In today’s digital age, Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms provide an array of movies that are both entertaining and educational for kids. These films not only keep young viewers engaged but also impart valuable life lessons. This article highlights five of the best movies for kids available on OTT platforms, discussing their stories, casts, ratings, and the important lessons they teach.
In this article:
1. Inside Out (2015)
- Rating: PG
- Platform: Disney+
- IMDb: 8.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
- Metacritic: 94/100
- Story: “Inside Out” delves into the emotional journey of an 11-year-old girl named Riley as she navigates a major life change—moving to a new city. The movie personifies her core emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—as they try to guide her through this challenging transition.
- Cast: Amy Poehler (Joy), Phyllis Smith (Sadness), Bill Hader (Fear), Lewis Black (Anger), and Mindy Kaling (Disgust).
- Lesson: The film teaches children about the importance of all emotions, highlighting that it’s okay to feel sad sometimes. It emphasizes that understanding and expressing a range of emotions is crucial for mental health and emotional balance.
2. Coco (2017)
- Rating: PG
- Platform: Disney+
- IMDb: 8.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
- Metacritic: 81/100
- Story: “Coco” follows the story of a young boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician, despite his family’s ban on music. On the Day of the Dead, he embarks on a magical journey to the Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s secrets and find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.
- Cast: Anthony Gonzalez (Miguel), Gael García Bernal (Héctor), Benjamin Bratt (Ernesto de la Cruz), Alanna Ubach (Mamá Imelda).
- Lesson: The movie beautifully portrays the significance of family, heritage, and following one’s passion. It teaches kids about respecting and remembering their ancestors, and the importance of pursuing their dreams despite obstacles.
3. The Lion King (1994)
- Rating: G
- Platform: Disney+
- IMDb: 8.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
- Metacritic: 88/100
- Story: “The Lion King” tells the story of Simba, a young lion cub who is destined to succeed his father, Mufasa, as king of the Pride Lands. Tragedy strikes when Mufasa is killed by his treacherous uncle, Scar. Simba flees, only to return years later to reclaim his rightful throne.
- Cast: Matthew Broderick (Adult Simba), James Earl Jones (Mufasa), Jeremy Irons (Scar), Moira Kelly (Adult Nala).
- Lesson: The film teaches about the circle of life, bravery, responsibility, and the importance of facing one’s past. It highlights the significance of leadership, courage, and the value of true friendship.
4. Finding Nemo (2003)
- Rating: G
- Platform: Disney+
- IMDb: 8.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
- Metacritic: 90/100
- Story: “Finding Nemo” is an adventure about a clownfish named Marlin who embarks on a daring journey across the ocean to find his son, Nemo, who has been captured by a diver and placed in a fish tank. Along the way, Marlin meets Dory, a forgetful but optimistic fish.
- Cast: Albert Brooks (Marlin), Ellen DeGeneres (Dory), Alexander Gould (Nemo), Willem Dafoe (Gill).
- Lesson: This movie underscores the themes of parental love, perseverance, and bravery. It also teaches kids about overcoming fear and the importance of trusting others and working together to achieve goals.
5. Zootopia (2016)
- Rating: PG
- Platform: Disney+
- IMDb: 8.0/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
- Metacritic: 78/100
- Story: “Zootopia” follows Judy Hopps, a rabbit who becomes the first of her kind to join the Zootopia Police Department. Determined to prove herself, she partners with a sly fox named Nick Wilde to solve a mysterious case of missing animals.
- Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin (Judy Hopps), Jason Bateman (Nick Wilde), Idris Elba (Chief Bogo), Jenny Slate (Bellwether).
- Lesson: The movie addresses important social issues such as prejudice, discrimination, and the power of diversity. It encourages children to challenge stereotypes, believe in their abilities, and work hard to achieve their dreams, regardless of the obstacles.
Conclusion
These five movies not only provide hours of entertainment but also deliver important life lessons that can help shape young minds. By watching films like “Inside Out,” “Coco,” “The Lion King,” “Finding Nemo,” and “Zootopia,” children can learn about emotions, family values, courage, perseverance, and social justice. These movies are available on popular OTT platforms like Disney+, making them easily accessible for family viewing. Each film’s unique story and memorable characters ensure that the lessons they impart will resonate with kids long after the credits roll.
