Fifteen Outstanding Movies from the 2000s that are Ideal for Enjoying with Your Children
It's challenging to grasp that movies released between 2000 and 2009 are gradually transitioning towards being categorized as "classic" or "vintage," but ask your younger generations about the year 2000, and you'll notice their perspective. Yet, this decade produced some excellent family entertainment, serving as a bridge between the hand-animated Disney hits of the '90s and the computer-animated triumphs from Pixar and Dreamworks that dominated the new millennium.
If you're keen on sharing some "timeless" entertainment from the 2000s, here are 15 films that youngsters will adore:
Rat-ata-ta (paraphrased title for Wall-E) (2008)
A film that has made it into the Criterion Collection and possibly one of the few movies ever made that can be described as a "post-apocalyptic family film," this Pixar movie about two robots in love resembles a Chaplin silent movie in its charm, as robots don't speak much when humans aren't present. The film sports an optimistic environmental message that isn't overbearing, making it an excellent watch for kids and adults alike.
Where to stream: Disney , Digital rental
Wish Upon a Pony (paraphrased title for Ponyo) (2008)
There may be some debate regarding Wish Upon a Pony's ranking among other Studio Ghibli classics, but if your children enjoy it, what truly matters is the joy they derive from watching it. Like much of Hayao Miyazaki's work, this film, a remake of The Little Mermaid, comes filled with striking visuals and a rich cast of strong female characters. With its fairytale atmosphere and emotional depth, it imparts a powerful message about friendship and love.
Where to stream: Max, Digital rental
Age is Just a Number (paraphrased title for Up) (2009)
Boasting the most heart-wrenching introduction to a character in a Pixar film (if not in cinema history), this film about a 78-year-old man searching for adventure in South America by flying there in his home with thousands of balloons seems aimed more at an adult audience. Despite this, the film's core message — that everyone, regardless of age, should never stop seeking experiences and understanding — resonates with both children and adults.
Where to stream: Disney , Digital rental
The Aardvark Conundrum (paraphrased title for Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit) (2005)
In this G-rated tribute to '30s horror classics, the ingenious inventor Wallace and his far more intelligent dog, Gromit, must stop a terrifying creature from destroying their village's vegetable plots. Brimming with sight gags and visual puns, this film showcases the creators' exceptional imagination and dedication to their craft.
Where to stream: Netflix, Digital rental
The Great Barrier Reef Chase (paraphrased title for Finding Nemo) (2003)
It would be remiss of us to overlook this classic Pixar film about a clownfish in search of his lost son in the Great Barrier Reef. Although Ellen Degeneres' Dory amuses children and serves as a vehicle for reinforcing the film's core message — "just keep swimming" — beloved comedian Albert Brooks as Marlin, the father, expertly captures the sense of anxiety every parent feels when their child is far from home with only their voice as a guide.
Where to stream: Disney , Digital rental
The Mysterious Realm of Coral (paraphrased title for Coraline) (2009)
Based on Neil Gaiman's novel, this stop-motion animated film about a young girl discovering a parallel universe in her house promises her a life of unending happiness, but at what cost? Directed with flair by The Nightmare Before Christmas's Henry Selick, this film combines humor, creativity, and a touch of unease while ensuring that young viewers are captivated throughout.
Where to stream: The Roku Channel, Digital rental
The Feline Espionage Adventure (paraphrased title for Shrek 2) (2004)
We feel compelled to share this observation: among the Shrek series, this sequel is the pinnacle, from its simple message about character over appearance to the introduction of Antonio Banderas' suave Puss in Boots. Even the humor, albeit light-hearted, has a slight edge to it, something that sets it apart from the previous film while still being accessible to children.
Where to stream: Peacock, Digital rental
Love's Magical Transformation (paraphrased title for Enchanted) (2007)
This live-action/animated hybrid from Disney is evidence of the "Shrek" effect on modern family films. By introducing a princess character to the real world without the usual talking animals or dwarves, Disney finally managed to shake up its conventional fairy tale princess formula. Amy Adams as Giselle and James Marsden as the dimwitted prince deserve special mentions for their standout performances.
Where to stream: Disney , Digital rental
The Panda's Kung Fu Quest (paraphrased title for Kung Fu Panda) (2008)
We remain unsure about the requirement for Jack Black to participate in virtually every family film ever made. However, his comical vocal performance in this film about a clumsy panda unexpectedly chosen to become a dragon warrior is undeniably hysterical. With hilarious action sequences and a captivating storyline, this film entertains both children and adults alike.
Where to stream: Peacock, Digital rental
This Pixar superhero film embodies the chaos of The Simpsons while retaining the family-oriented aspects of Alan Moore's revolutionary graphic novel, Watchmen. For instance, the cape element is directly borrowed from Moore's masterpiece. However, its central theme of preserving relationships despite the world's attempt to shatter them sets it apart.
Streaming Options: Disney for streaming, Digital Rental
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs (2009)
Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, renowned for The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, have a knack for breathing life into concepts that seem unfit for the big screen, regularly surpassing expectations (as demonstrated by their mentioned projects). Their breakthrough film, inspired by a children's book, shares its title but barely utilizes the source material. Instead, it's a lively, child-friendly take on disaster movies, filled with absurd humor and visually appealing food scenes.
Streaming Options: Paramount for streaming, Digital Rental
Monsters Inc. (2001)
This Pixar film could be seen as a rehash of the studio's Toy Story formula, from the playful rivalry between its main characters to the subversion of childhood beliefs (in this case, monsters under the bed). But what distinguishes it is the superb vocal performances of John Goodman (Sully) and Billy Crystal (Mike), who share remarkable chemistry, and the imaginative computer-generated visuals, including the vibrant doors within the titular workplace and the city architecture inhabited by the monsters.
Streaming Options: Disney for streaming, Digital Rental
Corpse Bride (2005)
Currently, Tim Burton is in the limelight with the release of his Beetlejuice sequel. This family-friendly film about love and the afterlife is a suitable alternative if you're not comfortable showing that movie to your children. This dark, humorous film follows a terrified groom who doesn't want a bride but unwittingly marries someone deceased. It features amusing visual gags that soften the perception of the afterlife for young viewers.
Streaming Options: Digital Rental
The Secret of Kells (2009)
This lesser-known film, which competed for the Best Animated Film award at the 2010 Academy Awards, was overshadowed by Pixar's Up. Despite this, it remains relatively unknown to a broader audience. It's a film that deserves recognition, featuring the fearful nephew of an Abbot and a fairy named Aisling, who work together to retrieve a crystal in a mystical forest to complete a magical book. Co-directed by Tomm Moore, recognized for his role in the 2020 masterpiece Wolfwalkers.
Streaming Options: Kanopy, Digital Rental
The Princess and the Frog (2009)
This retelling of the classic fairy tale about a cursed prince in need of a kiss to regain his humanity features a Southern twist. The film marked a comeback for Disney, who had been predominantly focusing on abandoning musicals and traditional animation during the 2000s. Additionally, it's a significant milestone for Disney, as it's their first film with an African-American princess.
Streaming Options: Disney for streaming, Digital Rental
If you're looking for some 'best 2000s family movies' to stream for some quality family time, you might want to consider 'Finding Nemo' on Disney, or perhaps 'Coraline' on The Roku Channel. These films offer not only entertaining narratives but also contain meaningful messages that will appeal to both children and adults.
When it comes to 'streaming', 'Finding Nemo', released in 2003, can be found on Disney, while 'Coraline', a stop-motion animated film from 2009, is available on The Roku Channel. Both of these movies are celebrated as classics from the 2000s family movie era.
