- 1Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman
- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Danny DeVito
The 1996 film adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved children's novel, Matilda, captures the whimsical spirit of the book while bringing the characters to life onscreen. Directed by Danny DeVito, who also stars as the main character's father, the movie stays true to the original story of a gifted young girl who gains telekinetic powers, navigates an oppressive family, and confronts her tyrannical principal. It remains a favorite among fans of Dahl's works, showcasing his signature dark humor and clever wit.
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- 2Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum
- Released: 1971
- Directed by: Mel Stuart
The 1971 classic film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder, brings Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to life in a colorful and fantastical manner. Though Dahl was initially displeased with the adaptation (largely due to the focus on Wonka rather than Charlie) and he disowned the film before its release, it has since become a beloved staple of family-friendly cinema. With memorable musical numbers and eccentric performances, this whimsical film continues to enchant viewers and hold nostalgia for generations.
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- 3Debbie Reynolds, Paul Lynde, Henry Gibson
- Released: 1973
- Directed by: Iwao Takamoto
The 1973 animated adaptation of E.B. White's classic children's novel, Charlotte's Web, is a heartwarming tale about the bond between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte. With its hand-drawn animation and charming musical numbers, the film complements the book's imaginative storytelling and reinforces the themes of friendship, loyalty, and selflessness found in the original work. It remains a fondly remembered adaptation that continues to introduce young audiences to the magic of White's timeless story.
More Charlotte's Web- #63 of 459 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
- #89 of 205 onMusical Movies With The Best Songs
- #15 of 177 onThe Best Animal Movies Of All Time, Ranked
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- 4Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst
- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Joe Johnston
Jumanji, the 1995 film adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg's 1981 picture book of the same name, takes the basic premise of a magical board game that brings jungle adventures to life and expands on it for a thrilling and high-stakes movie. Starring Robin Williams as a man who has been trapped inside the game for decades, the film weaves a heartwarming story of friendship, family, and redemption alongside its action-packed scenes. It remains a popular family film and even led to a successful continuation of the story in the 2017 sequel, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.
More Jumanji- Dig Deeper...Behind-The-Scenes Stories From 'Jumanji' That Made Us Want To Watch It Again
- #32 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- #20 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 5Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, Jonathan Lipnicki
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Rob Minkoff
The 1999 live-action/animated film adaptation of E.B. White's 1945 novel, Stuart Little, tells the modernized story of a lovable mouse who is adopted by a human family and embarks on various adventures. Although some changes have been made from the original book, like adding new characters and scenarios, the movie remains true to the heart and spirit of the source material, emphasizing themes of family, acceptance, and facing adversity with courage. The film's success led to two sequels, thus expanding Stuart's story for a new generation of fans.
More Stuart Little- #489 of 712 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #51 of 177 onThe Best Animal Movies Of All Time, Ranked
- #69 of 190 onThe Best Kids Movies Of All Time
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- 6Julia Roberts, Dakota Fanning, Steve Buscemi
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Gary Winick
The 2006 live-action adaptation of E.B. White's Charlotte's Web, starring Dakota Fanning and featuring the voices of Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, and Steve Buscemi, offers a new take on the beloved children's novel. The film brings the characters to life with a mix of real animals, puppetry, and CGI animation, staying true to the heartwarming and profound themes of friendship, sacrifice, and finding one's place in the world. This version remains a faithful and poignant retelling of the classic tale.
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- #44 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #15 of 101 onThe Best Movies Of 2006
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- 7Paul Terry, Joanna Lumley, Miriam Margolyes
- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Henry Selick
The 1996 film adaptation of Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach combines live-action with stop-motion animation to create a visually stunning and inventive rendition of the fantastical tale. Directed by Henry Selick and with music by Randy Newman, the movie captures the eccentricity of Dahl's characters while adding a layer of whimsy and charm that appeals to both children and adults. Although some aspects of the original story have been altered, the adaptation remains true to the overall spirit and imagination of Dahl's classic novel.
- Dig Deeper...‘James and the Giant Peach’ Was A Beautiful Nightmare Of A Children’s Movie (On Purpose)
- #109 of 459 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
- #139 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
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- 8Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly
- Released: 2005
- Directed by: Tim Burton
Tim Burton's 2005 adaptation of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory offers a darker, more peculiar take on the classic story, with Johnny Depp portraying the iconic Willy Wonka character. This version, which hews closer to the source material than the 1971 film, explores Wonka's backstory and expands upon the sinister aspects of Dahl's original novel. Although not universally embraced, Burton's visual flair and signature whimsy come through in this adaptation, making it a distinctive interpretation of the timeless tale.
- #121 of 205 onMusical Movies With The Best Songs
- #77 of 112 onThe Greatest Movie Remakes Of All Time
- #463 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 9Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Rachael Harris
- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Thor Freudenthal
Based on Jeff Kinney's bestselling book series, the 2010 film adaptation of Diary of a Wimpy Kid translates the humor and charm of the books into a delightful coming-of-age comedy. The movie captures the unique blend of illustrations and text found in the books, with a strong cast that brings the quirky characters to life onscreen. As a result, it spawned several sequels and has become a staple for middle-grade audiences.
More Diary of a Wimpy Kid- Dig Deeper...All the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books, Ranked Best to Worst
- #250 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #44 of 96 onThe 75+ Best Family Comedy Movies
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- 10Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, Patricia Arquette
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Andrew Davis
Based on Louis Sachar's award-winning novel, the 2003 film adaptation of Holes features a young Shia LaBeouf in the lead role of Stanley Yelnats IV, a boy who is wrongly convicted of theft and sent to a mysterious juvenile detention camp. The film follows the novel closely, with Sachar himself writing the screenplay and ensuring that the rich and interconnected storylines translate seamlessly to the big screen. Celebrated for its excellent ensemble cast, thought-provoking themes, and compelling storytelling, the Holes movie is considered an outstanding adaptation of its source material.
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- 11Michelle Trachtenberg, Rosie O'Donnell, Vanessa Lee Chester
- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Bronwen Hughes
Based on Louise Fitzhugh's 1964 novel, the 1996 film adaptation of Harriet the Spy is a coming-of-age tale that stays faithful to its source material while updating it for a modern audience. Starring Michelle Trachtenberg as the titular character, the movie follows Harriet as she navigates friendships, rivalries, and her passion for writing while facing the consequences of her spying habits and brutally honest observations. It manages to tackle difficult themes with nuance, making it a relatable and entertaining film for both children and adults.
More Harriet the Spy- #25 of 52 onThe Best Movies With A Little Girl Protagonist
- #17 of 26 onGreat Mystery Movies the Whole Family Will Enjoy
- #20 of 28 onGreat Movies About Very Smart Young Girls
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- 12Tilda Swinton, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes
- Released: 2005
- Directed by: Andrew Adamson
The 2005 film adaptation of C.S. Lewis's beloved fantasy novel, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, transports audiences to the magical world of Narnia through the eyes of four siblings who discover its existence through a mysterious wardrobe. Directed by Andrew Adamson and featuring a talented ensemble cast, the movie captures the epic scope and rich detail of Lewis's imaginative tale while staying true to its core themes of bravery, sacrifice, and good triumphing over evil. Its success led to adaptations of two more Narnia novels, fueling the popularity of the renowned book series.
- #221 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #6 of 143 onThe Best Movies of 2005
- #44 of 190 onThe Best Kids Movies Of All Time
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- 13Hal Scardino, Litefoot, Lindsay Crouse
- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Frank Oz, Robert Harris
The 1995 film adaptation of Lynne Reid Banks' beloved novel, The Indian in the Cupboard, brings to life the enchanting and thought-provoking story of a young boy who discovers that a magical cupboard can bring his toys to life. Directed by Frank Oz, the movie stays faithful to the book's themes of empathy, friendship, and the importance of understanding different perspectives while using groundbreaking special effects to create a sense of wonder. The film remains a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up with both the book and the movie.
- #163 of 278 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- #52 of 90 onThe Best Movies Of 1995
- #12 of 20 onMovies That Should Be Remade
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- 14Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Gabor Csupo
The 2007 film adaptation of Katherine Paterson's beloved novel, Bridge to Terabithia, explores the power of friendship and imagination through the story of two young friends who create a fantastical kingdom in the woods. Starring Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb, the movie stays true to the emotional depth and poignant themes of the book while adding visually stunning effects to bring the world of Terabithia to life. Despite some changes to the story for cinematic purposes, the film remains a faithful and moving adaptation that captures the essence of the source material.
More Bridge to Terabithia- Dig Deeper...'Bridge To Terabithia' Is Based On A True Story, And It's Even Sadder Than The Book
- #8 of 132 onThe Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made
- #600 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 15Joey King, Selena Gomez, John Corbett
- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum
The 2010 film, Ramona and Beezus, combines elements from several of Beverly Cleary's much-loved Ramona Quimby novels, creating a charming and relatable story about sisterhood, growing up, and embracing one's individuality. Starring Joey King as Ramona and Selena Gomez as Beezus, the movie is filled with humor and heart, successfully capturing the essence of Cleary's iconic characters and their everyday adventures. While some elements diverge from the source material, it remains an entertaining and faithful tribute to the classic book series.
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- 16Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Henry Selick
The 2009 stop-motion animated film Coraline, directed by Henry Selick and based on Neil Gaiman's dark fantasy novella, tells the eerie tale of a young girl who discovers a parallel world hidden behind a small door in her new home. The film enhances the creepy and otherworldly atmosphere of the book with its striking visuals and haunting score, while keeping true to the story's themes of bravery, self-reliance, and facing one's fears. With its unique animation style and faithful adherence to Gaiman's original vision, Coraline has become a cult classic among fans of both the book and the film.
More Coraline- Dig Deeper...17 Small But Chilling Details In 'Coraline'
- And Deeper...‘Coraline’ Is Even More Horrifying As A Book Than A Movie
- #50 of 459 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
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- 17Michael Moriarty, Rod Steiger, Blake Heron
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: Dale Rosenbloom
The 1996 film adaptation of Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's Newbery Award-winning book, Shiloh, tells the touching story of a young boy who rescues an abused beagle and fights to save him from his cruel owner. With a strong cast and a faithful retelling of the source material, the film captures the emotional depth and moral dilemmas of the original novel, exploring themes of courage, loyalty, and standing up for what is right. Its success paved the way for two sequels, solidifying the movie's place as a well-loved family classic.
More Shiloh- #92 of 117 onThe Best Movies Of 1996
- #140 of 190 onThe Best Kids Movies Of All Time
- #24 of 103 onThe Best Dog Movies to Stream on Amazon Prime Right Now
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- 18John Goodman, Jim Broadbent, Mark Williams
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: Peter Hewitt
The 1997 British-American film adaptation of Mary Norton's classic children's book, The Borrowers, centers around a family of tiny people who live secretly within the walls of an old English home, borrowing everyday items from the human inhabitants. With a mix of live-action and stop-motion animation, the movie creates a captivating world that stays faithful to the book's whimsy and charm. Despite some changes to the source material, The Borrowers remains an engaging and visually delightful adaptation that appeals to fans both old and new.
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- 19Alexis Bledel, William Hurt, Sissy Spacek
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Jay Russell
The 2002 film adaptation of Natalie Babbitt's novel, Tuck Everlasting, is a visually lush and romantic take on the timeless story of a young girl who stumbles upon a family of immortals living in the woods. Starring Alexis Bledel and Jonathan Jackson, the movie's artful cinematography and nuanced exploration of the book's themes, such as love, loss, and the burden of eternal life, results in a poetic and engaging adaptation that resonates with fans of the original novel.
More Tuck Everlasting- #114 of 152 onThe Best Movies of 2002
- #99 of 170 onThe 150+ Best Teen Romance Movies, Ranked
- #72 of 83 onThe 75+ Best Fairytale Movies
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- 20Hayley Mills, Jane Wyman, Richard Egan
- Released: 1960
- Directed by: David Swift
The 1960 Disney adaptation of Eleanor H. Porter's classic novel, Pollyanna, starring Haley Mills in the title role, brings to life the inspiring story of an optimistic young girl who transforms a small town with her infectious positivity. The film stays true to the book's core themes of finding joy in every situation, capturing the charm and emotion of the original story while infusing it with Disney's signature family-friendly appeal. Its success led to Mills winning an Academy Award for her performance, solidifying the movie's status as a beloved classic.
More Pollyanna- #377 of 473 onThe 470+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
- #130 of 190 onThe Best Kids Movies Of All Time
- #27 of 106 onThe Best Disney Live-Action Movies
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- 21Jim Carrey, Liam Aiken, Emily Browning
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Brad Silberling
The 2004 film adaptation of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, starring Jim Carrey as the nefarious Count Olaf, condenses the first three books of the popular children's series into a single movie. The film captures the darkly humorous tone and distinct gothic aesthetics of the books while presenting an engaging and visually imaginative storyline. Although some fans criticized the movie for its deviations from the source material, it remains an entertaining and well-received adaptation that brings the world of Lemony Snicket to life in vivid detail.
- #482 of 640 onThe 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
- #57 of 111 on50+ Movies That Need Sequels
- #564 of 712 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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- 22Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Directed by Steven Spielberg, the 2016 film adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved children's book, The BFG, brings the story of a young girl and her giant friend to life with stunning visual effects and a heartfelt narrative. The movie strikes a balance between the whimsical and the dark aspects of Dahl's original tale, with Mark Rylance's motion-capture performance capturing the essence of the gentle, dream-catching giant. Though box-office performance fell short of expectations, the film received positive reviews for its faithful adaptation and enchanting visuals.
More The BFG- #31 of 35 onEvery Steven Spielberg Movie, Ranked By Fans
- #111 of 156 onThe 150+ Best Tween Movies Of All Time
- #6 of 19 onPretty Good Movies About Loneliness
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- 23Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: Stephen Chbosky
The 2017 film adaptation of R.J. Palacio's bestselling novel, Wonder, explores themes of kindness, empathy, and self-acceptance through the story of a young boy named Auggie born with a facial deformity. Starring Jacob Tremblay, Julia Roberts, and Owen Wilson, the movie captures the emotional depth and resonance of the book while bringing an added layer of poignancy through its strong performances. Its message of choosing kindness has resonated with audiences, making it a valuable and inspiring adaptation of the source material.
More Wonder- #52 of 75 onThe Best Movies For Boys To Watch
- #47 of 66 onThe 60+ Funniest Kid Movies For Adults, Ranked
- #8 of 99 onThe Best Drama Movies That Start With The Letter W, Ranked
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- 24Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Asa Butterfield
- Released: 2011
- Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese's 2011 film adaptation of Brian Selznick's The Invention of Hugo Cabret brings the visually stunning story of a young orphan living in a Paris train station to life with beautiful detail and cinematic mastery. Renamed as Hugo, the movie stays true to the book's intricate illustrations and carefully crafted narrative while expanding on its themes of love, loss, and the magic of filmmaking. The film went on to earn several Academy Awards, showcasing Scorsese's ability to adapt such a complex and deeply imaginative story to the big screen.
More Hugo- #207 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #272 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #51 of 87 onThe Best Film Adaptations Of Young Adult Novels
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- 25Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Ava DuVernay
Despite its ambitious attempt to adapt Madeleine L'Engle's classic science fiction novel, the 2018 film version of A Wrinkle in Time, directed by Ava DuVernay, received mixed reviews from both critics and fans. The movie offers a visually vibrant interpretation featuring an impressive cast, including Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, and Reese Witherspoon. However, it struggled to fully capture the essence and nuanced themes of the source material, making it a divisive adaptation that fell short of expectations for many fans.
More A Wrinkle in Time- #151 of 156 onThe Best Ensemble Movies Of All Time
- #89 of 137 onThe 100+ Best Movies With Black Female Leads
- #70 of 81 on80+ Great Movies About Black Teens
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- 26Tom Cavanagh, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Luke Benward
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Bob Dolman
The 2006 film adaptation of Thomas Rockwell's 1973 novel, How to Eat Fried Worms, offers an updated take on the gross-out comedy about a young boy facing a schoolyard bet to eat worms. Although the movie deviates significantly from the original story, it retains the book's humor and spirit, successfully translating the exaggerated scenarios and quirky characters for a contemporary audience. This entertaining adaptation provides a dose of nostalgia for fans of the book while introducing its antics to a new generation.
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- 27Shirley Temple, Jean Hersholt, Arthur Treacher
- Released: 1937
- Directed by: Allan Dwan
The 1937 film version of Johanna Spyri's classic children's book, Heidi, stars legendary child actress Shirley Temple in the title role, bringing to life the heartwarming story of a young orphan girl living in the Swiss Alps. Directed by Allan Dwan, the movie captures the idyllic setting and endearing characters of the book while emphasizing the themes of love, family, and resilience. This classic adaptation has remained a favorite for generations and continues to introduce the timeless story to new audiences.
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- 28Timothée Chalamet, Calah Lane, Hugh Grant
- Released: 2023
- Directed by: Paul King
More Wonka- #231 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #182 of 190 onThe Best Kids Movies Of All Time
- #68 of 139 onThe 120+ Best Movies For 10-Year-Old Kids
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- 29Jason Alexander, Mary Steenburgen, Reese Witherspoon
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Terry L. Noss, Richard Rich
The 2001 animated adaptation of E.B. White's beloved novel, The Trumpet of the Swan, tells the heartwarming story of a mute swan named Louie who learns to communicate through a trumpet. Although the film adds several new characters, musical numbers, and even a subplot not found in the original book, it maintains the charming essence of the source material. Though not as widely celebrated as the book or adaptations of White's other works, this lesser-known film remains an enjoyable tale for fans of his writing.
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- 30Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Iain Softley
The 2008 film adaptation of Cornelia Funke's fantasy novel, Inkheart, centers around a young girl named Meggie who discovers that she and her father have the power to bring book characters to life by reading aloud. Starring Brendan Fraser and Eliza Bennett, the movie captures the adventure and excitement of the original story but alters some elements, which has garnered mixed reactions from fans. Nevertheless, Inkheart remains an inventive adaptation of the source material, filled with imaginative visuals and a captivating narrative.
More Inkheart- #645 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #189 of 190 onThe Best Kids Movies Of All Time
- #56 of 83 onThe 75+ Best Fairytale Movies
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COLLECTION19 LISTS
What the Kids Are WatchingLists of movies to turn on for the whole family on sick days, snow days, bad days, and good days—because a little screentime never hurt anybody.
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What the Kids Are Watching
Lists of movies to turn on for the whole family on sick days, snow days, bad days, and good days—because a little screentime never hurt anybody.
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