There is an array of films out there that were specifically tailored for children, however, even children’s movies have specific targets in mind, including the age of the viewer. We have therefore put together a list of some of the films which we consider to be top picks for children between the ages of 7 and 9.
Movies for 7 to 9-year-olds have varying genres and there are older ones and many more recent films. Some of these films are live-action, and others are cartoons. Regardless of the film style, it is advisable to view the film or at least know the content before allowing your child to view it.
So it is movie night at home and you have turned your lounge into a movie theatre. You’ve got your popcorn and snacks and now it is time to pick the movie for the evening. Our top picks for movies for children between ages 7 and 9 are: Night at the Museum (2006), Brave (2012), and Surfs Up (2007). For these and more exciting suggestions, we encourage you to read on.
1. Night At The Museum
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Night at the Museum, released in 2006, is a fantasy comedy directed by Shawn Levy. The film was based on the 1993 book, of the same name, by Milan Trenc. The film is about a divorced father who seeks employment as a night watchman at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. He soon learns that the exhibits come to life each night, thanks to an Egyptian artifact.
The film, with a total run time of 104 minutes, stars Ben Stiller as the lead, and with him are Carla Gugino, Mickey Rooney, and Dick Van Dyke. Now despite its earning $574.5 million on a budget of $110 million, and ranking as the 5th highest-grossing film of 2006, it was met with mixed reviews.
This did not stop audience members from falling in love with the film and if your child is interested in anything historical and has ever been to a museum, they will adore the idea of the exhibits coming to life and wreaking havoc, all to the initial displeasure of our lead.
2. Brave
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Brave, released in 2012, is a computer-animated fantasy produced by Pixar and was released by Walk Disney Pictures. The film was directed by Mark Andrews in his directorial debut and co-directing was Brenda Chapman.
The film that runs for 93 minutes is about Princess Merida who decides to go against the custom of being married and ultimately brings chaos to the kingdom. When the queen is ensnared by an evil curse, Merida must be brave in order to undo it.
The film stars the voices of Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly, and Julie Walters. In terms of awards, the film definitely raked them in and won Best Animated Feature Film, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award.
Apart from being a critical success the film, which had a budget of $185 million, made a box office return of $540.4 million. If your child likes the idea of a princess who wishes to make her own decisions in life and defy what is expected, then they will love this film.
3. Surfs Up
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Surfs Up, released in 2007, is a computer-animated mockumentary comedy and was produced by Sony Pictures Animation. The film was directed by Chris Buck and Ash Brannon and is a parody of surfing documentaries.
The film is about the annual Penguin World Surfing Championship and tells the story of Cody Maverick, a newcomer who dreams of becoming a legend in the surfing world. The film, which sits with a run time of 85 minutes, stars the voices of Shia LaBeouf, Zooey Deschanel, Jeff Bridges, and Jon Heder.
The film received a majority of positive reviews and was praised for its eccentric humor and excellent animation. It was also nominated for an Academy Award. However, the film did not perform well at the box office and only saw a return of $152 million against its budget of $100 million.
If your child is a lover of the ocean and finds happiness amidst the waves, or even dreams of being a surfer one day, then this is undoubtedly a must-watch for them.
4. The Willoughbys
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The Willoughbys, released in 2020, is a computer-animated Canadian-American comedy film. The film is about four children who are convinced they would be better off without the negligent and selfish parents. They send their parents on vacation and then go on an adventure of their own and along the journey; they discover the true meaning of family.
The film, which has a run time of 92 minutes, stars the voices of Will Forte, Alessia Cara, Maya Rudolph, and Terry Crews. The film was met with critical acclaim and was praised for its vocal performances, story, and animation.
The film received numerous nominations and won three awards, including an Annie. The film’s budget is unknown, but on being released on Netflix, the film saw itself being viewed over 37 million times. If you and your kids like some slightly darker humor, but also enjoy a story that is wholesome, you’ll enjoy this.
5. Duma
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Duma, released in 2005, is a family adventure drama directed by Carroll Ballard and was based on the book by Xan and Carol Cawthra Hopcraft. The film tells the story of a young South African teenager who befriends an orphaned cheetah and their adventures together.
The film stars Alexander Michaletos, Campbell Scott, Eamonn Walker, and Hope Davis. The film primarily received positive reviews from critics. However, it, unfortunately, had a limited theatrical release and thus only ended up making a box office of $994,790 million. This was after having spent $12 million on its production budget.
The film has a run time of 100 minutes, won itself the Genesis Award for Family Feature Film. If you and your child are interested in wild animals, particularly big cats then you will fall in love with Duma.
6. Happy Feet
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Happy Feet, released in 2006, is a computer-animated musical comedy, with some more serious topics at hand, which was produced, directed, and co-written by George Miller.
The film is about an Emperor Penguin, Mumble, who lives among those who sing to find their soul mate, unfortunately, he can’t sing, but he can tap dance like nobody’s business.
The film stars the voices of Elijah Wood, Brittany Murphy, Robin Williams, and Hugh Jackman. The film, which has a run time of 108 minutes, won a BAFTA Award, Academy Award, and was nominated for an Annie Award and Saturn Award for Best Animated Film. The film also saw a sequel, Happy Feet Two (2011).
The film was made on a budget of $100 million and saw a decent return of $384.3 million. It was generally well-received by critics and if your child likes penguins and singing, as well as having an inclining towards conservation, they’ll love this film.
7. Madagascar
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Madagascar, released in 2005, is a computer-animated comedy produced by DreamWorks Animation and was directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath. It was McGrath’s directorial debut. The film follows a group of animals from the Central Park Zoo who, after falling off a ship, find themselves lost on the island of Madagascar.
The film stars the voices of Ben Stiller, David Schwimmer, Chris Rock, and Jada Pinkett. The film was the recipient of mixed reviews from critics, but that did not stop it from taking its budget of $75 million and making a return of $556.6 million at the box office.
The film, which has a total run time of 86 minutes, was nominated for various awards and won the Kid’s Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie. If your child loves animals and likes a story with great plot twists and stakes for the characters, such as Alex the lion having to fend off his desire to eat his friends when he gets hungry, then this is a must-see.
8. E. T. The Extra-Terrestrial
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ET. the Extra-Terrestrial, also simply known as E. T. is a 1982 science fiction directed and produced by Steven Spielberg. The film is about a young boy, Elliot, who finds and befriends an extraterrestrial, who gets stranded on Earth when his ship leaves him behind. Whilst trying to avoid E. T. being discovered, Elliot must find a way to help him get home.
The film stars Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote, Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Robert MacNaughton. The film with a run time of 114 minutes, was an instant hit and it surpassed Star Wars to become the highest-grossing film ever. It maintained that record for eleven years and then lost it to another Spielberg movie, Jurassic Park.
The film, regarded as one of the best films ever made, was produced on a budget of only $10.5 million and saw a box office return of an incredible $792.9 million. If you and your child enjoy anything to do with aliens and otherworldly entities then E. T. is your next must-watch.
9. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, released in 2005, is a remake of the original 1971 film. It is a musical fantasy directed by Tim Burton and was based on Roald Dahl’s novel. The story is about a young boy, Charlie, who wins a golden ticket that allows him and four other children to have a tour by Willy Wonka, through Wonka’s chocolate factory.
The film stars Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly, and Helena Bonham Carter. The film, which has a run time of 115 minutes, received positive reviews and critics praised the set design, visuals, child star performances, and direction.
The film was made on a budget of $150 million and was a box office success, and made a return of $475 million. This film is the fantasy of any sweet-loving child (and adult) and is an absolute visual wonderland.
10. The Incredibles
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The Incredibles, released in 2004, is a computer-animated superhero film that was produced by Pixar and was released by Walt Disney Pictures. The film was written and directed by Brad Bird and the film is set in the fictitious 1960s.
The film follows a couple of superheroes and their children who have to hide their powers due to new laws by the government. However, Mr. Incredibles’ desire to aid people pulls his family back into confrontations and they have to fight off the threat of a vengeful fan who has now become an enemy to them.
The film stars the voices of Craig T. Nelson, Sarah Vowell, Holly Hunter, and Samuel L. Jackson. The film, with a running time of 115 minutes, won two Academy Awards and an Annie Award. Also, its budget of $92 million made a return of $633 million. This film is a must-see for any superhero genre fans.
11. The Iron Giant
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The Iron Giant, released in 1999, is an animated science fiction action movie produced by Warner Bros. and was directed by Brad Bird (who also directed The Incredibles) in his directorial debut. The film is about a boy who befriends a giant metal robot and has to conceal him from a federal agent.
The film stars the voices of Jennifer Aniston, Vin Diesel, Harry Connick Jr., and James Gammon. This film, with a run time of 87 minutes, was praised for various aspects such as the animation, story, and characters. Despite this though, the film underperformed at the box office, only making back $31.3 million of its $50 million budget.
The film is incredible though and managed to win itself nine out of its fifteen Annie Award nominations. If your child is a science fiction fan and a lover of robots, then this will certainly strike all the right cords with them. Not to mention, the character developments within the film are sure to have them truly invested.
12. The Croods
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The Croods, released in 2013, is a computer-animated adventure comedy produced by DreamWorks Animation. The film was written and directed by Chris Sanders and Kirk DeMicco. The film follows the story of a family in a fictional prehistoric era. Following the destruction of their safe home, the Croods go in search of a new one, with the help of an ingenious boy.
The film stars the voices of Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, and Catherine Keener. The film was noted by critics for its fast pacing and great humor. It was also nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature.
The film, with a total run time of 98 minutes, had a budget of approximately $135 million and gained a box office return of $587.2 million. If your child has a fascination with things prehistoric, even though not accurate to any given era, this film will surely entertain them.
13. Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron
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Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, also known simply as Spirit, was released in 2002. It is an animated Western produced by DreamWorks Animation and was directed by Kelly Asbury and Lorna Cook, in their feature directorial debuts. The film is about a Kiger Mustang stallion that is captured by the United States Cavalry. Ultimately he is freed by a Native American man and we witness their shared adventure.
The film stars the voices of Matt Damon, James Cromwell, and Daniel Studi. The film, which runs for 83 minutes, was nominated for an Academy Award for the Best Animated Feature. It also saw a Netflix spin-off series launched and in 2021 a spin-off film, Spirit Untamed, was made.
The film had a budget of $80 million and had a fair return of $122.6 million at the box office. Unfortunately, the box office was not a true reflection of the craftsmanship and excellence of the film. If your child is a horse lover and especially loves the story of a fight to be free, then they will be enamored with this film.
14. Meet The Robinsons
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Meet the Robinsons, released in 2007 and is a computer-animated comedy produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and was directed by Stephen Anderson. The film is about Lewis who is an exceptional young inventor and who meets a stranger named Wilbur. The two of them team up and go on a time-traveling mission to hunt down and put a stop to the Bowler Hat Guy, which all ends in an intriguing twist of fate.
The film stars the voices of Daniel Hansen, Wesley Singerman, Jordan Fry, and Angela Bassett. The film, which has a run time of 94 minutes, for the most part, received positive feedback from critics. And although it wasn’t a box office hit it thankfully made a return of $169.3 million on its budget of $150 million.
This film is for all those who like the idea of time travel and even as adults we are intrigued by the concept. This is one of the great introductions to the idea that many kids had when it first came out and not only does it offer a geeky element, but the importance of friendship is also discussed.
15. Big Hero 6
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Big Hero 6, released in 2014, is a computer-animated superhero movie produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. The film was co-directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams. The film tells the story of a young robotics prodigy, Hiro, and Baymax, his late brother’s robot. The two form a team to fight against a villain who was responsible for Hiro’s brother’s death.
The film stars the voices of Scott Adsit, Daniel Henney, Ryan Potter, and T. J. Miller. The film, which has a run time of 102 minutes, was the highest-grossing animated film of 2014. It also won an Academy Award and a Kid’s Choice Award and was nominated for an Annie Award, Golden Globe Award, and a BAFTA Award.
The film was made on a budget of $165 million and made a box office return of $657.9 million. This is a film for those interested in the possibilities of robotics as well as the potential for artificial intelligence to ultimately be almost human-like. It is filled with adventure, plenty of laughs, and a whole lot of fun.
16. Rise of the Guardians
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Rise of the Guardians, released in 2012, is a 3D computer-animated action-fantasy produced by DreamWorks Animation. The film was directed by Peter Ramsey in his feature directorial debut. The film is about Guardians, made up of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the Sandman, who along with Jack Frost, must stop Pitch Black.
The film stars the voices of Chris Pine, Jude Law, Alec Baldwin, and Isla Fisher. The film, which has a run time that sits at 97 minutes, was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Annie Award. Unfortunately, even despite this and the generally favorable reviews, the film only made $306.9 million against its budget of $145 million.
If your child was or is a fan of the likes of Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, but would like to see them in a slightly grittier manner, that involves them having to fight off dark powers then they will be a fan of this film.
17. Alice In Wonderland
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Alice in Wonderland, released in 2010, is a dark fantasy directed by Tim Burton, who also sat in the director’s chair for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The film is about a nineteen-year-old Alice, who is informed that she can help restore the White Queen to the throne, with some help from the Mad Hatter.
The film stars Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Anne Hathaway. The film, although praised for the costumes and visual style, as well as the special effects, it was criticized for its lack of coherence in the narrative.
This did not stop the film, which has a run time of 108 minutes, of garnering three Golden Globe nominations. Additionally, the film’s budget of approximately $150 million saw an incredible return of $1.025 billion. This is a must-see for any who were fans of the original animation and the book, as well as lovers of the fantasy genre.
18. Ratatouille
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Ratatouille, released in 2007, is a computer-animated comedy produced by Pixar and was directed by Brad Bird. The film is the story of a rat, named Remy, who dreams of ultimately becoming a chef. He hopes to achieve this goal by teaming u with a Parisian garbage boy, for one of the restaurants.
The film stars the voices of Patton Oswalt, Lou Romano, Ian Holm, and Janeane Garofalo. The film, with a run time of 111 minutes, received widespread praise and it also won an Academy Award for the Best Animated Feature and was nominated for various others.
Its budget of $150 million saw a rather good return of $623.7 million at the box office. If your child is interested in the art of cooking and also has a soft spot in their heart for those who are usually shunned, then this is what you are looking for.
19. Ice Age
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Ice Age, released in 2002, is the first in the franchise of several computer-animated comedy movies. This one was directed by Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha. The film centers around three main characters, Manny a mammoth, Sid a ground sloth, and Diego a saber-tooth tiger. When they come across a human baby they must work together to return it to its tribe.
The film features the voices of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, and Denis Leary. The film has a total run time of 81 minutes and once you see this film, you and your child will agree that it is not enough. They received predominately positive reviews and were nominated for an Academy Award.
The film’s budget of only $59 million saw a hearty return of $383.3 million. If your child likes a story with eccentricity and quirky characters, they will love this trio and the other characters that we meet along the way.
20. The Lion King
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The Lion King, released in 2019, is a photorealistic computer-animated remake of the original 1994 film. This one was produced and directed by Jon Favreau. The story is about Simba who, after the death of his father, flees his kingdom and later learns the meaning of responsibility and bravery.
The film stars the voices of Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Seth Rogen, and Alfre Woodard. The film has a run time of 118 minutes and the fans of the original loved every minute of it. The film was praised for its visuals, vocal performances, and music.
It received nominations for awards at the Golden Globes, Academy Awards, Critic’s Choice Awards, and the British Academy Film Awards. It also performed incredibly well at the box office, where it made 1.657 billion on a budget of $250 million. If you enjoyed the original, you will be blown away by this film.
Conclusion
So there we have it, our top picks of must-see movies for children aged 7 to 9. Whether it is hilarious animals breaking out of their zoo, or the excitement of the Iron Giant having to tackle with going against his programming, you are sure to find a wonderful option for your and the kids’ next movie night.
