Animation has been a lifelong love of mine and something I keep coming back to with the same quiet delight I had as a kid. There’s something about the medium that never gets old, no matter how many times I’ve watched certain films or shorts.
So I *finally* pulled together a little collection of my own favorite (kid-friendly) animated films, shorts, older series, a few full-length movies – almost all either award-winning or groundbreaking in their day.
If you’re of a certain age (like me…ahem…) and were around for the late 80s, early 90s Nickelodeon era, you might remember those wonderfully strange animated bumpers and classic shorts they’d slip in between shows. Looking back, we were able to wander through SO MUCH visual territory without even trying.
Stop-motion next to hand-drawn next to something experimental and a little out-of-the-ordinary. It gave you a sense of just how many ways there are to make bring a story to life.
These picks carry a lot of that same spirit.
Part of what I love about gathering a list like this is the sheer variety of artistic styles and techniques you’ll see in these videos (much like the shorts I used to watch on Nickelodeon…in fact, it’s where I first saw a few in this collection).
We’ve organized our collection by theme, so you can use the links below to jump straight to a specific topic of interest in this article…
They’re also films you typically won’t find on the big streaming services – wonderful options if you’re looking for something beyond Disney, Pixar, or the other major studios (not because there’s anything wrong with those, but because there’s a whole world of animation out there that doesn’t get nearly enough attention).
All of these gems are tucked into the quieter corners of the internet, and (at the moment) are also completely free to watch.
Before you peruse, here are a couple last (quick) author notes, by moi…
- The shorts in this list are incredibly handy for bite-sized entertainment when you need it (there’s something to be said for a five-minute film that stays with you longer than something twice the length and ten times the noise).
- The world’s a heavy place right now, so I’ve kept this list on the lighter side, but animated shorts are an overlooked tool in the parenting and teaching toolbox (especially as conversation-starters when books or crafts or other creative outlets aren’t quite landing).
This is a great collection to keep in your back pocket, but I hope it also inspires you to hop around and find some fresh, unique animated finds of your own!
Animated Shorts Under 10 Minutes Your Kids Will Love
Short, visually striking films that work beautifully for younger kids, or those in-between moments when you want something unique and creative but don’t have time for a full movie.
Mogu & Perol (2018) (Subtitled)
Directed by Tsuneo Goda | dwarf studios | 9 min.
Two tiny creatures share life (and food!) on a delicious island where every meal becomes an adventure.
Tsuneo Goda brings extraordinary texture and charm to this stop-motion world. Kids will love the playful food chaos, while adults can admire the insanely skilled craftsmanship.
The Mitten (1967)
Directed by Roman Kachanov | Soyuzmultfilm | 10 min.
I fell in love with this short the first time I watched it! A lonely girl wishes for a puppy, but her mother refuses. When her mitten magically transforms into a playful companion, the two spend a joyful day in the snow.
This charming, Soviet stop-motion classic is tender, imaginative, and wonderfully expressive without needing much dialogue.
Archie (2021)
Directed by Ainslie Henderson | Young Films & MacKinnon and Saunders | 5 min.
A dog named Archie inherits his aunt’s remote island home…and the memories she left behind.
Made with beautifully textured needle-felted puppets, this gentle short tells a story about love, loss, and home with remarkable warmth. It’s quiet, tender, and surprisingly moving.
Fear of Flying (2020)
Written and Directed by Conor Finnegan | 9 min.
Dougal the bird has a problem: he’s terrified of flying. When migration season arrives, panic ensues…
With a unique and expressive animation style (and a whole lot of heart and visual comedy), this short turns a familiar childhood fear into a funny, reassuring adventure.
Macropolis (2012)
Directed by Joel Simon | Flickerpix Animations | 8 min.
Two toy animals who’ve been discarded from a factory production line, set out to catch the delivery van and rejoin their friends in this quietly lovely film about friendship and belonging.
Joel Simon drew on his own experience of disability in creating the characters and the film carries that personal warmth throughout.
Filmed partly outdoors against real city streets, the stop-motion gives this tiny adventure an epic scale, and has an energy and texture you just don’t find in major studio work.
Komaneko: The First Step (2020)
Directed by Tsuneo Goda | dwarf studios | 5 min.
A curious kitten decides to make her own stop-motion movie, the result being a delightful film about animation itself.
Filled with tiny sets, handmade charm, and one of the most lovable characters in modern animation. Kids who love making things immediately connect with Komaneko.
Lost and Found (2019)
Directed by Andrew Goldsmith and Bradley Slabe | 8 min.
Two knitted toy creatures risk everything to save each other when disaster strikes…!
Every unraveling thread becomes part of the storytelling to create a wordless short about friendship and sacrifice that lands with surprising emotional power.
Hair Love (2019)
Directed by Matthew A. Cherry | Sony Pictures Animation | 7 min.
A dad attempts to style his daughter’s hair for the first time and quickly discovers it’s harder than it looks.
Funny, affectionate, and deeply heartfelt, this Oscar-winning short celebrates family, patience, and representation in a story that resonates instantly.
Hedgehog in the Fog (1975) (Subtitled)
Directed by Yuri Norstein | Soyuzmultfilm | 10 min.
A small hedgehog sets out to visit a friend and wanders into a mysterious fog-filled forest.
Dreamlike and atmospheric, this poetic classic is often ranked among the greatest animated films ever made…it’s certainly one of mine!
Note: If your kids enjoy this sweet tale, be sure to check out the Russian retelling of Winnie the Pooh, as animated by Soyuzmultfilm Studio.
Western Spaghetti (2008)
Directed by PES | 2 min.
A bowl of pasta is “cooked” using everyday objects – rubber bands for noodles, dice for cheese, and a Rubik’s Cube for tomatoes? Bring it on!
The stop-motion creativity is irresistible and the inventive object animation is endlessly satisfying to watch. This is a short kids will immediately want to try recreating with their own kitchen objects afterward.
Heads up: If you enjoyed this, check out the channel tomosteen for a few Lego-inspired food stop motion videos can try to make with their own sets of bricks.
Tulip
Directed & animated by Andrea Love and Phoebe Wahl | ~4 minutes
I recently ran across this storybook-like animation and immediately added it to this list. A big fan of illustrator Phoebe Wahl, I had someone missed this animated delight when it came out in 2020 and wanted to make sure no one else does.
Filled with blooming flowers, woodland animals, and cozy, colorful handmade felted textures, this animated adaptation of Thumbelina is a picture book brought to life. It has the kind of gentle, inviting world children settle right into, with enough artistry and warmth to make grown-ups want to keep watching too.
The Hoarder (1969)
Directed by Evelyn Lambart | National Film Board of Canada | 8 min.
This classic fable comes to life in a lively animated retelling about a greedy little blue jay. Kids will grasp the story immediately, and it naturally leads to conversations about sharing.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2010)
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp | 4 min.
A tiny shell with googly eyes gives a documentary-style tour of his unusual life.
Jenny Slate’s voice performance is hilarious and oddly touching, and Marcel’s tiny inventions — from a lentil hat to a Dorito hang-glider — makes me laugh every time. Truly delightful at any age!
The Blue Umbrella (2014)
Directed by Saschka Unseld | Pixar Animation Studios | 7 minutes
On a rainy evening in a bustling city, two umbrellas — one blue and one red — notice each other across a crowded street. As the storm grows stronger, the city itself seems to come alive to help them reunite.
Although I’m trying to break out of the Pixar box with this list, I couldn’t resist including Blue Umbrella. Created this short using incredibly realistic lighting, textures, and sound effects, the rain-soaked streets feel almost photographic, helping this charming little short perfectly capture the atmosphere of a rainy day in the city.
The Tender Tale of Cinderella Penguin (1981)
Directed by Janet Perlman | National Film Board of Canada | 10 min.
Cinderella — but everyone is a penguin. With playful cut-paper animation and gentle humor, this clever adaptation turns a familiar fairy tale into something fresh and funny.
“Your Dream House” Pabco World’s Fair Promotional Film (1939)
Animated by Wah Chang | 7 min.
Note: Because of the age of this film and processses used to create it, there is some intermittent flickering.
You might be wondering why I’ve included a silent 30’s promotional video for a building manufacturer in this list, but let me tell you – just give it a watch.
Created by the prolifically talented Wah Ming Chang, this visually stunning animation takes the viewer through the full process of building a house.
It may not be for every kid, but this is the kind of detailed step-by-step stop-motion I would have been totally enamored with as a young viewer (and still am, in fact!). Think, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood “making of” videos.
Kid-Friendly Animated Shorts: 10–25 Minutes
These slightly longer films make wonderful standalone family viewing moments.
Tchou-Tchou (1972)
Directed by Co Hoedeman | National Film Board of Canada | 14 min.
Animated entirely with children’s wooden building blocks, this BAFTA-winning film transforms simple toys into a whimsical city adventure. It’s playful, inventive, and wonderfully imaginative.
The Kite (2019)
Directed by Martin Smatana | 13 min.
A child uses a kite to connect with the memory of a beloved grandfather. The soft textures and gentle storytelling create a quietly emotional film that often leads to meaningful conversations afterward.
Magic Candies (2024)
Directed by Daisuke Nishio | Toei Animation | 21 min.
NOTE: I was able to watch a special preview when it was released a little over a year ago, and fell in love. Unfortunately, Magic Candies is the ONE movie on this list I haven’t been able to find online to stream at the moment. I decided to include it anyway, so I can update this page the minute it’s available somewhere (and keep your eyes peeled too!).
A boy discovers magical candies that allow him to hear the voices of everyday objects. The warm storytelling and imaginative premise make this one instantly engaging for children.
Luce and the Rock (2022)
Directed by Britt Raes | 13 min.
When a mysterious rock appears in a peaceful village, a curious girl sets out to understand it.
The stylized animation and thoughtful storytelling make this a wonderful introduction to more artistic animated films.
Animated Shorts That Use Music for Storytelling
In these films, the music isn’t just accompaniment — it plays it’s own pivotal role.
Drums West (1961)
Directed by Jim Henson | 3 min.
Before the Muppets, Jim Henson created this experimental animation using cut paper shapes synchronized to jazz percussion – an ode to musical great Chico Hamilton!
The visual rhythm is hypnotic and endlessly creative. And definitely make sure to watch the whole thing for a lovely behind-the-scenes surprise at the end.
Maestro (2019)
Directed by Illogic Collective | 2 min.
In a moonlit forest, a squirrel conducts a nocturnal operal performed by frogs, birds, and other woodland animals.
The hyper-realistic animation and dramatic music make this a tiny but unforgettable spectacle.
Shugo Tokumaru — Katachi (2012)
Directed by Kijek/Adamski | 3 min.
Thousands of layered cut-out shapes build intricate moving patterns in perfect sync with the music.
The craftsmanship is mesmerizing, and I have a feeling your little ones will want to watch it again immediately. It has all the vibes of the classic Sesame Street mini-features I used to watch over and over.
Procession (2025)
Directed & animated by Orfeo Tagiuri | 3 min.
Set to instrumental music by Brian Eno and Beatie Wolfe, this dreamlike animated music video unfolds as a flowing stream of images where landscapes, people, and objects constantly transform and come alive with the music.
The endless fluid transformations and imaginative imagery set to a gentle, atmospheric soundscape make it a beautiful example of how music and drawing can merge to create a single piece of poetic art.
Short and Suite (1959)
Directed by Norman McLaren & Evelyn Lambart | National Film Board of Canada | 5 min.
Paint applied directly to film dances along with jazz by Eldon Rathburn.
Abstract and energetic, this is a great example to children of the way animation can be pure visual music.
The Tender Game (1958)
Created by John and Faith Hubley for the film The Tender Game | 5 min.
This is a playful, painterly example of visual storytelling at it’s best. There is so much to love about this animation, and I was thrilled to find it to use as (yet another) example of a unique approach and style.
Set to the music of Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson, it tells the story of a florist and street sweeper finding love.
Origami (2024)
Directed by Kei Kanamori | 5 min.
A single sheet of paper transforms into a conducter that leads a symphony of folded sheets into a parade of animals and shapes in stunning photorealistic CGI inspired by real origami techniques.
Calm, meditative, and absolutely gorgeous.
Older Animated Kids Series We Still Love
Before algorithms shaped children’s programming, these small series quietly became classics.
Domo TV (2008-2009)
Directed by NHK for Nickelodeon | Roughly 3 minute episodes
Charming 2-and-a-half-minute adventures with a curious brown creature and friends!
Teeny Little Super Guy (1982)
Created by animator Paul Fierlinger for Sesame Street | PBS | Roughly 3 minute episodes
I can still sing the entire theme song to Teeny Little Super Guy by heart.
I remember being enthralled by the way household utensils were used in these shorts, and love that creative kids can easily make their own teeny little supers with a plastic cup and drawing, then take them off on their own indoor adventures.
If this hasn’t quite scratched that vintage Sesame Street cartoon itch, here’s a HUGE playlist of all the available short animations and films.
Minuscule: Racing Bugs (2006-2012)
Created by Hélène Giraud & Thomas Szabo | Futurikon
A small slice of one episode in the Miniscule series, this clip tells the story of tiny insects becoming the heroes of miniature adventures (filmed against real landscapes!).
The contrast between live-action backgrounds and animated bugs gives the series a magical realism kids adore, and the slapstick storytelling works perfectly without dialogue at all.
The creators have generously shared many of the full episodes on YouTube, so be sure to bookmark the full playlists!
The Herbs (1968)
Created by Michael Bond | Directed by Ivor Wood | Produced by FilmFair for BBC1 | 14 minute episodes
This gentle British stop-motion series features a fantastical ensemble of humans and animals who live in an enchanted walled garden.
Paddington (1968)
Created by Michael Bond | Directed by Ivor Wood | Produced by FilmFair for BBC1 | 25 minute episodes
Another beloved Michael Bond creation, this one features the original stop-motion adventures of the marmalade-loving bear.
While it was created for BBC, GenX and xennial US viewers (like myself) might recognize some of the shorts from the old Nickelodeon variety show Pinwheel.
Camberwick Green (1966)
Written and produced by Gordon Murray | Animated by Bob Bura and John Hardwick for BBC1 | 15 minute episodes
I couldn’t resist adding one more of these 60’s-era British stop-motion puppet animations. These short and sweet tales, often accompanied by lovely little original tunes, make for such cozy afternoon watching.
Pingu (1990–2006)
Created by Otmar Gutmann and Erika Brueggemann | Roughly 50 minute episodes
Adorable claymation penguins communicating entirely through honks, squeaks and expressive motions? Give me 100 more seasons!
Pat & Mat (1976–2020)
Created by Lubomír Beneš and Vladimír Jiránek | Roughly 8 minute episodes
Two “handyman” neighbors solve problems with hilarious slapstick logic in this long-running Czechoslovakian series that boasts 130 episodes!
Creature Comforts (2003-2006)
Created and directed by Nick Park | Produced by Aardman Animations | Roughly 9 minute episodes
Nick Park’s Oscar-winning claymation classic features animals speaking real human interviews to hilarious effect. Kids will love listening to these silly interviews with favorite animals from all sorts of environments.
Overlooked Kid-Friendly Animated Full-Length Films (Free to Stream)
For when you have time for a full family movie night.
The Wind in the Willows (1983)
Directed by Mark Hall & Chris Taylor | 79 min.
A wonderfully faithful stop-motion adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s beloved story. The handmade puppets and cozy English countryside make it feel timeless.
Ernest & Celestine (2012)
Directed by Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar & Benjamin Renner | 80 min.
A bear and a mouse form an unlikely friendship in this watercolor-style animated masterpiece. Gentle, funny, and visually breathtaking.
Note: This video can’t be embedded, but you can click the still above to head to Tubi and watch it free from there!
Charlotte’s Web (1973)
Directed by Charles A. Nichols & Iwao Takamoto | 94 min.
The classic story of a spider who saves her friend with words woven into her web.
With orginal songs by the Sherman Brothers and heartfelt storytelling, it remains one of the most sincere animated adaptations of a children’s book ever made and always makes me a little misty.
Song of the Sea (2014)
Directed by Tomm Moore | Cartoon Saloon | 94 min.
Inspired by Irish folklore, this luminous film follows a brother and sister on a journey to restore magic to the world.
The animation draws from Celtic art and illuminated manuscripts, creating a visual style unlike anything from Hollywood studios.
Note: If this is one your kids dig, try watching the other two in this unofficial Celtic folklore “trilogy” from Cartoon Saloon – The Secret of Kells and Wolfwalkers (although be warned, there are some darker themes).
Where to Find More Child-Friendly Animation
If this collection has captured your curiosity, here are a few places that are excellent for discovering more animated gems:
- Short of the Week – Curated short films with a dedicated family-friendly channel, these are human-selected, not algorithmically surfaced, which makes a real difference. One of the most reliably excellent places on the internet for discovering short animation from around the world.
- The NFB (National Film Board of Canada – The NFB has been producing experimental and artistic animated films since 1939, and their entire back catalogue is free to stream on their website. Norman McLaren, Co Hoedeman, Caroline Leaf, Frédéric Back — the NFB archive is one of the greatest collections of short animation in the world, searchable by age group, theme, and technique. Completely free.
- The Internet Archive – One of my very favorite places to look for obscure movies, books, and more. You can find many of the films and series I’ve listed here over there…totally commercial-free. Be sure to also try some kid-friendly-specific searches and poke around to see what else you can find – it’s a treasure trove!
- Animation Obsessive – A newsletter devoted to animation history and international animation that almost nobody else covers. Written with genuine knowledge and enthusiasm — an invaluable resource if you want to go deeper into any of the styles or traditions represented in this list. Each issue covers a filmmaker, a film, or a tradition that most English-language coverage completely ignores.
- Animation Film Festivals – You’d be surprised how many children’s film festivals exist out there, and their
- The Kid Should See This – A Webby award-winning video collection curated specifically for curious children and the adults in their lives. Founder Rion Nakaya has been collecting and annotating short films, nature videos, science explainers, and animated gems since 2011. The animation section alone is worth hours of exploration — searchable by theme, age range, and subject.
- The Library! – Don’t forget to ask your local librarians about animated gems. They have so many resources right at their fingertips, they’re always one of my first stops when I need help with kid-friendly video research.
For Parents and Educators: A Few Ways to Use These Films
Short animated films are genuinely underused as educational tools. Here are a few quick ideas to help you and your kids or students get more out of the viewing experience:
- Sit with the silence and let kids lead the converstaion. A good short film often produces a few seconds of quiet when it ends. That quiet is valuable. Don’t fill it immediately with a question or opinion – let your kids lead the way with their first thoughts.
- Ask one question, not five. After a short film, one good open-ended question — “What do you think the stone/kite/fog meant?” — goes much further than a list of comprehension questions.
- Notice the technique. Stop-motion, cut-paper, paint-on-glass, pixilation — this collection of films covers so many techniques in animation history. Naming what you’re looking at gives children a vocabulary for talking about art-making.
- Try watching one without sound first. Several of these are entirely wordless, but even the ones with dialogue work beautifully silent. Ask children what they think is happening before the words confirm or complicate it.
- Return to them. The best short films reveal more on a second or third viewing. Hedgehog in the Fog, The Kite, Luce and the Rock — these are films that genuinely grow with the viewer.
Now It’s Your Turn…
These are my favorites — the ones I keep coming back to, and the ones that have produced the best conversations with the kids in my life.
But this list is far from complete. What would you add? Is there a short film that stopped you in your tracks, or a series that shaped how you think about animation? Drop it in the comments — I’d genuinely love to expand this list with what you’ve found!
More Movie Crafts and Activities for Kids
- Visit our collection of movie-inspired crafts for kids.
- Set up your own DIY Walk of Fame.
- Make mini Oscar statues from a couple simple supplies.
- Use a shoebox (along with other recycled supplies) to put together a cardboard movie camera or DIY movie slate.
- Inspire budding set directors, screenwriters, and directors with movie art prompts for kids.
GETTING READY TO TRY this?
I love seeing all the ways people make these ideas their own! If you're sharing the results of one of our projects, mention or tag me with @barleyandbirch, or share it in the comments of one of our Pinterest project pins.
