Nine-year-old Lydia from York, England summed up her movie tastes simply and honestly in an interview with The Film Magazine: “I like dinosaurs. Dinosaurs and Mamma Mia.”
Lydia’s list offers a fresh perspective on what the best films of all time can mean to a child growing up in the 2010s. Rather than a critics’ poll dominated by older voices, this feature asks a mixed-race, dual-nationality nine-year-old which movies matter most to her. The result is a candid, eclectic top ten that highlights how animation, music, and big-screen spectacle shape a child’s cinematic world.
If you’re curious what films resonate with a girl born in 2011—someone who learns dance moves on YouTube, listens to pop star JoJo and plays Mario Kart 8 on the Nintendo Switch—read on for Lydia’s personal top ten: the best films of all time according to a nine-year-old.
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10. The Muppets: Most Wanted (2014)
For Lydia, the chaotic energy and familiar Muppet characters make The Muppets: Most Wanted a repeat-watch favorite. She admits getting a bit confused by the Kermit impersonation gag, but the film’s playful tone, comic set-pieces and memorable moments—like the Russian gulag wall scene—get the biggest laughs. Adults might find this installment less inventive than earlier Muppet films, yet through a child’s eyes its humor and music are irresistible.
9. Moana (2016)
Disney animation features heavily in Lydia’s film life, and Moana ranks high among her favorites. She loved the story, Maui’s humor (voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) and the film’s vibrant songs and visuals. Her enthusiasm extended to toys, costumes and enthusiastic declarations that Maui was “like a brother” because they both had a “big belly.” For Lydia, the film is an immersive, joyful experience.
8. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Review
Spider-Verse meant something personal to Lydia: seeing a young hero with a similar skin tone and hairstyle was thrilling and affirming. The film’s bold, comic-book animation and catchy soundtrack only amplify that excitement. Widely praised by critics and audiences, this animated entry gave Lydia a sense that people who look like her can be the stars of amazing adventures.
Recommended for you: Spider-Man Movies Ranked
7. Toy Story 4 (2019)
Toy Story 4 Review
Forky captured children’s imaginations, and Lydia is no exception. The new dynamic between established characters like Woody and Buzz, elevated roles for Bo Peep, and the colorful, crisp animation made this film a standout for her. She still cherishes her Woody, Buzz and Forky toys and delights in the film’s heartfelt moments and playful humor.
6. Tangled (2010)
Tangled combines classic fairy-tale elements with modern animation and memorable songs—qualities that resonate strongly with Lydia. She loves the music, the vivid characters, and the comic animal sidekicks. One of her favorite pastimes was watching her mother perform “Mother Knows Best” with exaggerated, pantomime-style expression, which made the film even more special at home.
5. The Lion King (2019)
The Lion King Review
Lydia prefers the 2019 photorealistic version of The Lion King, likely because the lifelike animals feel magical to a child. While critics debated the film’s emotional impact compared to the original, the realistic visuals, familiar songs and humorous moments—especially Zazu’s interactions—captured Lydia’s imagination and made this retelling a favorite.
4. Jurassic World (2015)
One word sums this choice up for Lydia: dinosaurs. Jurassic World presents dinosaurs as spectacular attractions, more accessible and less frightening than the 1993 original for a young viewer. The film’s abundance of prehistoric creatures and theme-park spectacle make it endlessly rewatchable for her, regardless of critics’ comparisons to Spielberg’s classic.
Recommended for you: Jurassic Park / World Movies Ranked
3. Frozen (2013)
Frozen became a cultural phenomenon—and for Lydia it’s essential viewing. From Elsa and Anna costumes to the soundtrack on constant repeat, the film’s songs and characters shaped a huge part of her childhood entertainment. The film’s emotional beats and sing-along moments keep it high on her list.
2. Mamma Mia! (2008)
Despite being a musical about adults singing decades-old pop hits, Mamma Mia! is one of Lydia’s most beloved films. The irresistible Abba songs, beach settings, dancing and colorful characters appeal strongly to her. When Lydia wants to sing and dance, it’s the film’s soundtrack—“Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen,” “The Winner Takes It All”—that she turns to again and again.
1. The Muppets (2011)
Lydia’s top pick is the 2011 film The Muppets, the reboot that reintroduced Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Animal and the gang to a new generation. Her favorite cuddly toy is Kermit, and she loves quoting the film—funny lines from Fozzie and Animal are part of her repertoire. The Muppets’ charm, innocence and vivid personalities make them easy for children to love, and for Lydia the 2011 movie is the perfect entry point into the franchise.
Recommended for you: The Muppets Movies Ranked
There you have it: the ten films that mean the most to nine-year-old Lydia. Her selections remind us how representation, music, vivid animation and sheer fun shape a child’s idea of great cinema. Do you have children or younger siblings? Share their favorite films and consider introducing them to some of these titles if they haven’t seen them. For more lists and film conversation, find us on Facebook and Twitter.