Children's films adults can enjoy

[J.R.]

Every time a children's film comes out (Shrek, Monster, Inc., Spy Kids, etc.) all the critics say "a children's film adults can enjoy". This very rarely turns out to be true. There are some though-

The Neverending Story- Loved it as a kid, love it now. Probably th best fantasy film until LOTR.

Labrynth- A great film, as long as you exclude David Bowie's "package".

The Lion King and Aladdin- Remember when Disney's animated summer flicks were well-written and engaging?

The Care Bears Movie 2- That's right! I enjoy it and I'm not ashamed. I probably should be.

And two anomolies-

The Nightmare Before Christmas and Pee Wee's Big Adventure- I'm not quite sure whether these were meant for children or adults.

[Squishy]

For me, that would include "The Secret of NIMH"--it might actually be a bit too intense for really little ones in places, what with all the abdominal injections, painful mutations, graphic throat-slashing, old-man-crushing, fire, child-drownings, and heroine-slashing-and-burning. And yikes! That f***ing cat!

"The Last Unicorn," featuring a once-in-a-millenia voice-cast (Tammy Grimes! Alan Arkin! Paul Frees! Mia Farrow and she's GOOD! Jeff Bridg...uh...hmm. Paul Frees again!) and a soliloquy that constitutes Christopher Lee's best performance...EVER. Lotsa stuff in there kids won't even get. Have a taco.

"The Emperor's New Groove" is what "Looney Tunes" would be like under Disney. It reeks in most of the few seconds that it takes itself seriously--you'll recognize these scenes because they look like they're about to turn the movie into a tale of romantic gay bestiality--but 99% of the time, it's freaking hilarious. David Spade and John Goodman are excellent; Patrick "The Tick" Warburton and Eartha Kitt are stellar.

I'd also include "Watership Down," but (a) it's not really a children's film at all, and (b) compared to the novel, it sucks the chocolate chips out of a bunny's butt. (I understand there was a short-lived British telly series that was far worse! Scary.) General Woundwort was pretty stomach-churning to look upon, though...

"We can no longer live as rats...we know too much."
--social commentary from Nicodemus, "The Secret of NIMH"

[Lee]

I went to school with a guy who looks like David Bowie in Labrynth. Just makes the flick that much more enjoyable for me.

[raj]

I also like The Princess Bride.

[Flangepart]

Buzz Lightyear of Star command.
....I like it! It has a fun, easy going attitude. Hey, it works for me.
....And, Disney's Alice in Wonderland. Great classic voice actors, and a weirdness that stands up to occasional reviewing.
....Thats all for now....Hummm........

[Luke Bannon]

I agree with a lot of your ones. I also liked Shrek, but I just have always had a demented sense of humour. The Dark Crystal is another I liked as a kid and now, (though I'm 16 so I could still be classed a kid.)

[J.R.]

I have yet to see what's so hilarious about Shrek.

[Vermin Boy]

I second Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, which just might get my vote for Most Perfect Movie of All Time.

Time Bandits is a good one, too; also the Wizard of Speed and Time, though that might be more of a grown-up film that kids can enjoy.

[Flangepart]

Ah ha! Knew i'd remember...
....Chicken run! And i like Shrek too. And Time Bandits.

[Bargle5]

Some picks from an older guy here.

"Mary Poppins" One of Disney's best live action movies ever. Great songs and great  casting.

"Willie Wonka  and the Chocolate Factory" Lots of bits of dark humor  to keep the adults interested as well as kids.

I liked "Dark Crystal" as well. Haven't seen it in years.

[peter johnson]

Some of these films named ARE very grey-area, ie:  I think that some were made more for adults than kids, but I'm shocked that while Chicken Run (GREAT flick!) got a vote, nobody said diddly about the Wallace & Gromit trilogy.  These were very definitely made for the British childrens' market, but had soooo much in them (The directly ripped-off Alfred Hitchcock cinematograpy in The Wrong Trousers, for but one example)  that only cognoscenti adults would get.
Anyway, I like a lot of the other films named too, but just love the Wallace & Gromit stuff.
I would say also, The Red Balloon, Gulliver's Travels(1938, Fleischer Studios), Hoppity Goes to Town(ditto), Tales of the Brothers Grimm, Jack the Giant Killer (The uncut '60's British version, without the added musical numbers!!), The Railway Children, A Bug's Life, Seal Morning, Ring of Bright Water, The Muppett Movie, and Sleeping Beauty (Looove that dragon!).  Actually, I could probably think of some more -- I don't think the phenomena of a childrens' film also entertaining adults is as rare as we may think.
peter j.

[Andrew]

You already hit a number of mine, but here goes.

The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Iron Giant
The Dark Crystal
The NeverEnding Story
The Lion King
Labyrinth

Any number of Japanese giant monster and robot films.

[peter johnson]

So, many of us think that Nightmare Before Christmas counts as a childrens' picture, eh?  I'm not so sure.  I did love the film very much, but really can't see it as a kid's flick any more than Edward Scissorhands:  Made with kid-flick conventions, but definitely composed more with adults in mind.

[Lee]

I can't believe we forgot this one!!! "Benji"! Classic. Nothing objectional for kids and not to stupid for adults. A movie all can enjoy. Ditto on "Mary Poppins" and "Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory".

[K-Sonic]

Willy Wonka, The Muppet Movie