14 Amazing Animated Movies With an Only Child as Main Character

Reviewed: Dec 2023

Dive into the magical world of animated movies where imagination knows no bounds!

Are you a fan of heartwarming animated movies, or have you grown to love them over time?

Either way, you might have spotted a fascinating trend: many of these beloved tales feature an only child as the main character.

Curious? Well, you're in for a treat! I've compiled a dazzling list of my top 14 favorite movies (mainly Disney), each starring an only-child protagonist.

This collection promises to delight viewers of all ages, perfect for a cozy family quality time/ movie night.

So, let's dive in, popcorn in hand, and explore these captivating adventures together!

1. Riley from Inside Out

Inside Out is one of the best animated movies I’ve ever watched. It’s funny, powerful, heart-warming, original, and highly relatable!

Eleven-year-old Riley is a happy little girl whose life turned upside-down when her family moved from Minnesota to San Francisco.

Her emotions, Anger, Sadness, Disgust, Fear, and Joy, start to disagree on how to deal with this dramatic change, which causes problems in headquarters, the central living and working place for the five feelings. 

2. Moana from Moana

She is brave, fearless, and empowered! Moana is an adventurous teenager who sets sail on a daring mission to save her people from a terrible curse.

During her epic journey, she teams up with Maui, a once-mighty demigod who helps her in her quest to become a master wayfinder.

Together, they sail across the open ocean on a magical trip packed with marvelous adventures, surprises, inspiring sceneries, and whole-hearted moments.

3. Coraline from Coraline

Coraline is an 11-year-old girl who is unhappy moving to a new house with her estranged parents.

While exploring her new home, she discovers a secret door, behind which lies a parallel world that closely mirrors her own but, in many ways, seems better.

Eventually, she realized this fantastic new world was not exactly what she expected….

The film is visually stunning, with an unconventional and original plot. However, though Olivia loved it, I reckon it’s not for every child.

The film is gloomy and creepy with weird characters and can scare younger kids.

4. Mavis from Hotel Transylvania

Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s luxurious resort for monsters where humans are not allowed.

To celebrate his daughter Mavis’s 118th birthday, Dracula decides to throw a party and invites his famous monster friends.

However, he didn’t expect one ordinary guy to stumble into the hotel, fall in love with his daughter, and change everything!

5. Luca from Luca

Luca is a teen sea monster who lives in the waters next to the Italian Riviera. He longs for new adventures beyond his quiet farm life.

Luca’s worldview changes when he meets another young sea monster, Alberto, who mostly lives on land.

He then discovers that sea monsters instantaneously take on a human form when exposed to air.

The fish-teen is delighted to explore the land with his new friend.

Luca is an uplifting story about trying to fit in, overcoming fears, and expanding one’s outlook.

6. Nemo from Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo is a delightful movie about a young clownfish named Nemo, who is captured by a diver and taken to live in an aquarium.

His father, Marlin, sets out on a journey to find him with the help of a friendly blue tang fish named Dory.

Along the way, they encounter sharks, jellyfish, and sea turtles before finally reaching the aquarium where Nemo is being held.

It’s a beautifully animated movie adventure with a heartwarming tale of family and friendship.

7. Mei Lee from Turning Red

Turning Red introduces Mei Lee as a confident, compliant, happy thirteen-year-old.

She is torn between staying her overbearing mother’s exemplary daughter or following her adolescent’s emotions.

And as if all the changes a teen goes through are not enough, she discovers that she transforms into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited!

8. Rapunzel from Tangled

The film tells the classic story of Rapunzel, a princess hidden in a tower by her wicked stepmother, Gothel.

Despite being locked inside the tower, Rapunzel is an energetic, high-spirited, creative, and kind girl curious about the outside world.

When the handsome thief scales Rapunzel’s tower, she takes the opportunity to finally leave her isolated world and see the kingdom beyond her home.

9. Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon

The movie is about Raya and Sisu, a legendary dragon set in the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived in perfect harmony many years ago.

But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity.

Five hundred years later, that same evil has returned.

So Raya goes on a mission to find Sisu and the stone fragments, trying to bring her people back together and fulfill her father’s vision of loyalty.

10. Poppy from Trolls

When the grumpy and miserable Bergens invade the joyful land of the trolls and capture some of them, it’s up to Poppy, the happiest troll ever born, and her friends to rescue them.

Trolls is a fun-filled animated movie the whole family will enjoy, with catchy songs, lovable characters, and plenty of laughs.

11. Barney from Ron’s Gone Wrong

Barney is an awkward middle-schooler desperate to get a buddy robot since he is the only kid at school who hasn’t got one yet.

On his birthday, his father decides to get him one but buys a robot, Ron, which has been previously damaged.

Barney is excited to finally have his robot – until his new toy begins to behave awkwardly, drawing the attention of the company’s executive, who wants to protect his company’s stock price.

12. Yi from Abominable

When a teen named Yi finds a Yeti on the roof of her building, she and her friends embark on a fantastic journey to reunite the magical creature with his family at Mount Everest.

However, the friends must keep the Yeti safe from a wealthy man and a zoologist who wants to capture him. 

Abominable is a lovely movie with stunning scenery.

13. Flint from Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

The film tells the story of Flint Lockwood, a goofy young scientist who invented many things that didn’t make sense until he created a machine that could turn water into food, which fell from the sky like rain.

However, when the machine goes haywire and starts producing oversized food items, Flint must find a way to stop it before the entire town is buried in food.

14. Ember from Elements

Elemental is a delightful tale set in the colorful Element City. People with Fire, Water, Earth, and Air elements live harmoniously in this place.

The story follows Ember Lumen, a spirited and intelligent Fire element raised by immigrant parents. Her life takes an exciting turn when she meets Wade, a carefree Water element.

This unexpected friendship gently nudges Ember to question her beliefs and embark on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery.

As we wrap up our journey through these 14 enchanting animated movies, it's clear that only children's stories hold a special magic.

Each film, with its unique blend of humor, adventure, and heart, offers a window into the diverse experiences of these singular protagonists.

Whether you're revisiting these classics or discovering them for the first time, they inspire and delight viewers of all ages.

So, as the credits roll and the lights come up, remember the charm and lessons these only children bring to our screens.

Happy viewing, and may these movies add a touch of Disney magic to your family's movie nights! 😉