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The best children’s films of 2008 are probably animated. However, equally, there are some notable exceptions with a few good non-animated children films released in the year.

I will take it, that by definition, a children’s film is one targeted for younger audiences and not merely one that features kids in it. Otherwise, you could include a number of higher age-rated films. At any rate, films with ratings up to PG-13 are geared towards younger audiences

The film, WALL-E, by Pixar entertainment is one that deserves to be mentioned. For many, it isn’t just the best children’s film, but also a candidate for film of the year. It has received highly positive reviews from the likes of Rotten Tomatoes.

WALL-E is the latest computer-animated film, and is both imaginative yet straight-forward. It tells a terrific science-fiction story, and features some of Pixar’s best visuals. It looks like another Disney-Pixar hit, and is leading the 2008 box office.

Still, there are other notable kids releases of the year. Kung Fu Panda is one that has done well, which is a cute and fun film with great animation. The animation produced by Dreamworks certainly does compete with WALL-E.

Featuring the Kung-fu panda, known as Po, it has some great action sequences. It is one of the ideal comedy films of 2008, and deserves to be considered one of the best blockbusters of the year.

Horton Hears Who, makes up a triumvirate of top 2008 animated children films. Although not quite in the same league as WALL-E perhaps, it still delivers an enjoyable film, which is fun to watch.

Based on the book of the same name, this is another of those computer-animated films. Fully animated with CGI, the film stars Jim Carrey as that caring elephant of Horton.

While these are the best-animated children films, the Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian is one non-animated children’s film worth watching. Based on the C.S Lewis book, it is an adventure film full of grandeur and action. For many, its special effects are impressive. It actually has considerably more than any previous Narnia instalment.

The Spiderwick Chronicles is also another notable non-animated children’s film of 2008. Based on the children’s book series, by Holly Black, it is a magical fantasy film, which provides decent entertainment.

These films are the best children’s movies of 2008. Ultimately, the animated films of WALL-E, Kung Fu Panda and Horton Hears Who, are more preferable alternatives to the non-animated films mentioned. They are more suitable for general viewing, and also might actually besuperior films. Their age ratings are:

WALL-E (G)

Kung Fu Panda (PG)

Horton Hears Who (G)

Prince Caspian (PG)

Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)

G General viewing

PG Parental Guidance (left to parent’s discretion)