2023 movies of the year

2023 has been a great year for children and family entertainment.

Many great films have debuted for the younger demographic, and most of them are enjoyed by adults as well. Any family with children who went to the theatres this year enjoyed a variety of films that were not only well-crafted but delightful.

These kids’ films have compelling stories. They are also beautifully crafted with some of the best production values of any children’s media.

With a combination of animated and live-action offerings, kids this year were treated to some of the best cinema has to offer.

Even if some of the stories are simplistic, they are beautifully tailored for children and their families for many enjoyable outings to the theatre.

Here are the best kids top 10 movies of 2023: 10 The Little Mermaid (2023) Revives an Old Classic

The Little Mermaid (1989) is a beloved classic Disney film that helped to begin the boom of great Disney films in the ‘90s.

Since it was such a success, Disney decided to create a live-action version for fans to see their favourite characters once again.

Halle Bailey shines as an Ariel for a new generation. The innocence she brings to the role highlights Ariel’s wide-eyed wonder about the surface world.

The rest of the cast is equally lovable and fun. Although it doesn’t shine as brightly as the original film, The Little Mermaid (2023) is still a great movie about wanting to experience life and the power of love.

9: Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie

A magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City and gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The Mighty Pups.

“Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” is a surprisingly poignant film about overcoming insecurity. As the smallest pup on the team, Sky feels like she can’t compare to the rest of the Paw Patrol. She loses even more confidence when the power crystal she uses to gain superpowers is stolen by the malicious scientist, Victoria Vance.

Thankfully, Sky’s friends come to her aid, and Sky defeats Victoria in an epic battle of wills. Paw Patrol isn’t known for being particularly groundbreaking, but Sky’s journey of self-actualisation helps kids see that determination, training, and a good support system mean more than physical size. Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie also boasts an upbeat soundtrack that kids will love hearing long after seeing the movie.

8: Ruby Gilman: Teenage Kraken Flips the Script

Ruby Gilman: Teenage Kraken is an almost literal “fish-out-of-water” story about the titular Ruby and her struggle with her identity.

Although she wants to be a normal teenage girl, Ruby is challenged by her role as a Kraken to protect the world from the vicious mermaids.

Much like a lot of teen films, Ruby Gillman focuses on a young person’s journey toward self-discovery. Ruby meets many characters who are typical tropes of teen films, which can be predictable. However, Ruby Gillman makes it feel fresh with its unique animation style and by flipping the script on how mermaids and Krakens are typically seen in the media. It’s a fun movie that the whole family can enjoy. 7: Trolls Band Together Is About Family Trolls Band Together delves even deeper into the lives of Branch and Poppy as audiences are introduced to their siblings. Branch’s days as a member of a family boy band give audiences more insight into his background and spur him and Poppy on their quest to help set Branch’s brother free.

Like with the other Trolls movies, Trolls Band Together is a fun romp with great music that makes viewers want to get up and dance. The craft-like world of Trolls is brilliantly highlighted through exquisite animation, and the story is engaging no matter the audience. The movie’s theme of family and togetherness is also a comforting message as the holidays begin.

6: Miraculous Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie Rewrites Their Origins

Marinette and Adrien are in love but don’t know it. The secret that keeps them apart is almost revealed on several occasions in Miraculous Ladybug.

Miraculous Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie is a surprising hit given the show’s source material. While Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir has had its ups and downs, the Netflix film based on the TV show proves that the premise can be handled with deeper emotion and a more streamlined story.

Although the movie is a rehashing of Ladybug and Cat Noir’s origins, it doesn’t feel stale to fans of the show. If anything, the new movie gives fans hope that more attention can be paid to the characters and plot that they love so much. Miraculous fans also adore the movie for its ending when Adrien Agreste and Marinette DuPain-Cheng admit their truths, which has yet to fully happen in the show.

5: Elemental Highlights Family and Individualism Elemental is a recent Disney/Pixar romantic comedy. The story is the first of its kind for Pixar and boasts a variety of dynamic characters who are based on the elements. The chemistry between Wade Ripple and Ember Lumen is a heartwarming tale of clashing cultures and acceptance.

Overall, Elemental is a clever movie that highlights the importance of family while also emphasizing how everyone needs to find their own paths in life.

4: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Brings the Turtles Back

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has been popular on and off since the original series debuted in the ‘80s. Since then, it has seen multiple comebacks. Some have been more successful than others, but it has remained an enduring part of American pop culture.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem has proven that the lovable gang of turtles is still relevant. The titular characters actually present themselves as teenagers, giving the story the mischievousness that the Turtles are known for. Plus, many beloved characters that have been forgotten by other TMNT reboots were offered a second life in this film.

3: Nimona Highlights Representation Nimona is a breakthrough masterpiece that debuted on Netflix this past summer. The story follows a new knight named Ballister Boldheart, who is blamed for the Queen’s death. Yet, with the help of a shapeshifting person named Nimona, Ballister sets out to prove his innocence and right wrongs along the way.

Nimona delves into a lot of heavy topics, such as police reform and government corruption that targets disenfranchised individuals. Although these themes seem like a lot for kids to digest, the movie presents the topics in a way they can understand. Nimona is a touching, charming story with unconventional characters and beautiful animation.

2: The Super Mario Bros. Movie Is a Great Video Game Film

With basic yet charming characters, it’s the beautifully executed animation and sense of fun that elevates The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie proves that video game movies can be done correctly. The film has its flaws, but audiences can tell that a lot of love for the source material went into the making of the movie. Seeing Mario traverse the various kingdoms with recognizable characters and items delights both young and older fans who have grown up playing numerous Mario games.

The laudable music and animation have a lot to do with the movie’s success.

1: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Is Another Triumph

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is yet another triumph for Sony Pictures Animation. Miles Morales is back with even more Spider-People joining him in this brilliant sequel. Miles joins the effort to save the multiverse, but conflict arises between the Spider-People about how best to protect it.

This movie is gorgeously animated, keeping in theme with the first film. It also has a great cast of new characters who never seem tiring, even though they’re all versions of the same Marvel character. It also has an action-packed story to tell that keeps audiences on the edges of their seats.