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Gentle, unscary, unfrenetic films for a 4 year old.

51 replies

INeedACheeseSlicer · 18/11/2015 19:10

I want to get DD a couple of films on DVD for Christmas.

She's quite sensitive, doesn't like too much mayhem or anything too scary/surprising/emotional.

She likes Mary Poppins - I want something similar, a bit old-fashioned and not too fast paced, ideally with some songs. Feature length is fine.

I am thinking about maybe Bedknobs and Broomsticks, but wondered if anyone else had any suggestions?

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SpikeWithoutASoul · 18/11/2015 22:37

My DD also struggles with the intense parts of Disney films and loves Mary Poppins. She also loves the Garfield films, the Tinkerbell films and Toy Story.

eastwest · 18/11/2015 22:38

Markng my place here. Paddington was 'too scary'!

eastwest · 18/11/2015 22:40

Oh dear, and Finding Nemo was a mistake.
"...What has happened to his Mummy?"

Tuiles · 18/11/2015 22:43

Panda go Panda has I think 2 short films about talking Pandas and is just gentle in its eccentricity.

Horton hears a who.

Elf is a good Xmas one.

Heebiejeebie · 19/11/2015 08:26

Calamity jane is a hit here!

AlohaMama · 19/11/2015 13:34

Just marking my place as also looking for ideas. 4.75 yo DS still scared of Peter rabbit, various Octonuats episodes, gruffalo etc.

ISaySteadyOn · 19/11/2015 13:37

Definitely Totoro, Ponyo or Kiki.

EmGee · 19/11/2015 14:03

Snow White has a very scary bit in it when she is lost in the forest at night - even I don't like it!!

Have you tried the 2015 film version of Cinderella? My 3 yo has watched it (in cinema and at home) and there aren't really any scary bits in it although it is long. Bet she would love the bits the fairy godmother does the transformations though!

Mine like the Barbie films too (and dancing to the music).

TimeForCake · 19/11/2015 15:06

The Santa Claus brothers.
Animated, but not a full length film. 45mins or so from memory. One of my faves.

eckythumpenallthat · 19/11/2015 15:24

Totoro
My daughter is obsessed. So calm and a lovely change from Disney

TheWordOfBagheera · 19/11/2015 16:38

Watching with interest as I was going to start a similar thread!

The Snowman and The Snowdog (saw it as a double box set in Tesco very recently)? Polar Express was a good suggestion from a pp.

I'd have thought Babe and Bedknobs and Broomsticks both a bit scary if you don't want any conflict in a film. If you don't mind a little, then the Jungle Book, but with the fight scene at the end skipped.

In case it doesn't have to be a film, what about a Percy the Parkeeper boxset?

MummyPig24 · 19/11/2015 16:43

I think Ponyo would be scary, her dad holds her captive, big storm floods the island, the mum disappears. My children love it but it doesn't sound right for your dd. Definitely go with Totoro though.

The Lorax is really good, no scary bits.

AdmiralSnackbar · 19/11/2015 18:13

I absolutely adore all of the studio ghibli films, but... what about the bit in Totoro when they are looking for Mei and find her shoe?! (trying NOT to spoil, here Grin) It's quite intense. And when the mother is in hospital? It's such a lovely film and my two LOVE it, but I definitely think it's an 'adults watch first' film for parents of sensitive DC...I'm sure most people do this anyway, but worth a mention Smile

BrianButterfield · 19/11/2015 18:16

There are a few Thomas and Friends films that are quite gentle.

Enkopkaffetak · 19/11/2015 19:10

Tigger Movie
Piglets big movie

Both are adorable mine loved them when they were young. Hefalump may be a bit too scary for her though.

ChristmasZombie · 19/11/2015 19:54

Kiki's Delivery Service for sure! What about Arriety? I don't recall that being alarming.
Perhaps the old Muppets films? Is she ok with puppets? I know some children don't like them. The Muppets Take Manhatten or The Great Muppet Caper.

nocutsnobuttsnococonuts · 19/11/2015 23:55

How about the sofia the 1st film - my dd loves it and I quite like it too!

I would watch totoro and kiki first as u know your dd and whether they would upset her. There's also panda go panda which is studio ghibli which my dd loves, however the song is incredibly catchy! She also loves the cat returns but might be a little scary in parts.

I haven't seen it in years (since my sister was young) so cant remember the story but how about high school musical if she likes singing/musicals?

Mickey once upon a Christmas and twice upon a Christmas are popular here. Nice and festive but a few different stories on each one.

The care bears films - the newer ones are probably better as less scary.

My little pony - theres the ponies films/series and also equestria girls where they are people. DDs enjoy both.

Fuckitfay · 20/11/2015 12:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

momb · 20/11/2015 12:46

I'm throwing the whole series of Bagpuss in: singing, simplicity, charm and absolutely no conflict.

maybebabybee · 20/11/2015 12:52

Good god, not the Disney version of Snow White - the queen is frigging terrifying!

PresidentUnderwood · 20/11/2015 15:40

Rio and rio2 (cartoon birds) are a big hit with dd2 and ds5, they have some singing and scary bits are very few.

Thomas & the lost treasure is good. DS found minions and Lego movie too scary - bless

The little mermaid, Snow White & Cinderella were all ok with reassuring hugs.

But the total 'get yourself one hour of peace' movie series has to be Buddies. Snow buddies, space buddies, Santa buddies (getting the message). 5 talking Labrador puppies. Totally insane but they LOVE IT. My favourite is spooky buddies Grin

HuevosRancheros · 20/11/2015 17:01

My dd sounds similar to yours.
I watched totoro with her first time, and she was a little anxious at parts (as mentioned by pp), but I just reassured her with "it's just a story and it will all be fine in the end :) )
After that she was happy to watch it as she knew it would all be ok :)

If Bagpuss is in the ring, can I chuck in The Flumps? We have both, and they are so lovely :)

7to25 · 20/11/2015 17:03

Ponyo

Loki17 · 20/11/2015 18:57

Curious George. My dd loves it. Very gentle too. Arthur Christmas is s lovely film too. Any of the Mickey's Christmas Carol films are good

INeedACheeseSlicer · 20/11/2015 19:28

Thanks again, I have ordered My Neighbour Totoro, and a little Totoro soft toy for her to cuddle while watching it Smile. Here's hoping she likes it!

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