A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to snuggle up on the sofa and enjoy a family movie. For kids in the UK, there are some animated classics that are ideal for passing a dreary, wet afternoon. Here are some of the best rainy day movie choices to keep the kids entertained when the weather outside is frightful.
Chicken Run
The first feature film from animation studio Aardman is a hugely entertaining rainy day option. Made with beautifully detailed stop-motion claymation, Chicken Run whisks you away to a 1950s Yorkshire chicken farm. Life is hard for the flock, forced to produce eggs for the greedy farmers, Mr and Mrs Tweedy. Led by gutsy hen Ginger, the chickens hatch a plan for a daring escape to freedom. With nods to classic war escape movies, Chicken Run is an action-packed adventure with plenty of slapstick humour. The brilliant voice cast includes Mel Gibson and Miranda Richardson, making this a hugely enjoyable family film. Kids of all ages from a foster agency like fosterplus.co.uk will adore this movie.
Shrek
A fairytale with a twist, Shrek delivers comedy, adventure, and iconic characters that kids will love. Grumpy green ogre Shrek teams up with a fast-talking Donkey to rescue the feisty Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded castle. With constant laughs, pop culture references, and lively banter between Shrek and Donkey, this animated hit will appeal to kids and adults alike. With warmth and humour, Shrek sends positive messages about accepting yourself and not judging a book by its cover.
Frozen
Disney’s Frozen was an instant sensation when it was released in 2013, and its popularity has never waned. Set in the magical kingdom of Arendelle, this musical tells the story of sisters Elsa and Anna. When Elsa’s icy powers are revealed, she accidentally plunges the kingdom into eternal winter. It’s up to fearless optimist Anna to set out on an epic journey to find Elsa and save their kingdom. With its uplifting themes of sisterly love and powerful songs like ‘Let It Go’, Frozen beautifully combines magic, adventure and humour.
Matilda
Roald Dahl’s classic children’s story comes to vivid life in this adaptation about a special little girl with a big imagination. Matilda is an extremely gifted child with neglectful parents. When she starts at a new school run by the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull, Matilda discovers she has telekinetic powers. With the help of her kind teacher Miss Honey, Matilda hatches a plan to teach the terrible headmistress a lesson. With vibrant sets and costumes, catchy songs and irrepressible spirit, Matilda is a joyful and timeless story that inspires kids to celebrate intelligence, reading, and standing up to bullies.
Toy Story
Pixar revolutionised animation with the release of Toy Story in 1995 – the first feature-length CGI animated film. This pioneering buddy comedy introduces beloved characters like Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the toy box gang. Set in the world of toys that come to life when nobody’s looking, Toy Story takes the perspective of Woody as he deals with the arrival of flashy new space ranger toy, Buzz. Hilarious adventures unfold as Woody and Buzz learn to overcome their rivalry and work together.
When cold drizzly days keep kids cooped up inside, these animated movies are perfect for family time. From musical adventures to fairytales with a twist, these films will keep kids enthralled until the sun comes out again.
