Steven Spielberg’s first family movie since 1991’s Hook is in theaters this week: The BFG, adaptation of the beloved Roald Dahl children’s book. The cross-pollination of two talented storytelling titans inspires this week’s gallery: 24 Certified Fresh children’s book movie adaptations!
Critics consensus: “The endearing Iron Giant tackles ambitious topics and complex human relationships with a steady hand and beautifully animated direction from Brad Bird.”
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Year: 2009
Tomatometer: 92%
Critics consensus: “A delightfully funny feast for the eyes with multi-generational appeal — and it shows Wes Anderson has a knack for animation.”
Shrek
Year: 2001
Tomatometer: 88%
Critics consensus: ” While simultaneously embracing and subverting fairy tales, the irreverent Shrek also manages to tweak Disney’s nose, provide a moral message to children, and offer viewers a funny, fast-paced ride.”
Winnie the Pooh
Year: 2011
Tomatometer: 90%
Critics consensus: “Short, nostalgic, and gently whimsical, Winnie the Pooh offers young audiences — and their parents — a sweetly traditional family treat.”
James and the Giant Peach
Year: 1996
Tomatometer: 93%
Critics consensus: “The arresting and dynamic visuals, offbeat details and light-as-air storytelling make James and the Giant Peach solid family entertainment.”
The Secret World of Arrietty
Year: 2012
Tomatometer: 95%
Critics consensus: “Visually lush, refreshingly free of family-friendly clatter, and anchored with soulful depth, The Secret World of Arrietty lives up to Studio Ghibli’s reputation.”
The Wizard of Oz
Year: 1939
Tomatometer: 99%
Critics consensus: “An absolute masterpiece whose groundbreaking visuals and deft storytelling are still every bit as resonant, The Wizard of Oz is a must-see film for young and old.”
Babe
Year: 1995
Tomatometer: 97%
Critics consensus: “The rare family-friendly feature with a heart as big as its special effects budget, Babe offers timeless entertainment for viewers of all ages.”
Bridge to Terabithia
Year: 2007
Tomatometer: 85%
Critics consensus: “Bridge to Terabithia is a faithful adaptation of a beloved children’s novel and a powerful portrayal of love, loss, and imagination through children’s eyes.”
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Year: 2005
Tomatometer: 83%
Critics consensus: “Closer to the source material than 1971’s Willy Wonka, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is for people who like their Chocolate visually appealing and dark.”
Coraline
Year: 2009
Tomatometer: 90%
Critics consensus: “With its vivid stop-motion animation combined with Neil Gaiman’s imaginative story, Coraline is a film that’s both visually stunning and wondrously entertaining.”
Charlotte’s Web
Year: 2006
Tomatometer: 78%
Critics consensus: “Kids will be entertained by the straightforward plot and cute animals, and adults will be charmed by how quiet and humble the production is, a fine translation of E.B. White’s genteel prose.”
Bambi
Year: 1942
Tomatometer: 89%
Critics consensus: “Elegantly animated and deeply touching, Bambi is an enduring, endearing, and moving Disney classic.”
Peter Pan
Year: 2003
Tomatometer: 77%
Critics consensus: “Solid if far from definitive, this version of Peter Pan is visually impressive, psychologically complex and faithful to its original source.”
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Year: 2009
Tomatometer: 87%
Critics consensus: “Quirky humor, plucky characters and solid slapstick make this family comedy a frenetically tasty time at the movies.”
One Hundred and One Dalmatians
Year: 1961
Tomatometer: 98%
Critics consensus: “With plenty of pooches and a memorable villain (Cruella De Vil), this is one of Disney’s most enduring, entertaining animated films.”
Freaky Friday
Year: 2003
Tomatometer: 88%
Critics consensus: “Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan charm in Mark Waters’ nicely pitched — and Disney’s second — remake of the 1976 hit.”
Holes
Year: 2003
Tomatometer: 77%
Critics consensus: “Faithful to its literary source, this is imaginative, intelligent family entertainment.”
Horton Hears A Who!
Year: 2008
Tomatometer: 79%
Critics consensus: “Horton Hears A Who! is both whimsical and heartwarming, and is the rare Dr. Seuss adaptation that stays true to the spirit of the source material.”
The Jungle Book
Year: 2016
Tomatometer: 94%
Critics consensus: “As lovely to behold as it is engrossing to watch, The Jungle Book is the rare remake that actually improves upon its predecessors — all while setting a new standard for CGI.”
Mary Poppins
Year: 1964
Tomatometer: 100%
Critics consensus: “A lavish modern fairy tale celebrated for its amazing special effects, catchy songs, and Julie Andrews’s legendary performance in the title role.”
Pinocchio
Year: 1940
Tomatometer: 100%
Critics consensus: “Ambitious, adventurous, and sometimes frightening, Pinocchio arguably represents the pinnacle of Disney’s collected works — it’s beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant.”
War Horse
Year: 2011
Tomatometer: 76%
Critics consensus: “Technically superb, proudly sentimental, and unabashedly old-fashioned, War Horse is an emotional drama that tugs the heartstrings with Spielberg’s customary flair.”
Zathura
Year: 2005
Tomatometer: 75%
Critics consensus: “Dazzling special effects for the kids + well-crafted storytelling for the ‘rents = cinematic satisfaction for the whole family.”
