Disney and Pixar movies have something for everybody including kids. These movies are loved by everyone because of their characters and great animation. Plus, the story at Disney is always rooted in something like a friendship that will resonate throughout ages or time. While the G-rated Disney and Pixar movies always target children and provide good content. The PG-rated movies feel mild too, and provide education through entertainment.
So, in this blog, we will explore the 13 best G & PG-rated Disney Pixar movies of all time. So, let’s dive in!
Are PG and G-rated ok for kids on Disney and Pixar?
Disney and Pixar movies are loved by families worldwide, particularly for their family-friendly themes and suitability for children. With General (G) and Parental Guidance (PG) ratings, these films ensure enjoyable experiences for kids without intense violence, foul language, or frightening scenes. For example, classics like The Lion King (1994) and Finding Nemo (2003) are ideal for even toddlers due to their gentle storytelling and wholesome content.
However, parents should be cautious with PG-rated movies, as they may contain mild violence, complex action sequences, or jokes that younger children may not understand. Films like The Incredibles (2004) and Moana (2016) present slightly more advanced themes, offering opportunities for discussions between parents and children about bravery, self-discovery, and perseverance.
While G and PG ratings ensure age-appropriate content, parents still play a key role in interpreting and contextualizing scenes for younger viewers. These movies are a great mix of slapstick humor, sharp comedy, and universal themes like compassion, teamwork, and resilience, all depicted with vibrant visuals.
Ultimately, while G-rated films are suitable for all children, PG-rated ones may require parental explanation to help children better understand the story or context.
13 best G & PG-rated Disney Pixar movies
Disney and Pixar movies, with their heartwarming tales, unforgettable characters, and great lessons, can appeal to both children and adults. G-rated classics and a couple of very well-received PG-rated films, show how the stories of this studio are both entertaining & instil life values. These 13 movies are masterpieces that are brilliant in entertaining children and have left a strong lasting image.
1. The Lion King (1994)
The Lion King tells the story of lion cub Simba. Simba struggles to learn how to be king after the death of his father Mufasa. It is the story of love, strength, and forgiveness.
Themes and Key Messages: Message for kids about being resilient, family bonds, responsibilities, and accepting the circle of life. And for those who struggle with self-doubt.
Why The Lion King is great for kids: With characters kids can adore, great animation, and delightful songs such as “Hakuna Matata,”. It is both educational and amusing to children.
Notable awards: Academy Awards for Best Original Song (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight”) and for Best Original Score.
2. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Meet Belle, who shines through all things with kindness. A cursed prince turned beast falls in love with her. Apart from this, the two together go through a journey of transformation and magic.
Themes and Key Messages: The film teaches the audience about the need to perceive the past and appreciate internal beauty. It is an important lesson for the youth of the audience.
Why is Beauty and Beast great for kids: Belle is a strong and smart character children can look up to and her songs. Other songs are also quite lively and uplifting, complementing the magic of the setting.
Notable awards: Overall the first animated feature film to receive a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The song won for Best Original Song and Best Original Score.
3. Finding Nemo (2003)
An emotional ocean story, Finding Nemo features Marlin. He is searching for his son Nemo who got lost earlier on his trip.
Themes and Key Messages: It shows the warmth of parental care, hard work, and brain over the physical appearance and associated fear.
Why is Finding Nemo great for kids: The colourful sea world and funny personalities such as Dory are never boring. They offer fun while also instilling compassion and courage.
Notable awards: The Academy Award for Best Animated Feature is one award received by the film.
4. Toy Story (1995)
It is the first feature film created by Pixar. Toy Story focuses on Woody, Buzz and their fellow toys on the themes of loyalty and friendship. They seek to help each other through thick and thin.
Themes and key messages: It focuses on friendship, teamwork, and adapting to change.
Why is Toy Story great for kids: Kids love the thought of toys coming out from the box, and the humour and warmth address them throughout.
Notable awards: Won a Special Achievement Academy Award for its revolutionary animation.
5. WALL-E (2008)
Among other things, this movie tells the heartbreaking story of a lone robot. The robot has been left with the sole task of cleaning Earth’s trash.
Themes and Key Messages: Themes of sustainability, love, and hope are incorporated into the film. It appeals to people of all ages.
Why is WALL-E great for kids: The adorable character, WALL-E is fitting for children, as the little that comes out of his mouth, screams cuteness.
Notable awards: Awarded the Best Animated Feature by the Academy Award.
6. Cars (2006)
This is an incredibly entertaining and action-packed movie about a racer (Lightning McQueen). He learns the true value of friends, and why it’s good to slow down in life.
Themes and Key Messages: Teaches modesty, the power in connection with others, and the basic pleasures of everyday living.
Why is Cars great for kids: Bright-colored car characters and thrill-filled races keep the young target audience entertained. However, the morals have a profound impact as well.
Notable awards: Two nominations for the Academy Awards and made it to winning a Golden Globe victory for Best Animated Film.
7. Up (2009)
It features Carl, an old man who wishes to fulfil his deceased wife’s dream. And it involves Russell, young boy who likely has an adventurous side to him.
Themes and Key Messages: Up, being an American film, consists of themes that focus mainly on love, adventure, and loss. And, most importantly, finding a new meaning to life.
Why is Up great for kids: Digs the Dog and other equally amusing moments can be really delightful. And, even funny but also incorporate serious messages.
Notable awards: It managed to bag two Academy Awards for it, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score and also the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
8. Aladdin (1992)
The story of Aladdin comes first for the story of the Genie-filled game’s lamp and afterwards is packed with excitement and fun.
Themes and Key Messages: Children do not focus on themes much but some will recognize teachings of self-worth, honesty, and true love within the film. Apart from this, there are many good lessons.
Why is Aladdin great for kids: Genie’s funny nature, catchy songs, and action get kids’ attention to the screen fully.
Notable Awards: Awarded two Academy Awards which are the Academy Awards for Best Original Song for their famous “A Whole New World”. And, the other was the Academy Award for Best Original score.
9. The Little Mermaid (1989)
From little kids to adults, everyone can relate to the storyline of Ariel. She strives to achieve the things she believes in while trying to find herself.
Themes and Key Messages: The film follows Ariel, who is a self-aware character who possesses an inner strength with dreams of love.
Why is The Little Mermaid great for kids: Brush yourself off collecting shells, sing out loud to the wonderful, heartwarming songs, and follow beloved characters in this fantastic world.
Notable awards: Two Academy Awards were awarded for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for the song ‘Under the Sea’ from the film’s soundtrack.
10. Coco (2017) (Rated PG)
Coco follows Miguel who is a boy with a great enthusiasm towards music. He gets aware of his family’s history in the colourful Land of the Dead.
Themes and Key Messages: It also suggests that family, traditions, and dreams should hold a significant level in one’s life.
Why is Coco great for kids: Bright colours on the screen and a happy soundtrack capture the attention of the young audience. Whereas the story gets them thinking about the importance of family.
Notable awards: Two Academy Awards have been won for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Remember Me”).
11. Ratatouille (2007)
A story about how a rat named Remy who aspires to be a chef. He works against the prevailing odds to deliver mouth-watering delicacies to win over the audience’s hearts.
Themes and key messages: It depicts the power of hope, never-ending attitude, and bursting societal stereotypes.
Why is Ratatouille great for kids: Funny incidents and unusual situations of a rat who can cook and the background of Paris makes it very interesting and entertaining.
Notable awards: Won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
12. Bambi (1942)
This is the beloved tale of a young deer growing up in the forest. Deer lose and regain the joy of life as a cycle of death and rebirth.
Themes and key messages: Life in its harmony, appreciation for nature, bonding, and survival.
Why is Bambi great for kids: Children gain a love for the story, the cute animal characters, and the beautiful artwork together.
Notable awards: This movie has been nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Animated Feature, Best Original Song, and Best Sound.
13. Zootopia (2016) (Rated PG)
This film features Judy Hopps, who is a detective bunny. He joins up with a fox in the lively setting of Zootopia to uncover the mystery behind missing creatures.
Themes and key messages: This movie addresses stereotypes, collaborativeness and civil courage growing amidst barriers.
Why is Zootopia great for kids: With interesting animal characters and mystery, children will be enthralled. Yes! The messages reinforce compassion and understanding.
Notable awards: Winner of Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
These films are best described as exemplary family films combining good pictures with good messages. The movies are ideal for kids as they offer fun, education, and inspiration at the same time.
What rating systems are ok for kids?
In the selection of films for children, knowledge of rating systems helps determine the appropriateness of a film.
In America, the rating G (General Audiences) means that a movie is suitable for everyone. And, contains no elements like violence or swearing. The PG label advises parental guidance in some situations, although the film is still considered appropriate for all ages. The PG films may still have a little bit of action or emotional scenes. They may have humour that younger children might need an explanation for.
Similar schemes are in place around the world to help guide parents. In the UK the category ‘U’ (Universal) is almost the same as G. Japan adopts the code ‘C’ which stands for Children for family films. Whilst in India, unrestricted viewing is also allowed to the U-rated audience. Such systems indeed bear the cultural context as regards the protection of children.
Tips for choosing movies for kids:
- Look at the ratings: Try to ensure that the rating is appropriate for your child’s age.
- Look at the movie before watching it: Try finding the trailers and clips from the movie to get an idea of the overall tone and style of the film.
- Choose compatible themes: Choose movies that have themes that children can relate to, for example being a team player.
- Read reviews: If the review refers to specific scenes, then those reviews are worth reading.
- Watch together: You can aid your kid in comprehending why certain images or videos might be inappropriate.
How to ensure safe streaming on Disney plus
Safeguarding young children from exposure to unnecessary materials while using the Disney Plus service is of utmost importance.
Here are two interesting ways to do this:
Use Disney Plus parental controls
Parents can create a child profile to restrict access to content meant for older audiences. The system enforces age-appropriate viewing, with options to set ratings like TV-Y or PG. Enabling the Profile PIN option prevents children from switching to unrestricted accounts. These settings can be adjusted as the child grows, ensuring content remains suitable for their age.
Use FlashGet Kids
Almost like an add-on, FlashGet Kids is another safe tool that works with Disney Plus providing something extra. The parents can specify how long children are allowed to go on streaming services which is a plus feature. It has many amazing features that ensure children do not come across apps with objectionable elements.
With FlashGet kids, Parents can track daily usage, set screen time restrictions, and discreetly mirror their kids’ screens to monitor their activity.
With these tools, a safer and more nurturing digital environment for the whole family will easily be put in place. The family can enjoy Disney and Pixar movies better. Keep enjoying!
