Whether you are babysitting a little one, have kids of your own, or if you just want to watch a fun film then look no further! In the past decade there have been many films that can appeal to small children and adults as well. Sometimes the plot of these "kids" movies are more riveting than the ones meant for adult audiences.
1. Up (2009)
A love story. A grumpy man. A boy scout. And a dog. These elements come together to form an overdue adventure with a house flying via balloons. While the beginning starts off sad, the idea of remembering those we love and preserving our youth resonated with me as I watched this film. Definitely a fantastic story that will make you cry then laugh then cry again.
2. Despicable Me (2010)
Steve Carrell voices Gru, an evil villain who turns out to be an adoptive father to three little girls. Like most adults, Gru is thrown for a loop when he is thrust into fatherhood. Comedy ensues when three children are running around his house filled with dangerous super-villain gadgets and as they become the target of competitive criminal activity.
3. Toy Story 3 (2010)
Unless you have dropped off the face of the earth since 1995, then you are well aware of Woody, Buzz, and all of the wonderful toys belonging to Andy. This film will bring you back to your childhood. Andy, like many of us who watched the original film, is venturing off to college and has to decide what to do with his childhood toys. Themes of forgetting, growing up and adventure create a narrative that will put at your heartstrings while invoking the buddy humor we all know and love. If you want to know what happens to our beloved toys then get to the TV ASAP!
4. Monsters University (2013)
Similar to the previous film, Mike and Sulley are back but this time they are in college? Oh yes, even in the monster world higher education is not just valued but the KEY to becoming a scarer. Seeing the dream team before they become friends invokes some nostalgia plus you get to watch them engage with popularity, grades, and learning who your friends are. Learning about yourself and who you are is a topic of discussion across all films and this one will make you feel comfortable in your own skin.
5. The Lego Movie (2014)
AWESOME! Yes, this movie is fantastic. Emmet is your average Lego, living life by the book...literally. But in a case of mistaken identity, he is thrown into a leadership position. In a world where fitting in is the only way to live, this story is really relatable to being an adult and the difficulties of being a leader even when you have no idea what you are doing (isn't that what your first job is like?). Plus it features the voices of funny actors like Channing Tatum, Charlie Day, Elizabeth Banks, and leading man Chris Pratt.
6. Inside Out (2015)
Puberty and moving to a new place fuel this emotional story about Riley. The leader of Riley's brain is Joy, however it becomes a rough ride when she and Sadness manage to get lost in Riley's mind. Meanwhile Riley experiences life unbalanced as Anger, Fear, and Disgust are left to take over. Once again this story offers its own take on youth, growing up, and the feelings that make each day a roller coaster.
7. Minions (2015)
They're yellow, they speak their own language, and they are drawn to EVIL. If you loved Despicable Me then you will love a movie solely focused on the history of Gru's helpers. This film offers a hilarious historical account of their quest to find the villain to their minion. Lots of humor for adults especially the pop culture references as they move through time.
Whether you are 6, 26, or 60, I think these films offer something for everyone. Nostalgia, growing up, and learning about yourself are themes that have no age limit. Laugh, cry, reach for the stars and believe in yourself! I can't wait to rewatch some of these films and I hope you enjoy them too. Also, if you like these I hope to see you for the premiere of The Secret Life of Pets coming to theaters on July 8, 2016!
