Disney's new nature documentary, Monkey Kingdom, journeys to Southern Asia and follows a young mother as she struggles to raise her new baby. Exploring the world through the eyes of animals provides a refreshing view of the challenges we all face in modern life.
The very best movies about animals capture those type of intimate family moments, and also display a thrilling sense of adventure. Check out some of the most entertaining animal-centric movies below.
Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below!
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
The Valley of Peace is inhabited exclusively by animals. A giant panda (voiced by Jack Black) yearns to become a kung fu master, which seems to be an impossible dream. Sometimes, though, dreams come true.
Madagascar (2005)
A collection of animals at the Central Park Zoo -- a lion, a zebra, a giraffe, a hippopotamus, four penguins, and some chimpanzees -- end up off the coast of Africa and must find their way home.... Somehow, someway. With as many laughs as possible.
Finding Nemo (2003)
Although the movie begins with a family tragedy, the story soon evolves into a tender tale about the profound love of a father for his son.
Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) searches frantically for his missing son Nemo, willing to go to the ends of the Earth (mostly Austrailia) so they can be reunited.
Ice Age (2002)
A woolly mammoth named Sid (voiced by Ray Romano) becomes the unexpected leader of a small band of animals fleeing the imminent Ice Age. From that doomsday scenario emerges a warm-hearted portrayal of a very unlikely family unit.
Cats & Dogs (2001)
An ancient rivalry is revealed to be far more sinister than anyone could have imagined in this very kid-friendly adventure.
Chicken Run (2000)
Stop-motion animation has seldom looked so glorious as it does in the first feature-length film by Aardman. The plot follows a plucky group of chickens who must stage a great escape from their coop if they want to avoid certain death at the hands of chicken farmers Mr. and Mrs. Tweedy.
Stuart Little (1999)
Co-written by M. Night Shyamalan, this loose adaptation of the children's classic by E.B. White revolves around Stuart (voiced by Michael J. Fox), an orphaned mouse who is adopted by a human family, but must overcome the severe reservations of young George (Jonathan Lipnicki) and the resentful family cat, Snowbell (Nathan Lane). The movie happily explores the true meaning of "family."
Babe (1995)
"That'll do, Pig. That'll do."
Farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell, nominated for an Academy Award) is a compassionate soul, making a home for Babe the piglet after his mother ends up in a slaughterhouse. Slowly, Babe gains respect from the other animal on the farm and, eventually, from Farmer Hoggett himself.
The Lion King (1994)
Young and immature Simba thinks he is responsible for a tragedy in his family. He grows up and finds happiness as an outsider, but eventually he comes home to set matters right. The Disney classic features the voice talents of Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones and Jeremy Irons.
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
A bulldog (voiced by Michael J. Fox), a Golden Retriever (voiced by Don Ameche), and a Himalayan cat (voiced by Sally Field) share a home with a lovely family. But after the humans go on vacation, leaving their pets at a remote ranch for safekeeping, the animals undertake a long journey home.
