Movies, TV Series, Shorts, and more…
Here you will find a list of age appropriate media for children. Each section will present a list of movies, shows, or shorts that are appropriate for the given age or older. Each child is unique in their attention span, interests, and maturity, so this is designed to help parents pick out ideas, but will not perfectly fit every child. So, for example, while the average five year old should be able to watch the Pixar movie “Wall-E”, some children that age will simply have no interest, and the eight year old sibling might be glued to the screen.
The review button next to each movie provides you with greater details about the title. There is a summary, then warnings (be aware, there may be spoilers, but only when a twist or ending may need a parental warning). A subjective opinion on why this movie or show is recommended, as well as our personal family’s reactions are included. Notes on any educational value of the film, and finally a cultural rating, which is there to help families determine if it is worth hunting down a film simply because of its impact on our culture. A film that didn’t get great ratings or has other issues might have a high cultural ratings simply because “everyone has seen it”.
Attached to many of the recommendations are reviews, giving a summary of the movie/show, along with a few warnings, reasoning behind the age rating, notes on any educational value, and finally, a cultural value rating. If you are not familiar with one of the recommendations, please click on the review button for more information.
In addition to a review link, each film has a link to the web site JustWatch.com, which will give suggestions on where to find the film for streaming (whether free, as a rental, or for purchase). We have no affiliate links nor make any money on these recommendations.
As a disclaimer, this list is by no means perfect. Please use discernment and heed the warnings in the reviews if you are at all concerned about a particular recommendation. Also, while everything in this list has been viewed at least once, not every single episode of a series will have been watched and it is possible that offensive material has been overlooked.
For ages 4, these films are very gentle, with minimal conflict and simple straight-forward plots. As the lowest age rating, there may be some film recommendations that are more appropriate for even younger children. An example of the kind of shows this list offers would be “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh”.
For ages 5, these films are generally relatively gentle, with some conflict, but rarely anything truly frightening (villains are more ridiculous than evil). Educational suggestions are higher level than at Age 4, but are still made for young children. An example of the kind of suggestions on this list would be “Wall-E”.
For ages 6, these films introduce more conflict and potentially scary villains, but the bad guys are clearly bad and the good guys clearly good and the resolutions always happy. There are potential moments of frightening intensity, but they are brief. The films may also require some patience with exposition to understand the plot. An example of the kind of suggestions on this list would be the animated “Sleeping Beauty”.
For ages 7, these films are more complex than the 6 year old films, expecting a child to have a bit more experience with the beats of movies and a better handle on emotional tugs. Some movies will have sad moments, perhaps dealing with grief briefly, or the consequences of poor choices, or a transformation in character growth. An example of the kind of suggestions on this list would be “Shrek”.
For ages 8, a film may include some romantic situations, some coming of age themes, extended action conflicts (although still cartoonish, without lingering on death or any gore), and other situations that require a developing understanding of relationships and conflict resolution. Children would be expected to handle tense situations that span the entire movie. An example of the kind of suggestions on this list would be “Jumanji”.
Age 5+
Here is a list of the best Movies (defined as longer than an hour), Shorts (single feature less than an hour), and TV series (or serials). If it is on this list, then it is appropriate for most children ages 4 and higher, and at least has a better than average change of being interesting to that age group. Click on the “REVIEW’ for a more detailed description of the particular film (when available).
Sword in the Stone
(1963 Movie) REVIEW
Shaun the Sheep
(2007 Series) REVIEW
Age 6+
Here is a list of the best Movies (defined as longer than an hour), Shorts (single feature less than an hour), and TV series (or serials). If it is on this list, then it is appropriate for most children ages 4 and higher, and at least has a better than average change of being interesting to that age group. Click on the “REVIEW’ for a more detailed description of the particular film (when available).
Sleeping Beauty
(1959 Movie) REVIEW