Buzz
It’s surprising to think that films from 2000 to 2009 are nearing vintage status. Ask your children how distant the year 2000 feels to them, and you’ll get a sense of time flying by. This era brought incredible family entertainment, as traditional hand-drawn Disney animations of the '90s were gradually replaced by groundbreaking computer-animated masterpieces from studios like Pixar and DreamWorks.
If you’re eager to introduce your kids to some "classic" films from the 2000s, here are 15 picks they’re sure to adore.
Wall-E (2008)
This Pixar masterpiece, one of the rare films to earn a spot in the prestigious Criterion Collection, stands out as a unique "post-apocalyptic family film." Centered on two lovestruck robots, it captures the essence of a Chaplin silent film (since robots don’t speak much without humans around) and delivers an uplifting environmental message that’s impactful yet never overshadows the story.
Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental
Ponyo (2008)
While opinions vary on where Ponyo stands among Studio Ghibli’s legendary works, its appeal to children is undeniable. Even if it doesn’t quite match the artistic brilliance of My Neighbor Totoro, Hayao Miyazaki’s reimagining of The Little Mermaid is a visual feast, brimming with compelling female characters and a heartwarming fairy tale essence that celebrates the power of friendship.
Where to stream: Max, Digital rental
Up (2009)
Featuring one of the most emotionally gripping openings in Pixar history—possibly in all of cinema—this film follows a 78-year-old man reigniting his adventurous spirit by journeying to South America in a house lifted by countless balloons. While it resonates deeply with adults, its core message is universal: no matter our age, the pursuit of new experiences and understanding should never cease.
Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
This G-rated homage to 1930s horror films sees the beloved inventor Wallace and his clever dog Gromit, who put Aardman Studios on the map, tackling a mysterious creature wreaking havoc on their village’s vegetable gardens. Overflowing with clever visual humor and witty puns, it’s a reminder of the creativity and dedication that set this animation studio apart.
Where to stream: Netflix, Digital rental
Finding Nemo (2003)
It would be a glaring omission to leave out this iconic Pixar tale of a clownfish’s quest to find his missing son across the Great Barrier Reef. While Ellen DeGeneres’s Dory brings humor and the memorable mantra to "just keep swimming," Albert Brooks, voicing the anxious father, masterfully conveys the universal fear every parent feels when their child is out in the world alone.
Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental
Coraline (2009)
This stop-motion masterpiece, adapted from Neil Gaiman’s book, follows a young girl who stumbles upon a parallel world within her home where her wildest dreams come to life. Recently re-released in theaters for its 15th anniversary, it surprisingly climbed into the top five at the box office that week. Directed by Henry Selick of The Nightmare Before Christmas fame, the film blends whimsy and eerie undertones without becoming too frightening for younger audiences.
Where to stream: The Roku Channel, Digital rental
Shrek 2 (2004)
Let’s be clear: this sequel surpasses the original 2001 film, delivering a powerful message about how looks can’t replace good character, alongside the iconic debut of Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots. The humor, while family-friendly, is sharper and bolder, with moments like Pinocchio’s underwear choice leaving audiences in stitches. This film marks the pinnacle of the Shrek series.
Where to stream: Peacock, Digital rental
Enchanted (2007)
To see how Shrek reshaped the family film genre, look no further than this live-action/animated Disney hybrid. Breaking away from its traditional fairy tale mold, Disney places a princess in the real world, free from talking animals or dwarves. Amy Adams shines as Giselle, but James Marsden’s portrayal of the clueless Prince Edward steals the spotlight.
Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
It’s unclear when Jack Black became the go-to star for family films, but his comedic genius shines in this tale of a bumbling panda destined to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Even the trailer for the upcoming Minecraft movie features Jason Momoa enthusiastically shouting the panda’s iconic catchphrase, "Skadoosh," with Black also starring in that film.
Where to stream: Peacock, Digital rental
The Incredibles (2004)
This Pixar gem blends the quirky family dynamics of The Simpsons with the superhero intrigue of the iconic graphic novel Watchmen. (The cape gag, for instance, is a nod to Alan Moore’s work.) What truly sets it apart is its heartfelt message about sticking together as a family, even when the world tries to pull you apart.
Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs (2009)
Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, celebrated for The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, have a talent for transforming seemingly unpromising ideas into cinematic gold. Their first major success came with this adaptation of a beloved children’s book, which shares its title but takes creative liberties, delivering a quirky, family-friendly disaster film packed with absurd humor and mouthwatering visuals.
Where to stream: Paramount+, Digital rental
Monsters Inc. (2001)
While this Pixar film echoes the studio’s Toy Story blueprint—featuring a dynamic duo and reimagining childhood fears—it stands out thanks to the stellar voice performances of John Goodman (Sully) and Billy Crystal (Mike), whose chemistry is electric. The vibrant world-building, from the iconic doors at Monsters Inc. to the monster city’s unique architecture, further elevates this animated gem.
Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental
Corpse Bride (2005)
With Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice sequel making waves, this family-friendly alternative about love and the afterlife is ideal for younger audiences. Less menacing than The Nightmare Before Christmas, this darkly humorous tale follows a reluctant groom who accidentally marries a deceased bride. Packed with clever visual humor, it makes the afterlife seem less daunting for kids.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Secret of Kells (2009)
Overshadowed by Pixar’s Up at the 2010 Oscars, this enchanting film set in medieval Ireland remains a hidden gem. It tells the story of a timid boy and a fairy named Aisling who venture into a magical forest to complete a mystical book. Directed by Tomm Moore, known for 2020’s Wolfwalkers, this visually stunning film deserves a wider audience.
Where to stream: Kanopy, Digital rental
The Princess and the Frog (2009)
This Southern-inspired retelling of the classic fairytale about a prince needing a kiss to break his curse marked Disney’s return to its roots. After a decade of stepping away from musicals and hand-drawn animation, the studio revisited the magic that defined its '90s success. It also made history as Disney’s first film to feature an African-American princess.
Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental
