Younger and older people alike enjoy the sense of fantasy and enchantment that Disney movies bring. These timeless films have a knack for captivating the audience and making them feel good regardless of age. And now that you have a toddler, you can bond and share the magic with your little one by watching them together!
However, Disney’s catalog is expansive, and it can be overwhelming to choose from over 60 animated movies and many more feature films. You can’t just put anything on and let it play; you’ll have to find appropriate ones for your toddler. Moreover, you’ll have to see what they enjoy.
With this, let’s get into some of the best Disney movies you can watch with your little one.
What Are the Best Disney Movies That Toddlers Can Watch?
If you want to introduce your toddler to the magical world of Disney movies, you have plenty to choose from. With beautiful colors, cute characters, catchy songs, and fun storylines, you can entertain your little one with these G-rated films:
Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Based on the 1865 novel by Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland is a beautiful animated rendition of a classic story.
It’s perfectly wonderful and whimsical, with vivid colors and charming characters that your toddler will love. Of course, the magical themes and familiar stories are enough to make you nostalgic, too! The music is also excellent and even got an Oscar nomination in 1952.
The story follows a young girl named Alice, who has found herself in a strange fantasy world where she meets new, unexpected friends. Her story is told within 75 magical minutes, which is short enough for little kids with short attention spans.
Photo by Disney
The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh (1977)
Who wouldn’t love this cute little honey-loving bear? The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a musical anthology film, which means it features a collection of bite-sized storylines that are perfect for toddlers. That also means it’s easier to turn off and pick up where you left off in case your little one gets bored or sleepy!
Seeing Pooh interact with everyone is always funny and comforting. It’s a friendly film that merits a spot in this list of best Disney movies for toddlers!
Finding Nemo (2003)
Finding Nemo is a heartwarming tale of a clownfish dad, Marlin, who’s willing to conquer every challenge for his son, Nemo. It’s a film that any parent can relate to—from dealing with a stubborn little child to going to lengths for the kid’s sake. It also deals with friendships and family life in unique ways.
With most of the movie set underwater, toddlers will see beautiful marine life, colorful environments, and fun little adventures Marlin and Nemo go through. It’s a must-see for any Disney fan (and future fan).
Photo by Disney
Wall-E (2008)
Robots are fascinating—especially for curious young minds. This is why the 2008 computer-animated sci-fi film Wall-E is a hit among kids and their parents. It’s set in a distant future and discusses important topics like caring for the environment and forming lifelong bonds.
The film has stunning sci-fi visuals and a lovable main character. It’s no surprise that it won the Hugo Award for Best Long Form Dramatic Presentation in 2009, along with many other prestigious awards.
Peter Pan (1953)
Staying forever young and soaring through the skies are fascinating prospects, and the 1953 animated movie Peter Pan showcases these fantasies so well. The fun-loving titular character goes through numerous exciting adventures with Wendy and her brothers and Tinker Bell, the sassy fairy.
Throughout this exciting Disney movie, you and your toddler can laugh and stay on your toes as Peter Pan and his crew try to escape Captain Hook. The movie runs just over an hour, so you don’t have to worry about your little one getting bored or antsy while watching.
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Movies about man’s best friend can captivate many toddlers, and Lady and the Tramp is a fun film showcasing cute dogs. The story follows the story of Lady, an upper-class cocker spaniel, and a kindhearted mutt named Tramp. Despite the leading characters being dogs, many people regard it as one of Disney’s best love stories.
The masterfully done songs and beautiful animations of cute dogs can catch your toddler’s attention and help them appreciate and respect pets and other animals.
Photo by Disney
Chicken Little (2005)
Stories about underdogs rising through challenges are always enjoyable to see, but in this case, the underdog is a cute chicken. This movie follows the story of Chicken Little, who strives to prove himself to the townspeople of Oakey Oaks. Despite his peers not believing in him, he’s determined to protect everyone and become a hero.
The cute animals, Chicken Little’s strange dispositions, and stunning animated effects make this movie one of the best Disney movies you can watch with your toddler.
The Jungle Book (1967)
The Jungle Book is a 1967 animated musical comedy film based on Rudyard Kipling’s 1894 book. It follows a young feral boy named Mowgli, raised in the jungle by a pack of wolves.
As the tiger Shere Khan tries to chase him down, he goes on adventures where he discovers valuable life lessons and meets new animal friends. It’s an hour and a half of fun!
Although the main antagonists, Shere Khan the tiger and Kaa, the snake, can be a little intimidating for very young kids, the song numbers and heartwarming story still make it a classic Disney movie that toddlers can thoroughly enjoy.
Mary Poppins (1964)
Want a dose of nostalgia? Unlike the other fully animated stories in this list of best Disney movies for toddlers, the Disney-produced 1964 film Mary Poppins combines live-action scenes and animations.
The movie stars Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins, a lovely and charming character who visits a troubled London family and helps them overcome challenges. Her kind nature and magical abilities make her popular among kids and adults alike.
This film’s lessons, excellent music, and stellar performances earned it numerous awards, such as the 1965 Academy Awards for Best Film Editing, Best Music, and Best Special Visual Effects.
Photo by Disney
One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
One Hundred and One Dalmatians is another family-friendly Disney classic despite its scary villain.
The movie follows the story of the dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita. Their owners fell in love and married, and they soon followed! Their love brought them 15 cute puppies, but they were taken by Cruella de Vil. Pongo and Perdita set out to find their kids, and they meet a lot more puppies.
Overall, it’s a comforting film that teaches teamwork, determination, and love for family. It’s a movie that your little one may rave about. Be prepared, though, as your kid may also ask for a hundred puppies afterward because of this cute movie!
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Disney Movies You Can Watch with Your Toddler
- Can babies watch Disney movies?
If your child is younger than 18 months, the answer is no. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages screen time for kids below 18 months. However, kids aged from 2 to 3 years old can enjoy up to an hour of screen time per day.
- Is it fine to let toddlers watch Disney movies alone?
Although it may be tempting to let your toddler watch a Disney movie alone while you do other things, it’s not the best idea. Watching with them allows you to supervise what they see and answer questions they may have. It’s also a great way to spend some quality time together!
- Are all G-rated Disney movies suitable for toddlers?
No. A G rating may mean that the Disney movie is suitable for general audiences, but not all G-rated films are appropriate for kids. They may contain themes that kids may not understand or have some scenes that may make toddlers uncomfortable.
