We all need a trip down memory lane now and then, so what better way to do this than by watching some nostalgic animation that will give you a blast from the past? These movies range from 1989 all the way to 2006 and will bring all of those memories back. This selection of staple kids’ movies will bring all the emotions back from when you first watched them as a child.
1. Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
“A captured mustang remains determined to return to his herd no matter what.” – IMDb
Year of Release: 2002
Length: 1 hour, 23 minutes
Rating Certification: U
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Drama, Family, Western
Cast: Matt Damon, John Rubano, Daniel Studi, Chopper Bernet, James Cromwell
Trailer: Watch Here
This heartwarming tale will be the ultimate throwback to your childhood. Spirit displays a committed horse who is separated from his herd and the troubles he must go through to be reunited with his family. Along the way, he meets an array of interesting characters who assist him on his journey as he attempts his return.
2. All Dogs Go To Heaven
“A canine angel, Charlie, sneaks back to earth from heaven but ends up befriending an orphan girl who can speak to animals. In the process, Charlie learns that friendship is the most heavenly gift of all.” – IMDb
Year of Release: 1989
Length: 1 hour, 24 minutes
Rating Certification: U
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy, Musical
Cast: Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Judith Barsi, Charles Nelson Reilly, Ken Page
Trailer: Watch Here
This beautiful film is filled with the most amazing tale of a girl and her ability to speak to animals who help a dog that has returned to earth after passing away, to help him become his true self. Realizing along the way that he needs his friends and that they are the most important thing in life.
3. Atlantis: The Lost Empire
“A young linguist named Milo Thatch joins an intrepid group of explorers to find the mysterious lost continent of Atlantis.” – IMDb
Year of Release: 2001
Length: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Rating Certification: U
Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Cast: Don Novello, Michael J. Fox, Florence Stanley, Phil Morris, John Mahoney, Jim Varney
Trailer: Watch Here
This is a more adventurous tale that covers the discovery of the lost city of Atlantis. Not only does it cover the difficulties along the way with a mixture of betrayal and natural disasters, but it also warms your heart with a romantic connection. The rollercoaster of a movie is worth a rewatch, or a first-time watch if you have never seen it!
4. Robots
“In a robot world, a young idealistic inventor travels to the big city to join his inspiration’s company, only to find himself opposing its sinister new management.” – IMDb
Year of Release: 2005
Length: 1 hour, 31 minutes
Rating Certification: PG
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Romance, Sci-Fi
Cast: Robin Williams, Ewan McGregor, Mel Brookes, Jennifer Coolidge, Amanda Bynes
Trailer: Watch Here
This feel-good, heartwarming story is amazingly mixed with comedy that is perfect for all of the family. Along with the amazing cast, there is a great soundtrack to go with the action-packed film. This is a must watch, or a rewatch for the nostalgia you are looking for!
5. Treasure Planet
“Jim Hawkins is a teenager who finds the map of a great treasure hidden by a space pirate. Together with some friends, he sets off in a large spaceship, shaped like a caravel, on his quest.” – IMDb
Year of Release: 2002
Length: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Rating Certification: U
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Cast: Martin Short, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emma Thompson, Brian Murray, Michael Wincott
Trailer: Watch Here
Another adventurous tale is Treasure Planet, the story of a young boy who is questioning his life when an adventure falls at his feet. He takes on a quest to discover lost treasure that is a story he has heard since he was little. An inspiration and heart-warming story for all.
6. Over the Hedge
“A scheming raccoon fools a mismatched family of forest creatures into helping him repay a debt of food, by invading the new suburban sprawl that popped up while they were hibernating…and learns a lesson about family himself.” – IMDb
Year of Release: 2006
Length: 1 hour, 23 minutes
Rating Certification: U
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family
Cast: Bruce Willis, Steve Carell, Wanda Sykes, Nick Nolte, Thomas Haden Church
Trailer: Watch Here
If you are looking for a good laugh with your friends or family, look no further than Over the Hedge. This star studded cast and amazing comedy goes hand in hand with adventure, mischief and a thirst for getting out of sticky situations.
7. The Wild
“An adolescent lion is accidentally shipped from the New York Zoo to Africa. Now running free, his zoo pals must put aside their differences to help bring him back.” – IMDb
Year of Release: 2006
Length: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Rating Certification: U
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family
Cast: Kiefer Sutherland, Eddie Izzard, Greg Cipes, Steve Williams, Patrick Warburton
Trailer: Watch Here
Similar to Over the Hedge with a mixture of the comedy and adventure of Madagascar, this is a great watch for the family. A father and his friends, with some funny additional characters try to find the lion’s lost son to finally be reunited after issues within the zoo. A childhood favourite indeed.
8. Barnyard
“When the farmer’s away, all the animals play, and sing, and dance. Eventually, though, someone has to step in and run things, a responsibility that ends up going to Otis, a carefree cow.” – IMDb
Year of Release: 2006
Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Rating Certification: PG
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family
Cast: Kevin James, Sam Elliot, Wanda Sykes, Danny Glover, Courteney Cox, Jeffrey Garcia
Trailer: Watch Here
Barnyard is another heartwarming tale of differences overcome by father and son. This mixed with an amazing cast and funny scenes throughout is the perfect combination for a family movie night in. This movie is a wonderful way to reconnect with your inner child and revisit a classically funny movie.
Megan Black
Hi, my name is Megan. I have a degree in Film, Media & Journalism and my interests include travel, food, beauty, films and photography. I am originally from Scotland but I have lived in 9 countries so I consider myself a bit of a nomad.
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