Julie Andrews is the patron saint of the "practically perfect" childhood, but her staying power isn't just about nostalgia. She’s the GOAT of family media because she never talks down to her audience. Whether she’s sliding up a banister in 1964 or voicing a sea monster in a superhero flick, she brings a specific kind of dignity that makes kids feel smarter just for watching her.
If you want the essential Julie Andrews experience, start with Mary Poppins for the magic, The Princess Diaries for the pre-teen bridge, and The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles for the bookshelf. She’s a safe bet for any age, but her work hits the hardest for the 6-12 crowd who appreciate a little wit with their whimsy.
Most parents start here, and for good reason. These aren't just movies; they're the blueprints for "wholesome" that actually works.
Forget the "sweet nanny" trope. In the original 1964 film, Andrews plays Poppins with a sharp, slightly vain, and totally no-nonsense edge that modern kids actually find refreshing. She isn't there to be their friend; she’s there to get the house in order, and the magic is just a byproduct of her competence. It’s a long movie, but the "Jolly Holiday" sequence still holds up as a masterclass in blending live action and animation.
This is the gateway drug for musical theater. Yes, it’s three hours long. No, your kid doesn't need to watch it all in one sitting. The first half is a banger-after-banger parade of songs they likely already know ("Do-Re-Mi," "My Favorite Things"). The second half gets into the escape from the Nazis, which is a great, low-intensity way to introduce historical stakes to elementary-aged kids without traumatizing them.
For a whole generation of parents, Julie Andrews didn't start with a parasol; she started with a tiara.
If your kid is aging out of "little kid" movies but isn't ready for the heavy drama of middle school, this is the move. Andrews as Queen Clarisse Renaldi is the grandmother everyone wants: demanding, elegant, but ultimately deeply kind. It’s a makeover movie, sure, but the heart of it is the relationship between a girl and her grandmother.
Regarding the long-rumored Princess Diaries 3, the project is reportedly in active development with Anne Hathaway attached. However, based on recent interviews, Andrews has indicated she likely won't be returning to the role of Clarisse. From the latest buzz, it looks like the sequel will focus on a new generation of Genovian royalty, though we're all holding out hope for at least a cameo.
Even if your kids haven't seen her 1960s classics, they’ve definitely heard her. Andrews has spent the last two decades becoming the go-to voice for "formidable-but-fabulous" animated matriarchs.
- Shrek 2 and beyond: She plays Queen Lillian (Fiona’s mom). It’s a small role, but she brings a groundedness to the swampy chaos.
- Despicable Me: She plays Gru’s mom, and it’s a total 180 from Mary Poppins. She’s dismissive, harsh, and hilarious. It’s a great example of her range—she can do "mean" without losing the twinkle.
- Aquaman: In a wild bit of casting, she voices the Karathen, a massive, ancient sea monster. If your kid is into the DCEU, tell them the giant leviathan is actually Mary Poppins. It blows their minds every time.
A lot of parents don't realize that Julie Andrews (writing with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton) is a powerhouse in children's literature. These aren't celebrity vanity projects; they are legitimate, well-crafted stories.
This is a cult classic for a reason. It’s a "portal fantasy" about three siblings who travel to a magical land through the power of imagination. It’s heavy on vocabulary and descriptive world-building, making it a perfect read-aloud for 7-to-9-year-olds. It builds the "language comprehension" strands of literacy by challenging kids with rich, sophisticated prose.
A quieter, more grounded story about an orphan who finds an abandoned cottage and makes it her own. It’s a bit of a "secret garden" vibe and lands beautifully with kids who love stories about independence and creating their own space.
For the younger set (ages 3-6), this series is a staple. It’s about a girl who is convinced she’s a princess, not because of a crown, but because of how she feels inside. It’s a much better alternative to the hyper-commercialized princess "slop" often found in the picture book aisle.
If your kid catches the Julie Andrews bug, don't just stop at the movies. Use it as a bridge to other things:
- The "Practically Perfect" Challenge: After watching Poppins, have them try to "snap" their room into order. It won't work, but it usually leads to a conversation about the "magic" of a 1960s film set vs. modern CGI.
- Genovian Etiquette: The "tea party" scene in The Princess Diaries is a classic. Recreate a (low-stakes) fancy tea at home and let them practice their best Queen Clarisse impressions.
- Listen to the Audiobooks: Andrews narrates many of her own books. Hearing her voice while following along with the text is a massive win for building literacy.
Q: What age is Mary Poppins appropriate for? It's great for ages 4 and up. The only "scary" bit is the chimney sweep dance which can be loud, and the bank scene which is just a bit tense, but most kids handle it fine.
Q: Is The Sound of Music too long for a 6-year-old? Yes, if you try to do it in one go. Treat it like a miniseries. Watch the first hour (up to the thunderstorm/My Favorite Things), then take a break. The second half is much more plot-heavy and better for older kids.
Q: Are the Julie Andrews books actually written by her? Yes. She co-writes them with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton. They have a very clear, high-quality style that focuses on imagination and emotional intelligence rather than just being a "celebrity brand."
Julie Andrews is the rare artist who has managed to stay relevant for over 60 years without ever compromising her vibe. She’s the safe harbor of family media—if her name is on the credits, you can generally trust that the content is going to be intentional, well-made, and worth your kid's time.
- For more classic picks, check out our best movies for kids list.
- If you're looking for more great read-alouds, see our best books for kids.
- Get help picking a movie for tonight
