Top 21 Best Disney Movies for Toddlers

Growing up watching Disney movies is a kind of rite of passage. But with such a variety of movies to choose from, how do you know which are the best Disney movies for the toddlers in your family? If you were raised on Disney movies like I was, you may be familiar with some of the old classics, but you may be less familiar with some of the current releases.

Let’s break down the Top 21 Best Disney Movies for Toddlers and also look at a few movies to avoid until they are a little older.

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List of Best Disney Movies for Toddlers

1. Cars

The first movie to make our list of the best movies Disney movies for toddlers is Cars. One of the things we love about Cars is not a movie that focuses on romance, but on friendship. A typical Disney movie for kids features people or animals as the main characters. We love the fact that the main characters in this movie are cars, trucks, and other vehicles. And it’s a great alternative to princesses for the boys of the family!

>>You can watch Cars here. <<

TIP: If your toddlers like Cars they may also like the spin-off Planes!

2. Finding Nemo

The next movie on our list of best Disney movies for toddlers is Finding Nemo. While Finding Nemo isn’t musical like other Disney movies, it has loveable characters, comedy elements, vibrant colors, and fun animation.

We also love that the story focuses on a father and son duo. Where most children’s movies tend to focus on the relationship with mothers, Finding Nemo does the opposite. Marlin is a very overprotective and involved dad… maybe a little too overprotective. But it is refreshing to see a dad portrayed as present and involved.

>>Finding Nemo can be streamed here. <<

3. Finding Dory

It is not surprising that Finding Dory also makes our list of best Disney movies for toddlers. For any toddlers that loved Finding Nemo, they will definitely be drawn to Finding Dory as well.

Dory is introduced in Finding Nemo as a super loveable, quirky little fish suffering from short-term memory loss. The sequel focuses on Dory’s journey to find her own family. The same vibrant colors and loveable characters found in Finding Nemo make Finding Dory a great choice for toddlers.

>>Finding Dory is available here. <<

4. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Another great Disney movie for toddlers is The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. In fact, many parents probably grew up watching Winnie the Pooh and his friends themselves!

This movie is a great choice because of how relatable and enduring these classic characters are. The stories are simple with childlike mishaps and there is virtually no objectionable or dark content. The Many Adventures of Winnie Pooh is an easy choice for a Disney movie for the youngest members of the family.

>>Stream The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh here today.<<

TIP: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is actually a collection of shorter movies making it much better for a toddler’s attention span.

5. Moana

Moana was the first movie we took our child to see at the movie theater and it was a hit! The animation is colorful and vibrant, in fact, there were points in the film where the ocean looked real!

The music for Moana was done by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and is fantastic! We were listening to the soundtrack at our house for months after. Having musical moments in a movie definitely makes it more toddler-friendly, and Moana does not disappoint in that category.

We also love that the creators of Moana really sought to be authentic to the Polynesian culture which adds a richness to the film that parents and older children will enjoy as well. Moana is great for not only toddlers but the entire family as well!

>>Plan a Moana movie night by watching here. <<

6. Frozen

Would this list really be complete without the addition of Frozen?! The movie that took the world by storm is a top pick for the best Disney movies for toddlers.

The musical element of Frozen makes it a hit with young children. Parents may not be as in love with listening to their toddler belt out their best rendition of Let It Go, but the toddlers in their life will!

We also love Frozen because of the characters in the story. The dynamics between two sisters and a loveable snowman make the movie relatable and easy. Frozen is a great pick for the toddlers in your life.

>>Check out Frozen here. <<

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7. Encanto

The next movie to make the list of best Disney movies for toddlers is Encanto! Encanto has quickly become a hit with viewers, especially young viewers.

The characters are eclectic and we love Mirable as the heroine! Encanto is yet another example of a Disney movie that doesn’t focus on romance but on the bond of family.

Encanto also has an amazing soundtrack with songs that are catchy and easily favorites for the toddler age group. We think you will love Encanto for your toddlers too!

>>You won’t want to miss Encanto! Stream it here tonight!<<

8. Bolt

Another movie we love for toddlers is Bolt. You may not be as familiar with Bolt as you are with other Disney movies. It is the story of a dog actor that thinks he is a real live superhero.

Any Disney movie with animal characters tends to be a hit with the toddler age group and Bolt definitely fits the bill. The movie has some musical elements, but what it lacks in songs, it makes up for in action! Little ones will be enthralled with Bolt the superhero!

We love Bolt as a Disney movie of choice for toddlers because of the action and the dynamics between animal and human characters. It is easily a hit for younger viewers!

>>You can watch Bolt here.<<

9. Wreck-It Ralph

Wreck-It Ralph is on our list of best Disney movies for toddlers because my own toddler latched onto this movie pretty quickly! Actually, Wreck-It Ralph was a hit for the whole family. As adults, we loved the retro arcade setting and the cameos from some of our favorite arcade characters.

When it comes to characters, Vanellope and Ralph are as loveable as they come! My own toddler was obsessed with Vanellope and her candy hair pieces. The vibrant colors and candy settings in Sugar Rush were visually attractive to the age group as well.

Wreck-It Ralph is the story of friendship and redemption. We love that it plays on the idea that people don’t have to be all bad and all good. This story of an unlikely friendship is great for toddlers.

>>Wreck-It Ralph is found here for streaming.<<

TIP: Wreck-It Ralph 2 is a sequel that might be a little better for older students. The storyline is a little less straightforward and it deals with themes that older children will understand.

10. Lilo and Stitch

Adding Lilo and Stitch to the list of best Disney movies for toddlers was a no-brainer. Kids quickly fall in love with Stitch and all of his mischief. He’s the perfect combination of loveable and naughty that toddlers can’t help but love!

While Frozen may be the Disney movie most known for the story of 2 sisters, Lilo and Stitch was the original tale of two sisters! The story of ohana that Lilo and Stitch focus on is a great theme for toddlers. We always tend to gravitate towards movies with family love rather than romantic love being the catalyst of the story.

>>You can watch Lilo and Stitch with your family here. <<

Planning a Disneyland trip with your little one? Use our 13 Best Disneyland Rides for Babies as a guide for your visit!

11. Cinderella

Cinderella is one of the best Disney movies for toddlers because of its classic storyline and music. We don’t know a single little girl that is not enraptured with the fairy godmother’s magic that transforms Cinderella from a servant girl into a beautiful princess!

Even with the older look of the animation and the older sound of the songs, Cinderella is still a movie that will capture the heart of toddlers watching.

>>Create a Cinderella movie night tonight by streaming here. <<

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12. Tangled

Next up on our list of best Disney movies for toddlers is Tangled. This is another family favorite in our house! Rapunzel is a Disney princess that is easy to fall in love with. She’s kind and creative and a little bit of a daredevil too! She is determined and also deeply kind. We love this character for toddlers.

Tangled also has a wonderful soundtrack that we know draws toddlers into the magic of this Disney movie! And with vibrant characters and lots of action, we think it is one of the best Disney movies for toddlers.

>>Tangled can be found here. <<

13. Luca

Luca is also on our list of best Disney movies for toddlers, but you may not be that familiar with it.

This movie is a recent addition to the Disney canon and was released only on Disney +. Luca is the coming-of-age story of a little amphibian boy who spends an incredible summer learning about life and adventure in a sleepy Italian seaside town.

We know that this movie will especially appeal to young boys with the slapstick comedy and daredevil stunts, but the girls in our life love it as well.

>>Add Luca to your family movie night list here.<<

14. The Little Mermaid

Who doesn’t love The Little Mermaid?! The colors, the sounds, the larger-than-life characters… and mermaids! The Little Mermaid has been a fan favorite for a long time, and each new generation of young children falls in love with it all over again.

One of the biggest draws of The Little Mermaid is the music! Toddlers will love to sing and dance along to the catchy musical numbers. That is why it is on our list of best Disney movies for toddlers.

>>Watch The Little Mermaid with your family here. <<

15. Toy Story 2

Another great Disney movie for toddlers is Toy Story 2! The entire Toy Story franchise is great for children, but when it comes to toddlers, Toy Story 2 is the best choice.

One of the standouts in Toy Story 2 is the dynamic characters! Not only do you still have Woody, Buzz, and the original gang of Andy’s toys but we are introduced to Jessie and Bullseye in this film as well.

Toy Story 2 is fast-paced enough to keep a toddler’s attention, but not too intense to be scary. We think Toy Story 2 is a great choice for toddlers.

>>Add Toy Story 2 to your watch list here. <<

TIP: The original Toy Story movie didn’t make our list because of the dark elements when Andy’s neighbor destroys and maims his toys.

16. Zootopia

The next movie on our list of best Disney movies for toddlers is Zootopia.

We love any movie with animals as the characters for toddlers, and Zootopia fits the bill for that reason. Your toddler will love seeing all of the different animals living and working in Zootopia. Plus, Judy Hopps is easy to love and the banter between her and Nick Wilde is fun and entertaining.

>>You can find Zootopia on streaming here. <<

TIP: In some countries, Zootopia goes by Zootropolis instead

17. Wall-E

Another Disney movie that is great for toddlers is Wall-E. I think this is a movie you either love or hate… personally we love it! It is a unique spin on a children’s movie because it does not have the typical princesses, superheroes, or animal characters.

Wall-E makes our list of best Disney movies for toddlers because it is such a genuine story. Even though the robot characters in the film do not speak, it is impossible not to relate to them and feel what they are feeling. Plus it has a pretty profound message about our role in taking care of the planet we call home.

>>Stream Wall-E with your family here. <<

18. Coco

Coco also makes our list of best Disney movies for toddlers.

We love this movie! There is no question it is a great Disney movie for toddlers. With vibrant colors, a catchy soundtrack, and a peek into Mexican culture, Coco is a wonderful cinematic experience. We also love that the focus is on family and healing family bonds, and not romance.

>>Coco can be found here for your next family movie night. <<

19. Tinker Bell

Tinkerbell is an easy choice when it comes to the best Disney movies for toddlers. In fact, there is an entire series of Tinkerbell movies that get our approval. They all have a relatively short runtime, easy-to-follow storylines, and focus on positive character traits.

>>You can watch Tinkerbell here. <<

20. Pooh’s Heffalump Movie

Next up on our list is Pooh’s Heffalump Movie. This is an easy choice because of the familiarity with the characters of the Hundred Acre Wood, especially if you have already introduced The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which appeared earlier on our list.

Pooh’s Heffalump Movie was a staple in our house when my daughter was a toddler. In fact, we watched it every night for months! The familiar characters and enchanting music kept my daughter fixated. She fell in love with Lumpy the Heffalump and we know your toddlers will too!

>>If you’ve never seen Pooh’s Heffalump Movie you can stream it here today!<<

21. The Incredibles

The last movie to make our list of best Disney movies for toddlers is the Incredibles. We love this action-packed movie for toddlers! Think James Bond meets superheroes and that is The Incredibles.

There are lots of car chases and explosions without being violent. And even with one of the longest runtimes on our list, we have found that The Incredibles can keep a young child’s attention just fine.

We also love that The Incredibles is entertaining for the whole family! Adults won’t have to suffer through the movie to appease their children. It is entertaining for all members of the family!

>>You can check out the Incredibles here tonight!<<

Check out our list of Top 25 Best Rides at Disneyland for an Incredibles-inspired ride!

Avoid These Disney Movies for Toddlers

Now that we have explored which Disney movies are best for toddlers, we should know which Disney movies we should hold off on until they get a little bit older.

❌ Dumbo

First on our list of movies to avoid for toddlers is Dumbo.

Although Dumbo is a classic Disney movie, there are some elements that we feel make it a little too intense for toddlers. There are several scenes that are hard to take in. In particular, the scene where Dumbo is ripped away from his mother and his mother subsequently is chained up and locked away is a bit too much.

There are also some heavily racial undertones and prejudices in the film that could give parents pause. Between the opening scene with and the black jive talkin’ crow named Jim, we find it to be a little too much. If it is important to you to not expose your children to racial stereotypes, we suggest steering clear of Dumbo.

❌ Up

The next film on our list of Disney movies to avoid for your toddlers is Up. While I personally love this movie, it is not the happy-go-lucky movie that most young children will be drawn to.

Up is a movie with some very adult themes including miscarriage/infertility, death, gentrification, and the devaluing of senior citizens. It is a lot for adults to handle in the film, much less a small child. There are no fun songs and the storyline is a bit complex as well. In our opinion, it is better to hold off on introducing Up until they get a little older.

❌Inside Out

Inside Out makes our list of Disney movies to hold off on for toddlers. While the movie has its own slue of entertaining characters, it deals with heavy topics that just might not be age appropriate.

The main character, Riley is coming of age but also dealing with the stress of a move to another state. The movie focuses a lot on her internal struggle dealing with the move and the stress it causes her parents. There are scenes where she is humiliated at school and seemingly friendless. The movie climaxes with Riley seemingly having a complete mental breakdown and running away from home.

While Inside Out has comical relief through the use of Riley’s emotions, we find it to be overall a bit too emotionally heavy for toddlers and young children to digest.

❌The Lion King

I think the next movie on our list may surprise you! Yes, the Lion King. Although the soundtrack and visuals are fantastic, it is hard to ignore the huge catalyst of Simba’s running away from home… the murder of his father.

When showing this movie to our own child for the first time, it took a lot of talking through what was about to happen. I am sure even now you remember the feeling of watching Mufasa fall into the ravine and be trampled in the stampede. It is an intense moment and may just be a bit too much for young children.

❌ The Princess and the Frog

Another movie to avoid for toddlers is The Princess and the Frog. Although it is a Disney princess movie and a pretty familiar story, there are a lot of dark elements in the movie.

Because the movie is set in New Orleans, it plays heavily on voodoo themes. For instance, there are several scenes where voodoo spirits are interacting with characters. Moreover, there is even a scene at the end of the film where they pull Dr. Facilier into the underworld.

For these reasons, we think it is best to wait on watching The Princess and the Frog until your children are a little older.

❌ Turning Red

The next movie to avoid with toddlers is Turning Red. Don’t get us wrong, we love Turning Red! It is a great coming-of-age movie, especially for middle school girls, it just isn’t a great movie for toddlers.

Turning Red has some suggestive themes including talk about the main character, Mei, starting her period. The movie deals with the dynamic between mother and daughter at a very sensitive time of life. Additionally, there is some sneaking around and lying to parents. At one point there is a physical altercation between Mei and her mom before they finally find a way to accept each other as they are.

While we love Turning Red, it deals with themes that are not age appropriate for toddlers.

❌ Soul

The last movie to make our list of movies to avoid is Soul. While some movies were easy to add to the best movies for toddlers list, Soul was easy to add to the movies to avoid list.

To put it quite frankly, Soul is complicated and even a little boring. The main character, Joe, dies early on in the movie. The rest of the movie deals with his journey in the afterlife as he fights to regain his life on Earth.

The movie is slow-moving and boring for adults and will likely not hold the attention of a toddler.

What to Look For

So what should you be looking for in a Disney movie for toddlers? There are several things to consider when choosing a film that will not only entertain your toddler but also be developmentally appropriate as well.

We have found there are several things all of the best Disney movies for toddlers seem to have in common. When choosing what we consider the Top 21 Best Disney Movies for Toddlers we have taken into consideration the film’s length, music, animation, and the appearance of any dark elements.

🔹 Length – The first thing to consider when choosing the best Disney movies for toddlers is the length of the movie. Short and sweet is the way to go when choosing the best Disney movie for your toddler.

🔹 Music – The next thing to keep in mind when finding the best Disney movie for your toddler is whether or not it is musical. A movie with music is much more likely to keep your toddler’s attention and pique their interest. Choosing a Disney movie that is musical will help make sure that it is a success for your toddler

🔹 Animation – When choosing the best Disney movie for toddlers, you should also take into account whether or not the movie is animated. In recent years, Disney has focused on creating live-action versions of their animated classics. The characters and bright colors found in animated films appeal more readily to the toddler viewers in the family.

🔹 Dark Elements – The final thing to consider when choosing to introduce Disney movies to your toddler is the potential for any dark elements in the film. I think this is probably the number one concern for parents of toddlers and it was for myself as well. Be mindful of any villains that may be a little too scary or themes that may be too serious and dark for a young child.

Where to Watch the Best Disney Movies for Toddlers

⭐️ Disney +: Disney + is the best source for finding all of the movies on our list of best Disney movies for toddlers. The great thing about using Disney + is that you get access to thousands of movies and original shows for a set price each month.

⭐️ Prime Video – Amazon’s Prime Video is another great streaming alternative without the monthly commitment. This is a great option if you are only going to introduce a few movies one at a time. Prime Video is basically renting movies for 48 hours, so you won’t have access long-term.

⭐️ Disney Movie Club – If you like having physical DVDs or Blu-ray discs instead of streaming everything digitally, consider joining the Disney Movie Club. When joining you get 4 initial movies for just $1 and free shipping. After that, you commit to buying 5 more movies at the regular price ($19.95) in the span of 24 months.

⭐️ Local Library – You may also wish to consider your local library for some of the titles on our list. While the selection may be hit or miss, they usually try their best to keep family-friendly movies in stock and you can access them for free with a library card.

TIP: Don’t count on finding your favorite Disney movies on Netflix. They were moved to other streaming services with the launch of Disney +.

Meeting the Characters from the Movies

There is only one thing left to do after you have introduced your toddlers to some beloved Disney characters, and that is to let them meet their heroes in person!

There is nothing more magical than watching your young child’s face light up when they encounter their favorite Disney characters in real life! A trip to a Disney theme park allows them to do just that.

A Disney package of tickets and resort can be booked for as little as a $200 deposit and then you are able to make payments on your trip at your own leisure up until 30 days before your check-in day. Click the link below and we can get started planning your most magical Disney vacation! And when booking your Disney Word or Disneyland trip with me, my services are always free!

Conclusion: Best Disney Movies for Toddlers

There are so many great movies to introduce your toddlers to that will pave the way for many years of Disney viewing magic! Disney movies can really draw young children in with their vibrant animation, catchy music, and dynamic characters. What Disney character will your toddler fall in love with first?!

And if you are looking for more Disney movie suggestions, check out 13 Smart Disney Characters for Your Next Movie Night!

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