The Top 10 Movies for Kids in Australia in 2024

Gather ‘round, mums and dads! If you’ve ever found yourself navigating the endless options on streaming services, trying to find the perfect movie to keep the kids entertained (and maybe even get a bit of quiet time for yourself), you’re not alone. With so many films vying for attention, it can be tricky to know which ones are truly worth a spot in your family’s movie night rotation.

But fear not! We’ve done the hard yards for you and rounded up the top 10 must-watch movies for kids in Australia this year. Whether your little ones are into animated adventures, laugh-out-loud comedies, or heartwarming tales of friendship and courage, this list has something for every mini movie buff.

Perfect for children aged 5 to 10, these films aren’t just about keeping them entertained (though they certainly will!). They also come packed with positive messages, educational content, and plenty of fun to spark their imaginations. So, pop the popcorn, gather the family, and get ready to dive into some of the best flicks 2024 has to offer!

Criteria for Selection

Choosing the right movie for your kids isn’t just about finding something that will keep them glued to the screen for a couple of hours. As parents, we know you’re looking for more than just entertainment. You want movies that not only capture their imagination but also impart valuable lessons, spark creativity, and offer a positive influence. That’s why we’ve carefully selected these top 10 movies with a few key criteria in mind:

• Age Appropriateness: All of the movies on this list are perfectly suited for children aged 5 to 10. They’re free of any content that might be too scary or complex for young viewers, ensuring a wholesome and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
• Entertainment Value: Let’s face it—kids know what they like, and if a movie doesn’t grab their attention within the first few minutes, it’s game over. Each film here is packed with engaging stories, vibrant characters, and eye-catching visuals that are sure to keep your little ones entertained from start to finish.
• Educational Content: We believe that movies can be both fun and educational. These selections offer more than just entertainment; they’re filled with important life lessons, whether it’s about friendship, perseverance, or understanding the world around them.
• Cultural Relevance: We’ve also taken into account what’s trending and particularly resonating with Australian audiences in 2024. These movies reflect the values and interests that matter to Aussie families today, making them relatable and meaningful for your children.

The Top Ten Movies in Australia for Kids in 2024 (and coming soon!)

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the best movies for kids in 2024 that tick all the right boxes and are sure to become favourites in your household!

1. Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie

• Genre: Animated Adventure
• Summary: The PAW Patrol pups are back, and this time they’ve got superpowers! A magical meteor crashes into Adventure City, giving the pups extraordinary abilities. Together, they must save the day from a new, powerful villain.
• Why Your Kids Will Love It: It’s action-packed, fun, and full of positive messages about teamwork and bravery—perfect for keeping your little ones entertained.

Watch the trailer here

2. The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2

• Genre: Family Comedy/Adventure
• Summary: Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach are back for another thrilling adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom. This time, they face off against a new villain who threatens their world’s peace. Expect plenty of laughs, action, and nostalgic moments.
• Why Your Kids Will Love It: Coming in 2025 and looking like it will be packed with humour, colourful visuals, and exciting action sequences, this movie is going to be a hit for both kids and parents who grew up with the iconic game.

3. Elemental

• Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
• Summary: Set in a world where the elements—fire, water, earth, and air—are alive, "Elemental" follows Ember, a fiery young woman, and Wade, a laid-back water guy, as they navigate their differences and discover the power of friendship.
• Why Your Kids Will Love It: With stunning animation and a unique storyline, this film is not only visually captivating but also teaches kids about embracing diversity and working together.

Watch the trailer here

4. Frozen III

• Genre: Animated Musical
• Summary: Elsa, Anna, and their friends return for a new adventure as they explore the origins of Elsa's magical powers. With breathtaking animation and catchy new songs, "Frozen III" is set to be another family favourite.
• Why Your Kids Will Love It: Ok, full disclosure, this one doesn't actually come out until 2027 but we're just so excited! The enchanting music, beloved characters, and themes of family and self-discovery make it set to be a must-watch for fans of the series.

5. Wish

• Genre: Animated Adventure/Drama
• Summary: Disney’s "Wish" tells the inspiring story of Asha, a young girl whose wish upon a star takes her on a magical journey filled with discovery and hope.
• Why Your Kids Will Love It: This movie is perfect for sparking their imagination, with its beautiful animation and uplifting message about the power of wishes.

Watch the trailer here

6. Paddington in Peru

• Genre: Live-Action/Animated Comedy
• Summary: Paddington heads back to his roots in Peru for another heartwarming adventure. Expect more lovable mishaps, charming humour, and, of course, marmalade!
• Why Your Kids Will Love It: Paddington’s adventures are always filled with gentle humour and important lessons about kindness and acceptance.

Watch the trailer here

7. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2

• Genre: Animated Superhero/Adventure
• Summary: Miles Morales is back in this highly anticipated sequel, where he teams up with Spider-People from different dimensions to take on a formidable new enemy.
• Why Your Kids Will Love It: The vibrant animation, thrilling action, and themes of heroism and teamwork make it a standout for young superhero fans.

Watch the trailer here

8. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

• Genre: Live-Action/Animated Musical
• Summary: Follow the delightful tale of Lyle, a singing crocodile living in New York City, and his friendship with a young boy named Josh. Their adventures are both heartwarming and full of fun.
• Why Your Kids Will Love It: With catchy tunes and a lovable protagonist, this film is sure to entertain while teaching valuable lessons about acceptance and friendship.

Watch the trailer here

9. My Neighbor Totoro (2024 Re-release)

• Genre: Animated Fantasy/Adventure
• Summary: This classic Studio Ghibli film returns to the big screen, telling the enchanting story of two sisters who discover magical creatures, including the gentle giant Totoro, in the countryside.
• Why Your Kids Will Love It: Timeless, imaginative, and full of wonder, this movie is perfect for introducing kids to the magic of Studio Ghibli.

Watch the trailer here

10. Minions: The Rise of Gru 2

• Genre: Animated Comedy/Adventure
• Summary: The mischievous Minions are back for more hilarious antics as they help a young Gru navigate his path to becoming a supervillain.
• Why Your Kids Will Love It: The Minions’ silly humour, combined with action-packed adventures, guarantees plenty of laughs for the whole family.

Watch the trailer here

Get Watching!

And there you have it, our top 10 picks for the best kids' movies in Australia for 2024! Whether you're planning a cosy movie night at home or a trip to the cinema, these films are sure to keep the little ones entertained, inspired, and maybe even singing along. From the enchanting worlds of fantasy to laugh-out-loud adventures, there’s something here for every young movie lover.

Remember, movie time is a great way to bond with your kids, sparking conversations about the stories, characters, and the valuable lessons they offer. So, grab the popcorn, snuggle up, and enjoy some quality family time with these fantastic flicks.

If you’re juggling more than just movie nights and need a helping hand with managing your family's childcare arrangements, don't forget to check out Pay The Nanny. We're here to make your life easier, ensuring you’ve got more time for what really matters—making memories with your family.

Happy watching!