We are sure you and your kiddos must have watched almost all the animated movies of 2023 (if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?). However, have you watched other kid-friendly movies, like the non-animated ones? It’s not too late to start a movie marathon with your little ones.
Several great non-animated movies were released in 2023. Some of these films were inspiring, while others would make you and your kids laugh till the end. These movies have excellent content, making them a great watch even if your kids want to revisit them.
With so many good releases last year, we understand finding the right one might be time-consuming. To make things easier, we have curated a list of some of the best non-animated kids’ movies, which you can catch up on several streaming platforms.
1. Dog Gone
The movie, released in January last year, tells a heart-wrenching tale of a father-son duo and their beloved lost dog, Gonker. The duo develops a strong bond while hiking the Appalachian Trail, looking for Gonker so that they can give him the monthly life-saving medicine for Addison’s disease. Are they able to find their dog? Watch the non-animated movie with your kid to find out the answer.
2. True Spirit
You need to watch this 2023 Australian biographical drama, released in February 2023, with your kids to teach them that one needs to take chances to fulfill their dreams. The non-animated Netflix movie is based on the true story of a young sailor, Jessica Watson. The story is about how Watson became a solo global circumnavigator at 16, all while facing many challenges on her way.
3. Prom Pact
Released in March 2023, “Prom Pact” is the story of high school senior Mandy Yang and her dream of getting into Harvard. However, when she finds out she has been deferred, she is determined to do anything to get herself off the waitlist, even if it means tutoring all-star jock Graham Lansing, whose father is a powerful senator and Harvard alum.
4. Chupa
Your kids will love watching “Chupa,” released in April 2023. While visiting his family in Mexico, Alex discovers an interesting companion, a young chupacabra, hiding in his grandpa’s shed. Alex and his cousins embark on the adventure of a lifetime to save the mythical creature from others and reunite it with his family.
5. Crater
Released in May last year, this movie is an American science fiction adventure film that your kids will love to watch if they are interested in space. A young boy is about to be relocated to an idyllic, faraway planet following his father’s death. However, before that, the boy embarks on a journey with his three best friends to explore a mysterious crater to fulfill his dad’s last wish.
6. World’s Best
This Disney+ original was released in June 2023. It follows a 12-year-old math wiz named Prem who, while navigating the hardships of teenagehood, discovers his deceased father was a famous rapper. Prem then sets out to become a rapper and is determined to find out if hip-hop runs in his DNA.
7. The Slumber Party
This non-animated movie, released in July 2023, will take you on a fun ride with your teen. A young girl throws a birthday party and invites her friends and a hypnotist over. However, things go wrong when the girls wake up the following day without any memory of the previous night. But the mayhem begins when the birthday girl goes missing.
8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
This is not the average Ninja Turtles reboot. This stylized animation movie, released in August 2023, is much more realistic than the previous movies. Why? Because this time, the turtles sound like real teenagers! After years of hiding from the human world, the brothers are on a mission to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through their heroic acts.
9. Spy Kids: Armageddon
It’s the time for children to save the world! When the kids of the world’s greatest secret agents unwittingly help a powerful game developer unleash a computer virus, the kids must become spies and save their parents and the world. Your kiddos will love watching this September 2023 release.
10. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour
This non-animated movie, released in October 2023, is a must-watch if you or your kids are a Swiftie. The “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour: Extended Version” includes three more songs from her tour that were not shown in theaters. The movie features music from Swift’s 17-year award-winning career.
11. Dashing Through the Snow
After a traumatic experience, a social worker no longer believes in the magic of Christmas. However, things change when he brings his daughter Charlotte to work where a magical adventure awaits them. This non-animated movie for kids was released in November 2023 (just in time for Christmas!) and was loved by all.
12. Candy Cane Lane
Another Christmas movie (released in December 2023) that kids loved was “Candy Cane Lane.” A man makes a deal with a mischievous elf who casts a magic spell that brings the best 12 days of Christmas to life. However, soon, the man has to pay for the spell with something unexpected.
Apart from these non-animated movies, you can also watch “Wonka,” horror-comedy “Haunted Mansion,” “Barbie” (apt for teens only), “The Little Mermaid,” “Rally Road Racers,” and “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” (This is PG-13 and may not be suitable for younger kids) with your kids.
So, which non-animated movie will you watch with your kids first? Do let us know in the comment section below. And also, don’t forget to mention which non-animated movie your kid loved the most.
