Children's movies that can hold the interest of adults are of particular interest to me, given that through my children I will end up watching children's movies numerous tmes over.
Pixar tend to be thought of as the master at this, with both pure family entertainment such as Toy Story and movies that appear to be more aimed at adults but are able to keep the interest of children (Wall-E). Dreamworks movies, unlike pixar's output, tend to operate on two levels to cater for adults and children seperately, but also opt towards pop culture references instead of traditional jokes. I'm not saying either way is better than the other, though in my experience the Pixar films tend to have more rewatch value.
Here are some of the best, categorised in a slightly random way, children's films that can appeal to adults.
Pixar's best
The Incredibles. As with a lot of Pixar's output, the Incredibles deals with a lot of adult issues in a child friendly way but also contains great characters and brilliant set pieces, alongside some top voice work. Very re-watchable, especially for fans of the comic book/super hero genre.
Disney's best
The Emperor's New Groove. The usual disney style plot and morales are wrapped up in some genuine laughs, and a think outside the box approach which includes some surrealist humour and 4th wall breaking. Again, some good voice work adds to the quality and there are some really quotable lines as well.
Honourable mention
Chicken Little. This strikes me as Disney's attempt to do a dreamworks movie. Modern looking animation and packed with pop culture references this is underrated in my opinion and contains planty of genuine laughs for the adults.
Dreamwork's best
Kung-Fu Panda runs it close, but Monsters V Aliens pip it for me, despite some occasional misfires in the gag dept. The voice cast is good and the scenes with the president steal the show, but there is more than enough here to keep adults interested.
Simply the best
Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs. Love this movie. The plot framework is similar to most other kids movies but you don't even notice because there is so much going on and so many laughs to be had that you get completely sucked in. Brilliant voice cast (Mr T as an overzealous cop is awesome), sharp witty script, some brilliant wtf moments that you don't think can be in a childen's movie and quoteable lines galore. If you haven't seen it; watch it!!
Not for kids
Coraline. Great film but it will scare your kids stupid :-)
