10 Powerful Family Movies That Teach Kids Resilience
By Movieguide® Contributor
It’s important for children to learn how to be resilient. From a turbo-charged snail to a brave little pig, these movies feature characters who face hardships and overcome the odds. Whether you want to help your preschooler adjust to new challenges or show your middle schooler how to overcome bullying, there’s something here for young viewers at every stage of life.
-1Caution advised for older children, including teenagers, and sensitive adults.
WONDER is a moving family drama based on the New York Times bestseller written by R.J. Palacio. It tells the story of August Pullman, a 5th-grade boy who has a facial deformity, and the trials he faces as he transfers to public school for the first time. It touches on themes like bullying, the complexities of friendship and gaining perspective. The film contains a very strong moral worldview extolling kindness and compassion. Best of all, older children can learn from August’s determination in the face of adversity. There is light language and some peril, so use caution for young children. WONDER is an emotional movie for kids 10 and up.
+4Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
CHARLOTTES’ WEB is a live-action movie based on E.B. White’s beloved children’s book. 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 resilience and is safe for the whole family to view.
+1Moderately questionable elements. (Discernment required for young children.)
AKEELAH AND THE BEE is an inspiring movie about a young girl living in Los Angeles who works hard to make it into the national spelling bee. She overcomes feeling like an outsider from her peers, racial tensions and the challenges of living in poverty. The movie contains a strong moral worldview with references to God. Parents should know there is light language, so Movieguide® strongly suggests caution for children. AKEELAH AND THE BEE is a moving story that kids 8 and up can draw inspiration from.
+3Some minor questionable elements. (Media-wisdom is suggested to discuss.)
FROZEN is a delightful Disney film about Queen Elsa, who has the power to wield ice. When she accidentally curses her town to have an infinite winter, she flees to an isolated ice tower. Her younger sister Anna goes on a mission to find Elsa and restore summer to their kingdom. The film has a strong moral worldview extolling sisterly love and sacrifice. Best of all, the characters demonstrate moments of courage. Parents should know there is light cartoon violence, making FROZEN appropriate for kids 5+.
MARCH OF THE PENGUINS is a riveting documentary about the Emperor Penguin’s Antarctic quest to create and protect new life. It’s a story of survival that demonstrates the power of determination. The film contains a strong moral worldview, but evolution is mentioned in the opening sequences, so parents may want to have a follow-up conversation about Creation. There is light peril that might be scary to young children, so Movieguide® strongly suggests caution for kids under the age of 6. Otherwise, MARCH OF THE PENGUINS is a wholesome film that animal lovers will enjoy.
Disney Pixar’s INSIDE OUT follows an eleven-year-old girl named Riley whose happy life turns upside down when her family moves to San Francisco, California. Her emotions take over as Joy, Fear, Sadness, Anger and Disgust. Viewers have a front-row seat into the headquarters of her mind. The film inspires children to explore self-compassion and process uncomfortable emotions. It has a strong moral worldview, but some themes may confuse younger children. INSIDE OUT is a poignant story for kids ages 6 and up.
-1Caution advised for older children, including teenagers, and sensitive adults.
RUDY is a sports drama and a true underdog story. The plot centers around a high school football player who is told he’s too small to play college football. Through grit and hard work, he overcomes the odds and achieves his goal to make it into the Notre Dame team. The film features a strong moral worldview, save for moderate foul language. While RUDY is an inspiring story, Movieguide® strongly suggests caution for children due to several profanities and a skewed representation of religion. Kids 11+ will be motivated by Rudy’s brave journey into college football.
+3Some minor questionable elements. (Media-wisdom is suggested to discuss.)
TURBO is an action-packed movie about a small garden snail who dreams of winning the Indy 500. After a freak accident alters his DNA, he’s able to zoom to speeds over 200 mph. With the help of a taco truck owner, Turbo enters the race despite his small stature. The movie contains a strong moral worldview and is as wholesome as they come. There is light cartoon peril but nothing overwhelmingly scary. TURBO is a funny family movie appropriate for the 6+ crowd.
RATATOUILLE is a charming animated feature about a gifted rat who aspires to be a chef. He teams up with a young garbage boy at a famous restaurant in Paris to conquer the culinary world. The film features light Christian references and has a strong moral worldview. It has plenty of cartoon violence, light peril and mild language, so RATATOUILLE is more appropriate for kids 7 and up. Movieguide® suggests caution for young children as some scenes may be scary. Otherwise, it’s a savory story the entire family can take a bite of.
ENCANTO is an animated Disney musical about a teenage girl in Columbia who hails from a magical family. Every child’s gift appears when they are 5-years-old, but she has yet to discover her own. While the premise seems as if it may contain witchcraft, the redeeming message of a family being the real magic shines through. Parents may want to have a follow-up conversation with young children about the metaphor. The film contains a strong moral worldview, extolling love over resentment. There is light peril but nothing too intense. ENCANTO is an enchanting movie for kids over 6.
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.
