Best Animal Movies On HBO Max Must Watch 2023

Parenting in the era of streaming means that we are no longer dependent on finding a Blu-Ray movie that hasn’t been scuffed up to occupy our children. We now thankfully have the option to select and choose thanks to the abundance of streaming services. Even though it’s better, it’s still overwhelming.

How can you locate the top children’s animal movies? It turns out that HBO Max has a ton of kid-friendly animal movies that are great for a rainy day, when you’re under the weather or just for fun.

Here are some of the best animal movies on HBO Max that are a must-watch in 2023.

Paddington 2 (2017)

Since so many of us loved the Paddington books as children, this film not only brings those stories to life for us but is also entertaining for young viewers. Giant bears wearing red caps, giggles, and escapades sound like the ideal ingredients for a leisurely day with the kids at home. It’s time to make up for any time you put off understanding why Paddington causes such a stir. If you’re wondering why Paddington 2 is included here, it’s mainly because the first film is available on HBO Max in the US and the second one is, in our opinion, superior.

Release date: November 10, 2017

Director: Paul King

Genre: Adventure, Comedy and Family

Cast: Ben Whishaw (voice), Hugh Grant, Hugh Bonneville

Famous dialogue: “Aunt Lucy said: “If we’re kind and polite, the world will be right.”

Shooting Place: London in UK and Dublin in Ireland

Run Time: 1h 43m

IMDb: 7.8/10

Bee Movie (2007)

We sincerely feel that when Bee Movie debuted, it didn’t receive the acclaim it deserved. The film is very much a coming-of-age story for a honeybee who is getting ready to leave home and become an adult. He does, however, have a lot of concerns and a healthy amount of skepticism, and it also features a humorous Ray Liotta cameo that everyone ought to watch.

Release date: December 21, 2007

Directors: Simon J. Smith, Steve Hickner

Genre: Animation, Adventure and Comedy

Cast: Jerry Seinfeld (voice), Renee Zellweger (voice), Matthew Broderick (voice)

Famous dialogue: “Why don’t you just fly everywhere? Isn’t it faster?”

Shooting Place: NA

Run Time: 1h 31m

IMDb: 6.1/10

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

Most of our children probably know who the Ninja Turtles are, however if they haven’t seen the film from the 1990s, they don’t truly know who they are. It’s a must-watch regardless of whether the youngsters are engrossed in the plot the entire time and want to follow the pizza-eating tortoises or they just chuckle and roll their eyes.

Release date: March 30, 1990

Director: Steve Barron

Genre: Action, Adventure and Comedy

Cast: Judith Hoag, Elias Koteas, Josh Pais

Famous dialogue: “God, I LOVE *BEING A TURTLE*!”

Shooting Place: Castle Hayne, Currie and Wilmington, Brooklyn and New York

Run Time: 1h 33m

IMDb: 6.7/10

Scooby-Doo (2002)

In 2002, Freddie Prinze Jr., Linda Cardellini, Matthew Lillard, and Sarah Michelle Gellar gave Scooby-Doo his debut live-action makeover. The Mystery Inc. crew is at the top of the industry, but a disagreement about their responsibilities inside the group leads to a two-year breakup. Emile Mondavarious, the proprietor of Spooky Island (Rowan Atkinson), brings them back together in order to investigate a paranormal mystery. Here, the gang encounters evil demons, voodoo rituals, and of course, Scrappy-Doo. Isla Fisher also makes an appearance as Mary Jane, the love interest of Shaggy.

If Scooby Doo has been your child’s favorite, they will certainly love this modern twist on the beloved character.

Release date: June 8, 2002

Director: Raja Gosnell

Genre: Adventure, Comedy and Family

Cast: Matthew Lillard, Freddie Prinze Jr. , Sarah Michelle Gellar

Famous dialogue: “Let’s do what we do best Scoob, eat.”

Shooting Place: Queensland, Australia.

Run Time: 1h 26m

IMDb: 5.2/10

Alvin And The Chipmunks (2007)

The live-action Alvin and the Chipmunks series’ first installment is actually a lot more enjoyable than it will ever be given credit for. Thanks to Dave’s character, there is truly a sense of heartfelt family togetherness as opposed to the mindless cash-grab sequels (Jason Lee). Dave, a budding musician, is moved by a bunch of cute chipmunks that have amazing singing voices. Hearing the classic Alvin and the Chipmunks albums again can bring back some fond memories for those who listened to them as children. Just know that you will definitely start hearing that Christmas music in your brain.

Release date: December 14, 2007

Director: Tim Hill

Genre: Animation, Adventure and Comedy

Cast: Jason Lee, Janice Karman (singing voice), Ross Bagdasarian Jr.

Famous dialogue: “My life is being sabotaged by talking Chipmunks”

Shooting Place: Los Angeles in the United States of America

Run Time: 1h 32m

IMDb: 5.2/10

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Okay, we know that fantasy creatures don’t count as animals, but Totora seriously needs your little one’s attention! In addition to being one of the most renowned and esteemed animators, Hayao Miyazaki is also one of the greatest cinematic storytellers of all time. HBO Max has every Studio Ghibli movie available, but My Neighbor Totoro is the ideal main gateway for any little viewer. The movie centers on two girls who relocate to the country to be with their ailing mother. They quickly encounter a variety of cutesy woodland spirits, including the endearing Totoro, and go on adventures. The movie appeals to both young and old audiences, giving young viewers a glimpse into Miyazaki’s imaginative side and creative mind.

Release date: April 16, 1988

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Genre: Animation, Comedy and Family

Cast: Hitoshi Takagi (voice), Norika Hidaka (voice), Chika Sakamoto (voice)

Famous dialogue: “That’s wonderful. Good for you! I’ve always wanted to have a haunted house. It’s been my lifelong dream!”

Shooting Place: NA

Run Time: 1h 26m

IMDb: 8.1/10

Happy Feet (2006)

Do you want to have a fun time? Check out this fun animated short featuring a group of singing and dancing penguins. Mumbles, an emperor penguin that feels left out since he isn’t a particularly good singer like the rest of his raft, is voiced by Elijah Wood. He would rather shake a tail feather. George Miller is behind the camera for this endearing parable about discovering love for oneself. A joy from beak to toe, it’s only obvious that the movie won an Oscar for the Best Animated Feature in 2007.

Release date: November 17, 2006

Director: George Miller, Warren Coleman (co-director), Judy Morris (co-director)

Genre: Animation, Adventure and Comedy

Cast: Elijah Wood (voice), Brittany Murphy (voice), Hugh Jackman (voice)

Famous dialogue: “Hear me! There’s not enough love in the world. Turn to the penguin next to you, put your flippers up, fluff him up a little bit and give him a great big hug!”

Shooting Place: NA

Run Time: 1h 48m

IMDb: 6.4/10

All Dogs Go To Heaven (1989)

The brilliant filmmaker behind such adored animated films as Anastasia, The Secret of NIMH, and An American Tail is Don Blush. However, this 1989 action film, which revolves on a stray dog who hustles the gods but discovers his soul, may be the most entertaining in his career. Charlie B. Barkin, a rascally hound who departs the hereafter to exact revenge on the rival who placed him there, is voiced by Burt Reynolds and given his bravado. Despite its sinister premise, Charlie’s tender heart for an abandoned girl in need gives All Dogs Go to Heaven its delicious sweetness. Dom DeLuise plays the whiny sidekick in this evil dog’s quest for justice. They will encounter eccentric people, crazy characters, and catchy songs.

Release date: November 17, 1989

Directors: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman (co-director), Dan Kuenster (co-director)

Genre: Animation, Adventure and Comedy

Cast: Dom DeLuise (voice), Burt Reynolds (voice), Loni Anderson (voice)

Famous dialogue: “You know goodbyes aren’t forever.”

Shooting Place: NA

Run Time: 1h 24m

IMDb: 6.7/10

Follow That Bird (1985)

There are more than 50 seasons of Sesame Street available on HBO Max. Don’t forget to check out Ken Kwapis’ fantastic 1985 motion picture, which takes these lovable Muppets on an exhilarating road journey throughout America. When Big Bird (Carol Spinney) is taken to live with a bird household far from his buddies, trouble starts to arise. He starts to travel back to Sesame Street after realizing that home is where the heart resides. While they were searching for him, concerned pals (including Cookie Monster, Grover, Oscar the Grouch, Burt, and Ernie) set off.

Release date: August 2, 1985

Director: Ken Kwapis

Genre: Adventure, Comedy and Family

Cast: Caroll Spinney (voice), Jim Henson (voice), Frank Oz (voice)

Famous dialogue: “Bird, this is goodbye. You’re leaving Sesame Street.”

Shooting Place: Ontario, Canada

Run Time: 1h 28m

IMDb: 6.7/10

Babe (1995)

A feisty pig who realizes his innate gift and avoids becoming bacon by doing so is the subject of an utterly endearing movie. The story, which is told between actual animal characters, is ultimately triumphant and filled with encouraging lessons about standing up for oneself and others. The rising threat that Babe might just be eaten is a little dark, but it’s nuanced enough that it’s likely to pass completely over little kids’ heads.