Top 10 Family Movies That Teach Kids To Be Courageous
The Bible says in Deuteronomy 31: 6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” MOVIEGUIDE® curated this list of family films that focus on courage.
+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+.
Woody and the gang are back in TOY STORY 4 with a new toy named Forky. When a family road trip sends Woody on an unexpected detour, he reunites with Bo Peep. Will he stay loyal to his new owner, Bonnie, or walk off into the sunset with Bo? The movie contains a very strong Christian worldview, focusing on redemption and self-sacrifice. Woody is courageous as he allows himself to grow and take responsibility for his life. TOY STORY 4 features potential scares, so MOVIEGUIDE® suggests caution for kids 6 and under
PLANES is a fun film set in the same world as Pixar’s CARS. A crop-dusting plane named Dusty dreams of competing in an around-the-world aerial race. There’s just one problem—he’s afraid of heights. Dusty must overcome his fears with the help of a few friends to compete in the race. The movie has a redemptive worldview, demonstrating determination and integrity. There is light cartoon peril that may be frightening for young children. PLANES will inspire kids 5+ to conquer their fears and is an adventurous option for the entire family.
+4Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
PIGLET’S BIG MOVIE is an animated film based on the characters from the beloved books by A.A. Milne. The story centers around Piglet and his friends in The Hundred Acre Wood. Piglet is excluded from a honey-gathering mission because he’s too small, so he escapes to the woods. His friends use his book of memories to track him down and remember how special he is. This gentle film has a Christian moral worldview with light cartoon violence. Kids 4+ will enjoy Piglet’s tenacity despite his small size.
+4Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
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 features many characters who show strength over adversity and is appropriate for the 5+ crowd.
+1Moderately questionable elements. (Discernment required for young children.)
MONSTERS INC. is a cute movie about the town of Monstropolis, where monsters collect children’s screams to power the city. Sully is the top scarer for Monsters Inc., who accidentally is followed by a little girl into his world. He and his friend Mike must return the child to her bedroom before an evil chameleon enacts his plan. MONSTERS INC. has a strong moral worldview but does contain cartoon violence. MOVIEGUIDE® suggests caution for kids under the age of 6. Otherwise, it offers a powerful message about bravery.
+1Moderately questionable elements. (Discernment required for young children.)
TANGLED is an animated Disney film based on the Rapunzel fairytale. After being locked up in a tower for 18 years, Rapunzel encounters a runaway thief named Flynn Ryder, who helps her escape her prison and solve the mystery of floating lights on the horizon that shine every year on her birthday. Children can learn courage through Rapunzel’s grit and determination despite her circumstances. TANGLED has a strong redemptive worldview but contains light cartoon violence, which may scare young children.
+3Some minor questionable elements. (Media-wisdom is suggested to discuss.)
CHICKEN LITTLE is an action-packed Disney animated feature based on the fable about a chicken who ruins his reputation when he causes widespread panic by claiming that the sky is falling. Years later, he and his friends must save the day and earn back everyone’s respect during an impending alien invasion. The film contains a moral worldview that extols bravery. There is cartoon violence and a bit of slapstick humor. CHICKEN LITTLE is appropriate for kids 7+.
THE INCREDIBLES is an exciting animated film about a family of heroes in hiding who step into action to fight an evil robot. The film has a very strong Christian worldview and celebrates the traditional family. Parents should know there is cartoon violence that could frighten young viewers. THE INCREDIBLES presents a family unit that dares to push past their comfort zone and into heroism. The movie is appropriate for kids ages 7 and older.
+3Some minor questionable elements. (Media-wisdom is suggested to discuss.)
Julie Andrews stars in the classic musical THE SOUND OF MUSIC. The plot centers around a spunky postulate sent by her convent to be a governess to seven children of a widowed naval officer. It features a strong Christian worldview and is about having the courage to do the right thing, even if it’s challenging. The music is memorable, the setting is beautiful and the message is positive. What’s not to love? THE SOUND OF MUSIC is suitable for all ages.
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.
