Now you might say, “Where are The Sixth Sense, Slumdog Millionaire, Home Alone, E.T., Artificial Intelligence, Leon?” We’ll say, “Here they are; we just wrote about them.” We’re not talking about good movies, but we thought it would be enough to mention these movies. We’ve probably heard the phrase “I see dead people” at least a million times.
This is a list of lesser-known movies where kids outshine well-known actors, so to speak. There must be some we didn’t know or missed. If you’ve watched or would like to add something, feel free to share it in the comments. 🙂
Here are the movies that come to mind second when we hear the phrase “movie starring children.”
1.Children of Heaven
An extraordinary Iranian movie. We are confident that this is the movie that deserves to be at the top of this list. You will watch with tears in your eyes as Ali strives and sacrifices for his sister. And the boy only wants to come in third place—he has no desire for first. Definitely watch it, and be sure to show it to others.
Information about Children of Heaven
- Title: Children of Heaven (a.k.a. Bacheha-ye Aseman)
- Director: Majid Majidi
- Cast: Amir Farrokh Hashemian, Bahare Seddiqi, and others
- Release Year: 1997
- Duration: 89 minutes
- Country: Iran
- Genre: Drama, Family
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Kanopy
- IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
- Language: Persian
- Age Rating: G
- Similar Movies: The Color of Paradise (1999), The Kite Runner (2007), and Like Stars on Earth (2007)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Children of Heaven on IMDb
2.Where is my friend’s house?
Another Iranian movie Anyone even slightly interested in cinema knows the name Abbas Kiarostami. In this movie, the master director tells the story of Ahmet, who tries to deliver his notebook to his friend to prevent him from being punished and searches for his friend’s house relentlessly. Every minute, every moment of the movie emanates sincerity.
Information about Where Is My Friend’s House?
- Title: Where Is My Friend’s House? (a.k.a. Khane-ye Doost Kodjast?)
- Director: Abbas Kiarostami
- Cast: Babak Ahmadpoor, Ahmad Ahmadpoor, and others
- Release Year: 1987
- Duration: 82 minutes
- Country: Iran
- Genre: Drama, Family
- Available Platforms: Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
- Language: Persian
- Age Rating: G
- Similar Movies: The Wind Will Carry Us (1999), Taste of Cherry (1997), and The Color of Paradise (1999)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Where Is My Friend’s House? on IMDb
3.The Red Balloon
A beautiful short movie made in 1956. It tells the story of a child’s relationship with a red balloon.
Information about The Red Balloon
- Title: The Red Balloon (a.k.a. Le Ballon Rouge)
- Director: Albert Lamorisse
- Cast: Pascal Lamorisse, Elvire Popesco, and others
- Release Year: 1956
- Duration: 34 minutes
- Country: France
- Genre: Fantasy, Family, Short
- Available Platforms: Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
- Language: French
- Age Rating: G
- Similar Movies: The Shop on Main Street (1965), The Tin Drum (1979), and The Girl with the Red Balloon (2020)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Red Balloon on IMDb
4.The Fall
Whatever we say about this movie is not enough. Nothing we write will fully describe it. What you will see in the movie: imagination, sincerity, communication, stunning visuals, and surreal locations… In short, the movie is like a painting—truly admirable. The story revolves around the friendship between a stuntman in the hospital and a little girl with a broken shoulder. But it’s not just that—it’s magnificent in one word. The little girl’s acting is also worthy of high praise. Watch it, have others watch it, embrace it, cherish it.
Information about The Fall
- Title: The Fall
- Director: Tarsem Singh
- Cast: Catinca Untaru, Lee Pace, Justine Waddell, and others
- Release Year: 2006
- Duration: 117 minutes
- Country: United States, India, and others
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
- IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Similar Movies: The Princess Bride (1987), Stardust (2007), and Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Fall on IMDb
5.Ivan’s Childhood
There is no need to say much about this movie. It is an Andrei Tarkovsky masterpiece made in 1962. Ivan, who was forced to become a soldier before he even had a chance to be a child, is the heart of this movie.
Information about Ivan’s Childhood
- Title: Ivan’s Childhood (a.k.a. Ivanovo Detstvo)
- Director: Andrei Tarkovsky
- Cast: Nikolai Burlyaev, Valentin Zubkov, and others
- Release Year: 1962
- Duration: 95 minutes
- Country: Soviet Union
- Genre: Drama, War
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Criterion Channel
- IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
- Language: Russian
- Age Rating: Not rated (but generally considered suitable for older teens)
- Similar Movies: The Cranes Are Flying (1957), Come and See (1985), and Stalker (1979)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Ivan’s Childhood on IMDb
6.The Steamroller and Tge Violin
Tarkovsky is again in the director’s chair of this short movie from 1960.
Information about The Steamroller and the Violin
- Title: The Steamroller and the Violin (a.k.a. Katok i skripka)
- Director: Andrei Tarkovsky
- Cast: Nikolai Burlyaev, Vasily Livanov, and others
- Release Year: 1960
- Duration: 46 minutes
- Country: Soviet Union
- Genre: Short, Drama
- Available Platforms: Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
- Language: Russian
- Age Rating: Not rated
- Similar Movies: Ivan’s Childhood (1962), Mirror (1975), and The Sacrifice (1986)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Steamroller and the Violin on IMDb
7.Lord of the Flies
There are two different versions of a movie adapted from William Golding’s book of the same name, shot in 1963 and 1990. The struggle of a group of children stranded on a remote island, their fight for survival, the establishment of a hierarchical order among themselves, their attempts to dominate each other, and their alienation from one another… In short, the story is endless. When you really think about it, it’s actually a creepy movie.
Information about Lord of the Flies
- Title: Lord of the Flies
- Director: Peter Brook
- Cast: James Aubrey, Tom Chapin, Hugh Edwards, and others
- Release Year: 1963
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Country: United Kingdom
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, Thriller
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube
- IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Similar Movies: The Hunger Games (2012), Battle Royale (2000), and The Maze Runner (2014)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Lord of the Flies on IMDb
8.The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Don’t let the name fool you. Adapted from John Boyne’s book of the same name, this movie is extremely tragic and painful. It tells the story of the friendship between two little boys, Bruno and Shmuel, who come from completely different circumstances, yet manage to break down the barbed wires that separate them.
Information about The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
- Title: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
- Director: Mark Herman
- Cast: Asa Butterfield, Vera Farmiga, David Thewlis, and others
- Release Year: 2008
- Duration: 94 minutes
- Country: United Kingdom, United States
- Genre: Drama, War
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix
- IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Similar Movies: Life is Beautiful (1997), The Pianist (2002), and Schindler’s List (1993)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas on IMDb
9.El Espiritu De La Colmena
Location: Post-civil war Spain… Our heroine is 8-year-old Ana… Spirit of the Beehive is a masterpiece etched in memory with the stunning performance of the lead actress Ana Torrent and the movie’s striking dominance of the color yellow.
Information about El Espíritu de la Colmena
- Title: El Espíritu de la Colmena (The Spirit of the Beehive)
- Director: Víctor Erice
- Cast: Ana Torrent, Fernando Fernán Gómez, and Teresa Gimpera
- Release Year: 1973
- Duration: 98 minutes
- Country: Spain
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Criterion Channel
- IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
- Language: Spanish
- Age Rating: Not rated (but generally suitable for older teens)
- Similar Movies: The Spirit of the Beehive (1973), Pan’s Labyrinth (2006), and The Others (2001)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: El Espíritu de la Colmena on IMDb
10.Beat the Drum
The Sound of Drums tells the story of the hardships faced by Musa, a boy orphaned by AIDS. The producers of the movie used the money they earned to establish a village called ‘Beat the Drum’ in Kenya, providing shelter and food for children who lost their families to AIDS. A movie worth watching…
Information about Beat the Drum
- Title: Beat the Drum
- Director: David J. O’Brien
- Cast: Togo Igawa, Abdur Rahman, and others
- Release Year: 2003
- Duration: 88 minutes
- Country: South Africa
- Genre: Drama
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies
- IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
- Language: English
- Age Rating: Not rated (but generally suitable for older children and up)
- Similar Movies: Tsotsi (2005), The Kite Runner (2007), and Life, Above All (2010)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Beat the Drum on IMDb
11.A Brand New Life
The movie, which tells the story of a child left in an orphanage by her father, is also a slice of director Ounie Lecomte’s real life. The powerful performance of the lead actor Kim Sae-ron makes the already striking subject of the movie even more impressive.
Information about A Brand New Life
- Title: A Brand New Life (a.k.a. Une nouvelle vie)
- Director: Ounie Lecomte
- Cast: Dong-kyung Kim, Hye-ja Kim, and others
- Release Year: 2009
- Duration: 92 minutes
- Country: South Korea, France
- Genre: Drama
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Kanopy
- IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
- Language: Korean, French
- Age Rating: Not rated (but generally suitable for older children and up)
- Similar Movies: The Class (2008), The Road (2009), and The Queen of Versailles (2012)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: A Brand New Life on IMDb
12.Matilda (no relation to Leon)
Adapted from a book by Roald Dahl, a name familiar to everyone interested in children’s literature, Matilda tells the story of a child whose parents don’t spend any time with her, discovering life on her own and facing difficulties independently. It is a movie that will be remembered for both its script and the performance of young star Mara Wilson.
Information about Matilda
- Title: Matilda
- Director: Danny DeVito
- Cast: Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, and Embeth Davidtz
- Release Year: 1996
- Duration: 98 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Disney+
- IMDB Rating: 7.0/10
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Similar Movies: The Witches (1990), The Addams Family (1991), and Liar Liar (1997)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Matilda on IMDb
13.Le Herisson
An 11-year-old girl decides to commit suicide as soon as she turns 12. The title of the movie tells the story. It’s a great movie. Highly recommended…
Information about Le Hérisson
- Title: Le Hérisson (The Hedgehog)
- Director: Mona Achache
- Cast: Garance Le Guillermic, Togo Igawa, and Anne Brochet
- Release Year: 2009
- Duration: 100 minutes
- Country: France
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Kanopy
- IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
- Language: French
- Age Rating: PG
- Similar Movies: Amélie (2001), The Intouchables (2011), and La La Land (2016)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Le Hérisson on IMDb
14.Pan’s Labyrinth
A wonderful movie that tells the story of the Spanish Civil War through the life of Ofelia. In essence, it does not explicitly state that psychological problems are directly related to a person’s environment and conditions; it simply shouts, screams, and cries. The movie’s slogan encapsulates its essence: “When reality surrounds you, your only refuge is your imagination.” This is exactly what Ofelia experiences—she seeks refuge in the world of imagination because reality is too overwhelming.
Information about Pan’s Labyrinth
- Title: Pan’s Labyrinth (a.k.a. El Laberinto del Fauno)
- Director: Guillermo del Toro
- Cast: Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, and Doug Jones
- Release Year: 2006
- Duration: 118 minutes
- Country: Spain, Mexico
- Genre: Fantasy, Drama, War
- Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
- Language: Spanish
- Age Rating: R
- Similar Movies: The Devil’s Backbone (2001), The Shape of Water (2017), and The Orphanage (2007)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Pan’s Labyrinth on IMDb
15.Pa Negre
One of the most solid movies on the list. It won 9 awards in total, including Best movie at the Goya Awards. It’s considered one of the masterpieces of Spanish cinema. In short, it tells the story of an 11-year-old boy’s struggle for life. It’s a difficult movie to watch—don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Information about Pa Negre
- Title: Pa Negre (Black Bread)
- Director: Agustí Villaronga
- Cast: Francesc Colomer, Marina Comas, and Roger Casamajor
- Release Year: 2010
- Duration: 108 minutes
- Country: Spain
- Genre: Drama
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix
- IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
- Language: Catalan
- Age Rating: Not rated (but generally suitable for older teens)
- Similar Movies: The Sea Inside (2004), The Secret in Their Eyes (2009), and The Orphanage (2007)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Pa Negre on IMDb
16.Tomboy
Zoé Héran successfully pulls off a challenging role in this movie, which tells the story of a girl who acts like a boy and introduces herself to her friends as such, and her interactions with her family. The movie also provides insight into sexual identity issues that children of that age experience or are likely to encounter through the character of Laure/Mickael.
Information about Tomboy
- Title: Tomboy
- Director: Céline Sciamma
- Cast: Zoé Héran, Malonn Lévana, and Sophie Cattani
- Release Year: 2011
- Duration: 82 minutes
- Country: France
- Genre: Drama
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Kanopy
- IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
- Language: French
- Age Rating: Not rated (but generally suitable for older children and up)
- Similar Movies: Girlhood (2014), The World to Come (2020), and The Favourite (2018)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Tomboy on IMDb
17.The Butcher Boy
An Irish movie about a child with family problems who lives in a fantasy world. Eamonn Owens deserves as much applause for his performance as the successful director Neil Jordan.
Information about The Butcher Boy
- Title: The Butcher Boy
- Director: Neil Jordan
- Cast: Eanna MacLiam, Stephen Rea, and Fiona Shaw
- Release Year: 1997
- Duration: 105 minutes
- Country: Ireland, United Kingdom
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
- IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Similar Movies: In the Name of the Father (1993), A Clockwork Orange (1971), and The Commitments (1991)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Butcher Boy on IMDb
18.The kid With a Bike
A problematic child abandoned by his father in an orphanage and Samantha, the hairdresser who takes care of him… This movie provides answers to the question of what a child needs most.
Information about The Kid with a Bike
- Title: The Kid with a Bike (a.k.a. Le Gamin au Vélo)
- Director: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne
- Cast: Thomas Doret, Cécile de France, Jérémie Renier, and Émile Dequenne
- Release Year: 2011
- Duration: 87 minutes
- Country: Belgium, France
- Genre: Drama
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Kanopy
- IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
- Language: French
- Age Rating: Not rated (but generally suitable for older children and up)
- Similar Movies: The Son (2002), Lorna’s Silence (2008), and Two Days, One Night (2014)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Kid with a Bike on IMDb
19.Bugsy Malone
I think it wouldn’t be wrong to say that it’s a gangster movie starring children. Additionally, the character of Tallulah may look very familiar to you (Hint: Silence of the Lambs).
Information about Bugsy Malone
- Title: Bugsy Malone
- Director: Alan Parker
- Cast: Scott Baio, Jodie Foster, and John Cassisi
- Release Year: 1976
- Duration: 93 minutes
- Country: United Kingdom
- Genre: Comedy, Musical, Crime
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Similar Movies: Grease (1978), West Side Story (1961), and The Blues Brothers (1980)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Bugsy Malone on IMDb
20.The Colour of Paradise
A blind child who loves nature and is waiting for his father to come and get him, and a father who is ashamed of his blind child and is considering remarrying… An emotional and impressive Iranian movie. It makes the viewer ask the question, “Who is actually blind?”
Information about The Colour of Paradise
- Title: The Colour of Paradise (a.k.a. Rang-e Khoda)
- Director: Majid Majidi
- Cast: Mohammad Amir Naji, Hossein Mahjoub, and Kambiz Dirbaz
- Release Year: 1999
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Country: Iran
- Genre: Drama
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Kanopy
- IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
- Language: Persian
- Age Rating: Not rated (but generally suitable for older children and up)
- Similar Movies: Children of Heaven (1997), The Song of Sparrows (2008), and The Last Step (2012)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Colour of Paradise on IMDb
21.Little Miss Sunshine
One of the most enjoyable movies to watch. Okay, we know it’s not Amélie. We say watch it—you won’t regret it. Especially, the things Dwayne experiences when he learns about his problem are truly impressive.
Information about Little Miss Sunshine
- Title: Little Miss Sunshine
- Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
- Cast: Abigail Breslin, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, and Greg Kinnear
- Release Year: 2006
- Duration: 101 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix
- IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Similar Movies: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), Juno (2007), and The Way Way Back (2013)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Little Miss Sunshine on IMDb
22.Let The Right One In
An extraordinary vampire movie. The movie features the tiny vampire Eli and his friend Oskar, highlighting their friendship despite everything and the sacrifices they make. We have no doubt that you will love it.
Information about Let the Right One In
- Title: Let the Right One In (a.k.a. Låt den rätte komma in)
- Director: Tomas Alfredson
- Cast: Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, and Per Ragnar
- Release Year: 2008
- Duration: 115 minutes
- Country: Sweden
- Genre: Drama, Horror, Romance
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
- IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
- Language: Swedish
- Age Rating: R
- Similar Movies: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009), A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014), and The Babadook (2014)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Let the Right One In on IMDb
23.Don’t Let Them Shoot The Kite
It is on the list not because it is unknown, but out of respect for the master and because it left its mark on an era. Ironically, “Peace” is behind bars. Everyone knows this movie. If we mentioned “Pearl”, you would immediately understand what we mean.
Information about Uçurtmayı Vurmasınlar
- Title: Uçurtmayı Vurmasınlar (Don’t Let Them Shoot the Kite)
- Director: Yılmaz Güney
- Cast: Şerif Sezer, İsmail Hacıoğlu, and Nigar Uluer
- Release Year: 1989
- Duration: 97 minutes
- Country: Turkey
- Genre: Drama
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube
- IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
- Language: Turkish
- Age Rating: Not rated (but generally suitable for older children and up)
- Similar Movies: Yol (1982), The Girl with the Red Scarf (1978), and Distant (2002)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Uçurtmayı Vurmasınlar on IMDb
24.Mommo: Kız Kardeşim
I think it wouldn’t be wrong to say it’s a masterpiece about poverty and deprivation. This movie also shows us that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to make great movies. An Ayşe, an Ahmet, and the deprivation they genuinely experience are enough to create a masterpiece. You’d be missing out if you didn’t watch it. The music is also by Erkan Oğur, and there’s an Erik Satie commentary by Erkan Abi in the movie.
Information about Mommo: Kız Kardeşim
- Title: Mommo: Kız Kardeşim
- Director: Atalay Taşdiken
- Cast: Tuba Büyüküstün, Fikret Kuşkan, and Engin Günaydin
- Release Year: 2008
- Duration: 91 minutes
- Country: Turkey
- Genre: Drama
- Available Platforms: YouTube, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
- Language: Turkish
- Age Rating: Not rated (generally suitable for older children and up)
- Similar Movies: Kış Uykusu (2014), Vizontele (2001), and Distant (2002)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Mommo: Kız Kardeşim on IMDb
25.Empire of the Sun
The Jim character, who runs from place to place in the movie and tries to adapt to the terrible conditions he is in, will seem very familiar to you. This movie is etched in people’s minds with the line, “I learned a new word today: Atomic bomb.” Let’s also remind you that Steven Spielberg is in the director’s chair.
Information about Empire of the Sun
- Title: Empire of the Sun
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Cast: Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, and Nigel Havers
- Release Year: 1987
- Duration: 153 minutes
- Country: United States, United Kingdom
- Genre: Drama, War
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
- IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Similar Movies: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008), The Pianist (2002), and Life is Beautiful (1997)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Empire of the Sun on IMDb
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