Family Movie Guide · 2025
Best Movies to Watch With a 6 Year Old in 2025
Six-year-olds are in a golden spot for family movie nights. Old enough to follow a real story, young enough to be genuinely thrilled by it. Here are 12 films that work brilliantly for kids this age — and that adults in the room will actually enjoy too.
If you've been there — staring at Netflix for 20 minutes while a tired six-year-old climbs on you — this list is for you. We've organised it by mood so you can pick based on the evening you're actually having, not the one you planned.
🎬 When they want an adventure
These are the ones with real stakes, real journeys, and enough wonder to hold a six-year-old completely still for 90 minutes.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
A young Viking who can't fight befriends the most feared dragon in the world. The flying sequences are genuinely breathtaking, and the story is about empathy in a world that doesn't value it — which lands differently when you watch it as a parent.
⭐ Parent note: One of the rare family films that holds up completely on a second or fifth watch.
Moana (2016)
A Polynesian chief's daughter sails beyond the reef to save her island. Strong female lead, stunning ocean visuals, and songs that you'll find yourself humming for weeks whether you want to or not.
⭐ Parent note: The Lin-Manuel Miranda soundtrack genuinely slaps. You've been warned.
Finding Nemo (2003)
An overprotective clownfish crosses the ocean to find his son. Pixar at its most emotionally precise — the opening five minutes still hits like a truck, and the journey is funny and warm throughout.
⭐ Parent note: A quietly perfect film about letting go. Hits differently once you're a parent.
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Find adventure films for age 6 →😄 When they're in a silly mood
Six-year-olds think fart jokes are sophisticated comedy. These films meet them where they are — but have enough wit layered in for the adults.
The LEGO Movie (2014)
An ordinary LEGO minifig is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and key to saving the world. Aggressively funny, meticulously designed, and hiding a genuinely emotional gut-punch in the third act.
⭐ Parent note: The ending is for the adults in the room. It works on every level.
The Incredibles (2004)
A family of superheroes forced to live normal lives springs back into action. A Pixar film that's secretly a razor-sharp comedy about mediocrity, suburban life, and midlife crisis — six-year-olds just see epic superhero action.
⭐ Parent note: Edna Mode. That's the whole note.
Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015)
A sheep leads his flock on a trip to the big city to rescue their farmer. Completely wordless — which makes it perfect for international families — and genuinely funny for every age in the room.
⭐ Parent note: Aardman's slapstick is impeccable. Adults tend to laugh more than the kids.
😌 When everyone needs to wind down
It's 7pm. You need something calm, beautiful, and not too long. These deliver.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Two sisters discover magical forest creatures near their new home in rural Japan. There's almost no conflict — it's a film about wonder, and it's the single most effective wind-down movie for children we've ever found.
⭐ Parent note: Studio Ghibli at its most pure. Many adults find it genuinely calming too.
Klaus (2019)
A selfish young postman forms an unlikely friendship with a reclusive toymaker, accidentally creating the legend of Santa Claus. Netflix's most underrated film — stunning hand-drawn animation and a story about kindness that isn't preachy about it.
⭐ Parent note: The ending will absolutely make you cry. Stock up on tissues.
Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
A young witch sets up a flying delivery service in a charming coastal city. Gentle, quietly empowering, and full of European charm. Perfect for kids who love a good adventure without too much danger.
⭐ Parent note: Miyazaki's most accessible film for younger children.
🎵 When they want to sing along
Encanto (2021)
A Colombian family where everyone has magical powers — except one girl. A Disney musical that's unusually honest about family pressure, being overlooked, and the weight of other people's expectations. "We Don't Talk About Bruno" will live in your house for months.
⭐ Parent note: One of the few Disney films that doesn't have a villain. Refreshing.
Coco (2017)
A young boy journeys to the Land of the Dead to uncover his family's secret history. Pixar's most emotionally ambitious film — tackles death, memory, and family legacy through stunning colour and music. Six-year-olds are riveted; parents are destroyed.
⭐ Parent note: The final 15 minutes are among the most beautiful in animated film. Have tissues.
Tips for a great movie night with a 6-year-old
Let them pick the snacks. A six-year-old with a bowl of popcorn they chose themselves is 40% more likely to sit still for the whole film. Scientific fact. (We made that up, but it's true.)
Don't skip the setup. A few sentences of context before the film — "This one is about a girl who's a witch and she has to move to a new city by herself" — helps younger kids follow the story and stops the "what's happening?" questions every five minutes.
Pause for reactions. Six-year-olds love to tell you what they think is going to happen next. Let them. The predictions are usually brilliant.
Match the film to the time. If it's 7pm and bedtime is 8:30, Coco (105 minutes) is probably not the move. Shaun the Sheep (85 minutes) gets everyone to bed on time and still delivers.
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Find picks for a 6-year-old →Frequently asked questions
Are these movies appropriate for a 6-year-old?
All films on this list are rated G or PG and have been chosen specifically for children around age 6. Some, like Coco and The Incredibles, have mild emotional intensity or action scenes — we've noted those in the parent notes above.
What's the best movie for a 6-year-old who gets scared easily?
My Neighbor Totoro and Klaus are the gentlest options on this list. Totoro has almost no conflict or scary moments whatsoever — it's pure warmth. Klaus is slightly more adventurous but still very calm throughout.
What streaming service has the best kids' movies for 6-year-olds?
Disney+ has the deepest library for this age — most Pixar films, Moana, Encanto, and the Ghibli catalogue in some regions. Netflix has strong options too, including Klaus, How to Train Your Dragon, and Shaun the Sheep. Use WatchWithKids to filter by your specific platform.
How long should a movie be for a 6-year-old?
Most 6-year-olds can comfortably watch a film up to about 100 minutes, especially in the afternoon or early evening. For a bedtime movie, aim for something under 90 minutes. The WatchWithKids length filter lets you set exactly how much time you have.