While Paul Rudd’s character in Ant-Man may not be an actual insect, he does shrink down to the size of one. Although ant-sized, he also happens to possess superstrength and is the superstar of the newest Marvel blockbuster. In honor of films with insects and other creepy crawlies as the focus – from crickets to spiders to bees– we’ve put together the most memorable cinematic bugs in family films, all of which are suitable for little buggers of all ages.
Most Neurotic Bug
Z-4195 in Antz
Rated PG
Z-4195, aka “Z,” the main character in DreamWorks Antz, is a very neurotic and pessimistic worker in an extremely structured ant colony. Voiced by Woody Allen (a perfect fit for a character who is both notoriously neurotic and pessimistic), Z trades jobs, sparks a revolution and, in the end, gets the girl. Your kids have never seen such a nervous bug as this.
Most Heroic Bug
Flik in A Bug’s Life
Rated G
Flik, a misfit ant who is a bit accident prone, must save his society, along with a motley crew of fellow bugs, from the grasps of a group of evil grasshoppers in this visually stunning Pixar film. It’s an original take on Aesop's fable The Ant and the Grasshopper with an all-star voice cast including Dave Foley, Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and, of course, John Ratzenberger. Since this one is by Pixar, it’ll appeal to viewers both young and old.
Most in Love Bugs
Marianne and the Bog King in Strange Magic
Rated PG
Sometimes opposites attract, that’s just what happens when a strong-willed, butterfly-like fairy becomes involved with a bitter and angry grasshopper in this music-themed ode to love. There’s songs, sentiment and love, plus it comes from the mind of the one and only George Lucas, so it gets major bonus points right there.
Most Aspirational Bug
Barry in Bee Movie
Rated PG
Bee Barry B. Benson (voiced by Jerry Seinfeld) decides that he doesn’t want to take on the lifelong job he’s about to get stuck with and instead goes on an epic adventure. He befriends a woman, discovers that humans are stealing bees’ honey and opts to sue humankind. It’s a sweet tale of how anyone, be it a bee or a person, can change their destiny.
Largest Bugs
The insects in James and the Giant Peach
Rated PG
The Grasshopper, Centipede, Ladybug, Spider and Earthworm aren’t just gigantic bugs with humanlike attributes, but they are caring, kind and happily welcome a boy named James into their home, a giant peach. James finds a new family with these unusual creatures. Based on the Roald Dahl novel, it’s an odd journey for sure.
Most Magical Bug
Zoc in The Ant Bully
Rated PG
Note to self: Don’t spray an anthill with a water gun. You wouldn’t want to endure the consequences that were inflicted upon a boy named Lucas, who was magically shrunk down to the size of an ant by a powerful ant (with supernatural powers) named Zoc. It’s a journey that gives Lucas strength not just when he is ant-sized but in his real life as well.
Wisest Bug
Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio
Rated G
As Pinocchio states in the 1940 classic, Jiminy Cricket holds an extremely important role; “He's my conscience. He tells me what's right and wrong.” The top hat-donning cricket has become iconic, a reminder to “always let your conscience be your guide,” be it a bug, a puppet or a real boy.
Most Lovelorn Bug
Ray in Princess and the Frog
Rated G
Ray, born from the bayous in Princess and the Frog, is completely and totally in love. But not with another firefly, no. He’s completely enamored with a bright and beautiful star named Evangeline. In the end, it just shows that if you really, truly believe, sometimes dreams can come true.
Sunny Chanel is a regular contributor to Fandango Family, Babble.com, Mom.me, Disney Imagicademy and Mommy Nearest as well as her own whimsical site Wonder and Company. When she isn't writing, watching movies or doing crafts, she is playing dress up with her nine-year-old daughter.
