(DML Top 20 Lists - CGI-Animated Children's Films ranked)

Honorable Mention

The Good Dinosaur (2015), Director: Peter Sohn, rated PG

Little arms big attitude

Starring: Raymond Ochoa, Jack Bright, Sam Elliott, Anna Paquin, A. J. Buckley, Steve Zahn, Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"Sometimes you got to get through your fear to see the beauty on the other side." - Poppa

Why watch this? ... this kinda flew under the radar, but once I discovered it, my heart was glad.

Plot Summary: In an alternate history where dinosaurs never went extinct, a young Apatosaurus named Arlo, the runt of his farming family, finds himself separated from his home and loved ones after a tumultuous event. Lost and facing many dangers, Arlo must overcome his fears and learn to survive in the wild. Along his journey, he forms an unlikely friendship with a resourceful human boy, he names Spot, and together they navigate a challenging landscape in a quest to reunite Arlo with his family.

Dad's Preview: "OK, here comes another overly-sentimental kids movie," I thought. Of course, I was dead wrong. This story follows a young Apatosaurus (think Brontosaurus), Arlo, who stumbles upon a feral human boy. They soon become pals. A flash flood suddenly hits! Arlo and the boy are swept away. Both are forced to grow up as they trek through a world unknown to them, encountering new friends and dangers. My favorite segment is their encounter with cattle-herding T-Rexes. This cute film will warm your little Jurassic-heart.

Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #20 Top

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021), Director: Mike Rianda, rated PG

Prepare to get weird, cause the world depends on it...

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Michael Rianda, Eric Andre, Olivia Colman, Fred Armisen, Beck Bennett, Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Lo Mutuc, Blake Griffin, Conan O'Brien

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"It's almost like stealing people's data and giving it to a hyper-intelligent AI as part of an unregulated tech monopoly was a bad thing." – Mark Bowman

Why watch this? This sci-fi adventure is packed full of family jokes, pet tropes, robots, and heart.

Plot Summary: A creative, tech-averse father forces his disconnected family on a cross-country road trip to drop his daughter off at film school. Their attempt at bonding is interrupted when a young tech entrepreneur's AI system goes rogue and initiates a global robot apocalypse, capturing nearly all of humanity. The quirky Mitchell family must work together to overcome their differences and save the world.

Dad's Preview: This is what might occur if the creators of Black Mirror decided to make a family adventure movie. It's the terror of SkyNet, but the Flintstone's are coming to the rescue. There's a very heartfelt sub-plot that will impact all dads and daughters in the audience. That plot even carries through when the Robots begin their world-conquering domination. There are too many witty one-liners to count, mostly referencing the sad fact that the older generation just doesn't get modern technology. It's all hilarious. This raucous, visually-stunning family adventure is fun for everyone and it drips with tech satire.

Columbia Pics, Sony Pictures Animation,
Lord Miller Prod., One Cool Films; Netflix

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #19 Top

George of the Jungle (1997), Director: Sam Weisman, rated PG

WATCH OUT!

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Leslie Mann, Thomas Haden Church, Holland Taylor, Richard Roundtree, John Cleese

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Don't worry. Nobody dies in this story. They just get really big boo-boos." - Narrator

Why watch this? It's innocent, fun and outrageous - just go with it.

Plot Summary: This comedy tells the story of a man raised by apes in the heart of the African wilderness. When a wealthy American heiress named Ursula visits the jungle, she encounters George and is captivated by his unique lifestyle and charm (his muscular body helps, too). This encounter leads George to navigate the complexities of both his jungle home and the modern human world as he falls in love and tries to protect his loved ones from the schemes of Ursula's jealous fiancé.

Dad's Preview: This is a very loveable Disney film featuring subtle adult humor and some really funny jokes and CGI gags. The film's objective plays up physical humor for laughs, and it works. When my kids were young, Disney movies played over and over... and it could be tiring. This film, however, never got old. I fell in love with the darling Leslie Mann as Ursula. In addition, Holland Taylor is excellent as Ursula's meddling mother, Beatrice. However, it's Brendan Fraser, as fit and funny as a human can be, who makes it all work. Thanks to this film, I utter the phrase "King of Jungle only here to help" on an almost daily basis. I also will never forget, "Nice butt flap!"

Walt Disney Pictures;
Buena Vista Pictures Distributing

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #18 Top

A Bug's Life (1998), Director: John Lasseter, Rated G

An epic of miniature proportions.

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Kevin Spacey, Dave Foley, Julie Louis-Dreyfus, Haden Panettiere, Phyllis Diller, Richard Kind, David Hyde Pierce, Joe Ranft, Denis Leary, Jonathan Harris, Madeline Kahn, Bonnie Hunt

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"You let one ant stand up to us, then they all might stand up! Those puny little ants outnumber us a hundred to one and if they ever figure that out there goes our way of life! It's not about food, it's about keeping those ants in line." - Hopper

Why watch this? A cartoon about bugs should not be this funny and entertaining... but it is.

Plot Summary: In a much smaller world, "Ant Island" is ruled by the Queen and her daughter Atta. Every summer, the ants must supply food to the grasshoppers, led by the merciless Hopper. When Flik, a well-meaning, creative ant accidentally ruins the current year's tribute, he's encouraged to go on a journey to find other bugs to help the ants stand up to the grasshoppers. Flik encounters several Circus Bugs that he thinks are warrior bugs. He brings them to Ant Island, planning to trick Hopper and his gang, and drive them away. Hopper, however, is one smart jumper himself.

Dad's Preview: The follow-up to Pixar's Toy Story (1995), would always fail by comparison. However, this worthy film more than held its own at the box office. Furthermore, it is a very good flick for both children and adults. It has tons of slapstick laughs, and a pretty heavy villain (superbly voiced by Kevin Spacey). I really enjoyed the eight Circus Bugs. Their various personalities and gags cracked me up constantly, and this cadre of Vaudeville players serve a key role in the film's plot. Flik, the film's chief protagonist, despite several failures, keeps humming along, using his mind to solve the colony's pressing issues. This CGI adventure will bug you, and that's very much the point.

Pixar Animation Studios;
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #17 Top

Shrek (2001), Directors: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson, rated PG

The greatest fairy tale never told.

Starring: (the voice talents of) Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow, Vincent Cassel, Peter Dennis, Chris Miller, Cody Cameron

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"We can stay up late, swapping manly stories, and in the morning, I'm making waffles!" - Donkey

Why watch this? Just when you think Disney owns everything, Shrek hits the scene and starts a franchise.

Plot Summary: The grumpy ogre Shrek wants his swamp back after the diminutive Lord Farquaad banishes fairytale creatures to it. Shrek, accompanied by a talkative Donkey, strikes a deal with Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower in exchange for his solitude. Their journey to bring Fiona back to Farquaad leads to unexpected adventures and a burgeoning connection between Shrek and the princess.

Dad's Preview: Thanks to Dreamworks Animation, we received this animated treasure. Here, the traditional "villain", a green ogre, becomes the most honorable of heroes. The premise is creative and tons of fun. Though made for kids with many sight-gags based on familiar fairy tales, it also features some mature humor. The talented voice work performed by Myers, Murphy, Diaz and Lithgow make this film easy to sit back and enjoy.

DreamWorks Animation, PDI/Dreamworks;
DreamWorks Pictures

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #16 Top

Babe (1995), Director: Chris Noonan, rated G

A little pig goes a long way.

Starring: James Cromwell, Magda Szubanski, Christine Cavanaugh, Dann Mann, Miriam Margolyes, Hugo Weaving, Roscoe Lee Brown

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"The Boss's husband is just playing a little game with you. Believe me, sooner or later, every pig gets eaten. That's the way the world works. Oh, I haven't upset you, have I?" - Dutchess (the cat)

Why watch this? It's so sweet and endearing. You will love this pink little piglet.

Plot Summary: This is the story of a piglet won by Farmer Hoggett at a county fair. The pink porker finds a home on the farm and bonds with a sheepdog named Fly. Babe, against the expectations of his kind, learns that he too can herd sheep. He must then gain acceptance from the other farm animals who question his unusual abilities.

Dad's Preview: This is another film my kids loved. It's about a delightful little orphaned pig who is trained to, of all things, herd sheep. The film-makers deployed CGI technology to enable the barnyard animals to speak to each other. It's done well and not over-the-top. I enjoyed hearing the thoughts and feelings of common farm animals. James Cromwell's performance as Farmer Hogget is really special. Babe, voiced by Christine Cavanaugh, steals the show. "Baa Ram Ewe!"

Kennedy Miller Productions;
Universal Pictures

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #15 Top

Coco (2017), Director: Lee Unkrich, rated PG

The celebration of a lifetime

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Renée Victor, Ana Ofelia Murguía, Edward James Olmos, Alfonso Arau, Selene Luna, Jaime Camil, Natalia Cordova-Buckley

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Our memories, they have to be passed down by those who knew us in life - in the stories they tell about us. But there's no one left alive to pass down Cheech's stories... Hey, it happens to everyone eventually." - Héctor

Why watch this? A wonderful children's film about life, and death, and the important in-between.

Plot Summary: A young boy named Miguel dreams of becoming a musician, despite his family's long-standing ban on music. On Día de Muertos, a series of events leads him to the vibrant Land of the Dead. There, he embarks on a journey to find his deceased great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer, and uncover the truth about his family's past.

Dad's Preview: Why are we so afraid of death? It is human nature and fear of the unknown. This delightful, colorful Latino-based film explores death, and many more very adult topics such as: the impact a missing father can have, old grudges and the damage they do, and the importance of pursuing your heart's dream, regardless of the many naysayers. Yet, children will love it, too. The Pixar animation, once again, out-does itself. The choice to zip up and infuse brightness, and life, into the land of the dead was brilliant. In many ways it is as creative as Up (2009) or Inside Out (2015). The concept of the hereafter is unique and well-done. We all get to experience Miguel's arduous journey to be himself, while honoring his family. This film is about as good as it gets if you are looking for an experience to make you feel really good inside.

Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #14 Top

How to Train Your Dragon (2010), Directors: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois, rated PG

What started as fire and fury will become friendship.

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Jay Baruchel, Randy Thom, America Ferrera, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig, T.J. Miller, David Tennant

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Most people would leave. Not us. We're Vikings. We... have stubbornness issues." - Hiccup

Why watch this? It's a wonderful, action-filled tale about Vikings and air-borne dragons.

Plot Summary: Viking 101: They kill dragons - all of the many kinds. On the island village of Berk, chieftain Stoick the Vast, has a teen son, Hiccup, who is a wiz with creating mechanical devices, yet weak by dad's brawny standards. When Hiccup shoots down a rare Night Fury dragon, nobody believes him. After searching the nearby forest for the dragon's body, Hiccup finds the downed beast very alive and kinda friendly. Meanwhile, Stoick enrolls the lad in dragon-fighting class, as he once sails away to destroy the monsters' nests. Hiccup desperately seeks his dad's approval, but can he actually take a dragon's life?

Dad's Preview: This beloved animated treasure features misunderstood flying monsters, and the Scottish norse-folk, who have killed the beasts for as long as they can remember. There's also a loveable cadre of teenage Vikes who strive to be the best dragon-slayers. However, for me, the core of this film is a broken relationship between a father and his son. Once again, DreamWorks has put forth a delightful, high-quality children's film. It also should resonate with many adults, especially fathers who might have been too hard on their sons. But rest assured folks, in this colorful adventure, all will be put right by the end credits.

DreamWorks Animation; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #13 Top

The Incredibles (2004), Director: Brad Bird, rated PG

Discover the Side of Superheroes You've Never Seen Before

Starring: (the voices of) Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Spencer Fox, Jason Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Elizabeth Peña

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Normal? What do you know about normal? What does anyone in this family know about normal?" - Violet

Why watch this? ... a Disney film that is one of the best super-hero films out there.

Plot Summary: Following a government ban on superhuman activities, superheroes Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, now Bob and Helen Parr, are living a quiet suburban life with their super-powered children. Bob misses his hero days and secretly moonlights as a vigilante with his friend Frozone, leading him to accept a mysterious invitation for a top-secret mission. Soon, his family must come together and embrace their powers to face a new threat and protect the world.

Dad's Preview: Disney and Pixar have long dominated the CGI cartoon universe and deservedly so. This major hit stands out because it is about the "modern family". We have all the relatable dynamics: a Dad who hates his "safe" job, a Mom who feels lost as a homemaker, an emo teen daughter to hates everything, and a stubborn son that won't listen. That's a family dynamic I can relate to! Except they all have super-powers - even the baby, who shoots lasers out of his eyes!

Pixar Animation Studios;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #12 Top

The Wild Robot (2024), Director: Chris Sanders, rated PG

Sometimes, to survive, you must become more than you were programmed to be.

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Matt Berry, Ving Rhames, Mark Hamill, Catherine O'Hara, Boone Storm, Alexandra Novelle, Raphael Alejandro

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I'm a robot. I do robot-y things. I seek tasks and ensure all essential needs have been met or exceeded." - Rozzum 7134 aka "Roz"

Why watch this? I thought there was no new place for a robot cartoon to go... Well, I was wrong.

Plot Summary: Rozzum Robot 7134 is the only of six human-serving machines to survive a storm. "Roz" washes up on an uninhabited island teeming of wildlife. As Roz's programming dictates, she seeks a task to perform, yet the animals fear her, even calling her a monster. She goes into "'learning mode", which helps her decipher the animal's languages. After an accident, she finds herself in the care of a baby goose. Using the only friends she has: a tricky fox named Fink, and a mother opossum, Pinktale, she finally learns her task - to raise the goose (named Brightbill), teach it to swim and fly. However, time is ticking because winter is coming and Brightbill must migrate South with his fellow geese.

Dad's Preview: This lovely animated film just grabs you and won't let go. Sure its for children, but here are some adult themes at play: what it means to accept parental responsibility, rejection for being different, and maturing to a point that you realize that love knows no type, or rule, or bounds. This DreamWorks effort really hits notes reserved for Pixar/Disney, and the two animation producers, quality-wise, are neck and neck, and that is a good thing for a viewing audience, hungry for good, family-friendly movies.

DreamWorks Animation; Universal Pictures

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #11 Top

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), Directors: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, rated G

Enter a universe where more than one wears the mask.

Starring: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Lily Tomlin, Luna Lauren Vélez, John Mulaney, Kimiko Glenn, Nicolas Cage, Liev Schreiber

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done, and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed without a doubt, a real superhero. " - Stan

Why watch this? It's loads of fun and the animation is visually quite stunning.

Plot Summary: Miles Morales, a teenager struggling with fitting in at school and living up to parental expectations, is bitten by a radioactive spider. When he witnesses a fight between his universe's Spider-Man and the Green Goblin, a dimensional collider, created by Kingpin, pulls various Spider-people from other realities into his own. Miles must learn to embrace his powers and work alongside these alternate Spider-heroes to stop Kingpin from further endangering the multiverse.

Dad's Preview: Where did this little animated gem come from? Yet here it is, and it is Amazing. This computer-generated film received universal acclaim at the box office and from critics. The plot, which merges multiple "spidey universes" takes us on quite a mind-bending journey. It also, in an over-saturated super-hero film market, manages to be completely fresh. Marvel, again, pulls off a big win.

Columbia Pictures, Marvel Studios, Sony Pictures
Animation, Pascal Pictures, Lord Miller Prod.,
Arad Prod; Sony Pictures Releasing

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #10 Top

Big Hero 6 (2014), Director: Don Hall, Chris Williams, rated PG

Drop everything. Save the world.

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung, T.J. Miller, Daniel Henney, Damon Wayans Jr., Genesis Rodriguez, James Cromwell, Alan Tudyk, Maya Rudolph, Abraham Benrubi, Kate Lowes

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"You have sustained no injuries. However, your hormone and neurotransmitter levels indicate that you are experiencing mood swings, common in adolescence. Diagnosis: puberty." - Baymax

Why watch this? It's an exciting, uber-creative film with a big, BIG heart for all ages.

Plot Summary: Set in a distant future city known as San Fransokyo, a young robotics prodigy, Hiro, is luckily influenced by his older brother, Tadashi, to apply at the famed Institute of Technology. Hiro's application allows him to show off his own invention, a swarm of microbots that can link together, in any configuration, using a neural transmitter. However tragedy strikes when a fire erupts at the institute and Tadashi is killed. While grieving at home, Hiro discovers his brother's own invention, a white, inflatable healthcare robot named Baymax. Soon, a new masked villain, known as Yokai, makes an appearance, and is using Hiro's microbots for evil purposes. Hiro, Baymax, and a motley group of techno-nerds, must use their smarts to become the heroes the city needs.

Dad's Preview: Besides its incredible animation, this Disney superhero film has borrowed some mojo from the newly acquired Marvel Studios. It has all the warm charm of the former and all the action/camaraderie of the latter. The relationship between the grieving Hiro (who is also determined to avenge his brother) and the nurturing Baymax reminds me of the equally great film, The Iron Giant (1999), and that's a good thing. This Oscar-winning film is fast-paced, visually stunning, heart-felt and tons of fun.

Walt Disney Animation Studio; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #9 Top

Finding Nemo (2003), Director: Andrew Stanton, rated G

71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water. That's a lot of space to find one fish.

Starring: Albert Brooks, Ellen Degeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, Geoffrey Rush, Brad Garrett, Allison Janney, Stephen Root

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Well, you can't never let anything happen to him. Then nothing would ever happen to him. Not much fun for little Harpo." - Dory

Why watch this? Another home run for Pixar. It's creative, funny, warm, and inspirational.

Plot Summary: Marlin, a highly protective clownfish, embarks on a journey across the ocean to rescue his adventurous son, Nemo, after he is taken by a diver. Marlin teams up with Dory, a friendly but forgetful fish, and together they navigate a vast and perilous ocean encountering various sea creatures, while Nemo attempts to find his own way back home from a fish tank in a dentist's office.

Dad's Preview: This film is just so darn heartfelt. We quickly grow to love our adorably cute, damaged main characters. We likewise fall for each creature encountered along the journey - be them friendly sharks, surfer-dude sea turtles, stingy seagulls, or a group of tank-imprisoned fish called the "Tank Gang". Ellen Degeneres is hilarious as Dory, a lovable regal blue tang fish with short-term memory loss. Dive into the tank and enjoy the fun. "Shark bait! Ooh, Ha-Ha!"

Pixar Animation Studios; Buena Vista
Pictures Dist.

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #8 Top

Toy Story 3 (2010), Director: Lee Unkrich, rated G

The Breakout Comedy Of The Summer

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Estelle Harris, Ned Beatty, Michael Keaton, Jodi Benson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"You can unlock doors, sneak past guards, climb the wall - but if you don't take out that Monkey, you ain't goin' nowhere. You wanna get outta here? GET RID OF THAT MONKEY!" - Chatter Telephone

Why watch this? I did not expect this to have such an emotional impact... but, it did.

Plot Summary: As Andy prepares for college, his toys face an uncertain future as they are mistakenly sent to Sunnyside Daycare instead of the attic. Believing they've been abandoned, the toys initially welcome the new environment, but soon discover a sinister truth behind the daycare's facade. Woody must then convince the others of their mistake and lead a daring escape to return home to Andy before he leaves for college.

Dad's Preview: It's an accomplishment when the third film in a franchise remains engaging and delivers an emotional gut-punch, especially for a cartoon. Andy is 17 and heading to college. This event throws the toys into crisis-mode. Mom bags our favorite toys, then donates them to a local daycare. There, they encounter Losto, a stuffed, pink bear who rules the roost with an iron paw. It's up to Woody and Buzz to pull off an escape and get back to Andy! It's a wonderful ride, but brace yourself for the bittersweet ending... wow, I was a sobbing mess.

Pixar Animation Studios; Buena Vista
Pictures Dist.

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #7 Top

Monsters, Inc. (2001), Director: Pete Docter, rated G

Monsters, Inc. - We Scare Because We Care

Starring: (the voices of) John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Steve Buscemi, James Coburn, Jennifer Tilly, Mary Gibbs, Bob Peterson, John Ratzenberger

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Good morning, Roz, my succulent little garden snail. And who will we be scaring today?" - Mike Wazowski

Why watch this? Goodman and Crystal are wonderful as our two bestest beasties.

Plot Summary: Top Scarer Sulley and his best friend Mike work at Monsters, Inc., a factory that generates power for Monstropolis by collecting screams from human children. When a small human girl named Boo accidentally enters their world, Sulley and Mike must find a way to return her home while keeping her presence a secret from the monster authorities who believe humans are toxic. This unexpected encounter leads them to challenge their long-held beliefs about humans and uncover a sinister conspiracy within the company itself.

Dad's Preview: With this treasure, Disney and Pixar score another smash. This time the concept is mind-blowing - I mean, who thinks this stuff up? Here, monsters have access to children's rooms by magic closet door portals. By day, the monsters are not mean or scary. They're just regular Joe's going to work each day. Their job: to scare kids. We meet green orb Mike and blue fuzzy Yeti Sully. The two are completely loveable. When a human child accidentally goes through the portal, the high jinks begin. You simply are a monster, if you don't instantly fall in love this charming animated film.

Pixar Animation Studios; Buena Vista
Pictures Distribution

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #6 Top

The Lego Movie (2014), Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, rated PG

The story of a nobody who saved everybody

Starring: (the voices of) Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie, Charlie Day, Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Hey, I can be dark and brooding too - Guys, look, a rainbow!" - Emmet

Why watch this? A movie... using Legos... to make characters... and I love it. Wow.

Plot Summary: Emmet is an ordinary, rules-following construction worker in Bricksburg who is mistakenly identified as "The Special" – a prophesied hero destined to save the world. He is recruited by a group of Master Builders to stop the tyrannical Lord Business from using a super-weapon called the Kragle to freeze the entire Lego universe into eternal stasis. Despite being completely unprepared for such a task, Emmet embarks on an epic journey to prove that even an ordinary mini-figurine can be extraordinary.

Dad's Preview: There is no way a mature film critic such as myself can become emotionally involved with a bunch of Lego creations. That would be INCORRECT! It is so easy to enjoy this film. It's crazy, chock full of pop and comics references, witty... and so darn funny! Hats off to the script writers and animators. And Will Arnett may be the second best Batman voice in all of nerd-dome (nobody can touch Kevin Conroy's Batman). Here - Everything is Awesome - literally. Pew, pew, pew!

Warner Animation Gp., DC Ent., RatPac-Dune
Ent., Lego System A/S, Lin Pictures,
Lord Miller Prod.; Warner Bros.

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #5 Top

Inside Out (2015), Director: Peter Docter, rated PG

Meet the little voices inside your head.

Starring: (the voices of) Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"We should lock the door and scream that curse word we know. It's a good one!" - Anger

Why watch this? This may be the most creative film yet from Disney and Pixar.

Plot Summary: An 11-year-old girl, Riley, moves with her family from Minnesota to San Francisco. The story explores the inner workings of her mind, where her emotions — Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust — live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley's brain, and guide her actions. As Riley struggles to adjust to her new life, turmoil ensues in Headquarters, leading Joy and Sadness on an adventure through Riley's mind.

Dad's Preview: The creators of this wonderful Pixar offering take us into the mind of a teenage girl, just as her simple, happy life is about go haywire thanks to a move from Minnesota to California. Her first day of school does not go well. Meanwhile, we are transported into her brain's control room. There, the five emotions, Joy, Anger, Fear, Sadness, and Disgust, are in charge. Well, sort of. The emotions are voiced by some great stars. You will love this film, and its perspective, regarding how the mind works. You'll shed a few tears, as well.

Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #4 Top

Up (2009), Director: Pete Docter, rated PG

The greatest adventure is just getting back home.

Starring: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #35 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Up

"My name is Dug. I have just met you, and I love you." - Dug

Why watch this? I feel-good story that requires your imagination and suspension of belief.

Plot Summary: Carl Fredricksen, a retired balloon salesman, embarks on a journey to the wilds of South America in his house, lifted by thousands of balloons, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He unintentionally takes along a stowaway and young Wilderness Explorer named Russell. The unlikely duo encounters adventure, strange creatures, and a surprising revelation about Carl's childhood hero on their journey towards Paradise Falls.

Dad's Preview: In a crowded stable of excellent Pixar-Disney films, this one stands out for me. Perhaps it's Carl, the grumpy old man looking to get away from a world that doesn't want him any more. Maybe it's Russell, the cheeky, plump young Boy Scout trying to earn his merit badges. It could be Dug, the delightful dog who is enabled "talk" thanks to a voice modulator. Combine these quirky characters with a high-flying, creative premise, and you have a winner in my book. It packs a punch, too - You'll be bawling before the opening credits have finished rolling.

Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #3 Top

Wall-E (2008), Director: Andrew Stanton, rated G

In Space, No One Can Hear You Clean

Starring: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy, Sigourney Weaver

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I can't just sit here and... and do nothing. That's all I've ever done! That's all anyone on this blasted ship has ever done - nothing!" - Captain

Why watch this? Wall-E will work his electronic way into your heart.

Plot Summary: Earth is a trash-filled wasteland, centuries after humanity evacuated due to an uninhabitable environment on the ship Axiom. WALL-E, the last remaining trash-compacting robot, discovers a tiny living plant, initiating a chain of events that could potentially allow humanity to return to Earth. He follows a probe named EVE to the Axiom, where they must overcome challenges posed by the ship's autopilot.

Dad's Preview: How can a film set after the end of the Earth be warm, poignant, and even inspiring? Pixar pulls it off, as we follow the adventures of a lone, trash-gathering robot. His (we assume it is a "he") one simple job is to pick up trash and compact it into cubes. When a probe, named EVE, comes to earth, "she" encounters Wall-E. When Wall-E presents her with the first sign of plant life, things get crazy. It's ingenious, visibly stunning and so darn cute.

Pixar Animatoin Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #2 Top

Toy Story 2 (1999), Director: John Lasseter, rated G

The Toys Are Back in Town.

Starring: (the voice talents of) Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Annie Potts, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Wayne Knight

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"You never forget kids like Emily, or Andy, but they forget you." – Jessie

Why watch this? I really do like this film more than the original; it digs deeper.

Plot Summary: During a yard sale while Andy is away at summer camp, Woody is stolen by a toy collector hoping to sell him to a museum. This forces Buzz Lightyear and Andy's other toys to embark on a rescue mission to find Woody and bring him back home. Woody, meanwhile, learns about his history as a collectible from a famous television show and meets other toys from his past, making him question where his loyalties lie.

Dad's Preview: Everyone loved the first Toy Story (1995). So did I. This has all that, plus it's more poignant. Perhaps I feel this way because my kids grew up and left home. Of course, we're happy for them, but I'd be lying if I did not cast occasional thoughts back to when they were young and we were a contained family, taking on the world. Here, Andy is growing up, too. Perhaps he has outgrown Buzz and Woody. Nothing could be more painful for a toy. Then comes along the energetic Jessie, a toy in Woody's collector set. She's been there and knows that kids hurt you, and toys need to stick together. Get out a box of hankies, cause you're gonna need 'em.

Pixar Animation Studios; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

Top 20 CGI-Animated Children's Films #1 Top

Beauty and the Beast (1991), Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise, rated G

The most beautiful love story ever told.

Starring (voices): Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, Angela Lansbury, Rex Everhart, Jesse Corti

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Oh, it's no use. She's so beautiful, and I'm... Well, look at me!" - Beast

Why watch this? This magical Disney effort just made the world seem right again.

Plot Summary: In this fairy tale, the beautiful Belle offers her freedom to a cursed prince who has been transformed into a Beast. The Beast, along with his castle and its enchanted staff, are under a spell that can only be broken if he learns to love and be loved in return. Belle gradually gets to know the Beast and sees beyond his outward appearance, while the Beast strives tame his impatient temper.

Dad's Preview: Disney animation had a quality problem in the 1980's. This film changed all that immediately. It's exciting, funny and a beauty to behold. There are many memorable characters and incredible musical numbers. Memorable characters include the French candlestick Lumiere, the British tea kettle Mrs. Potts and the unforgettably conceited huntsman Gaston. This musical is big and bold, yet tender and intimate. It restored Disney's reputation as a quality producer of cinematic animation.

Walt Disney Feature Animation; Buena
Vista Pictures Distribution, Inc.