When it comes to children’s entertainment, parents often turn to animated movies. While these films can provide joy and valuable life lessons, not all animations are suitable for young audiences. It’s crucial to be vigilant about the content children consume.

This post aims to highlight 20 animation movies kids should not watch, focusing on themes, language, and visuals that may be inappropriate for their age.

The Importance of Choosing Age-Appropriate Animated Films

Selecting the right movies for children fosters a healthy perspective on life. As screenwriter and author Michael Arndt once said, “A story is like a tunnel. You have to put the audience in it, and they have to emerge, hopefully, a little changed.” Picking inappropriate films can lead children through dark tunnels instead of enlightening paths.

1. Sausage Party: A Rude Awakening for Kids

Just because it’s animated doesn’t mean it’s for kids! This film is filled with crude humor and adult content that make it entirely unsuitable for children.

2. The Boss Baby: More Confusing Than Entertaining

Though marketed for families, the theme of corporate greed and intense competition may not resonate well with younger viewers.

3. The South Park Movie: Explicit Content and Humor

This film is not only for adults but also features offensive language and themes that children should not be exposed to.

4. SpongeBob SquarePants Movie: Surrealism Gone Wrong

While loved by many, the chaotic and surreal humor can confuse younger children and may not present positive role models.

5. Coraline: A Dark Tale for Mature Audiences

With spooky undertones and a creepy storyline, Coraline can be genuinely frightening for younger viewers.

6. Watership Down: A Brutal Animated Adventure

Despite its acclaim, it contains graphic scenes of violence that can be disturbing for children.

7. The Secret of NIMH: Scary and Intense Moments

This animates the real fears of danger, death, and survival in a way that can be very intense for kids.

8. Heavy Metal: A Visual Assault

This cult classic is more about style than substance, featuring explicit content and themes far from kid-friendly.

9. Monster House: Unsettling Imagery

The haunted house concept in this film offers horror that can be frightening rather than fun for younger audiences.

10. The Little Vampire: A Combination of Quirky and Creepy

While it has charming moments, the underlying vampire premise can be unsettling for some children.

11. Anomalisa: A Philosophical Horror

Thought-provoking themes and adult conversations make this film unsuitable for young children.

12. 9: An Existential Nightmare

Its dystopian future and themes of survival can be too intense for younger viewers.

13. Fritz the Cat: Not for the Youngsters

This adult animated film tackles themes of sex and drugs, making it inappropriate for kids.

14. The Lego Movie: Misleading Humor

While it may seem harmless, some humor can often go over children’s heads, leading to confusion.

15. The Simpsons Movie: For Adult Audiences

Filled with satire and adult humor, this movie is best suited for mature viewers.

16. Happiness: Unsettling and Adult Themes

It includes disturbing subjects that can leave young audiences shocked rather than entertained.

17. Persepolis: A Heavy Historical Narrative

Although it is brilliantly animated, the themes and historical context may be unsuitable for younger impressions.

18. The Plague Dogs: Dark Themes of Survival

Chronicling the grim fate of two dogs, it contains harsh realities that can be traumatic for children.

19. A Scanner Darkly: Complex and Confusing

The movie’s themes of identity and drug abuse can be too convoluted for the young mind.

20. The Triplets of Belleville: A Bizarre Journey

With its surreal approach, it may confuse or unsettle younger viewers.

 Making Wise Choices in Family Entertainment

As parents and guardians, it is our responsibility to ensure that children enjoy animated films that are age-appropriate and offer positive messages. While animated movies can serve as incredible storytelling tools, it’s essential to remain informed about what we’re allowing our kids to watch. Remember, “Not everything animated is made for kids!” Stay vigilant and keep your children’s viewing habits healthy.