It's Friday! And honestly, nothing compares to the joy of a quiet, cosy, almost-winter evening spent watching a wholesome feel-good film. Sure, going out has its charm, and I enjoy that too, but sometimes all the body and soul need is a movie that feels like a warm hug.
This Children's Day, there's no better excuse to revisit the films that made growing up so much fun. These are the stories we know, love and can watch over and over again, regardless of how old we get. So, if your weekend plans involve staying in, ordering something delicious and switching off from the world, here's your Children's Day 2026 watchlist.
A cult classic that deserves a rewatch every winter. As the weather gets colder and Christmas starts creeping into the conversation, Home Alone feels like the perfect film to revisit. The story follows eight-year-old Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left behind when his rather large family heads off on a Christmas holiday. What follows is a hilarious series of events as Kevin enjoys having the house to himself, only to find himself defending it against two rather unfortunate burglars.
Where to watch: JioHotstar
This film is criminally underrated, and I will happily make a case for it. I remember watching Stanley Ka Dabba as a child and experiencing a whole rollercoaster of emotions. From laughing at Stanley and his friends to feeling deeply invested in his little world, the film captures childhood with an innocence that is increasingly rare in cinema. At its heart, it's about friendship, school days, sharing your lunch and the small things that mean everything when you're young.
Where to watch: Rent on YouTube
Pixar's much-loved classic takes us into a world where toys come alive whenever humans aren't around. What a genius concept. Through Woody, Buzz Lightyear and their rather chaotic friendship, the film explores jealousy, belonging and growing up. It's funny, imaginative and surprisingly emotional.
Where to watch: JioHotstar
One of Hindi cinema's most charming children's films, Chillar Party follows a group of neighbourhood kids who come together to protect their beloved stray dog, Bhidu. What begins as a simple friendship turns into a rather entertaining mission involving politics, protests and plenty of mischief. With its brilliant child performances, humour and an unexpectedly meaningful message, this is the kind of film that reminds you how wonderfully uncomplicated childhood can feel.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video and JioHotstar
I'm almost ready to get cancelled for admitting that I haven't watched this one yet, but going by popular opinion, it absolutely deserves a place on this list. Shekhar Kapur's iconic film follows Arun Verma, played by Anil Kapoor, who discovers an invisibility device and uses it to protect the children he looks after from the villainous Mogambo.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video and ZEE5
If there's one animated film that can make you laugh, cry and rethink everything about life within 96 minutes, it's Up. Following the adventures of an elderly widower, Carl, and an enthusiastic young boy named Russell, the film takes us on an unexpected journey involving a flying house, thousands of balloons and an unlikely friendship.
Where to watch: JioHotstar