21 Movies and Shows to Watch with Your Kids for Valentine’s Day (from Cartoon Love Stories to BFF Adventures)

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Without fail, Valentine’s Day always sneaks up on me as a parent. It feels like the entirety of the fall and early winter includes weeks of preparation for the marathon of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. When you finally get you a chance to breathe — bam, Valentine’s Day is here.

And when it comes to celebrating with the kids, things get even harder. There are endless Christmas movies and a surprisingly deep bench of Halloween options. Even Thanksgiving gets its moment (shout-out to Charlie Brown). But when February rolls around, and you want something sweet (but not too romantic) to watch with your kids? Suddenly, the options feel … very limited.

All hope is not lost! While harder to find, there are specific Valentine’s Day-themed movies and shows that are sweet and kid-friendly. But if you want a wider selection, you can categorize a “Valentine’s Day” movie or show as one that focuses on precious friendships or kid-friendly love stories. With that in mind, here are the best Valentine’s Day movies and shows for kids you can watch leading up to February 14, from nostalgic favorites to short and simple TV episodes.

New & Nostalgic Valentine’s Day Movies for Kids

Elemental (2023)

• Runtime: 1 hour and 47 minutes

Taking place in Elemental City (a land composed of the four elements), the story follows Ember and Wade as they navigate the rocky relationship between fire and water. It’s a heartwarming movie with a love story that’s fun for all ages without ever feeling too grown-up.

Gnomeo & Juliet (2011)

• Runtime: 1 hour and 27 minutes

You can’t get more classic romance than the tale of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and this puts a kid-friendly spin on it by telling the story of two star-crossed lawn gnomes. It’s a cute flick, with plenty of nods to Shakespeare that parents will understand, while the colorful animation and story will keep younger viewers entertained.

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

• Runtime: 1 hour and 43 minutes

Set in New Orleans, The Princess and the Frog is a retelling of the classic story that follows Tiana, an ambitious young woman who wants to own and operate her own restaurant. That dream leads her down an unexpected path, when she ends up kissing a frog and becoming one herself. The story’s romance builds alongside themes of friendship, hard work, and staying true to yourself. With great music and a memorable message, this is a perfect film to watch on February 14.

Enchanted (2007)

• Runtime: 1 hour and 52 minutes

In middle school, Enchanted was one of my personal favorites, so it was all too easy to introduce it to my daughter as well. Animated fairy-tale princess Giselle is transported to modern-day New York City, where her glossy view of true love collides with a harsh reality. With great music numbers and a fun story, this is one of those rare movies that parents genuinely enjoy rewatching.

A Cinderella Story (2004)

• Runtime: 1 hour and 31 minutes

As a millennial mom, I yearn for the day I can introduce my daughter to the joys of an early-aughts Hilary Duff flick. A Cinderella Story is a great place to start, sharing a modern-day retelling of the classic tale through a teen romance. This is a great choice for tweens who are “so over” cartoons.

Shrek (2001)

• Runtime: 1 hour and 30 minutes

If you have older kids who may shudder at the idea of a cheesy romance, Shrek is the way to go. The movie has been around since I was a kid, and has held up with laugh-out-loud humor and send-ups of fairy tales and romantic cliches. The romance between Shrek and Fiona unfolds through humor and misadventure, making it approachable even for kids who roll their eyes at typical “princess movies.”

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

• Runtime: 1 hour and 33 minutes

When it came time to pick a first Valentine’s Day movie with my toddler, Beauty and the Beast was my selection. The fairy tale plays out as an unexpected romance between Belle and the Beast, set to a catchy soundtrack and infused with classic Disney charm. For a romantic movie that the whole family can enjoy, this is one to consider.

Short Valentine’s Day Movies for Kids

“The Sign,” Bluey Series 3, Episode 49 (2024)

I can’t be the only parent who has found themselves emotional at multiple Bluey episodes, but perhaps none has gotten me as misty-eyed as this supersized episode. It tackles big emotions around change, love, and family. While it’s not Valentine’s-themed, necessarily, the feeling of love and connection is essential to the plot, making this a great pick for younger viewers (and their parents).

“Pups Save Friendship Day,” PAW Patrol Season 3, Episode 6 (2016)

• Where to watch: Paramount+

As a mom with a Paw Patrol-obsessed kid, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the Valentine’s Day-themed episode of the show. The pups celebrate “Friendship Day,” delivering cards and cake to Adventure Bay — and stopping Mayor Humdinger along the way.

Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You (1999)

For an adorable, cozy family watch, try this Valentine’s Day tale straight from the Hundred Acre Woods. In this short, Pooh and his friends try to understand the true meaning of Valentine’s Day, with gentle lessons about appreciation and caring for others.

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (1975)

• Where to watch: Apple TV+

Another classic (as well as a short watch) is the Valentine’s Day special from Charlie Brown. In it, Charlie Brown anxiously waits for a Valentine while navigating crushes and disappointment. While younger viewers may enjoy it, this is a nostalgic pick that parents and older kids may recognize the emotions from as well.

Free Valentine’s Day Movies for Kids

“Vanishing Valentines,” SuperKitties Season 1, Episode 25 (2024)

Perfect for preschoolers who want something festive and fun, the episode of SuperKitties finds the team coming together to solve the mystery of disappearing Valentine’s Day cards.

“Valentine’s Day Chocolates,” Peppa Pig Season 6, Episode 27 (2020)

The short episode is simple and cute, making it a great option for younger viewers (my 3-year-old personally loves it). The episode focuses on giving Valentine’s Day treats and sharing the holiday with friends, likely mirroring a lot of what’s happening in pre-K or early school classrooms.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, George!” Curious George Season 9, Episode 4 (2015)

In this quick special, George tries to surprise his friends with Valentine’s Day cards but not without some mishaps along the way (classic George). However, the story emphasizes the importance of thoughtfulness over perfection when it comes to showing you care.

“Clifford’s Big Heart,” Clifford the Big Red Dog Season 1, Episode 23 (2001)

Clifford wants to make Emily Elizabeth a “big, red” Valentine. He and his dog pals work together to help him come up with the best gift. But after working hard on his Valentine search, Clifford realizes being there for Emily Elizabeth might be the best present after all.

“Arthur and the Square Dance,” Arthur Season 2, Episode 12B (1998)

In the second part of the episode (which starts at the 14-minute and 16-second mark), Arthur and his good friend Francine are square dance partners, and everyone thinks they’re “in love.” Throughout the episode, Arthur and Francine deal with teasing from their friends, mistaking their friendship for being “boyfriend and girlfriend.” In the end, they agree to not let silly teasing come between their friendship.

Friendship-Focused Kids Movies for Valentine’s Day

Luca (2021)

• Runtime: 1 hour and 35 minutes

A coming-of-age story about a young sea monster in Italy who explores the human world with his friend Alberto. Romance-free, the story instead focuses on friendship and acceptance with the usual Pixar charm.

Paddington (2014)

• Runtime: 1 hour and 35 minutes

While aimed at children, Paddington (and its sequels) are so heartwarming and sweet that I’d gladly recommend them with or without the kids. The first film follows the bear to London as he’s adopted by a new family, and some adventures and hi-jinx ensue.

WALL-E (2008)

• Runtime: 1 hour and 38 minutes

WALL-E is the surprisingly tender love story about WALL-E, the last robot left on Earth, who discovers EVE, a probe sent back to Earth on a scanning mission. I’ll admit the intricacies of the story went right over my toddler’s head, but for school-age kids, this is a beautiful tale about love and friendship.

Toy Story (1995)

• Runtime: 1 hour and 21 minutes

You’ve got a friend in the first installment of the Toy Story franchise. Andy’s longtime favorite toy, Woody, meets shiny, new Buzz Lightyear, and their first impressions of each other are not too rosy. Through a saga of trying to return to Andy’s bedroom, the two learn to work together and become friends in the process.

The Princess Diaries (2001)

• Runtime: 1 hour and 58 minutes

While the romantic storyline is a smaller subplot to the main story, the true emphasis of The Princess Diaries is friendship, family, self-discovery, and learning to believe in yourself. It’s a great Valentine’s Day option if you want something with heart that doesn’t center entirely on romance (and absolutely one of my personal favorite picks for the pairing of Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway).

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