Parents just want a break from all the Marvel and Pixar movies they’ve seen so much of. HBO Max, the fastest-growing streaming service in history, has the best kids movies everyone will enjoy. They also have a good selection of movies for families, which is boosted by being the only place to get Studio Ghibli’s movies and TV shows. First, let’s talk about the best kids movies on HBO Max.
Parents and people who have young kids are going to be celebrating the holidays soon, so they might want to find the best kids movies out there. HBO Max has a large number of the best kids movies that are good for people of all ages to watch, even though Disney+ might be your first choice for the best kids movies. We have assembled a list of the best kids movies that HBO Max offers. HBO Max Canada is a good alternative if HBO Max isn’t available in your country
Related: Best Family Movies on HBO Max
1. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Year: 1971
Director: Mel Stuart
Stars: Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum
Rating: G
Runtime: 98 minutes
In general, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a wonderful, inventive, and one of the best kids movies on HBO Max. If you’re looking for Roald Dahl’s characteristic dark humor in a children’s book, you won’t find it here. The film contains a few frightening or stressful situations that can affect younger or perhaps more vulnerable youngsters.
He is a frightening figure, Slugworth (who turns out OK in the end). The children aboard the boat are horrified as Wonka takes them on a frightening voyage through a tunnel. They all end themselves in a risky scenario, but they all get out of it unscathed.
2. Spirited Away
Year: 2002
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Stars: Daveigh Chase, Jason Marsden, Suzanne Pleshette
Rating: PG
Runtime: 125 minutes
Spirited Away, Hayao Miyazaki’s beautiful journey, is largely regarded as an animated classic, yet it may be a scary and unpleasant experience for younger audiences. There are hundreds of strange-looking monsters threatening each other or the heroine, who is attempting to rescue her parents. Many scenes feature these weird entities, which may frighten younger children who are accustomed to more sanitized figures.
One especially terrifying scenario is a beloved dragon character who returns after a voyage damaged, bloodied, and on the point of death. One character smokes, and someone is served sake during a dinner scenario. Older youngsters who are ready for a more complex animated narrative will like this story about a strong young female heroine.
3. National Velvet
Year: 1944
Director: Clarence Brown
Stars: Donald Crisp, Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney
Rating: G
Runtime: 123 minutes
Two strong female role models can be seen in National Velvet, which was released in 1944 and set in the 1920s in England. Both of them are good at long-distance swimming and British horse-jumping, two sports that weren’t open to women before National Velvet came out. It’s a movie that talks a lot regarding visions, risk, dedication, and being honest.
The only scary parts happen when the young teen lead faints when she falls off her horse, and when the horse is sick for a while. Many horses and their riders fall in wide shots during the Grand National race, but almost all quickly get back up.
There are no injuries shown or mentioned in this long sequence, and no one is hurt. This is what a young man said when he talked about an accident in which someone died when he was riding a bike years ago. As they drink beer together, the young man gets very drunk.
4. Ready Player One
Year: 2018
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 140 minutes
A gamer (Tye Sheridan) spends hours inside the Oasis, a VR technology universe/multi-user game, in filmmaker Steven Spielberg’s highly anticipated Ready Player One. Expect both virtual (in the Oasis) & real-life violence, but the latter isn’t as horrific as the former.
There are violent shoot-outs with every weapon imaginable, massive fights, devastating vehicle chases, enormous creatures, and a horrifying recreation of a gruesome horror film with axe attacks, zombies, and more. Just outside of the Oasis, there seem to be assassination attempts, an explosion that kills civilians and devastates homes. Also, there’s a lot of flirting, kissing, touching, and swearing.
You don’t need to have read the novel to get or enjoy the plot (in fact, you’re less likely to be overwhelmed by the enormous story alterations made for the movie…) and its principles of collaboration, tenacity, and appreciating real-life connections.
5. The LEGO Batman Movie
Year: 2017
Director: Chris McKay
Stars: Will Arnett; Zach Galifianakis; Michael Cera; Rosario Dawson; Ralph Fiennes
Rating: PG
Runtime: 104 minutes
You can enjoy this movie with your family even if you don’t like action movies. It’s not just for kids, and it has a lot of original ideas. A movie based on Will Arnett’s portrayal of the Dark Knight, who first showed up in The LEGO Movie, is out now. It deconstructs the myths about Bruce Wayne and Batman in a way that is both amusing and very smart.
6. Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’hoole
Year: 2010
Director: Zack Snyder
Stars: Hugo Weaving; Emily Barclay; Abbie Cornish; David Wenham; Jim Sturgess;
Rating: PG
Runtime: 97 minutes
Because it features all owls, Kathryn Lasky’s Legend of the Guardians: 3-D is more intense and aggressive than most other animated films. An owl race that believes it is superior to all others has a confrontation with the Guardians, a secretive group of warrior owls that fight to protect all owls from the forces of evil.
This isn’t suitable for all young children because it has a complex plot and many action-packed battle scenes. However, the movie’s lesson is that all owls (and therefore people) are worthwhile, not just those who one group thinks are superior to others, which would benefit kids old enough to read the books and sophisticated enough to grasp the subjects.
7. Looney Tunes: Back in Action
Year: 2003
Director: Joe Dante
Stars: Brendan Fraser, Jenna Elfman, Steve Martin
Rating: PG
Runtime: 90 minutes
Daffy Duck, who is jealous of Bugs Bunny’s high-profile profession, is fired by the studio after he wants more money and attention. This live action/animated film begins. The capture of secret agent Damien Drake (Timothy Dalton) by the Acme Corporation’s wicked chairman, played by Timothy Dalton, soon ensnares Daffy in a web of intrigue (Steve Martin).
Daffy is on a quest to retrieve the kidnapped spy with the help of Drake’s son (Brendan Fraser). In the meantime, Bugs and a Warner Bros. executive (Jenna Elfman) feel that Daffy is an essential element of the Looney Tunes crew.
8. Space Jam
Year: 1996
Director: Joe Pytka
Stars: Michael Jordan; Billy West; Wayne Knight; Theresa Randle; Danny DeVito
Rating: PG
Runtime: 100 minutes
A New Legacy: Space Jam However, the original 1996 picture, despite being far from flawless or even a great movie, serves as a sentimental reminder of the Looney Tunes’ glory days. With the help of Chicago Bulls legend, Michael Jordan, Bugs Bunny and his gang take on a group of interplanetary creatures that have mastered the basketball abilities of some of the NBA’s greatest. This is a weird and ridiculous experience, but gosh, is it fun? Plus, Bill Murray is in it.
9. All Dogs Go to Heaven
Year: 1989
Director: Don Bluth
Stars: Daryl Gilley, Dom DeLuise, Charles Nelson Reilly, Candy Devine, Burt Reynolds
Rating: G
Runtime: 85 minutes
The phrase “old is gold” perfectly describes this film, which is undoubtedly one of the best family films now available. In contrast to Disney+, which has a monopoly on streaming animation, HBO Max features Don Bluth films featuring beautiful canines! In this film, a German Shepherd (voiced by Burt Reynolds) leaves heaven to investigate his murder but ends up adopting a beautiful orphan as a result of his efforts. It’s even greater than you remembered it to be. The sequel from 1996 is, in fact, available on HBO Max.
10. Rango
Year: 2011
Director: Gore Verbinski
Stars: Abigail Breslin, Alfred Molina, Isla Fisher, Johnny Depp
Rating: PG
Runtime: 107 minutes
Rango is a one-of-a-kind, animated picture directed by Gore Verbinski that is equal parts “adult” drama, old-school Western, and humorous adventure. This is the type of picture that shows Pixar isn’t the only product able to produce an animated feature that adults without children would be tempted to see. Rango has a sweeping breadth that is wonderful to watch, from the mariachi owls who act also as chorus and the pitch-perfect vocal cast to the gorgeously designed set, where the tumbleweeds, dust, and desert sun look as real as in any John Ford film.
11. Happy Feet Two
Year: 2011
Director: George Miller
Stars: Carlos Alazraqui · Lombardo Boyar · Jeffrey Garcia · Johnny A. Sanchez · Sofía Vergara · Robin Williams · Elijah Wood · Pink
Rating: PG
Runtime: 100 minutes
This sequel to the Academy Award-winning picture Happy Feet is a family-friendly and entertaining movie to watch. It is light-hearted, hilarious, and packed with memorable tunes. Occasionally, there are frightening predator sequences that may be a little too dramatic for very young children, but the overall fear factor is minimal, and the tale is full of lessons—both environmental and social-emotional—that are beneficial for children of all ages.
12. Nanny McPhee
Year: 2005
Director: Kirk Jones
Stars: Emma Thompson; Colin Firth; Angela Lansbury.
Rating: PG
Runtime: 97 minutes
In this 2005 movie based somewhat on Christianna Brand novels, Emma Thompson is excellent as the eponymous heroine. The Mary Poppins spoof is based in Victorian England and describes the tale of a nanny who helps a widower with seven children who is unable to look after them on his own. Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang Theory star Emma Thompson both created the adaptation and appeared in a 2010 sequel, which is also available on HBO.
13. Shazam!
Year: 2019
Director: David F. Sandberg
Stars: Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Mark Strong
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 132 minutes
Due to the main character’s supernatural gift, Shazam! is like Big meets Superman. When he says the magic word, he transforms into a grown-up superhero (Zachary Levi). While there are some dark moments, this is the DC Extended Universe’s most fun and tween-friendly film yet. A few deaths (some disintegration), intimidating “Seven Deadly Sins” monsters, weapon use, chase/pursuit/crash scenes, property devastation, and large battle scenes are all to be expected.
Kids get bullied. Characters say “ass,” “oh my God,” and much more. Expect some innuendo/suggestive humor, especially when characters enter a strip club. Abandonment, handicap, and other severe subjects. A positive message about family (the movie shows a lovely, compassionate foster home) is refreshing.
14. Spies In Disguise
Year: 2019
Director: Nick Bruno
Stars: Hisato Masuyama; Jarrett Bruno, Rachel Brosnahan, Toru Uchikado, Claire Crosby,
Rating: PG
Runtime: 102 minutes
A fun-filled and adorable spy caper, Spies in Disguise, is Blue Sky Animation’s final production before closing its doors. The film features an exceptionally strong voice-cast, fronted by two of Hollywood’s most prominent actors, Will Smith, and Tom Holland. It is imagined what might occur if the world’s most brilliant genius spy (Smith) was transformed into a pigeon in the film Spies In Disguise.
Beautiful animation, a terrific sense of humor, a big heart, and, yes, pigeons are all present and correct in this film. If your kids are not at all old enough to be utilized in Bond films at the moment, Spies in Disguise is a fantastic substitute for them.
15. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Year: 2005
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Stars: Alison Lohman, Patrick Stewart, Uma Thurman
Rating: PG
Runtime: 117 minutes
It has been 1,000 years since industrialized society came to an end in the “Seven Days of Fire” in NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND. A toxic forest has taken over, dominated by gigantic bugs, particularly the ferocious beetle-like ohmu. Humans now dwell in tiny cities and villages and move through the jungles via airships and gliders. Princess Nausicaa’s village is located in a valley along the ocean, with a constant breeze keeping away the jungle’s terrible fumes.
It’s nearly beautiful, until aircraft from Tolmekia invade, saying that humans can only survive by “uniting” all citizens and then burning the toxic jungle. Nausicaa, who has developed an understanding of insect behavior and uncovers a secret underneath the jungle, attempts to convince the Tolkemians of their foolishness before it is too late for her tribe and all of humankind.
16. Teen Titans Go! To the Movies
Year: 2018
Director: Aaron Horvath, Peter Rida Michail
Stars: Scott Menville, Greg Cipes, Tara Strong, Will Arnett, Kristen Bell
Rating: PG
Runtime: 88 minutes
Cartoon Network’s teen superheroes star in a parody musical comedy called TEEN TITANS GO! TO THE MOVIES. Jade Wilson, the Hollywood filmmaker who rejected Robin for his own superhero movie, is determined to give him his moment in the spotlight in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The trouble is that no one takes Robin and his superhero pals — galactic girl Starfire (Hynden Walch), demon-daughter Raven (Tara Strong), half-robot Cyborg (Khary Payton), and shape-shifter Beast Boy (Greg Cipes) seriously — seriously.
The team goes all out in pursuit of a villain with a villainous sounding name, even putting on a musical piece to go along with it. It’s a dilemma and a villain that threatens to break up the Teen Titans as a team as they check off each box of superherodom.
17. The Iron Giant
Year: 1999
Director: Brad Bird
Stars: Cloris Leachman, Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Aniston, Vin Diesel
Rating: PG
Runtime: 86 minutes
When you watch this movie by Brad Bird, you’ll laugh and cry. It’s one of the best kid movies on HBO Max. Based on a book written by Ted Hughes, the script is very good. People who grew up in the 1950s will enjoy the clever twists and sly references to the past in the storyline. Storytelling about a robot in the 1950s gives us a sense of how government officials thought about the Red Scare and Sputnik when they thought about the robot.
In the Iron Giant, the characters, both human and robot, are so interesting that you might forget they aren’t real. It’s lively and heartwarming. The robot, which was made with computer graphics, blends in seamlessly with the hand-drawn actors, making the illusion even more convincing.
18. Doctor Dolittle
Year: 1967
Director: Richard Fleischer
Stars: Rex Harrison; Samantha Eggar; Anthony Newley; Richard Attenborough
Rating: G
Runtime: 152 minutes
However, despite the fact that the Eddie Murphy adaptation is no longer available on HBO Max, it may be appropriate to introduce children to the things that fascinated young people in the 1960s. Honestly, the Rex Harrison musical was a huge hit with audiences of all ages, earning a nomination for Academy Award for Best Motion Picture. It was one of the most well-liked films of the year.
19. Home Alone
Year: 1990
Director: Chris Columbus
Stars: Macaulay Culkin; Joe Pesci; Daniel Stern; John Heard; Catherine O’Hara
Rating: PG
Runtime: 103 minutes
When you see this early 1990s classic starring Joe Pesci, Macaulay Culkin, and Daniel Stern about a precocious young child who is unintentionally left behind when his large, chaotic family of eight departs for a Christmas holiday, you will laugh out loud.
Even though the humor is incredibly amusing, because the laughs are based on continual slapstick violence and the speech contains some unpleasant remarks and mild cursing, this movie is perhaps best suited for children who are a bit older.
20. The Secret World of Arrietty
Year: 2012
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Stars: Bridgit Mendler, Carol Burnett, David Henrie
Rating: G
Runtime: 94 minutes
Shawn, a small boy with a weak heart who will need surgery soon, is sent to reside with his aunt in the country by his overworked mother in THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY. When Shawn first sees Arrietty, a fellow adolescent who is anything but average, it appears that the housekeeper will indeed be his sole companion.
This little girl is part of a family of borrowers, tiny individuals who live in the house’s walls and floors and take small items from the larger inhabitants for their own needs. Arrietty and Shawn became friends in spite of Arrietty’s skepticism. Arrietty and her family may be forced to move away because of their loving and compassionate friend.
21. Paddington 2
Year: 2017
Director: Paul King
Stars: Hugh Bonneville; Sally Hawkins; Brendan Gleeson; Julie Walters; Jim Broadbent; Peter Capaldi; Hugh Grant; Ben Whishaw
Rating: PG
Runtime: 97 minutes
The film is a delight for the whole family to enjoy together. Following up on his 2014 hit, Paul King directs this sequel that beats its predecessor in terms of both humor and emotional impact. As the marmalade-loving bear, Ben Whishaw reprises his role in a film that sends Paddington to jail and teaches him important lessons about the community that never feels patronizing to youngsters. It does, in fact, work for people of every age group.
22. Speed Racer
Year: 2008
Director: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
Stars: Emile Hirsch, Matthew Fox, Christina Ricci, Nicholas Elia, Susan Sarandon.
Rating: PG
Runtime: 135 minutes
The Wachowski Sisters’ enthusiastic live-action adaptation of Speed Racer, a 1960s manga and anime, is a creative blockbuster. Despite poor reviews and disappointing box office results, the film has developed a devoted following. Unlike many other American live-action adaptations of Japanese manga and anime, the Wachowskis made Speed Racer feel like the perfect transition from anime to live-action.
The film follows the main racer as he competes in a cross-country race to bring down the organization that murdered his brother. It’s total anarchy, and you can’t help but appreciate the film’s audacity.
23. Superman: The Movie
Year: 1978
Director: Richard Donner
Stars: Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder
Rating: PG
Runtime: 144 minutes
Superman: The Movie begins with Jor-El placing his son in a spaceship bound for Earth as the planet Krypton is on the verge of exploding. Discovering the boy from space, the Kents nurture him as their own child, Clark. Upon reaching adulthood, Clark Kent moves to Metropolis in search of work as a journalist at The Daily Planet. Superman, a name given to him by reporter Lois Lane, a coworker for the Planet whom Clark secretly loves, is also a part of Clark’s identity.
It is also revealed that Lex Luthor has been working on a plan to provoke a fatal earthquake in California in order to increase the value of his desert land. In order to save Lois, Superman must fly around the Earth at such a high rate of speed that the Earth’s orbit is temporarily reversed.
24. My Neighbor Totoro
Year: 1998
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Stars: Chika Sakamoto, Hitoshi Takagi, Shigesato Itoi, Noriko Hidaka
Rating: G
Runtime: 86 minutes
The Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki is not only one of the most well-known and revered animators of all time, but he is also one of the most talented and imaginative cinematic storytellers of our time. My Neighbor Totoro is a great place to start for any young viewer because it contains all the Studio Ghibli films available on HBO Max.
During the story, two girls move to the country to care for their ailing mother, and they quickly become embroiled in adventures with a variety of charming woodland spirits, including the lovely Totoro. Miyazaki’s creative spirit and extraordinary imagination are showcased in the film, which will also capture the hearts of adult viewers and children.
25. The Wizard of Oz
Year: 1939
Director: Victor Fleming
Stars: Margaret Hamilton, Judy Garland, Frank Bert Lahr, Morgan, Ray Bolger, Billie Burke, Charley Grapewin, Jack Haley
Rating: PG
Runtime: 112 minutes
THE WIZARD OF OZ is a fantasy musical based on L. Frank Baum’s iconic children’s book about Dorothy Gale, a Kansas farm girl, and her beloved dog, Toto. Dorothy flees with her pet as a cruel neighbor tries to put him down. Dorothy is caught in a twister on her way home, knocking her out and lifting the entire farmhouse into the sky.
After the house collapses, Dorothy and Toto step out into a technicolor world. So many munchkins and Glinda, a wonderful good witch, congratulate Dorothy on her successful landing on the Wicked Witch of the East. When the Wicked Witch of the West appears, she demands that Dorothy return her sister’s magical ruby shoes, which are now on Dorothy’s feet.
Unwilling to give up her beloved slippers, Dorothy embarks on a strange journey to Emerald City, hoping to see the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the one person who can bring her home. The Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion all seek Dorothy’s help along the way. To reach the Wizard and outwit the furious Witch may be their last hope.
Conclusion
You will never find a movie aimed at children that has a depressing conclusion. The best kids movies always have unrealistically happy endings, which might serve as a type of escape and help you deal with the difficult aspects of your adult life. The best kids movies on HBO Max are capable of imparting profound and profoundly basic life lessons to their audiences.
The animated Lion King used to be one of the favorites for many kids. But as time passed by, directors produced outstanding kids movies that became kids favorites in no time. Movies such as Spies in Disguise and Shazam, are also among the best kids movies on HBO Max.
