The last batch of great date movies we discussed included The English Patient, Titanic, Stardust and Stupid Crazy Love. Today, I want to talk about some really fun children’s movies that are great for dates. Many of us are quite young at heart and love our cartoons! So without further ado, here are some wonderful children’s romantic movies that are great for any date.
Beauty and the Beast
Voted one of the most romantic movies of all time—and I do believe the first animated movie to receive an Academy Award for something other than animation—this gorgeous film is not only moving and deeper than the traditional Disney movie; it’s also got a fantastic soundtrack and really good animation. If your heart isn’t moved by this story about true love and looking beyond appearances, I don’t think any other movie will do the job, either.
The Little Mermaid
As much as I hate how this movie depicts a young girl willing to give up everything—even her voice, which is symbolic of how a woman loses her voice figuratively when in a relationship—to get a man, I can’t deny that I was madly in love with this love story as a child. It’s music is enchanting, as is its animation, and it’s funny. Ariel is bright, inquisitive, and she doesn’t listen to orders, which I do admire. And the romance is undeniable—“Kiss the Girl” is possibly one of the most romantic songs ever sung.
The Secret World of Arietty
You didn’t know this was a love story, did you? It’s such a subtle love story about love that simply cannot be, but it’s no less gorgeous and moving than any other Miyazaki. And with that in mind, bed sure to add Ponyo, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Spirited Away as awesome love stories, too.
Gnomeo and Juliet
If you haven’t seen this new film, all based on Elton John songs, you simply must. It’s a twist on Romeo and Juliet, only starring gnomes! I know it sounds ridiculous, but it’s actually quite cute and funny. The romance isn’t nearly as prevalent as in the previous two films, but it’s still a lot of fun to see.
Madagascar 2
The first film made me want to gouge my eyes out, but since my daughter loved “I Like to Move It, Move It,” it sort of grew on me. But when we saw the second movie, I had to admit I was impressed. There was a very unlikely interracial/interspecies love story between two characters that wholly embraced their sizes and idiosyncrasies, and it was so funny yet lovely at the same time.