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15 farm movies for kids: the ultimate list for a family film night

If your little one is anything like my 2-year-old, farm animals are the current obsession! Right now, Old MacDonald’s Farm is his go-to song for any occasion, followed by Farmer in the Dell. In fact, anything remotely farm-related is an instant hit. It could be as simple as spotting cows in storybooks, playing with a toy tractor, or making animal sounds. Hence, in recent family film nights, we’ve been predominantly watching farm movies for kids. 

Given our son’s nascent attention span, this began with short episodes that he would request throughout the day rather than full-blown movies. However, as his interest and ability to focus grew, we were able to introduce short films. He’s still a way away from longer, more substantial features, but I’ve included several on this list nonetheless. These entries are the ones we look forward to showing him when he’s older. 

The image shows two cows with curly coats standing behind a wire fence. They are leaning their heads down to nibble on the grass growing just outside the fence. One cow has a reddish-brown and white coat, while the other has a light brown and white coat. The farm scene is framed by the wood and wire fence.

The examples below are not only fun but also offer little lessons in friendship, hard work, and caring for animals. From the silly antics of Shaun the Sheep to the heart-warming tale of Charlotte’s Web, this list has been curated to represent a bit of everything. As such, some entries are also more broadly based on animal capers in farm-like settings or with similar lessons to those above. I hope they bring your family as much joy as they have (and will) ours.

Light-hearted farm movies for younger kids

These movies are perfect for toddlers and younger children. With gentle, humorous themes and little to no intense scenes, they provide a fun, safe introduction to farm life.

A fun and cheerful poster featuring Shaun, the mischievous sheep with a quirky smile, shrugging as if mid-explanation. Shaun is front and centre against a bright yellow background with subtle texture. His woolly body and big round eyes add to his charm. The title, “Adventures from Mossy Bottom,” is written in bold, whimsical font, with a small Netflix logo subtly placed, indicating the streaming platform. The overall vibe is lighthearted and full of playful energy.

1. Shaun the Sheep: Adventures from Mossy Bottom (2020, 13-14 minutes per episode)

In this animated series, Shaun the Sheep and his friends at Mossy Bottom Farm get into hilarious and heart-warming mischief. These short adventures highlight the simple joys of friendship and teamwork. With lots of laughs and no dialogue, this charming series is accessible for even the youngest children.

A high-energy, animated movie poster featuring a group of anthropomorphic barnyard animals riding motorcycles. Front and centre is a carefree cow wearing cool sunglasses, gripping the handlebars with an air of confidence. Behind the cow are a pig splattered with mud, a chicken, and other lively characters riding along, all exuding a sense of fun and mischief. The background is a colourful barnyard scene with a bright blue sky, fluffy clouds, and a classic red barn. The tagline “The Original Party Animals” and bold typography highlight the movie's comedic and adventurous tone.

2. Barnyard (2006, 90 minutes)

This animated adventure follows Otis the carefree cow and his animal friends as they play and explore when the farmer’s away. Filled with humour and silly antics, it’s a light-hearted choice but also offers messages about growing up and responsibility. 

A dynamic and humorous animated poster with a group of farm animals assembled in the foreground. The central characters include: a confident, rotund brown cow with a determined expression, a dark grey cow wearing a purple helmet, a long-horned goat, three feisty piglets, and a mischievous rabbit with one leg on fire. In the background, a vast western landscape with orange deserts and rugged rock formations sets the scene. Two giant cattle horns at the top of the poster, protruding through the sky as if it were paper, frame the title, emphasising the wild and whimsical western theme.

3. Home on the Range (2004, 76 minutes)

In this Disney film, three cows on a chicken farm embark on an adventure to save their home. Catchy songs and plenty of laughs make Home on the Range an entertaining, musical romp. Younger children will love the colourful characters and gentle storylines.

A vibrant and cheerful poster featuring the honey-loving bear Winnie the Pooh and his friends celebrating spring. Roo, the young kangaroo, is perched excitedly on Tigger’s shoulders, with Tigger (a tiger) bouncing on his tail. Piglet, Rabbit, and Eeyore (a donkey) stand nearby, each holding flowers and wearing bright, happy expressions. The group is set in a sunlit meadow filled with colourful flowers and green grass, with trees and a soft blue sky in the background. The title, “Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo,” is displayed in whimsical white and yellow lettering on a royal blue and gold background, emphasising the joy, warmth and cherished nature of the story.

4. Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo (2004, 65 minutes)

Although not set on a farm, this heartwarming tale in the Hundred Acre Wood includes many rural themes with its gentle woodland setting and focus on friendships between adorable animals. This Winnie the Pooh special is especially charming for toddlers. With cuddly animations and lovable characters, the movie’s gentle storylines celebrate springtime, kindness and teamwork.

A vibrant holiday-themed poster starring Curious George, the iconic mischievous monkey. George peeks playfully through a green holiday wreath adorned with a red bow, candy canes and colourful ornaments. His cheerful expression, off-kilter Christmas hat and wide smile add a playful touch. The bright yellow background complements the festive decorations, making the poster radiate warmth and holiday spirit.

5. Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas (2009, 58 minutes)

This entry is admitedly a bit of a stretch, but we stumbled across it earlier this month while getting into the Christmas spirit. While there are a number of child-friendly festive screenings out there, staying in for an animated special is the easier option. Particularly when you take runtimes (and bed times) into consideration.

This movie sees George, our main character, preparing for the big day and interacting with various other city animals before venturing out to a Christmas tree farm. It’s lighthearted, festive, and packed with a humour that keeps things safe and entertaining for toddlers.

Farm adventures and educational movies for older kids

These picks are for children ready for animal escapades with more of an educational element. Movie night can now balance light-hearted fun with more mature themes of resilience, growth and caring for nature.

This poster showcases a lush, thriving farm in the foreground, with vibrant greenery, blooming flowers, and cows grazing freely. A large red henhouse sits in the middle of the farm, surrounded by chickens, a sheep, a pig and a dog, highlighting the diversity of farm life. On the right side, two figures carrying buckets pass each other in the field. Above, the sky is a clear and sunny blue with subtle white clouds and a list of five film awards. The text, “Mother Nature has never been more inspiring,” is written at the top, and the title “the Biggest little Farm” is boldly centred, emphasising the movie’s themes of sustainability and hope.

1. The Biggest Little Farm (2018, 91 minutes)

This documentary follows a couple as they leave the big city to build a sustainable farm. It’s filled with stunning visuals of actual farm animals and an honest look at the challenges of building a farm. The couple faces many hardships in and amongst their triumphs – many realistic ups and downs. Yet, overall, the film serves as an inspiring introduction to concepts like ecology, co-existence and the pursuit of a difficult dream. 

A comedic and colourful animated poster of several chickens with exaggerated, expressive features. In the foreground are two main chicken characters, one with a white collar and the other with a green cap, both looking alarmed yet determined. Behind them are a quirky, purple-plumed hen and an older male chicken with thick grey eyebrows. The background shows a farmyard with wooden sheds and two grumpy, suspicious humans standing with arms crossed. The warm tones of the poster contrast with the chickens' tense expressions, emphasising humour and suspense.

2. Chicken Run (2000, 84 minutes)

In this claymation classic, a bold chicken named Ginger leads her friends in a daring escape from their chicken farm. It’s filled with clever humour that makes it enjoyable for all ages and the voice acting is superb. All in all, Chicken Run is a great film for introducing the power of bravery and teamwork against seemingly impossible odds.

A youthful and adventurous poster showing three kids standing confidently behind the chunky gold title “Hoot,” with the youngest boy in the middle, flanked by a taller boy and a girl. Below them is a wide-eyed burrowing owl perched on the ground, staring directly at the viewer. The backdrop is a tropical setting with swaying palm trees, a sunny sky, and grassy fields. The teenagers’ casual clothes and poses hint at a fun, nature-filled escapade. The bright colours and the owl's central placement highlight the environmental and wildlife theme of the story.

3. Hoot (2006, 91 minutes)

This adventure film follows a young boy who moves to a small town and discovers a group of endangered burrowing owls on a construction site. Hence, the story is less about farm life and more about environmental awareness. It teaches kids about the importance of protecting animals and caring for nature. This makes it perfectly accessible for children ready to learn about nature conservation and how they can start to help.

A picturesque poster capturing the bond between Heidi, a young, curly-haired girl, and her grandfather, an elderly bearded man with a rugged yet kind demeanour. They are seated together on a boulder, with Heidi smiling warmly and the grandfather looking serene. A white goat stands nearby, reinforcing the pastoral setting. In the background, majestic snow-capped mountains tower over rolling green hills under a clear blue sky. The poster exudes a sense of family, nature, and timeless charm.

4. Heidi (2015, 111 minutes)

This book-to-film adaptation tells the story of a little girl who moves from the big city to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. The film is visually stunning and introduces children to rural life in the mountains and the beauty of nature. While overall an uplifting tale, there are some moments of separation from loved ones and the difficult adjustments that follow. These perhaps make it better suited for slightly older children.

The poster features the iconic claymation duo, Wallace and his loyal dog Gromit. Gromit is in the foreground. His expressive eyes look to the side, conveying suspicion. Behind Gromit is Wallace, holding a newspaper titled “Evening Post” with headlines hinting at an ongoing mystery, including the partially obscured words “Rustic Rascal.” The pair are surrounded by a flock of sheep wearing frightened expressions. In the top right corner, a threatening cyborg dog in a studded collar looms, sharp-toothed mouth agape, over the playful, bold, arching text of the title, “Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave.” The poster gives a sense of the film’s humour, hijinks and darker themes.

5. Wallace and Gromit: A Close Shave (1995, 30 minutes)

In this beloved claymation adventure, eccentric inventor Wallace and his loyal dog Gromit find themselves involved in a woolly mystery. As our heroes bumble their way towards foiling this nefarious plot, plenty of laughs ensue. This film is filled with the same clever humour that creator Nick Park applies to all of his works.

A Close Shave has a little bit of everything: comedy, suspense and even a touch of romance. It’s a wonderful choice for children who enjoy comical adventure, and parents will likely appreciate the classic British charm as well.

Life-affirming farm movies for older kids

These movies offer rich storytelling, emotional depth and life lessons. This, therefore, makes them an excellent choice for older children who are ready for memorable and, at times, bittersweet, cinematic journeys.

The poster showcases Babe, a small, pink pig, standing confidently with a gentle, curious gaze. Surrounding Babe are several farm animals: a majestic brown horse with a white blaze, a cow black and white cow, a sheep peering curiously, a sheepdog with striking black-and-white fur, a duck with its neck stretched forward, and a family of three mice. The backdrop is a beautiful countryside at sunset, with a golden sky blending into purple hues, a quaint farmhouse nestled amidst green fields, in front of which stand the small figures of the farmer and his wife and, set against the sky, the title “Babe” written in elegant script.

1. Babe (1995, 91 minutes)

This Academy Award-winning family classic follows the life of a pig named Babe who dreams of becoming a sheepdog. It is truly a heart-warming story, although it does include a few perilous moments as the little pig learns that some ambitions aren’t easy for others to accept. All in all, it’s an unforgettable film, with valuable messages about belonging, perseverance and kindness.

This serene poster features Wilbur, a young, white pig, sitting alone in a barn at night, gazing upwards at a spiderweb intricately woven above him. The web sparkles softly in the moonlight, reflecting its magical importance, with some letters forming the words “Charlotte’s Web.” The barn opens to a vast countryside under a deep blue sky dotted with stars, with a glowing full moon adding to the enchanting atmosphere. A farmhouse and field stretch into the distance, giving a peaceful and hopeful vibe. Underneath the pig, is the tagline and message "This Christmas, Help Is Coming From Above."

2. Charlotte’s Web (2006, 97 minutes)

Based on E.B. White’s beloved book, Charlotte’s Web tells the tale of Wilbur the pig and his friendship with Charlotte the spider. This touching live-action adaptation beautifully brings the farm setting to life. It’s a gentle introduction to themes of loyalty and love, though it also explores concepts of life and loss. It presents the beauty of friendship in a way that’s accessible, though potentially emotional for young viewers. There is also a cartoon version of this film, released in 1973.

The poster features Milo, an orange tabby cat, and Otis, a wrinkled, friendly-looking pug, standing together on a lush, flower-covered hill. Milo sits confidently, looking directly at the viewer with a curious expression, one paw around Otis’ shoulder as the pug stands loyally beside him. The hill is dotted with yellow, pink and orange flowers, creating a cheerful and natural setting. The sky above is a soft, lightly clouded blue, with the tagline “Milo is one lucky cat. He’s got nine lives and a best friend.” The title text, “The Adventures of Milo and Otis,” is displayed prominently in white, in a whimsical font and next to a small white paw print.

3. The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1989, 76 minutes)

This American adaptation of the Japanese film Koneko Monogatari (1986) follows the heartwarming journey of Milo, an orange tabby cat, and Otis, a pug. Together, they navigate a series of obstacles after being separated from their farm. Narrated in English by Dudley Moore, this version was edited for Western audiences and features a shorter runtime.

Its themes of friendship and resilience make for an ultimately uplifting tale. However, some scenes show Milo and Otis facing dangerous natural challenges, which might be a bit intense for sensitive viewers. Nonetheless, this classic tale remains a charming choice, offering adventure and warmth that can appeal to both children and adults alike.

This Disney poster features two animated characters, a bright orange fox and a floppy-eared hound, standing side by side on a moss-covered rock in a dense forest. The fox, with a playful and curious expression, has a bushy tail tipped with white fur, while the hound has droopy eyes and a loyal demeanour. The background is a beautifully rendered forest scene with dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. The title, “The Fox and the Hound,” is written in elegant cursive font at the bottom, capturing the story’s theme of adventure.

4. The Fox and the Hound (1981, 83 minutes)

Although not set on a farm (but rather in the woods nearby), this Disney animation is the story of an unlikely bond between “natural enemies.” I remember crying A LOT when I watched it as a child. It’s a very powerful film, made memorable by its darker themes as the fox’s best friend is forced into opposition by society (i.e. the farmer).

There are a number of sad and frightening scenes better suited to older children who can appreciate the emotional journey. With its bittersweet ending, I would argue that this kind of film is essential viewing for children to better understand the realities of friendship, love, loss and acceptance.

A heartwarming poster with a close-up of Lassie, the world-famous collie, whose beautiful golden and white fur frames her intelligent, soulful brown eyes. Lassie looks directly at the viewer with a gentle and friendly expression, capturing her loyal and noble personality. The background is softly blurred with warm pastel tones, adding an emotional and nostalgic touch to the image. The simple, bold, red title “Lassie” ensures the focus remains on the beloved dog.

5. Lassie (2005, 100 minutes)

Follow the adventures of the loyal collie, Lassie, as she protects her family and faces challenges on the farm. This story’s themes of courage and loyalty make it a powerful choice. Again, this film also contains some emotional moments that are better suited to older children.

Conclusion

Farm movies for kids offer the chance to entertain, educate, and inspire young audiences in accessible ways. Whether introducing toddlers to the fun of farm life with light-hearted stories like Shaun the Sheep, or guiding older kids through deeper, emotional journeys in classics like Charlotte’s Web, there’s a perfect pick for every stage of childhood.

These films not only showcase the joys of animal friendships and the beauty of rural life, but also teach valuable lessons about hard work, compassion, and resilience. Indeed, farm-themed movies provide a wonderful way for families to bond and explore life lessons together. So, the next time you’re gathering for family movie night, consider stepping into the world of farmyard adventures. Your kids will be sure to laugh, learn, and maybe even develop their appreciation for the animals around them.

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