natasha Lyonne) to save the superheroes captured by Lulu, a guinea pig (Kate McKinnon).
With its unique concept, the movie promises to deliver an action-packed, humorous adventure suitable for children and adults. The film is directed by Jared Stern and Sam Levine, known for their work on the animated hit, The LEGO Batman Movie.