Published: July 14, 2023
Top 10 Family Movies That Teach The Importance of Friendship
By Movieguide® Contributor
Looking to teach your children how to be good friends to those around them? These movies are filled with characters who support each other and demonstrate the gift of self-sacrifice. From the loyal friends in TOY STORY to the gentle adventures of Pooh and the gang in the Hundred Acre Wood, kids will enjoy these fun-filled family films about friendship.
CHARLOTTE'S WEB
CHARLOTTES’ WEB is a live-action movie based on the beloved children’s book by E.B. White. A young farm girl named Fern rescues a little pig that she names Wilbur. Her father plans to kill Wilbur since he is the runt of the litter, and his mother and siblings reject him. When Wilbur gets too big, Fern has to take him across the lane to her uncle’s farm to be raised by her uncle for Christmas dinner. CHARLOTTES’ WEB has an extremely moral worldview that teaches the power of friendship and is safe for the whole family to view.
Full Review ⇾
THE PEANUTS MOVIE
THE PEANUTS MOVIE is a charming animated film based on the iconic comic strip by Charles Schultz. The beloved character Charlie Brown sets his sights on a pretty new redhead at school and works hard to make a great first impression. This gentle movie has a very strong redemptive worldview with only minor slapstick violence. Morals include compassion, honesty and bravery. Most importantly, the Peanuts gang demonstrates a close-knit group of pals. THE PEANUTS MOVIE is a family-friendly flick for children 4+.
Full Review ⇾
HOMEWARD BOUND: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY
Separated from their human family, three domesticated pets brave the Pacific Northwest wilderness as they embark on a perilous mission to find their masters. An excellent family film, HOMEWARD BOUND: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY delicately affirms the importance of family, self-sacrifice, responsibility, and love. MOVIEGUIDE wholeheartedly recommends HOMEWARD BOUND: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY for all ages. However, the movie contains some brief semi-violent elements (such as a cat falling into the water, and almost being consumed by the undertow) which are essential to the storyline.
Full Review ⇾
TOY STORY
TOY STORY answers the question “What happens to my toys when I leave the room?” In the movie, Woody is a cowboy doll, voiced by Tom Hanks, who envies the new favorite toy in town, Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger, voiced by Tim Allen. When their fighting gets Woody and Buzz left behind at a gas station, they have to work together to get home. It contains a Christian worldview and is overflowing with heroism, virtues and moral messages, not the least of which is that while envy can only destroy, friendship can overcome.
Full Review ⇾
WINNIE THE POOH
As the famously classic WINNIE THE POOH stories usually go, Pooh and his friends find mystery and adventure in the Hundred Acre Wood in this new adventure for the whole family. Pooh wakes up to find that Eeyore lost his tail. All the friends gather to help Eeyore find the best tail to replace the missing one. Whoever finds Eeyore the best tail gets the ultimate gift of a jar of honey! WINNIE THE POOH is a sweet movie where all the characters support and help one another.
Full Review ⇾
FINDING NEMO
FINDING NEMO is a delightful animated film about a clownfish named Marlin who sets off on an adventure to find his son after humans snatch him at the Great Barrier Reef. He meets several friends along the way of his rescue mission. The film has a strong moral worldview with light violence and moderate language. Some scenes may be scary for small children. FINDING NEMO demonstrates friends supporting each other while on a grand adventure and is appropriate for children 5 and up.
Full Review ⇾
TROLLS
TROLLS is a delightful animated comedy about the famous Troll dolls, in a story about Princess Poppy trying to save her friends from the troll-eating Bergens, with assistance from an unhappy, fearful troll named Branch. TROLLS is an adorable, fun, funny animated movie the whole family can enjoy. The film contains a strong moral, redemptive worldview extolling sacrifice, loving others and bringing joy to others. TROLLS is extremely clean and worthwhile, a feel-good delight. Children will see the characters looking out for one another. Plus, everyone can laugh and sing along with Poppy and her friends.
Full Review ⇾
UP
UP is a Pixar and Disney animated movie about 78-year-old Carl, who fulfills his late wife’s dream of traveling to Paradise Falls by turning his house into a blimp with hundreds of balloons. Once on his way, he discovers a young stowaway who goes on an epic adventure with him. It has a very strong Christian worldview, but there is light cartoon peril. Best of all, UP features a friendship between unlikely characters. It’s a fun film with a lot of heart for the 6+ crowd.
Full Review ⇾
BOLT
BOLT is about a dog in a superhero show on TV who thinks he has real superpowers. Bolt remains on the set to shelter his belief that he’s a super dog. One day, the shooting goes awry. Trying to save his TV companion, Penny, Bolt accidentally gets shipped to New York City. He teams up with a cat named Mittens and a hamster named Rhino to fight real danger, including escaping animal control to return to Hollywood. BOLT has a strong moral worldview that demonstrates the value of loyalty.
Full Review ⇾
MADAGASCAR
MADAGASCAR tells the story of Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, and Gloria the hippo. Marty wants to leave the Central Park Zoo to see the wild, and Alex, Melman and Gloria try to stop him. After an unsuccessful escape, animal rights activists convince the zoo to send the animals back to Africa, but their crates break free and they float onto the island of Madagascar. On the island, Alex and his friends quickly realize that they preferred life in the zoo. Kids 7 and up will love MADAGASCAR with its kooky cast of characters.
Full Review ⇾
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
