Pop the sparkling cider and grab your party hats—it’s a New Year!
The grown-ups may be busy talking about resolutions they’ll forget by February, but for kids, New Year’s is all about fun, fireworks, and staying up just a little too late.
After all that excitement, there’s no better way to ring in the new year than with a movie marathon packed with laughs, lessons, and a whole lot of heart?
We’ve wrangled up a list of 20 kid-friendly New Year’s movies that will keep the family entertained while sneaking in some feel-good messages about fresh starts, big dreams, and teamwork (you know, in case the kids decide this is the year they’ll finally clean their rooms).
We’ve got talking animals, epic adventures and a little bit of magic!
Happy New Year – let’s have some movie night fun!
For more information about any particular movie, you can visit:
- IMDb – For movie reviews, where to stream, ratings, trailers and lots more.
- Common Sense Media – For movie ratings, reviews and comprehensive content warnings. This is a go-to source that parents trust.
- Vid Angel – This is a paid service for parents to filter out the stuff you don’t want to see or hear in your streaming movies & TV shows, like profanity, nudity, violence & more.
There is a FREE movie checklist you can download to keep track of what you want to see.
Links included below to the where the kids New Year’s movies are streaming FREE (where available).
New Year’s Movies for Kids
1. Happy New Year, Charlie Brown (1986)
- MPAA Rating: G
- Happy New Year, Charlie Brown on IMDb
Charlie Brown tries to conquer his New Year’s Eve loneliness when he’s tasked with writing a book report, but his friends are busy with their own holiday plans. It reminds us that ringing in the new year can be an exciting new chapter, especially when it comes with a little help from friends.
2. Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976)
- MPAA Rating: G
- Rudolph’s Shiny New Year on IMDb
Rudolph teams up with a few other jolly characters to save the New Year by finding the missing Baby New Year before the clock strikes midnight. Usher in the New Year with Rudolph’s shiny nose.
3. Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne (2021)
- MPAA Rating: TV-G
- Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne on IMDb
When Lucy decides to throw a New Year’s Eve party, the Peanuts gang must work together to make it a success and Snoopy has his own grand plans for ringing in the new year! The movie showcases the power of new beginnings and the joy of spending time with those you care about, no matter how chaotic it gets.
4. Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year (2002)
- MPAA Rating: G
- Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year on IMDb
Pooh and his friends reflect on past adventures during Christmas and New Year’s while making resolutions to better themselves, with predictably silly results. This New Year’s tale reminds us that resolutions are better when they involve honey, friends, and a heaping dose of good intentions.
5. Frozen (2013)
- MPAA Rating: PG
- Frozen on IMDb
Sisters Elsa and Anna embark on a journey of icy magic and sisterly love, all while battling snow monsters and singing unforgettable tunes. It inspires a “new year, new me” vibe with Elsa’s journey to let go of the past and embrace her true self.
6. Toy Story (1995)
- MPAA Rating: G
- Toy Story on IMDb
Buzz and Woody go from rivals to best buds in this classic tale of adventure, loyalty, and the secret life of toys. It highlights the power of fresh starts, like making new friends or realizing that being a toy isn’t so bad after all.
7. Up (2009)
- MPAA Rating: PG
- Up on IMDb
Carl Fredricksen and an enthusiastic boy scout embark on a floating house adventure, proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams (or fight off giant birds). This movie has an uplifting message about embracing new beginnings and finding joy in the unexpected.
8. Madagascar (2005)
- MPAA Rating: PG
- Madagascar on IMDb
A group of pampered zoo animals accidentally end up in the wild, discovering their inner instincts while hilariously struggling to survive. Kids learn a lesson about adapting to change and thriving in new environments, because nothing says “fresh start” like landing on a tropical island with no clue what to do.
9. The Lion King (1994)
- MPAA Rating: G
- The Lion King on IMDb
Young Simba learns to embrace his destiny as king after a journey of self discovery, a few Hakuna Matatas, and some heartfelt family reunions. This iconic tale shows the importance of taking responsibility and stepping boldly into a new chapter of life.
10. Ratatouille (2007)
- MPAA Rating: G
- Ratatouille on IMDb
Remy, a rat with a refined palate, teams up with a clumsy human to prove that anyone can cook, even if they’re furry and live in the walls. This movie serves up a hearty helping of inspiration for chasing big dreams, no matter how unconventional or how many whiskers you have.
11. Zootopia (2016)
- MPAA Rating: PG
- Zootopia on IMDb
Judy Hopps, a rookie bunny cop, and Nick Wilde, a sly fox, team up to crack a conspiracy in a city full of anthropomorphic animals. There’s an empowering message of embracing diversity and challenging limits, perfect for kicking off the year with some big “can-do” energy.
12. Matilda (1996)
- MPAA Rating: PG
- Matilda on IMDb
Matilda, a brilliant girl with telekinetic powers, outsmarts her horrible parents and tyrannical headmistress to create the happy life she deserves. Matilda shows us that it’s never too late to take charge of your own story and rewrite it into something magical.
13. Big Hero 6 (2014)
- MPAA Rating: PG
- Big Hero 6 on IMDb
Young inventor Hiro teams up with a lovable healthcare robot, Baymax, and a squad of friends to save their city from a mysterious villain. It’s an uplifting reminder that healing, teamwork, and new beginnings can emerge even after life throws you curveballs.
14. A Little Princess (1995)
- MPAA Rating: G
- A Little Princess on IMDb
When Sara Crewe goes from riches to rags, her boundless imagination and kindness help her endure hardships and inspire those around her. The lessons of resilience and hope are inspiration for starting a new year with a brave heart and a touch of magic.
15. A Bug’s Life (1998)
- MPAA Rating: G
- A Bug’s Life on IMDb
Flik, an inventive ant, bands together with a ragtag group of circus bugs to outwit a gang of greedy grasshoppers. This film encourages little ones to embrace creativity and collaboration, proving that even the smallest ideas can lead to big change in a fresh new season.
16. The Sound of Music (1965)
- MPAA Rating: G
- The Sound of Music on IMDb
Maria brings music, joy, and a dash of chaos to the von Trapp family, all while outsmarting Nazis and climbing every mountain. This movies timeless themes of hope, love, and embracing change as a catalyst for a brighter future are perfect for singing your way into the year ahead.
17. The Incredibles (2004)
- MPAA Rating: PG
- The Incredibles on IMDb
The Parr family balances suburban life and superpowers to save the day (and each other) from a villain with a grudge. There are messages of rediscovering purpose, embracing family teamwork, and leaping into action to make life extraordinary again.
18. Akeelah and the Bee (2006)
- MPAA Rating: PG
- Akeelah and the Bee on IMDb
Akeelah, a young girl from South Los Angeles, discovers her talent for spelling and courageously competes in the National Spelling Bee with the support of her community. This film reminds us that with determination and a little help from others, we can tackle even our most intimidating goals.
19. Ballet Shoes (2007)
- MPAA Rating: PG
- Ballet Shoes on IMDb
Three orphans chase their dreams of acting, aviation, and ballet, while navigating life’s ups and downs in 1930s London. This movies encourages you to embrace ambition, follow your passions, and create your own path for a brighter future.
20. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
- MPAA Rating: PG
- The NeverEnding Story on IMDb
A young boy named Bastian dives into a magical book, embarking on an epic adventure to save the land of Fantasia from destruction. This movie teaches that all you need is courage, imagination, and the power of believing in yourself to write the next chapter of your story.
Thanks for reading this article for the best New Year’s movies for kids of all ages to enjoy!
Checkout these listicles for more family friendly movie night suggestions…
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The 20 Best Horror Movies to Watch with Family – Rated PG and Below
Like This Watch That: 25 Teen Movies Like Mean Girls
25 Best 90s Teen Movies for a Nostalgic Movie Night
The Ultimate List of 100 Family Movies for Family Movie Night with Kids of All Ages
25 Most Inspirational Movies to Restore Your Faith in Humanity
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