10 Greatest ’70s Kids Movies Ever Made

The 1970s produced a lot of wonderful movies for children, including both animated and live-action films. While Disney wasn’t at its peak during this decade, it still released several memorable movies. And Disney wasn’t the only studio making great films – other animation and live-action studios were equally good, and in some cases, even better.

One of the great things about 1970s movies was their willingness to be daring. Films aimed at children weren’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects like death—and the best ones did so in a way that taught valuable lessons without upsetting young viewers. The era also featured a surprising number of underdog heroes, characters that kids could easily identify with and root for.

I remember the 70s being such a fantastic time for movies, especially if you were a kid! It felt like so many amazing actors and directors really hit their stride. And the characters! They weren’t your typical heroes – we had everything from little lost dogs and talking cars to tiny mice and even a sweet spider who became stars in their own right. I loved seeing Jodie Foster and Gene Wilder shine, and it was awesome when The Muppets finally made it to the big screen. Seriously, the 70s were just a magical decade for movie-loving kids like me.

10. Benji (1974)

The 1974 film Benji was a surprising success story. Made independently by Joe Camp for just $500,000, it went on to earn $45 million around the world. The movie tells a straightforward story about a lovable stray dog who becomes a hero when he helps rescue kidnapped children from a local abductor.

I absolutely loved Benji growing up! It wasn’t about some big, fancy hero dog; it was about a little stray who saved the day. That really taught me to care about animals and understand what others were going through. He was a different kind of hero, one that felt real and relatable. It’s amazing how popular Benji became – there were sequels, a TV show, and even a new version on Netflix! Though, looking back, some parts were a little scary for a young kid.

9. Herbie Rides Again (1974)

Herbie Rides Again continued the story of The Love Bug, featuring Herbie, a Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of his own, and his owner, Mrs. Steinmetz (Helen Hayes). In this sequel, Herbie helps Mrs. Steinmetz protect her home from a dishonest property developer who wants to tear it down, and she’s determined to fight back.

Just like the original, this movie is a heartwarming story about a brave car determined to help those around it. It’s ideal for children, as Herbie acts as the hero and really sparks their imaginations – it was unlike anything else at the time! What’s great is that the Herbie films are self-contained, meaning you can enjoy this one even if you haven’t seen the others without missing any key details.

8. Freaky Friday (1976)

The 1976 film Freaky Friday starred a young Jodie Foster as a daughter who mysteriously swaps bodies with her mother, played by Barbara Harris. They’re then forced to live each other’s lives for a day, helping them understand each other’s perspectives and daily challenges. It’s a valuable movie for kids, teaching them empathy by showing what it’s like to experience life from their parents’ point of view.

The story has been remade several times, in 1995, 2003, and 2018. The 2003 version was particularly successful, launching Lindsay Lohan to fame alongside Jamie Lee Curtis. This demonstrates the story’s enduring appeal, and its themes were even revisited in the horror film Freaky. Despite the remakes, the original remains powerful because of its genuine emotions and subtle storytelling.

7. Pete’s Dragon (1977)

Often forgotten, the 1970s Disney film Pete’s Dragon was unique for its combination of animated characters and live-action scenes. It tells the story of Pete, an orphan who befriends Elliott, a large, green dragon only Pete can see. The film connected with children in the 70s, and it continues to be a meaningful movie for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.

As a movie fan, I’ve always had a soft spot for Pete’s Dragon. It’s a really touching story about a boy dealing with being alone and finding an unlikely friend – a dragon who magically comes to life! It was a classic Disney musical, and the songs were so good it even earned two Oscar nominations. When it first came out, critics weren’t blown away, but over the years it’s become a beloved cult classic. It’s cool how much people still love it, enough even for a remake in 2016, though that version dropped the musical numbers.

6. The Rescuers (1977)

Released in the 1970s, The Rescuers is considered one of Disney’s finest animated films. In fact, it was Disney’s best animated movie in over ten years and their best film overall since Mary Poppins. The story centers around two brave mice, Bernard and Miss Bianca, who belong to an international rescue organization. They embark on a mission to save Penny, a young girl who has been kidnapped.

This movie is great for young children because it features small, unexpected heroes – a group of little mice. It beautifully demonstrates that even if you’re small, you can achieve big things with cleverness and determination. Interestingly, it was the first animated film to ever get a sequel released in theaters. While there are a few slightly scary parts, like a kidnapping, the overall message about overcoming challenges is perfect for kids.

5. Charlotte’s Web (1973)

The animated film Charlotte’s Web came out in 1973 and was produced by Hanna-Barbera—a studio famous for its TV cartoons—and Sagittarius Productions. It’s based on the beloved 1952 book by E.B. White and stays true to the story. The film tells the heartwarming tale of Wilbur, a young pig, and Charlotte, a spider who cleverly uses her web to write words that save him from danger, showcasing their beautiful friendship.

This film is also great for children because it gently introduces the concept of death. While Charlotte’s passing is sad, it’s handled with grace and beauty. Unlike some other animal death scenes in movies, like in Old Yeller, it doesn’t feel overly upsetting, and instead highlights the beauty of life, friendship, and remembering those we’ve lost.

4. The Muppet Movie (1979)

Jim Henson originally designed The Muppets for an adult audience, wanting to keep Sesame Street focused on children. While The Muppet Show included humor and situations that adults would enjoy, Henson made sure it remained family-friendly enough for kids to watch. He followed the same approach with the first Muppet movie, released in 1979.

The beloved Muppet characters returned for a movie that followed Kermit the Frog and his friends on a road trip to Hollywood. Unlike the traditional Muppet Show, which was filmed in a studio, this movie took the action on the road. It’s designed to appeal to children with its imaginative storytelling, but also includes plenty of clever jokes and references that adults will enjoy. In 2009, the film was recognized for its cultural significance and added to the National Film Registry.

3. Escape To Witch Mountain (1975)

Released in 1975, Escape to Witch Mountain was Disney’s most successful live-action G-rated film, earning $20 million and proving the studio could create popular movies beyond animation. The story centers on two orphaned siblings, Tony and Tia, who possess extraordinary abilities and suspect they might be from another planet. They go on the run from a wealthy man who wants to exploit their powers.

This fun, family-friendly sci-fi movie is pure imagination! While it’s not realistic, it’s exciting to watch kids with superpowers deal with genuine challenges. It really set the stage for many films and shows that came after, like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Stranger Things.

2. The Bad News Bears (1976)

The movie The Bad News Bears wasn’t really aimed at young children, but it told a heartwarming story about a mismatched team of kids and the unconventional coach who learns and grows alongside them. Walter Matthau plays a former baseball player down on his luck, with some legal troubles, who reluctantly agrees to coach a Little League team and discovers the kids teach him just as much as he teaches them.

Tatum O’Neal shines as an 11-year-old girl playing pitcher, and the film stands out because it avoids all the typical clichés of inspirational sports movies. It’s refreshing because it gives kids a realistic story – one that acknowledges you won’t always succeed, and that adults aren’t perfect – while still highlighting the value of teamwork and effort.

1. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971)

The classic film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory came out in 1971 and featured Gene Wilder as the quirky and imaginative Willy Wonka. Wonka owns a thriving chocolate factory and is searching for a child to inherit it. He holds a contest, inviting several children to tour his factory, but systematically eliminates them with increasingly shocking consequences as they misbehave.

Gene Wilder is brilliant as Willy Wonka, perfectly balancing a mischievous, even slightly sinister, personality with a playful smirk. His performance is considered one of the best in any children’s film. This movie truly defines 1970s family entertainment. Though it contains some surprisingly dark scenes, these are balanced by charming and clever songs that kids might not fully understand, but adults will appreciate.

2026-05-10 23:54