TickiKids Recommends: Must-Watch Cartoons for Kids
Published 05 February 2024 at 18:23
Tickikids Blog Singapore > Digest > TickiKids Recommends: Must-Watch Cartoons for Kids
The task of finding a cartoon to watch with the whole family is not an easy one. The choice is so vast that it is difficult to decide which one to watch!
Let's be blunt, we, parents, grew up on Disney cartoons and used to binge-watch them as we had no other options. But today, with hundreds of TV channels for kids, and multiple new cartoons released every year the very process of selecting the cartoon for a family movie night can be nerve-racking.
We have curated a list of great cartoons for kids that are not just entertaining but also have something meaningful to offer. So, join us in exploring a kaleidoscope of characters, adventures, and life lessons. And, if you haven’t found one in the list, feel free to add your kids’ favorite cartoon in the comments section below!
The Sea Beast
Video Credit: Netflix
Meet one of the most-watched Netflix animated films and this year’s Best Animated Feature nominee at the Oscars! The story of a brave orphan girl Maisie, a brave crew of sea monster hunters, and a powerful sea beast named the Red Bluster won the hearts of millions with dazzling colors, a deep storyline, and fast-paced action. Remember: the truth will always come out and good will prevail
Director: Chris Williams.
Cast: Karl Urban, Zaris-Angel Hator, Jared Harris, Marianne Jean-Baptiste.
Where to watch: Netflix.
Maya And The Three (2021)
Video Credit: Netflix
This is the story of a Mesoamerican warrior princess Maya and her mission to protect her life and the world from the underworld gods. After celebrating her 15th birthday, she learns the secret of her origins, along with a warning that the gods have already begun hunting for her.
Walk with Maya on her quest to find three heroes who will help her protect humanity from the wrath of the gods - all set in the atmosphere of South American myths, amidst jungles, majestic Mayan cities and colorful nature.
This movie is currently one of the most high-rated animations on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics stating that this story will captivate both kids and adults.
Creator: Jorge R. Gutiérrez
Cast: Zoe Saldaña, Gabriel Iglesias, Diego Luna
Where to watch: Netflix
Trollhunters: Rise of Titans
Video Credit: Netflix
Trollhunters is arguably one of the best Netflix kid’s shows and book adaptations. This movie gathers kids’ favorite heroes from Trollhunters, '3Below' and 'Wizards' to fight a shadowy enemy threatening to take over their worlds. This show promises something for parents and children to enjoy which makes it the perfect choice for a family TV evening.
Cast: Steve Alterman, Kay Bess, Brian Blessed, Vic Chao.
Director: Guillermo del Toro.
Where to watch: Netflix
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)
Video Credit: Netflix
Continuing the story of the Oscar-winning animated movies worth watching by the whole family, welcome the story of Pinocchio. Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson managed to transfer the classic fairy tale story to World War II Fascist Italy under the reign of Benito Mussolini. With meticulous attention to detail, the co-directors created a distinct world with a story that brings valuable lessons to viewers of all ages.
Director: Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson.
Cast: Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Gregory Mann, Burn Gorman, Ron Perlman, John Turturro, Finn Wolfhard, Cate Blanchett, Tim Blake Nelson, Christoph Waltz, Tilda Swinton
Where to watch: Netflix.
Nimona
Video Credit: Netflix
Well, parents, save Ramona on your watch list in case you need to discuss concepts of equality, differences, tolerance, and prejudice with your kids. This story is an adaptation of the 2015 graphic novel that mixes medieval folklore and futuristic fantasy. There, Nimona, a mischievous shapeshifter, decides to help an ostracized knight Ballister Boldheart, and unravels a conspiracy that resulted in the queen’s death.
Directors: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint, Beck Bennett, RuPaul, Indya Moore, Julio Torres, Sarah Sherman
Where to watch: Netflix
Leo
Video Credit: Netflix
One of the newest and greatest additions to Netflix’s animated movies - Leo - will definitely conquer the hearts of both parents and children. This is a story of an elderly class pet lizard Leo from an elementary school class in Florida and his decision to experience the last year of his life in the wilds of the Everglades. And he would be happy to follow the plan, but the problems of the children in the class and his desire to help them lead to unexpected consequences. There are many things worth listening to in this cartoon - the importance of mutual friendship between generations, the importance of communication and lending a supportive ear, and cherishing individuality.
Director: Adam Sandler.
Cast: Adam Sandler, Bill Burr, Cecily Strong, Jason Alexander
Where to watch: Netflix
Coco
Video Credit: Pixar
A love of music and an inability to perform it due to a family ban leads the boy Miguel to the incredible and colorful Land of the Dead in El Día de Muertos - a Day of the Dead. There he will not only meet his deceased relatives and his idol, the singer Ernesto de la Cruz, but will also be able to uncover a secret in his family's history.
This movie has a lot of important values to learn from: the importance of family, family bonds and traditions, and that everything is possible when you follow your dream. And, it can be helpful when you want to explain the concept of death to your children and why it is essential to learn your family history, know and remember your ancestors - as long as we remember them, they are alive in our hearts.
Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt, Gael García Bernal.’
Directors: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina.
Where to watch: Disney +
Moana
Video Credit: Walter Disney Animations Studio
This CG-animated feature film captivates with strikingly beautiful footage, a gripping story and the incredible adventures of the daughter of a Polynesian chief Moana who sails out on a quest to save her people. Together with once-almighty demigod Maui she sails across the ocean to right his wrong and return the stolen heart of the goddess Te Fiti.
Unlike many other Disney princesses, Moana does not wait for a prince to solve all her problems. Born and raised to be a leader, she takes matters into her own hands and discovers her and her people’s identities hidden by her ancestors many years ago. This movie empowers girls to speak their minds, have courage, and show their power.
Cast: Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House
Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker, Don Hall
Where to watch: Disney +
Inside Out
Video Credit: Pixar
Riley, an eleven-year-old girl, moves with her parents from Midwest to San Franciso and her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - try to find out the best ways to navigate a new life in a new city and school.
This animated movie is considered to be so influencing, helpful and enriching that psychologists all over the world recommend watching it in schools so kids can learn to understand their emotions and be able to cope with them.
Cast: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black
Directors: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen
Where to watch: Disney +
WALL-E
Video Credit: Pixar
This is one of the most underrated and yet must-watch animated movies there is. There isn’t much dialogue in the film, however, children will be 100 percent engaged in the viewing experience. WALL-E is the last robot on an empty and littered planet and his only job is to pick up old trash, but everything changes when he meets a female robot EVE. This exciting galactic adventure teaches children the importance of environmental preservation, friendship, dedication and even recycling.
Cast: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin
Director: Andrew Stanton
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
We hope this list helps you spend many enjoyable evenings with your children. And if you want to share your ideas about what other cartoons are worth watching with the kids, write them in the comments and we'll be sure to include them in our next compilation!