-
By Tyler Doupe
You parents out there know how painful it can be sometimes to sit through kids' movies, but there are plenty of titles out there that are a great fit for the whole family. With Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (in theaters Wednesday) set to appeal to both kids and their parents; here are 10 more films that are made for kids but offer undeniable adult appeal.
-
The Harry Potter Series
Both the Harry Potter books and films are equally as popular, if not even more so, with adults as they are with children. The film versions of the exploits of this band of child wizards have blown up just about every box office record imaginable. The films and books both have an extremely loyal fan following and have become a pop culture phenomenon.
-
Monsters Inc. and Monsters University
Sully and Mike are the kind of monsters that aren’t terribly frightening, but they are amusing and lovable; they are the kind of protagonists that appeal to children but still amuse adults in the Pixar tradition. The films take place in a reality where monsters are real and are gainfully employed as the frighteners of children, a surprisingly effective concept that won over audiences and critics alike.
-
Despicable Me 1 and 2
Though the Despicable Me films are geared towards children, they feature the voice talents of Steve Carell and Russell Brand, which give adults a different appreciation for the films. About the exploits of a curmudgeonly evil genius and his minions, the films are cute, clever and almost impossible not to enjoy regardless of age.
-
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
This adaptation of the popular children’s book by C.S. Lewis is a fantastical adventure for both children and adults. The effects are phenomenal and the film stays fairly true to the source material. The portion of the film that is set in Narnia is beautiful and breathtaking. The set designers went to painstaking lengths to bring the storybook world to life. The sequels turned in a commendable effort but didn’t match the magic of the original.
-
The Goonies
At the time of its release, The Goonies was the kind of film that appealed to kids of all ages. This story of Oregon kids turned swashbucklers was a favorite of almost anyone who grew up in the '80s, and has remained a favorite in to adulthood for many fans. Moreover, anyone who saw The Goonies for the first time as an adult can attest to the film’s cross-generational appeal.
-
The Spiderwick Chronicles
Mary Louise Parker has a huge adult fan base as a result of her epic turn as Nancy on Showtime’s "Weeds." So, Parker’s fans were naturally curious as to how she would tackle a role in the film adaptation of a popular series of children’s books about a mom and her two kids who move to an enchanted estate. Though, of course, much tamer than Parker’s television series, the movie was quite enjoyable.
-
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Yet another box office hit based on a popular children’s book series, Percy Jackson walks the fine line between kid friendly fare and high stakes adventure. Percy finding out that he is a descendant of the Greek gods provides plenty of thrills and unexpected adventure. In its opening weekend, half the audience was made up of adults without kids.
-
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure
Though Pee-wee Herman was marketed to young audiences, Pee-wee always interspersed his juvenile friendly hijinks with some slightly more adult humor. He was never so risqué as to alienate young viewers, but he did pander to a grown-up audience from time to time. In the case of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, having Tim Burton at the helm made the film appealing to youngsters and adults alike.
-
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
One of the most well-known and popular films based on a book, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a near-perfect family film. It’s the type of feature one never outgrows. Though it may be frightening to very young viewers, it’s a tried and true classic that is perfect for older children and a great option for family movie night.
-
Paranorman
Paranorman is the perfect movie for lifelong horror fans to introduce their young children to the genre. It is safe, in the sense that it doesn’t show any blood or gore, but it pays tribute to decades of horror films – it evens throws in a reference to Dario Argento’s 1970s classic Suspiria.
-
Check out these popular galleries:
-
FanClub Summer Movie Pass
Get 4 months of FanClub member benefits, 4 free movie tickets, plus a $20 Fandango at Home promo code.
"OFFER TERMS AND CONDITIONS This “FanClub Summer Movie Pass” offer (the “Offer”) is valid from May 1, 2026, through August 31, 2026 (the “Offer Period”). To qualify, you must purchase a FanClub Summer Movie Pass at www.fandango.com/fanclub/summerpass for $49.99. This Offer is not valid for current FanClub members; however, individuals may become eligible after their existing FanClub membership has expired if such membership expires before the end of the Offer Period. The FanClub Summer Movie Pass includes four (4) months of Fandango FanClub membership beginning upon enrollment. After the initial four (4) month period, your membership will automatically renew at $9.99/month (plus applicable taxes) unless canceled prior to the renewal date. The Offer also includes four (4) Fandango movie ticket promo codes (each, a “Ticket Code”). One (1) Ticket Code will be delivered via email within 24 to 48 hours after enrollment. The remaining three (3) Ticket Codes will be delivered via email monthly over the subsequent three (3) months. Each Ticket Code is valid for one-time use for the purchase of one (1) movie ticket on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app. Ticket Codes expire on the earlier of 12/31/26 or when your FanClub membership expires. The Offer also includes one (1) $20 Fandango at Home promotional code (the “FAH Code”, and collectively with Ticket Codes, “Codes”), which will be delivered via email within 24 to 48 hours after enrollment. The FAH Code is valid for up to $20 off a qualifying purchase on Fandango at Home. The FAH Code expires on the earlier of 12/31/26 or when your FanClub membership expires. The FAH Code is valid for one-time use only. Any price difference between total transaction price and FAH Code's maximum discount will not be refunded. If cost of purchase is more than FAH Code's maximum discount, then you must pay the difference. To redeem any Codes, you must have and be logged into your Fandango or Fandango at Home account and still be a FanClub member. Lost or stolen Codes cannot be replaced. This Offer has no cash value except as required by law, is void where prohibited, and cannot be combined with any other offer. It is valid only in the U.S. (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Codes are non-transferable, not for resale, and void if sold or exchanged. Taxes may apply. Limit one (1) FanClub Movie Pass Pass per person. Redemption is subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies. No adjustments will be made for prior purchases. Fandango reserves the right to modify or withdraw this Offer at any time, in its sole discretion, without notice. Additional terms and conditions apply. See Fandango FanClub Program Terms for details. FREE FANDANGO MOVIE TICKET TERMS AND CONDITIONS Fandango promotional code (“Code”) is good for one (1) ticket to any movie at a participating Fandango theater. Codes expire on the earlier of 12/31/2026 or when you FanClub membership expires. To be eligible for this offer, you must be a paying Fandango FanClub Movie Pass member at the time the offer is sent and remain a FanClub member at the time that you redeem each Code. Each Code is one-time use only. Codes are valid only for the purchase of movie tickets made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. If the cost of movie tickets and associated fees and charges exceeds a Code’s maximum discount, you must pay the difference. Any price difference between the total transaction price and a Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account, and be a FanClub member, to redeem a Code. If a Code is lost or stolen, it cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Void where prohibited.Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Non-transferable. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. You may have to pay taxes additionally. Limit one redemption per Code per person. Redemption of each Code is subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies. $20 FAH MOVIE TICKET TERMS AND CONDITIONS The Fandango at Home promo code (“Code”) included in this Offer expires on the earlier of 12/31/2026 and when your FanClub membership expires. To be eligible for this offer, you must be a paying Fandango FanClub Summer Movie Pass member at the time the Offer is sent and remain a FanClub member at the time that you redeem the Offer and Code. The Code is good for up to $20.00 (twenty dollars) off any single movie or episode purchase in a single transaction. To redeem your Code, enter the Code at checkout during your next Fandango at Home purchase. The Code is a one-time use discount. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code's maximum discount will not be refunded. If cost of purchase is more than Code's maximum discount, then you must pay the difference. Code cannot be combined with any other offers. Code is non-transferable and has no cash value, except as required by law. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. Void where prohibited. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. You may have to pay taxes additionally. Adjustments to prior purchases will not be permitted. Fandango reserves the right to withdraw or modify this Offer at any time, in its sole discretion, and without notice. Additional terms and conditions apply. See Fandango FanClubProgram Terms for details."
