When it comes to music, kids can be pretty picky. And, let’s face it, it gets pretty old listening to kids’ songs all day every day. However, it’s easy to find a compromise that you both might enjoy.
Kids love singing along to the tracks from their favorite movies, so I’ve found the 7 best kids’ movie soundtracks that will have parents singing right along with them.
Why it’s great: You can’t go wrong with the soundtrack to Disney’s Aladdin. The classic songs from the ‘90s movie have been reimagined for the live-action version. You’ll hear all your kids’ old favorites from the animated version, along with plenty of new ones that’ll capture your heart. Classics like ‘A Whole New World’ will have you falling in love all over again with this fantastic soundtrack. With star contributors like Alan Menken, Tim Rice, and singer/actor Will Smith, you and your kids will love listening together.
Keep in mind: This does not have the exact songs from the animated version, only the ones sung in the live-action movie.
Good for: Parents who want to listen to some new songs along with their kids’ favorites from Aladdin.
Why it’s great: The Lion King soundtrack is touted as one of the best movie soundtracks of all time, not just as a kids’ soundtrack. It features all original music created by Elton John, Hans Zimmer, and Tim Rice. Not only do the songs fit in perfectly with the movie, but they also inspire and can stand up on their own outside of it. The African-inspired rhythms and beats used created a Grammy-winning soundtrack full of songs that’ll stand the test of time and likely still be popular years into the future.
Keep in mind: Since this is a special edition, it doesn’t have all the songs from the movie, but it does have some extras by Elton John.
Good for: Kids who love The Lion King and parents who love Elton John.
Why it’s great: Frozen is one of Disney’s most successful movies, and it’s one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. That’s partly due to the outstanding soundtrack full of original songs. Broadway star Idina Menzel sings her heart out as Princess Elsa and her song ‘Let it Go’ even won an academy award. This deluxe edition features all your child’s favorite songs from the film, including the end-credit version of ‘Let it Go’ sung by Demi Lovato.
Keep in mind: In this 2-disc edition, all the songs with lyrics are first and then all the musical scores.
Good for: Kids who love Frozen and want to hear every song from the movie, whether it has lyrics or not.
Why it’s great: Disney and Pixar’s Coco is a compelling story about family and remembrance, featuring beautiful ballads and fun, upbeat songs. Each song is infused with the passion and soul of the Mexican culture. ‘Remember Me’ is both heartwarming and solemn, bringing an emotional response every time you hear it. All of the music is vibrant and really pulls you into the story’s setting.
Keep in mind: The Spanish versions of the songs are not included in this soundtrack.
Good for: Fans of Coco and Latin-inspired music.
Why it’s great: The Moana soundtrack offers a great mix of songs with something for everyone. There’s plenty of upbeat songs to keep your kids entertained, but also a few that are a little more mellow to even out your listening experience. With stars like The Rock, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Jermaine Clark involved, along with newcomer Auli’I Cravalho as the voice of Moana, it’s no wonder that the soundtrack is a hit. All the songs were written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who won a Tony for his hit play ‘Hamilton’.
Keep in mind: The songs aren’t in sequential movie order. It has all the songs with lyrics first and then the instrumentals.
Good for: Families who love a good mix of mellow and upbeat music.
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Why it’s great: Illumination knocked it out of the ballpark with the soundtrack to Sing. It’s full of reinterpreted classic songs that parents will recognize and kids will love. It includes popular songs that are both old and new, so there’s something for everyone. It even has an original song by Stevie Wonder and Ariana Grande. You’ll also get to hear some of your favorite actors and actresses singing, as Taron Egerton, Reese.
Keep in mind: It doesn’t include full versions of the audition songs.
Good for: Parents who want songs that both they and their kids will enjoy.
Why it’s great: DreamWorks Animation created a brilliant movie and soundtrack for Trolls. In an inspired decision, they gave control of the soundtrack over to singer and musician, Justin Timberlake. Along with two of the top producers, he created a theme that’s upbeat and fun for the whole family. It has a few pop covers for familiarity and some amazing original songs as well. ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling!’ quickly became a top 10 hit and the album features stars such as Anna Kendrick, Gwen Stefani, and Ariana Grande.
Keep in mind: This one doesn’t come with any lyrics in the book like some of the others do.
Good for: Kids who love pop music and Trolls.
The Aladdin is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
Soundtracks are recorded music and songs that are synchronized with the images in the films. Movie soundtracks usually include all of the songs that you’ll hear during a movie.
Everyone has different tastes in music, so this is subjective. However, The Lion King won a Grammy as the best kids’ movie soundtrack and is one of the most popular.
Pick the soundtrack to your child’s favorite movie. If your child has watched the same movie over and over, chances are they’ll love listening to the soundtrack.
Listening to movie soundtracks can bring back memories of seeing the movie for the first time. It’s a magical experience that the whole family can share. All the soundtracks on this list contain songs that both parents and kids will love, so there’s no wrong choice. In fact, you may want to collect them all!
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