Films - 8 year old and 4 year old

[KrankyKracken]

We've been trying to get into film afternoons a bit more at the weekend with the weather still being a bit questionable and everyone being a bit snotty and tired recently. I was hoping for some inspiration for good films for a 8 year old and 4 year old as we struggle to find things they both enjoy. My 4 year old hasn't really had the patience to sit through films until quite recently and still mostly prefers things like the Paw Patrol movie. My 8 year old likes the classic Disney stuff, newer Disney stuff like Moana and also more "family films" like Greatest Showman, Matilda, BFG. I struggle to find much overlap in what they enjoy. Our biggest success so far was The Grinch at Christmas which they both thought was hilarious and loved the story. We tried Tangled this weekend which my 8 year old has seen before and loves, but the 4 year said it was boring (although he did like some of the slapsticky bits).

So any ideas what might be good for them both ideally with a similar humour to the Grinch?

Oh and to add my 4 year old is a bit random in what he finds scary, but can be a bit sensitive to things with fires or volcanoes in - he really doesn't like the Octonauts with all the volcanoes.

Sing, Secret Life of Pets, angry birds 2, Despicable Me.
The younger one would be better engaged in a cinema - as long as the film is not too violent and is appropriate for a 4 year old.

DC League of Super Pets.
Garfield.

I love Mitchell's versus The Machines on Netflix, as do my kids but it's on for about 2hrs. It might be one to keep for when they're a bit older.

Mine are almost 8 and just 4 so similar age gap. Off the top of my head successes have been Shrek, Secret Life of Pets, Sing, Despicable Me, Minions (and all of the associated sequels of the above), Mr Bean’s Holiday and weirdly Wicked which I expected the youngest to hate, I thought it was long and boring tbh, but actually he was enthralled.

Yes Mr Bean might fit the bill. Also all the Aardman films - I know they're shorter but it can be counter-productive to get a 4-yr old to sit still for a whole cinema-length film, IME!

Have you tried the Lego Movie, or Trolls?

We also liked Abominable and Smallfoot (both about yetis). But tbh that's quite a tricky gap for films, with the youngest being 4 - you'll have a lot more choice in a couple of years!

Perhaps not quite what you're after but studio ghibli films are delightful.

For that age, Totoro or Ponyo I'd say.

They're one Netflix. They're my go to films.

The 4 year old might find it boring though as quite gentle films.

Ice Age

YY to Trolls. Also the Madagascar films.

I have an 8 and 6 year old and neither have really been into films much, and still haven't sat through any Disney films except the Lion King. They enjoyed both ethe Secret Life of Petsovies last weekend and really liked all the Wallace and Gromit ones, some of which are only 30 mins so a good introduction. They also like the Home Alone movies, but maybe too scary for your youngest (and all 6 Jurassic Parks, but I'm not advocating a 4 year old watches! My 6 year old is dinosaur mad and weirdly not bothered about the scary bits in this... But cries at Stick Man and The Highway Rat!)

Oh yes Madagascar too!

Our favourites (ages 4 and 7)

Sing
Sing 2
Shrek
Home Alone
Home Alone 2
Paddington
Paddington 2
All of the Ice Age films
All Wallace and Gromit stuff

And not a film, but Gladiators is extremely popular with everyone!

Bolt & Rio are an all time favourite in my house!
Also Shrek, Puss in Boots and The Incredibles.

Elemental (newish Disney & Pixar film)
It's about the love between a fire and a water character, very pretty and has enough bright colours and simple action to keep littles interested but a touching story for the older ones.

Harry and the Hendersons
The Borrowers
5 Children and It

The Muppets (2011)
Gnomeo and Juliet