This is post 4 in the Artist/Mother Tips for Creative Kids Series.
In my opinion, as an artist and a mother, movies are a great way for kids to enjoy visual art. They transport you into a different world. They can even inspire you to create something new. So here is a list of beautiful movies both you and your kids will enjoy. I'll also provide links to trailers so you can choose which one you want to watch first!
Song of the Sea
One of my favorite myths turned into a dazzling kids movie. A Gaelic fairytale about a Selkie (seal-woman). I fell in love with this one. It's a beautifully told story, and it's sonically and visually stunning. If you like this one you'll want to check out the other two movies this Irish studio has put out, The Secret Book of Kells & Wolfwalkers.
Fantasia and Fantasia 2000
Art and music collide in these unique films. A great example of creative collaboration. In 1940, and again in 2000, Disney animators were tasked with creating visuals set to classical music. The result is a psychedelic delight. Visual poetry.
One of my most treasured memories is wrapped up in watching this movie as a child.
Marcel the Shell
A beautiful world created with stop motion animation in a way you've never seen done before. Marcel is a joy to watch. You will laugh and you might even cry. A touching story.
Coco
A boy finds a way to embrace his ancestors through his love of music. I love the colors and textures of this one.
Mary Poppins
This movie is full of candy colored day dreams, dancing, and adventure. A classic.
The Wizard of Oz
This movie is a visual delight. I love to imagine what it must have been like to work in costume or set design on this one!
Fantastic Mr. Fox
A Wes Anderson stop motion film based on the Roald Dahl book of the same name. A warm color pallet and classic Wes Anderson aesthetics.
The Prince of Egypt
I loved the animation of this movie when I was growing up. It felt different, I didn't have the vocabulary back then to describe the cinematic choices that were made, I just knew I liked it. Enjoy the earthy desert rainbow color pallet.
The Mysterious Benedict Society
Okay this one is a TV series. But I can't leave it out! Pastel colors, preppy costumes, striking shots, and interesting set design. Oh, and a great story line. Your kids (and you) will fall in love with all the characters.
Honorable Mentions: (you know what, just watch these too. The only reason they aren't listed with the rest is because I got tired of tracking down trailer links! Lol)
The Harry Potter Series (2001-10)
Amazing set, costume design, and world building.
School of Rock
A story to show that everyone and their talents have a place. The power of creative collaboration and going against the grain. A family favorite.
Encanto (2021)
We don't talk about Bruno. Nuf said. But seriously one of the most honest portrayals of family dynamics ever.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1951)
A Psychedelic dream!
Tuck Everlasting (2002)
Enchanting and beautiful.
Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet (2014)
Beautiful poems illustrated and incorporated into a story line. Love this one.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
The candy visuals!
The Neverending Story (1984)
Weird 80's movies are a must.
Oh, and you know what? These next two are criminally underrated! Humor and comedy are creative as well and these ones really nail it.
The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
So funny. One of my all time favorites. You'll fall in love with each and every character. Ezma (and lets be honest, Eartha fuckin' Kitt) is a gem.
Tangled (2010)
Filled with charming characters, great humor, and sweet moments.
Shrek and Shrek 2
Hilarious.
Be sure to have a conversation with your kids about everything that goes into the making of a film. Watch behind-the-scenes footage of animators working too! (A good one to youtube is the Jerrasic World movie animatronics, Frozen special features, or an old Disney Classic animation studio visit.) That really interests my artistic daughter and it may insipre a future animator or set designer! I hope you enjoy these magical and beautiful movies. What movies do you enjoy for the visuals?
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