whimsical backdrop

Movies with whimsical vibe

231. A Cat in Paris

A Cat in Paris
Animation Comedy Family Animation Dark Comedy
6.9
20101h 10minFrance, Netherlands
Director: Alain Gagnol

Overview

A thrilling mystery that unfurls in the alleys and on the rooftops of the French capital, Paris, over the course of one adventurous evening.

Themes

Loyalty and betrayal, Loss and resilience, Family under threat, Deception and pursuit, Duty vs crime, Trust in guardians

Available on

Apple TV
Hoopla
Fandango At Home
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

232. Tangled

Tangled
Animation Family Adventure Family Animation Coming-of-Age Adventure
7.7
20101h 40minUnited States
Director: Byron Howard

Overview

Feisty teenager Rapunzel, who has long and magical hair, wants to go and see sky lanterns on her eighteenth birthday, but she's bound to a tower by her overprotective mother. She strikes a deal with Flynn Rider, a charming wanted thief, and the duo set off on an action-packed escapade.

Themes

Trust under pressure, Deception and betrayal, Coming of age pressures, Overprotective guardianship, Freedom vs confinement, Power tied to magic

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

233. 16 Wishes

16 Wishes
Fantasy Drama Family Supernatural Fantasy Coming-of-Age Drama
5.4
20101h 30minUnited States
Director: Peter DeLuise

Overview

The story about Abby Jensen, a girl who's been eager to reach her 16th birthday and has kept a secret wish list since she was a little girl. When the Big Day actually arrives, utter disaster strikes, leaving Abby to think her birthday is ruined. But when a mysterious box of magical birthday candles arrives to turn things around, Abby's 16 Wishes start to come true. Her day gets better and better...until she makes one wish that threatens to change everything.

Themes

High school rivalry, Magic as catalyst, Secret wish lists, Birthday party expectations, Adult autonomy consequences, Growing up pressures

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Fandango At Home
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

234. Welcome to the South

Welcome to the South
Comedy Satire
6.6
20101h 42minGermany, Italy
Director: Luca Miniero

Overview

Alberto, post office manager of a small town in Brianza, under pressure of his wife Sylvia, is willing to do anything to get the transfer to Milan. Even pretending to be disabled to climb in the ranking. But the trick does not work and as punishment, he is transferred in a small town in Campania, which to an inhabitant of the north is equivalent to a nightmare ...

Themes

Small town scrutiny, Postal worker role, Disability fraud, Media bias, Italian food culture, Cultural difference

Available on

Apple TV
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

235. Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue

Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue
Animation Adventure Family Fantasy Animated Fantasy Adventure
6.9
20101h 16minIndia, United States
Director: Bradley Raymond

Overview

During a summer stay on the mainland, Tinker Bell is accidentally discovered while investigating a little girl's fairy house. As the other fairies, led by the brash Vidia, launch a daring rescue in the middle of a fierce storm, Tink develops a special bond with the lonely, little girl.

Themes

Belief vs skepticism, Parental attention vs work, Growth and independence, Collective rescue effort, Intergenerational friendship

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

236. Despicable Me

Despicable Me
Family Comedy Animation Science Fiction Family Animation
7.6
20101h 35minUnited States
Director: Pierre Coffin

Overview

Villainous Gru lives up to his reputation as a despicable, deplorable and downright unlikable guy when he hatches a plan to steal the moon from the sky. But he has a tough time staying on task after three orphans land in his care.

Themes

Life's dream vs reality, Villain rivalry, Orphanage pressures, Moon ambitions, Adoptive father dynamics, Caregiver deception tactics

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

237. The Illusionist

The Illusionist
Animation Drama Family Animation Family Drama
7.4
20101h 20minFrance, United Kingdom
Director: Sylvain Chomet

Overview

A French illusionist travels to Scotland to work. He meets a young woman in a small village. Their ensuing adventure in Edinburgh changes both their lives forever.

Themes

Economic precarity, Romantic tension, Deception and appearances, Stage life constraints, Disillusionment with performance, Adult child friendship

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

238. Shrek Forever After

Shrek Forever After
Comedy Adventure Fantasy Animation Family
6.3
20101h 33minUnited States
Director: Mike Mitchell

Overview

A midlife-crisis burdened Shrek, longing for the days when he felt like a real ogre, makes a pact with magic deal-maker Rumpelstiltskin. But when he's duped and sent to a twisted version of Far Far Away—where Rumpelstiltskin is king, ogres are hunted, and he and Fiona have never met—he sets out to restore his world and reclaim his true love.

Themes

Power dynamics, Witch deception, Midlife identity crisis, Ogre resilience, Sequel pressure, Villain ambition, Ogre sovereignty

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Peacock Premium
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

239. Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang

Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang
Comedy Fantasy Family Supernatural Fantasy Parent-Child Family
6.1
20101h 49minUnited States, United Kingdom
Director: Susanna White

Overview

Nanny McPhee appears at the door of a harried young mother who is trying to run the family farm while her husband is away at war. But once she’s arrived, Nanny discovers that the children are fighting a war of their own against two spoiled city cousins who have just moved in. Relying on everything from a flying motorcycle and a statue that comes to life to a tree-climbing piglet and a baby elephant, Nanny uses her magic to teach her mischievous charges five new lessons.

Themes

Economic pressure on a farm, Wartime family resilience, External interference and manipulation, Authority versus parental care, Magic as problem solving, Unexpected outsiders and adaptation

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

240. How to Train Your Dragon

How to Train Your Dragon
Fantasy Adventure Animation Family Epic Fantasy
8.1
20101h 38minUnited States
Director: Chris Sanders

Overview

As the son of a Viking leader on the cusp of manhood, shy Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III faces a rite of passage: he must kill a dragon to prove his warrior mettle. But after downing a feared dragon, he realizes that he no longer wants to destroy it, and instead befriends the beast – which he names Toothless – much to the chagrin of his warrior father.

Themes

Rite of passage, Nest as central setting, Dragon presence fosters cooperation, Training with peers, Forest challenges and flight, Village relationships and change

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Peacock Premium
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.