The 30 best kids' movie brands
Sony Pictures, Warner Bros and LIONSGATE lead our ranking of 30 kids' movie brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Kids' Movie brands, ranked
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1
Sony Pictures
Sony Pictures releases family films through Sony Pictures Animation, including animated features sold on home video.
Website: electronics.sony.com |Brands like Sony Pictures
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Warner Bros
Warner Bros releases animated and family films, many sold on DVD and Blu-ray under its home entertainment label.
Website: warnerbros.com |Brands like Warner Bros
Popularity 7.9/10
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3
LIONSGATE
Lionsgate distributes films and home video releases, including family and animated titles.
Website: lionsgate.com |Brands like LIONSGATE
Popularity 6.7/10
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4
Shout! Factory
Shout! Factory distributes home video, including kids and family titles under its Shout Kids line.
Website: shoutfactory.com |Brands like Shout! Factory
Popularity 5.9/10
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5
Mill Creek Entertainment
Mill Creek Entertainment sells budget multi-title DVD sets, including family and children's film collections.
Website: millcreekent.com |Brands like Mill Creek Entertainment
Popularity 4.6/10
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6
Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures produces and distributes films, including animated and family titles sold on home video.
Website: paramount.com |Brands like Paramount Pictures
Popularity 4.0/10
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7
FUNimation
FUNimation distributes anime series and films, including titles aimed at children and families on DVD and Blu-ray.
Website: funimation.com |Brands like FUNimation
Popularity 3.8/10
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8
MIRAMAX
Miramax is a film label releasing feature films, including some family-oriented titles on home video.
Website: miramax.com |Brands like MIRAMAX
Popularity 3.5/10
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9
Buena Vista
Buena Vista is Disney's film distribution label, used on home video releases of many family and kids movies.
Website: buenavista-clothing.com |Brands like Buena Vista
Popularity 3.5/10
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10
LeapFrog
LeapFrog makes educational learning products for young children, including some learning video releases.
Website: store.leapfrog.com |Brands like LeapFrog
Popularity 3.2/10
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11
The Criterion Collection
Film lovers who want classic and international cinema will find The Criterion Collection's home video releases built around careful restorations. Founded in 1984 in New York City and linked to Janus Films, the label publishes war films, Indian cinema and...
Website: criterion.com |Brands like The Criterion Collection
Popularity 2.9/10
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12
Time Life
Time Life sells compilation DVD sets, including children's and family programming collections.
Website: markmonitor.com |Brands like Time Life
Popularity 2.8/10
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13
Signature Entertainment
Signature Entertainment is a UK home video label releasing films, including some family titles on DVD and Blu-ray.
Website: signature-entertainment.co.uk |Brands like Signature Entertainment
Popularity 2.6/10
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14
Image Entertainment
Image Entertainment releases home video titles, including family and children's films on DVD and Blu-ray.
Brands like Image Entertainment
Popularity 2.6/10
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15
Kino Lorber
Kino Lorber distributes independent, classic, and foreign films, and runs a Kino Lorber Kids line of children's titles.
Website: kinolorber.com |Brands like Kino Lorber
Popularity 2.5/10
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16
Gravitas Ventures
Gravitas Ventures distributes independent films and TV, including family-friendly titles on digital and physical formats.
Website: gravitasventures.com |Brands like Gravitas Ventures
Popularity 2.5/10
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17
LEGO
LEGO produces animated LEGO-themed films and videos, alongside its building toy lines, sold on home video and streaming.
Website: ideas.lego.com |Brands like LEGO
Popularity 2.3/10
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18
Cinedigm
Cinedigm distributes independent films and streaming content, including children's and family titles.
Website: cinedigm.com |Brands like Cinedigm
Popularity 2.3/10
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19
Madman
Madman is an Australian and New Zealand distributor releasing anime, family, and children's films on home video.
Website: madman.co.nz |Brands like Madman
Popularity 2.1/10
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20
Entertainment One
Entertainment One produces and distributes film and TV, including children's series and family films on home video.
Website: entertainmentone.com |Brands like Entertainment One
Popularity 2.1/10
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21
Momentum Pictures
Momentum Pictures is a film distributor releasing feature films, including some family and children's titles.
Website: momentumpictures.net |Brands like Momentum Pictures
Popularity 2.0/10
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22
Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli produces animated feature films for families, including widely released Miyazaki titles on home video.
Website: ghiblicollection.com |Brands like Studio Ghibli
Popularity 2.0/10
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23
Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures produces and distributes films, including animated and family titles sold on home video.
Website: universalpictures.com |Brands like Universal Pictures
Popularity 1.6/10
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24
MPI Home Video
MPI Home Video releases DVDs of films and children's programming, including cartoon and family titles.
Website: mpihomevideo.com |Brands like MPI Home Video
Popularity 1.3/10
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25
StudioCanal
StudioCanal is a European film company producing and distributing films, including family-oriented titles on home video.
Popularity 1.1/10
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26
Media Factory
Media Factory is a Japanese label releasing anime and film titles, including children's series on DVD and Blu-ray.
Website: mediafactory.tv |Brands like Media Factory
Popularity 1.0/10
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27
Media Blasters
Media Blasters distributed anime and live-action titles on DVD, including children's anime series.
Website: media-blasters.com |Brands like Media Blasters
Popularity 0.9/10
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28
Screen Media Films
Screen Media Films distributes independent and family films on home video and digital platforms.
Website: screenmediafilms.net |Brands like Screen Media Films
Popularity 0.8/10
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29
TOPICS Entertainment
TOPICS Entertainment is a Japanese label releasing anime and animated films, including children's titles on DVD.
Brands like TOPICS Entertainment
Popularity 0.8/10
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30
NOVA
NOVA's men's clothing is sold through the NovaMen line of Fashion Nova, the online retailer. The range includes graphic shirts, tees, hoodies, jackets, leather jackets and pants. Pieces span tops, outerwear and bottoms for men.
Popularity 0.7/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Pictures | electronics.sony.com | /SonyElectronics | SonyElectronics | @sonyelectronics | – |
| Warner Bros | warnerbros.com | /warnerbrosent | warnerbrosentertainment | @Warnerbros | WarnerBrosPictures |
| LIONSGATE | lionsgate.com | – | – | – | – |
| Shout! Factory | shoutfactory.com | /shoutfactoryofficial | shoutfactory | @ShoutFactory | shoutfactory |
| Mill Creek Entertainment | millcreekent.com | /MillCreekEnt | millcreekent | @MillCreekEnt | MillCreekEnt |
| Paramount Pictures | paramount.com | /SonicMovie | SonicMovie | @SonicMovie | Paramount |
| FUNimation | funimation.com | /funimation | funimation | @funimation | FUNimation |
| MIRAMAX | miramax.com | /miramax | miramax | @miramax | miramax |
| Buena Vista | buenavista-clothing.com | – | buenavistaofficial | – | – |
| LeapFrog | store.leapfrog.com | /LeapFrog | leapfrogofficial | @LeapFrog | – |
Kids Movies Buying Guide
Buying kids movies can be quite challenging, especially when you have young children. The choice of movies can affect the mental and emotional growth of children. Therefore, it's essential to choose high quality, age-appropriate movies that will entertain and educate your kids.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive buying guide for children's movies, including factors to consider when choosing movies, different genres, and recommended movies for different age groups.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Kid's Movies
1. Ratings: The first factor to consider when choosing a movie for your child is the rating. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rates movies based on their overall content. The ratings are as follows:
- G: General Audiences – suitable for all ages
- PG: Parental Guidance Suggested – parents may consider some material not suitable for children
- PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned – Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13
- R: Restricted – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian
- NC-17: No children under 17 admitted
Always check the rating before buying a movie. A G-rated movie is safe for all ages and is suitable for family viewing. A PG-rated movie may have mild violence, language, or themes that may not be suitable for children. A PG-13 movie is suitable for teenagers, and an R or NC-17 rating movie is not recommended for kids.
2. Age Appropriateness: The second factor to consider is age-appropriateness. Kids movies are usually classified according to age brackets:
- Toddler: 1-3 years
- Preschool: 4-5 years
- Early Elementary: 6-8 years
- Middle Elementary: 9-11 years
- Preteens and Teens: 12+
Choose a movie that is appropriate for your child's age. A movie that is too advanced or complicated for your child may not be entertaining or may not make sense to them, and a movie that is too simple or immature may not hold their attention.
3. Genre: Kids movies come in different genres, and it's essential to choose a genre that your child enjoys. Popular genres include:
- Animated movies
- Adventure
- Comedy
- Fantasy
- Musicals
- Science Fiction
- Superhero
4. Message: The message or theme of a movie is also essential. Choose movies that promote positive values and healthy habits such as teamwork, perseverance, kindness, and honesty. Ensure that the movie does not have negative content such as violence or disrespect.
Genres of Kids Movies
1. Animated movies: Animated movies are a popular genre of kids movies. They are usually digital or hand-drawn and are suitable for all ages. They involve characters that are not human, such as animals, monsters, or objects. Popular animated movies include:
- Toy Story
- Finding Nemo
- Frozen
- Moana
- The Lion King
- The Incredibles
2. Adventure: Adventure movies are another popular genre of kids movies. They involve protagonists who embark on exciting journeys and face challenges and obstacles. They are usually suitable for older kids and teens. Popular adventure movies include:
- Harry Potter series
- The Lord of the Rings trilogy
- Pirates of the Caribbean series
- Jumanji
- The Chronicles of Narnia series
- Indiana Jones series
3. Comedy: Comedy movies are suitable for all ages and are entertaining and funny. They involve humorous situations and characters that make viewers laugh. Popular comedy movies include:
- The Lego Movie
- Despicable Me
- The Addams Family
- The Princess Bride
- The Spy Who Dumped Me
4. Fantasy: Fantasy movies involve supernatural or mythological elements and usually have magical themes. They are suitable for older kids and teens. Popular fantasy movies include:
- Harry Potter series
- The Chronicles of Narnia series
- The Lord of the Rings trilogy
- Avatar
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Edward Scissorhands
5. Musicals: Musicals are a genre of movies that involve singing and dancing. They are suitable for all ages and are usually entertaining and emotional. Popular musicals include:
- The Sound of Music
- Mary Poppins
- Grease
- La La Land
- Hamilton
6. Science Fiction: Science fiction movies involve futuristic or technological themes and are usually suitable for older kids and teens. Popular science fiction movies include:
- Star Wars series
- Back to the Future series
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
- Terminator
- The Matrix
7. Superhero: Superhero movies involve characters with extraordinary powers who fight evil and protect the world. They are suitable for older kids and teens. Popular superhero movies include:
- The Avengers series
- Spider-Man series
- Black Panther
- Wonder Woman
- The Dark Knight trilogy
Recommended Movies for Different Age Groups
1. Toddler (1-3 years): It's essential to choose movies that are short, simple, and visually engaging for toddlers. Movies that involve talking animals, nursery rhymes, and repetitive songs are suitable for this age group. Recommended movies include:
- Baby Einstein videos
- Sesame Street movies
- Teletubbies movies
- Toddler Favorites DVD Collection
2. Preschool (4-5 years): Preschoolers are curious and love to learn new things. Movies that involve educational themes and simple plots are suitable for this age group. Recommended movies include:
- Dora the Explorer movies
- The Wiggles movies
- LeapFrog movies
- Peppa Pig movies
3. Early Elementary (6-8 years): Early elementary kids are more advanced and can understand more complex plots and themes. Movies that are adventurous, humorous, and engaging are suitable for this age group. Recommended movies include:
- Toy Story movies
- Finding Nemo movies
- Harry Potter movies
- Jumanji
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
4. Middle Elementary (9-11 years): Middle elementary kids are even more advanced and appreciate movies that involve more complex themes and storylines. Recommended movies involve a mix of adventure, fantasy, and science fiction genres. Recommended movies include:
- Avatar
- The Hobbit series
- The Hunger Games series
- Star Wars series
- The Matrix
5. Preteens and Teens (12+): Preteens and teens appreciate movies that involve more mature themes and storylines. Movies that involve realistic drama, action, and suspense are suitable for this age group. Recommended movies include:
- The Fault in Our Stars
- The Maze Runner series
- The Twilight Saga series
- The Hunger Games series
- The Fault in Our Stars
Conclusion
Choosing kids movies can be challenging, but it's essential to choose high-quality, age-appropriate movies that will entertain and educate your kids. Make sure you consider factors such as ratings, age-appropriateness, genre, and message when selecting a movie. We hope this guide helps you choose appropriate kids movies for your family.
