10 child-centric films that speak to everyone

Viewing the world through the eyes of a child offers a fresh perspective so here are some child-centric films that help us rediscover life in a new light!

One of the biggest box office films this year wasn’t a live-action blockbuster but an animated film, Inside Out 2, that surprisingly felt closer to home; it was so real! But how did it become such a resonant film for audiences of all ages worldwide? After all, it’s a Disney-Pixar movie, ostensibly made for children to help them understand the concept of mental health. One reason could be that any complex issue, such as  mental health, becomes more digestible when viewed through a child's lens—what adults might call a simplified or dumbed-down version of reality. This is also why the first Inside Out became a phenomenon; it helped us understand the inner workings of our minds, the process of growing up and how our emotions function. This movie entertained us while tapping into our childhood and the part of us that once believed in whimsical magic. No wonder series like Stranger Things and other Disney films like Soul and Coco weave such magic for both kids and adults! 

Also Read: An open letter to Indian children-centric stories that seem to have become a thing of the past!

In the hustle of adulthood, we often forget or outgrow the rainbow-coloured lens that once let us see the world's beauty, giving us hope despite life's challenges. It was a time when dreaming wasn’t constrained by practicality and we believed that anything was possible. Hence sometimes, particularly as adults, it helps to view things through the same childlike lens because while it may not solve our problems, it certainly makes it easier to face them. 

Here are some films that taught us that! 

Taare Zameen Par

Often hailed as the ultimate Indian child-centric film, this film addresses how the pressures of growing up can usually rob children of their innocence. It reminds us of the importance of nurturing a child’s uniqueness and discovering one’s true potential rather than stifling it with academic pressure. Ishaan's journey also introduced us to dyslexia, a learning disability, making us rethink the rigid expectations society places on children. 

Home Alone / E.T.

These two classics have become iconic for different reasons yet they share a similar message: the importance of family and the deep human (or extraterrestrial) need for belonging. In Home Alone, Kevin’s journey is a comical yet heartfelt reminder of how family is irreplaceable despite moments of frustration. Meanwhile, E.T. explores the bond between a young boy and an alien, highlighting themes of acceptance and love that transcend the familiar, reinforcing the idea that home is where we feel connected, even with someone who might be from another world.

Chillar Party

This charming film about a group of mischievous kids who unite with their perceived enemy to save a street dog reminds us that societal divisions like class differences are constructs of the adult world. Through the eyes of these children, the film showcases the purity of friendships built on compassion and shared goals, proving that humanity can overcome such artificial barriers.

Jojo Rabbit

Set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany, the satirical film is a poignant exploration of how childhood innocence can be manipulated by ideology. As Jojo, a boy deeply fascinated by Hitler discovers the humanity of a Jewish girl hiding in his home and begins to question his once-blind loyalty to the regime. The film masterfully captures how children, unburdened by adult prejudices, can adapt and grow to see the world with empathy and understanding.

Stanley Ka Dabba

In this heartwarming tale, a young boy without a family and a missing lunchbox teaches us the power of resilience. Despite facing daily hardships, Stanley maintains a positive outlook on life, finding solace in friendships and small joys, subtly illustrating that hope and companionship can help us overcome the most difficult challenges even when life seems overwhelming.

C'mon C'mon

A soulful journey through America with a radio journalist and his young nephew, C'mon C'mon offers a tender look at life from a child's perspective. Through interviews with other children and their conversations about life, the film reminds us how children's innocent observations and unfiltered insights can reveal profound truths about the world, helping adults rediscover hope, curiosity, and a sense of connection.

Fandry

By viewing the complexities of caste through the eyes of a young boy, Fandry makes the issue painfully real and immediate. The protagonist's love for a girl from a higher caste and his experience of societal rejection powerfully expose the absurdity of this age-old division. The film's portrayal of caste discrimination from a child’s perspective intensifies its emotional impact, making the problem feel even more unjust and archaic.

My Girl / The Florida Project

Both films tackle complex subjects like death, grief, and poverty, but they do so with a tender and vibrant innocence that only children can bring. In My Girl, we watch an 11-year-old girl deal with the loss of her mother and best friend, confronting themes of mortality through the eyes of someone just beginning to understand the world. The Florida Project, set in a run-down motel, explores poverty through the lens of a 6-year-old girl, contrasting her vibrant imagination with the harsh realities of life on society's fringes. Both films remind us how children can make even the harshest realities feel both heartbreaking and hopeful.

I Am Kalam

Inspired by President Abdul Kalam's life, the film tells the story of a young boy whose dreams of becoming something greater fuel his determination. Despite facing poverty and societal limitations, his friendship with a noble family’s son shows how hope and ambition can break through barriers. It is a testament to the idea that no matter your background, if you dream big and work hard, you can achieve anything.

IF

In this emotionally rich film, a young girl who matured much before her age reconnects with her childhood memories, including her imaginary friend, to make sense of the choice she has to make. The film reflects how growing up doesn’t mean losing the magic of childhood, as the imaginary friends we leave behind often represent the most innocent and hopeful parts of ourselves. It's a touching reminder that some parts of childhood are meant to be carried forward, even into adulthood.

Which child-centric film made you feel like this? Tell us in the comments below! 

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