Movies for kids to teach life lessons

It can be hard to find good movies for kids. Movies are great examples of how to engage and learn resilience messages; not only do they convey life lessons through themes and dialogues, but they are also entertaining, which helps the messages be more memorable to kids. We put together a list of movies that can help with character development, particularly in dealing with failure and perseverance. No boring movies in our list, read on to see how Spiderman and a pig can inspire kids to be brave and try.

Zootopia (2016)

Colourful animated movies for kids are most appealing to kids, so they are great tools for imparting important messages. The film’s song “Try Everything” tells us that we should never stop trying and always get up when we fall.

“I messed up tonight
I lost another fight
Lost to myself, but i’ll just start again
I keep falling down
I keep on hitting the ground
But I always get up now to see what’s next”

Sing (2016)

This animated movie teaches us that failures can only make us stronger. Nothing can hold us back from achieving our dreams.

“Don’t let fear stop you from doing the thing you love.”

Moana (2016)

The movie teaches us how to be strong-willed like Moana. Moana and Maui’s journey to return the relic to Te Fiti to save the people of Motunui demonstrates perseverance and determination.

“Scars can heal and reveal just where you are.”

Finding Dory (2016)

Despite having short-term memory and nothing seems to be going her way. Dory’s perseverance inspires us to keep moving forward with confidence and trust in ourselves.

“Just keep swimming.”

The Greatest Showman (2017)

The story is about an orphan who becomes the founder of a traveling circus and a notable historical figure. Through hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. This movie has an inspiring movie that makes it a winner in our list.

“A man’s station is only limited by his imagination.”

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

It’s a true-to-life story of a person who had great willpower and perseverance to overcome obstacles. And so, from being a broke man who used to sleep in the subway, he became a wealthy man. The film inspires us to never give up on our dreams regardless of the challenges that come in the way.

“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something. Not even me. All right? You got a dream. You gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.”

Spider-man: into the Spider-Verse (2018)

This film teaches us about resilience. It helps us learn that it is okay to get help from other people. It also helps us learn to persevere to get through life’s adversities. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse gives insights into managing stress and feelings of uncertainty.

“No matter how many hits I take, I always find a way to come back.”
Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day (2014)

It’s okay to have a bad day. It’s okay to feel frustrated, disappointed, and angry when things don’t go as you hoped they would. This movie is a great tool to talk about frustration and anger with your kids.

“You gotta have the bad days so you can love the good days.”

What is your family’s favourite feel good movie for kids? We would love to add it to our list. Contact us to let us know.