10 Best Animated Movies To Get Kids Ready For Back-To-School
School is in session, and while it’s an exciting time, it can also be daunting for young children. “Back to School” movie night is a great way to prepare little ones for the transition. These animated films take place in the classroom and will help everyone have a successful first day of school.
INSIDE OUT
Quality: ****
Content: +2 (Moderately questionable elements.)
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–Joy, Fear, Sadness, Anger and Disgust–take over. Viewers have a front-row seat into the headquarters of her mind. Kids will relate to watching Riley emotionally prepare for her first day at a new school. 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.
FINDING NEMO
Quality: ****
Content: +4 Biblical, 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 from the Great Barrier Reef. He meets several friends throughout 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 Nemo and other sea creatures attending their first day of class. It’s a movie the whole family can enjoy.
MONSTERS UNIVERSITY
Quality: ****
Content: +2 Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.
MONSTERS UNIVERSITY is the prequel to Pixar and Disney’s MONSTERS, INC. The story centers around everyone’s favorite monsters, Sulley and Mike’s college experience at Monsters University. They start as rivals, competing to be the best scarer on campus. After accidentally tipping over the Dean’s best accomplishment during an argument, they must team up or face expulsion. MONSTERS UNIVERSITY has a wholesome moral worldview that teaches perseverance. It’s a fun film about school and friendship for kids ages 5 and up. Some scenes may be scary, so use caution with young children.
TOY STORY 3
Quality: ****
Content: +3 Some minor questionable elements (media-wisdom is suggested to discuss).
In TOY STORY 3, Andy is moving away for college, and his mom mistakingly donates all his toys (except Woody) to Sunnyside Daycare. Woody embarks on an adventure to rescue the toys from rowdy kids at the daycare. It’s a touching story about growing up, loyalty and redemption. The film features a strong Christian worldview with only mild cartoon violence. Kids will explore topics like childhood, leaving for school and more. TOY STORY 3 is well-suited for the 6+ crowd.
THE INCREDIBLES
Quality: ****
Content: +2 Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.
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 be scary for young viewers. THE INCREDIBLES has many moments centered around the social and behavioral expectations for kids attending school. It would be a perfect option for a back-to-school movie night and is appropriate for kids ages 7 and older.
THE PEANUTS MOVIE
Quality: ****
Content: +3 Some minor questionable elements (media-wisdom is suggested to discuss).
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, many of the scenes take place in a kind classroom. THE PEANUTS MOVIE is a family-friendly flick for children 4+.
MEET THE ROBINSONS
Quality: ***
Content: +4 Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
MEET THE ROBINSONS is about an orphaned boy genius named Lewis, who builds a machine to explore his memories so he can remember his mother to track her down. Wilbur Robinson shows up from the future to tell Lewis that the villainous Bowler Hat Guy has come from the future to steal his machine. Many scenes take place at the fictional Joyce Williams Elementary School. It contains a very strong moral worldview with moral and redemptive elements. MEET THE ROBINSONS is an enjoyable movie for the 7+ crowd.
TEACHER’S PET
Quality: ***
Content: +1 Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.
TEACHER’S PET tells the story of Spot Helperman, a dog with a dream. He follows his master, Leonard, to school as Scott, the smartest kid in Mrs. Helperman’s (Leonard’s mom’s) fourth-grade class. Spot only has one wish – to become a real boy. Spot soon discovers the mad scientist Dr. Ivan Krank, who claims he can turn animals into human beings, but the experiment doesn’t turn out as Spot expected. TEACHER’S PET is a fun-filled musical comedy with light violence and some potty humor, earning the film a PG rating.
CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC MOVIE
Quality: ****
Content: +1 Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.
CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC MOVIE is about two pranksters named George and Harold who hypnotize their principal, Mr. Krupp, into believing he’s a superhero named Captain Underpants. When the fake Captain Underpants runs into a real villain, it’s up to George and Harold to help him save the day. The film contains light off-color humor and cartoon slapstick violence but nothing too salacious. CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC MOVIE is a fun romp for children ages 6 and up.
BIG HERO 6
Quality: ****
Content: +1 Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.
BIG HERO 6 is a dynamic animated feature about a boy named Hiro who befriends an inflatable robot named Baymax, designed by his late brother. They join a force of high-tech heroes to save their hometown from an evil villain. It has a very strong moral worldview that is pro-family. Parents should know there are heavy themes of loss and light violence. The main character joins the university’s robotics program film, shining a light on building on one’s strengths through education. BIG HERO 6 is appropriate for kids 7 and up.
INSIDE OUT
Watch INSIDE OUT:
FINDING NEMO
Watch FINDING NEMO:
MONSTERS UNIVERSITY
Watch MONSTERS UNIVERSITY:
TOY STORY 3
Watch TOY STORY 3:
THE INCREDIBLES
Watch THE INCREDIBLES:
THE PEANUTS MOVIE
Watch THE PEANUTS MOVIE:
MEET THE ROBINSONS
Watch MEET THE ROBINSONS:
TEACHER’S PET
Watch TEACHER’S PET:
CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC MOVIE
BIG HERO 6
Watch BIG HERO 6:
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