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For years now, my son and I have followed a sacred weekly tradition we call “Friday Night Movie Night.” By the time Friday rolls around at the end of a long week, I feel like the human version of a puddle, and the only thing getting me through the day is our refrain, “Friday Night Movie Night.” The tradition involves us getting pizza and watching a kids movie together. As story time is a big part of our daily routine, some of our favorite movies have been adaptations of the children’s books we enjoy reading together.
In this day and age of streaming movies though, decision fatigue can hit me like nothing else when we’re scrolling through our movie options together. To save you a little time on your next movie night with the kiddos, I’ve gathered together a list of what I would consider the all-time best movie adaptations of children’s books. You’ll find classics from the 1980s and 90s, more recent adaptations, animated films, and live-action remakes. The movies star teen witches, Paris schoolchildren, legendary heroes, frazzled bears, and dragon best friends.
I hope these books and films stick in your heart like they have in mine.
The All-Time Best Movie Adaptations of Children’s Books
Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono
Hayao Miyazaki’s 1989 film adaptation of this magical coming-of-age novel by Eiko Kadono will forever remain one of my all time favorite movies. Studio Ghibli creates such a beautiful and comforting world on screen. The visuals are breathtaking, as is always the case for a Miyazaki movie, and the characters make heartfelt connections with each other. Kiki’s struggles to find her spark, both for her wavering magic and her passion for life, are endearing and relatable. I could put this movie on repeat every day and never get bored.
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Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
Directed by Daisy von Scherler Mayer, the 1998 movie adaptation of Ludwig Bemelmans’ classic children’s book is such an under the radar gem! Frances McDormand stars as Miss Clavel and really shines in her role. As a parent now, I’m so charmed by McDormand’s care of her class of girls. She creates a nice balance of kindness, firmness, good humor, and authentic care as their teacher. Despite the short nature of the picture book, the movie does an excellent job of staying true to the original story while also adding in some fun adventures with Madeline and her neighbor Pepito, the mischievous son of the Spanish ambassadors.
Mulan: The Legend of the Woman Warrior by Faye-Lynn Wu, Illustrated by Joy Ang
While there are a lot of Disney movies out there (and I do love to wax poetic about the animated Robin Hood or The Emperor’s New Groove), it’s the 1998 adaptation of Mulan stands the test of time as the best Disney movie. Mulan makes for such a memorable heroine. Unlike many Disney princesses, she doesn’t wait to be rescued or use magic to get herself out of trouble. She protects her family, stands up for what she believes in, disregards gender norms, and works hard to become a good soldier.
A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
While Winnie the Pooh will always hold a soft spot in my heart, I found the recent Paddington movies, including Paddington, Paddington 2, and Paddington in Peru, to be extremely well done adaptations of Michael Bond’s classic book series. Paddington makes for a lovable hero, the cast is fantastic, and the films promise a sweet sense of community and a dash of fun adventure. Paddington 2 in particular has a jailhouse subplot that was charming and– dare I say–reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film. You know a movie series is good when the sequels hold up as well as the first movie. I watched these films a couple of months ago with my son, and he’s still asking for marmalade sandwiches in his lunchbox.
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
These books and films have left a lasting impact on my son and me. Like reading the books together, watching the movies together brings us closer. We share in the laughter, suspense, and moving moments. We develop inside jokes as we quote the movies to each other at random. If you don’t have this tradition already, I hope these wonderful movie adaptations of children’s books inspire you to start a “Friday Night Movie Night” with someone you love, too.
Craving more book to film ideas? Take a look at these 8 Recent and Forthcoming Children’s Book Adaptations or this Guide to YA Book-to-Screen Adaptations 2025.