Top 20 Best Child Voice Acting Performances in Movies

These child actors breathed life into some of our favorite animated characters. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most remarkable voiceover work pulled off by actors under the age of 16. Our countdown includes "Inside Out," "Moana," "The Lion King," and more! Which of these performances did YOU find the most impressive? Let us know in the comments!
Watch more great voiceover videos here:
Top 10 Over the Top Voice Acting Performances - • Top 10 Over the Top Vo...
Top 10 Most Surprising Voice Acting Performances - • Top 10 Most Surprising...
Top 10 Best Voice Acting Performances on Netflix - • Top 10 Best Voice Acti...
Challenge friends and family on our multiplayer Trivia!
www.watchmojo.com/play/id/62176
Have Your Idea Become A Video!
wmojo.com/msmojo-suggest
Subscribe for more great content!
wmojo.com/msmojo-subscribe
MsMojo is a leading producer of reference online video content of Top 10 Lists, Origins, Biographies, Commentary and more on Pop Culture, Celebrity, Movies, Music, TV, Film, Video Games, Politics, News, Comics, Superheroes. Your trusted authority on ranking Pop Culture.
#ChildActors #ChildStars #Animated #Voiceovers #VoiceActing

[@MsMojo]

Which of these performances did YOU find the most impressive? Let us know below, and check out our video of the Top 10 Most Surprising Voice Acting Performances - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppawZZ2Mpc-jhKc

[@jasminejohnston6393]

Let’s give a round of applause to the Polynesian girl who voiced Moana. It was her first time acting and it was her first time in a recording booth and she nailed it!

[@chasehedges6775]

Auli Cravalho was wonderful as Moana. She made the character so likable and the film was absolutely great for it

[@christopherwesterberg4511]

She makes a great Moana

[@elainestegeman7204]

1,000%!!!.

[@Aloharayray808]

@@chasehedges6775 Auli’i* If you gonna spell it, spell it correctly

[@julkasteven8198]

I can see her pursuing a successful acting career.

[@trinaq]

Major kudos to Auli'i Cravalho, who had no acting experience prior to being cast as Moana, but she was absolutely phenomenal, and you'd never have been able to guess that it was her first role.

[@chasehedges6775]

She was absolutely amazing as Moana!

[@cnsayin8847]

Hope she got an award for this role.

[@j.d.t.5761]

​@@cnsayin8847She did.

[@DanGamingFan2846]

Disney and Pixar have a real knack for picking the best child voice actors, but I feel the Don Bluth movies deserve just as much credit. The kid characters in those movies really spoke and acted like kids in real life. Any stuttering, pausing, or mispronounciations, or were kept because it made their performances that much more authentic. R.I.P. Judith Barsi.

[@watershipup7101]

You got that right.

[@gmmartines7331]

Absolutely heartbreaking story

[@chasehedges6775]

All these child actors deserve all the praise they receive for their work and performances

[@jordandutra9029]

I agree.

[@BG-be8di]

oh yeah, clearly

[@bennymora3086]

Especially the recent Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio! I love his singing voice in Ciao Papa🎶

[@al-mannysmartz8065]

Noah Schanpp as Charlie Brown is my favorite performance of the character next to the late Peter Robbins.

[@ramirezproductions0826]

Yup, Noah and the whole cast of that film killed it!

[@chasehedges6775]

Amazing child cast and amazing animated film

[@tylerwheeler8595]

Peter Robbins will always be Charlie Brown to me

[@BG-be8di]

I also liked his interpretation, it felt totally an innocent voice.. made the movie a success

[@Joelster-og4pf]

Noah is a great actor and he is really impressive as Charlie Brown and definitely Will Byers. Glad he’s still going strong. I am hoping he keeps enjoying his passion and success. I think the rest of the actors were good, but Noah, damn…. He’s great..

[@jasminejohnston6393]

Here’s a fact: Alex Gould is in Finding Dory, but because he was an adult by the time the sequel was in production his role was changed to that of a van driver

[@gerardgarcia8501]

If anyone remembers Weeds, Alexander playd Shane Botwin

[@Supergirl-rz8yi]

Rip to the amazing little girl who played ducky.... She had a traumatizing young life that was cut short way to soon... Love you ducky.

[@user-ts2jz9us4o]

I know may that poor child rest in peace rip Judith barsi❤🕊️

[@davidpumpkinsjr.5108]

Her performances as Alice and Wendy back in the 50s were great and even more impressive, Kathryn Beaumont returned 49 years later to voice both characters in the first Kingdom Hearts game.

[@dreamguardian8320]

I'm surprised she still has her voice talent, even at the age she is in now. I doubt anyone will be able to replace her in the future.

[@CartoonPhreak]

Exactly Linda Larkin also appeared in Kingdom Hearts as the recurring voice of Princess Jasmine

[@trinaq]

Jonathan Taylor Thomas was fantastic as young Simba, especially since he had to carry the first act of the film. He gave him so much vulnerability, and I was always in tears upon him witnessing Mufasa's death. 😭💔

[@chasehedges6775]

Amazing performance from him in that movie

[@chasehedges6775]

One of Disneys best

[@BG-be8di]

I agree with your comentary, he did a great job, I could really feel the emotions that he transmitted every time he spoke, and yes in that scene, with his voice and crying he tears me apart.. he was cute and adorable

[@chasehedges6775]

@@BG-be8di He definitely nailed what child’s reaction would be if they saw their parent die to forces out of their control.

[@BG-be8di]

@@chasehedges6775 yess, so I felt it too... it was impresive how he reflected that reaction, TOTALLY FELT SO TRUE.. THE SCENE BROKE MY HEART

[@thereallg4587]

*Kids voices in Disney and Pixar movies are amazing.👏👏👏*

[@chasehedges6775]

Definitely! Fantastic acting from these kids

[@dreamguardian8320]

So were the kid voices in the Don Bluth movies

[@Kiraiko44]

RIP Judith Barsi, such a tragic life for such a talented little girl. Her father was horribly abusive and ended up killing Judith and her mother when they tried to leave the situation. Sadly, it's probably growing up in that situation that made her so emotionally aware for such a young age

[@gmmartines7331]

Such a tragic life for any child regardless of talent. I know what you're saying. I'm not countering you, just adding to it 😊

[@Jimmersaunt]

I love that Bradley Pierce was on this list! I wish, though, that you would’ve taken a look at Bambi as the child actors in that movie were delightful and also Dickie Roberts as the original Pinocchio was outstanding.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

I always loved Disney's *Pinocchio* (1940), but I always assumed that the performance of the child actor who played him must have been pieced together from many takes. Some years ago, however, I was stunned to discover a performance of Disney's *Pinocchio* that had been done live on radio with most of the original cast. Jones gives a flawless, unhesitating performance in a single take, unperturbed even when his adult co-star Cliff Edwards as Jiminy Cricket flubs a line by referring to Monstro the Whale as "Geppetto." It turns out Dickie Jones was a seasoned professional with a list of credits as long as your arm. Yet most people, even if they are big fans of Disney's classic, don't know his name.

[@olvialee7221]

Corey Feldman impressed me since I was a kid. The Fox and the Hound is nostalgic

[@olvialee7221]

177: Out of this list, it’s heartbreaking for Judith Barsi. She deserved to have a long life

[@robbyosborne9708]

We can blame her crazy father for taking her away from us too soon.

[@tylerwheeler8595]

I surprised that Jacob Tremblay as Luca Paguro in Luca (2021) didn't make the list

[@pockylovingranger]

Want to give a special shout out real fast to Kathryn Beaumont cause not only did she do a wonderful job voicing Alice, but she also came back DECADES LATER to voice the character one last time for Kingdom Hearts. But she wasn’t done yet, she also had the honor of voicing Kairi’s grandmother in KH Birth by Sleep

[@nas0518]

Kids got talent.

[@chasehedges6775]

All of them do

[@zamyafields6513]

*MY FAVORITES:* Jeremy Suarez as Koda ("Brother Bear") Auli'i Cravalho as Moana ("Moana") Noah Schnapp as Charlie Brown ("The Peanuts Movie") Hayden Panettiere as Dot ("A Bug's Life") Jonathan Taylor Thomas as Young Simba ("The Lion King") Miley Cyrus as Penny ("Bolt") Kaitlyn Dias as Riley Andersen ("Inside Out") Kathryn Beaumont as Alice ("Alice in Wonderland") Anthony Gonzalez as Míguel ("Coco") Willow Smith as Baby Gloria ("Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa") Daveigh Chase as Lilo ("Lilo & Stitch")

[@chasehedges6775]

Brother Bear is a underrated classic and he was fantastic as Koda

[@seanlauer9222]

@@chasehedges6775 The Peanuts Movie such an amazing movie

[@Tarabara]

I totally forgot that Daveigh Chase was both Chihiro and Lilo!

[@RockyGems]

She's also the little girl in The Ring XD

[@dreamguardian8320]

I didn't pay much attention on who played who, so I didn't know Daveigh Chase played Chihiro and Lilo either, until now. You learn something new everyday.

[@olvialee7221]

Me too

[@julesbarry755]

there should be a voice acting category for the oscars

[@justintuffo2801]

judith was taken far to young it up sets my heart but im glad to this day her voice brings joy to us animator lovers RIP JUDITH

[@dreamguardian8320]

Amen.

[@TheCommenterDragon]

And to think a lot of the performances from these child voice actors became legendary and unforgettable! I mean after all that's how a number of former child stars started out in the early days of their acting careers.

[@samuelcollantes1175]

My favorite from this top was definetily Mary Gibbs as Boo. The way she says "Kitty" and "Mike Wazowski" it's so cute! Happy saurday Ms Mojo. See you soon for more. Take care, and greetings from Colombia to you as well.

[@joshuatewolde1837]

They Even add Gregory Mann from the Academy Award Winning Film GuillermoDel Toro’s Pinnochio - His performance as the titular Wooden Puppet was AMAZING!!!

[@mushmouf1400]

Number 17 or something

[@annafowdy]

They did!

[@joshuatewolde1837]

@@annafowdy well, they did let me rephrase the comment

[@jg5670]

So happy that Kathryn Beaumont made it on this list! A true disney legend! 💙🤍

[@davidpumpkinsjr.5108]

Literally; she was named a Disney Legend in 1998.

[@conrad1478]

After watching Inside Out, I just wanted to give Riley a big hug🥺

[@leemorrell]

Same bruh

[@jubileebaby0]

Poor baby Judith deserved better 😢

[@dreamguardian8320]

Agreed.

[@evelynsfunchannel2632]

Yha

[@robbyosborne9708]

Agreed. It's so sad what her dad did to her.

[@marissamay8527]

Honorable Mentions: *Asher Bishop as Lincoln Loud - "The Loud House Movie" (2021) *Ynairaly Simo as Gabi - "Vivo" (2021) *Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel - "Coco" (2017) *Zach Tyler Eisen as Lucas Nickle - "The Ant Bully" (2006) *Max Charles as Sherman - "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" (2014)

[@williamfairchild7439]

My favourite child voice in an animated film is Asher Bishop as Lincoln Loud in The Loud House Movie

[@olvialee7221]

Vivo is Ynairaly Simo’s first ever movie

[@olvialee7221]

Zach Tyler Eisen also voiced Avatar Aang In Nickelodeon’s big hit Avatar: The Last AirBender

[@CartoonPhreak]

Exactly Bentley Griffin replaced Asher Bishop

[@williamfairchild7439]

@@CartoonPhreak Yeah from Season 6 in the animated TV series The Loud House and in the upcoming sequel The Loud House Movie 2 in 2024

[@masonplacher7096]

Here’s one you should’ve added: the younger versions of SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, and Sandy from The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run.

[@jackrodakthemovieguy1726]

I don't know why, but the young child voices combined with the audio used in 2d animated movies makes for some goddamn adorable characters

[@alexmeyer5260]

I would've personally put Jonathan Taylor Thomas in The Lion King at #1. Probably one of the most hilarious and also emotionally devastating voiceover perofrmances of all time.

[@jennieorlando790]

Art Parkinson as Kubo in Kubo and The Two Strings is also phenomenal.

[@mushmouf1400]

Dakota Fanning was a boss. I love Coraline but Totoro with her and Elle was great too

[@colleencartoon9576]

My mother and I used to watch some of these movies but now she is gone and some of these movies are starting to make me cry and made me thought of her!😢

[@jasminejohnston6393]

Daveigh Chase was great as Lilo, but I think her role as Chihiro from Spirited Away was even more impressive as she was dubbing a Japanese movie into English, something that’s not easy for a kid to do!

[@dreamguardian8320]

I agree.

[@gmmartines7331]

Or an adult

[@quentinbarrentine5114]

Underrated honorable mention whom no one ever talks about: The kid who voiced Louie in "We're Back: A Dinosaur's Story." ESPECIALLY the scene in the circus when he breaks down, talking Rex out of killing the professor.

[@tiamaria1629]

I love videos like these, so wholesome and enjoyable 🥰 I always loved Koda

[@christopherwesterberg4511]

Alexander Gould also Played the Voice of Bambi in Bambi 2

[@montogomery478]

It's really nice to see child voice actors being shown appreciation, they are seriously talented!

[@trippyboi91]

I know this is just about voice acting, but PLEASE REALIZE the RANGE Daviegh Chase friggin had frfr. LILO. Samara in The Ring. Chihiro in Spirited Away. Rhonda in Big Love. ALL of these performances are complex af and she just executed. I remember idolizing that growing up.

[@annafowdy]

So tragic that Judith did not live to see either of the movies she did.

[@dreamguardian8320]

Agreed.

[@stitchlover4381]

While I love Daveigh Chase as Lilo I think you could have added Jacob Tremblay as Luca as an honorable mention.

[@RockyGems]

True, though by then Tremblay was already very famous from other major roles.

[@alexmeyer5260]

@@RockyGems So? He's still worthy of inclusion. Jonathan Taylor Thomas was already quite famous for his role as Randy Taylor on Home Improvement when he voiced Simba in The Lion King.

[@fashionablechangeling1988]

@@RockyGems That doesn't matter, you just have to be an actor under 16 regardless of experience, which he was

[@marionneary1128]

I have to say theses young Kid's that Voices in Disney and Pixar Movie's are really Talented, they all have a Bright Future ahead of them! Applause to theses Young Actors and their Performances ❤️ 😍🤩😘🥰👏👏👏

[@joshuamohlman]

Noah Schnapp did an amazing job as Charlie Brown. I hope we get to see him return again as Charlie, although it’s unlikely given how he’s gotten older since then

[@ThatCoalSoul]

* now *

[@BG-be8di]

19:09 At this minute, I was about to shed a tear 19:15 here my heart begins to break 19:18 Why they hung up before he said: Dad, we have to go home.. who does not want to hug him?

[@brokenbridge6316]

I love Spirited Away. It's a great movie. Had no idea the girl who voiced the main character in the movie also voiced Lilo. Man the things you learn at unexpected moments.

[@dreamguardian8320]

You said it.

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@dreamguardian8320---IKR. Thanks for responding.

[@dreamguardian8320]

@@brokenbridge6316 You're welcome.

[@LimegreenSnowstorm]

Okay but the kid who voiced Koda also improvised the line they showed here. He deserves every credit he’s getting and then some! Also was surprised to hear that Jonathan Taylor Thomas voiced Simba. We’re watching Home Improvement right now and I instantly recognized the name

[@chasehedges6775]

RIP Judith Barsi 😔😔😔

[@dreamguardian8320]

Amen.

[@AmericaFuckYeah4]

I wish her and Heather O'Rourke were still alive

[@n19ntendods]

Alexander Gould has all my respect in the world for flawlessly pulling off Nemo’s frightened screams and whimpers! I wonder hard it was for him, bless him! 😇🙏🐟

[@gmmartines7331]

My favorite is Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel in Coco. Just that one scene of him singing to Coco. He complrtrly captured the desperation of not wanting Hector to experience the second death. Absolutely amazing singer as well ❤

[@KBAFourthtime]

Concerning #19, that made Panettiere the youngest Disney Read-Along Narrator (as it was narrated in first-person from Dot's POV). As for #18, because of the abuse József Barsi had put Judith and Maria (the mom) through, Judith had such a breakdown during singing auditions that it would be too much pressure to sing her own part, so instead, another girl named Lana Beeson was her singing double. #13, that same year, Nagai became the youngest _Simpsons_ voice actor in history for a guest role that same year. #7 Fanning did assume the role of Lilo in _Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch_ due to #1 being busy, probably with the TV series. #3 Given that, from a Jackson 5 redo, Elton John had picked the boy playing a young Michael Jackson, Jason Weaver, to sing that part (that explains singing like Michael Jackson as a kid), Thomas had not done his own singing. (Hey, did anyone know since age 4, Thomas has been a vegetarian?) And this is not the last time Simba sang like Michael Jackson as a kid, or had his singing voice done by a boy who ever played Michael Jackson. In the remake, Young Simba was voiced in full by JD McCrary, as he had played a young Michael Jackson in some other TV series in just one episode.

[@banana_etiquette]

noah schnapp playing charlie brown is a match made in heaven

[@tonyparra8459]

I knew Hayden as Dot, I was surprised she would later appear in slasher films like Scream. And as a Stranger Things fan, I had no idea Noah Schnapp voiced Charlie Brown.

[@jackiethecartoonfan2300]

I always loved Dot in A Bug’s Life. She’s my favorite character in the movie. 😊Boo as well in Monsters Inc, she’s always been my favorite as well, just super adorable! And I enjoy Auli’i as Moana, like I could never forget the day she was in full excitement to have been chosen for the role. I also remembered Ducky in the Land Before Time. “Yup, yup, yup” I could never forget that line and how she and Spike were always together. And Brother Bear I feel is so underrated but I love Koda and his energy, so his voice actor fit him so well.

[@olvialee7221]

179: I’ve never heard of Gregory Mann but he did amazing as the voice of Pinocchio. I just love his performance

[@waittillfamewtf2385]

Miley Cyrus as Penny ⚡ "Bolt" (2008)

[@chasehedges6775]

Love Bolt and Miley Cyrus did a good job

[@chasehedges6775]

2008 Miley Cyrus was the best

[@waittillfamewtf2385]

@@chasehedges6775 still hot

[@olvialee7221]

176: I love Hayden Panettiere in A Bug’s Life until she played the kick ass Kirby in the Scream franchise

[@BG-be8di]

Thanks again for the video. For me, the best child voice acting performances were: Simba, Charlie Brown, Lilo, Nemo, Riley and Miguel. Yes, they were able to interpret and make the emotions of the scenes feel with their voices (happiness, sadness, fear, anger, etc), they deserve a great recognition, their voices were amazing, cute and adorable..

[@sharenread8677]

The older person on Up is Edward Asner from Mary Tyler Moore show. Sharen

[@jennygivensunday4438]

Love positive topics like these. Keep them comin!! ❤

[@justincanha6162]

What about late Dickie Jones as Pinocchio? Disney's Pinocchio is the first animated feature that has child voice artist.

[@werthmelissa]

Honorable mentions: Kirsten Dunst as the young Anastasia in Anastasia and Noah Cyrus as Ponyo in the English dubbed version of Ponyo.

[@marleysinquefield3100]

Child actors like these can pluck at our heartstrings with emotion and compassion; you can also have a little trip down memory lane to rewatch how great their performances were at a young age.

[@olvialee7221]

178: The Iron Giant is nostalgic for me. I think the cast did great even for the actor voicing Hogarth

[@samthegoanimateman6695]

I should have became a child voice actor as a kid, these child actors really showed how talented kids can be!

[@Cosmic_Lemon]

I wish I could become a child voice actress, but I don’t know how.

[@Cappydo]

Mabey check if there are any acting agencies in your area

[@tatianavelasco1335]

The Lion King Part: When Young Simba needs help.

[@vetarlittorf1807]

Bruce Reitherman as Mowgli?

[@n19ntendods]

My top 7 are Alexander Gould as Nemo, Dakota Fanning as Coraline, Elsie Fisher as Agnes, Noah Schnapp as Charlie Brown, Auli’I Cravalho as Moana, Jordan Negai as Russell, and Jeremy Suarez as Koda! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@bloodymary6898]

I saw last week coco with my sisters , my big sister didnt know much about the movie so ofc she was really shocked when she found out how Hector died

[@yadielenielbellecolon982]

Thank For The Video 💞💗👍😍

[@BooBop1987]

Good List!

[@denisefreitas6727]

All the children really did an amazing job, but Kathryn Beaumont will always be my favorite.

[@janellerod4865]

They're all amazing🥰

[@nardsolar7646]

The Fanning sisters in My Neighbor Totoro

[@freddiemolinajr.8397]

Great video

[@adamjacobadamson]

The Peanuts Movie (2015) 1. Linus van Pelt (Alexander Garfin) 2. Heather Wold/The Little Red-Haired Girl (Francesca Capaldi) 3. Sally Brown (Mariel Sheets)

[@christymcdaniel3906]

I love child voice actors!

[@GamerFunOriginallyAarush]

That’s pretty good of a performance!

[@ThePinkDragon]

they all great

[@Gummybear20505]

I always wanted to know who voices the kids in movies so I’m thankful for this video. 😊

[@user-db4qv4eu4b]

I thought the kid who played Pinocchio was good

[@ThePinkDragon]

Yey LIlo's Number ! my favorite

[@julkasteven8198]

#19 Hayden also voiced Suri in an animated Disney film Dinosaur #18 RIP Angel. Gone way too soon. 😢😢😢😢😢 #15 Mary is also Boo's real name. Just when she's about to show Sulley her drawing of Randall, her signature is on the top of her first drawing. Mary Gibbs herself is daughter of one of creators involved in making of Monsters Inc. #9 I had a great opportunity to watch the film in the cinema. Wonderful experience. #4 Following his role of Chip in 1991's Beauty and the Beast, Bradley played Peter Sheppard in the original Jumanji

[@matthewmorgan3913]

Scarlett Johansson in the SpongeBob SquarePants movie

[@alexmeyer5260]

She wasn't a child at the time.

[@matthewmorgan3913]

@@alexmeyer5260 how old was she then?

[@alexmeyer5260]

@@matthewmorgan3913 She was 20 at the time.

[@matthewmorgan3913]

@@alexmeyer5260 nice to know

[@serenhafwilliams-davies5915]

How adorable 🥰

[@keyonalyles2267]

Hear me out; The kid who voiced Antonio Madrigal from Encanto. He was like 10-11 and though he had only a few lines, kid made a believable 5 year old.

[@user-ts2jz9us4o]

When I found out what happened to Judith barsi I felt so bad for her and her mother 💔 may she rest in peace 🕊️❤

[@vassa1972]

Probably the lion king

[@Mega18G]

I enjoy all of it, but mostly for my book, Philip Glasser did awesome job for Fievel. And I got inspiration.

[@Soul-up8ru]

And then Daveigh played Samara in The Ring

[@williamfairchild7439]

My favourite child voice in an animated film is Asher Bishop as Lincoln Loud in The Loud House Movie

[@legendboyAni]

Man powder's (from Arcane) VA is on another level.

[@banana_etiquette]

THE GIRL WHO PLAYED MOANA WAS 14? IM 14! tats amazinh

[@emilydecarli4451]

Here’s an idea for an upcoming video top 10 KZbinrs who voiced animated characters

[@infinityc2859]

Not a movie but Mia Sinclair Janess in Arcane. I'm pretty sure she was a preteen when she voiced Powder and she really brought the character to life. She had a lot of the viewers crying their eyes out during the emotional scenes

[@erzaender]

dakota fanning as coraline

[@Koppeling]

Auli’i also performed the Hawaiian version later which was even better.

[@jasminejohnston6393]

Noah Schnapp was amazing as Charlie Brown, but did you know that when she was a kid Fergie was a voice actress in the Peanuts franchise? Her real name’s Stacey Ferguson and she voiced Sally and Peppermint Patty in The Charlie Brown And Snoopy Show, before joining The Black Eyed Peas as an adult!

[@kelleyceccato7025]

I was hoping with all my heart to see some love given to Eva Whittaker for her work as Mebh in "Wolfwalkers." Dear MsMojo: please acknowledge the existence of this wonderful movie.

[@dreamguardian8320]

Maybe when/if she plays other voices in movies, she might get a better chance for next time.

[@kelleyceccato7025]

@@dreamguardian8320 If the actress who voices "Boo" could earn a spot on the list for her first role, so could Whittaker, IMO.