The Best Movies Made About Children Ranked

Not many characters in movies have earned the appreciation of children.  Since the 1960’s, stories of children have made for great movies. Whether it’s kids battling burglars, extra-terrestrial creatures or teenagers, the genre has created strong characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about children that deserve to be appreciated.

1. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” is a classic film about children that my mother always considered special. I remember a mother which appreciated a legendary film about adorable aliens that caused disaster. During her childhood, my mother grew up watching a classic film about aliens that are misunderstood in an American neighbourhood. Fond of E.T., she spoke fondly of an adorable creature that shaped her identity. She would always praise a classic film that depicted aliens in a friendly manner as compassionate creatures. Nearly 50 years after its release, Steven Spielberg’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about children. With the most compassionate film of his career, Spielberg used innovative special effects to capture the big friendship between a boy and alien causing despair. Spielberg has always had an aptitude for making compelling movies about children in danger, and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which E.T. bids tearful farewell to Elliot as he leaves Earth causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Henry Thomas, who portrayed a bold child forming a lasting friendship with aliens. Ultimately, what makes “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” my favourite film about children of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about aliens that are often targeted to a specific audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about friendship which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the release of a science-fiction blockbuster about extra-terrestrial aliens developing friendships with children that are powerful, it’s a phenomenal reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences consider special.

2. Boyhood

Childhood is a crucial time in life that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of my childhood that shaped my persona. I was often worried about passing my classes in school that were challenging, being bullied and finding social acceptance among my peers. Nevertheless, my childhood did shape the person I have become today. As someone treasuring fond memories of my childhood, I adored “Boyhood”. Ever since its release in 2014, Richard Linklater’s movie has become a classic. Linklater used the technique of filming the movie over 12 years to capture adolescence. For instance, the scene in which Mason bids farewell to his mother as he embarks on a journey to college in America remains one of the finest moments of the coming-of-age genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ellar Coltrane, who embodies a child growing up over 12 years. Ultimately, what makes “Boyhood” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Witnessing Mason growing up over 12 years brought back fond memories of my own youth. The film delivers a bold message about childhood that would resonate with everyone. A great portrait of childhood, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made great movies in Hollywood.

3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter is a magical book series that shaped my identity. The story about misunderstood boys who lived has always been a pivotal part of my childhood. I immediately fell in love with a fantasy series about magical children casting a powerful spell. Children have always been a pivotal part of the series that’s well-known, and they are most evident in the first film “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. Released in 2001, Christopher Columbus’ movie introduced the magical franchise about orphans on the big-screen. Columbus used captivating montages capturing the hardships that children with magical abilities are facing. For instance, the scene in which Harry discovers the truth about his parents’ death from Hagrid causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Daniel Radcliffe, who embodied one of the most iconic children in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Harry Potter movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the fantasy book series to appreciate it. A spellbinding beginning of a famous fantasy series about wizards that are magical, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about the lives of powerful orphans which audiences consider special.

4. Matilda

Gifted children have always inspired me. At an early age, I formed a friendship with a girl that was gifted showing courage. She always had rare abilities to solve advanced mathematical equations which left teachers stunned. Through her gift for mathematics, she inspired me to make my dreams come true. As someone treasuring memories of a gifted girl with nostalgia, I adored “Matilda”. Released in 1996, Danny DeVito’s movie captured the life of a gifted girl born with magical abilities. DeVito uses captivating montages to capture hardships that a gifted child in an abusive school is facing. For instance, the scene in which Matilda becomes aware of her magical powers causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Mara Wilson, who embodied a gifted child with magical superpowers causing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Matilda” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most Roald Dahl adaptations targeted towards children only, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. As strong as powers possessed by Mathilda, it’s a magical reminder of a commemorated genre making great movies about the lives of gifted children facing a dilemma attracting audiences to the Cinema.

5. To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is a legendary book that my teacher always found inspiring. I remember my teacher adored a classic book he considered timeless literature. Fond of Atticus, he loved to discuss an inspirational book he considered precious. Childhood has always been a central theme in the book that captures a child growing up during an era of segregation. In 1962, Robert Mulligan honoured the iconic book about children seeking to be heard in his movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Mulligan did an extraordinary job of adapting a classic book to the big-screen through dramatic monologues. For instance, the scene in which Atticus spends time with Scout on the porch teaching her lessons about life during the segregation era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Mary Badham, who embodied a girl seeking to discover her identity in the segregation era. Ultimately, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1960’s which are outdated, it tackled themes everyone can relate to today. As strong as Atticus’ bond with Scout, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which deserve to be talked about without a doubt.

6. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about children facing poverty, it’s worth discussing Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Since its publication in 1964, Roald Dahl’s book has become a literary classic. In 1971, Mel Stuart honoured the iconic book about a factory in his movie “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” stand out is its sense of imagination. Stuart uses captivating musical numbers capturing children entering a chocolate factory that’s engaging. Assisted by Gene Wilder who is amazing in the lead role, Stuart honoured a children’s book that’s engaging. As precious as Willy Wonka’s chocolate, it’s a captivating reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies audiences appreciate.

7. Slumdog Millionaire

Childhood trauma often affects kids living in India. India has built an image of being a country where impoverished children often face trauma. The hardships faced by Indian kids experiencing despair in India is beautifully depicted in the movie “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning movie depicted children in India facing tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” stand out is its depiction of India. Boyle uses captivating montages capturing hardships children in India are facing. Assisted by Dev Patel who is outstanding in the lead role, Boyle created a powerful portrait of Indian children. As strong as Jamal’s desire to be a millionaire, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about which audiences care.

8. Home Alone

House burglaries are terrifying events that have always scared my mother. I remember my mother being afraid of home invasions causing disaster. She would be afraid leaving me home alone. As someone treasuring a mother that never left me home alone in childhood, I adored “Home Alone”. Released in 1990, Chris Columbus’ movie depicted children facing home burglaries.  Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Home Alone” stand out is its humour. Columbus uses humour to capture children facing burglars causing danger. Assisted by Macauley Culkin who is amazing in the lead role, Columbus created a strong comedy about children facing burglaries. A hilarious depiction of hardships faced by kids left home alone, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre producing well-known films that are in a league of their own.

9. The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

A common characteristic of movies about children is their sense of imagination. Movies about kids often offer an escape from reality into fantasy. The role that imagination plays in movies about children entering a wardrobe is beautifully depicted in “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. Released in 2005, Andrew Adamson’s movie honoured a fantasy book about children. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Chronicles of Narnia” stand out is its depiction of siblings. Adamson uses captivating montages capturing hardships children in a magical world are facing. Assisted by Georgie Henley who is amazing in the lead role, Adamson honoured a book about children. As strong as Aslan’s roar, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which audiences adore.

10. Beasts of No Nation

Few movies ever made about children without a nation are as beloved as “Beasts of No Nation”. Released in 2015, Cary Joji Fukunaga’s movie captured child soldiers in African countries. Fukunaga used captivating montages capturing hardships that orphan African children are facing. Assisted by Idris Elba who is exceptional in the lead role, Fukunaga captured orphaned children in Africa. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of children that are victims of genocide in African cities has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Agu’s desire to become a beast in his nation, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies about children experiencing tension which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.