20 Inspiring Movies That Can Teach Kids Important Lessons

Movies are not just for fun... some of them can really teach us a thing or two.

Damjan

• Published in Film & TV
• June 17, 2022

There are numerous methods for instilling important values such as kindness, empathy, caring, and helping others in youngsters. Some of those abilities are likely learned at school, others from their parents, possibly some at church if they attend, and even movies can educate kids to give back to their communities and the people around them.

Yes, movies are primarily intended to entertain, but they can also have an impact on the brains of those who watch them. For children, seeing their favorite characters on film helping others or learning about the correct things to do can be extremely useful.

Movies, like books and stories, can include morals that teach youngsters valuable lessons. Some of the morals in these films are straightforward to see and comprehend.

However, not every film on our list of inspirational films contains a clear life lesson about giving back. Some of them may necessitate a brief post-screening discussion between parents and children to fully comprehend the film's message.

Kids, after all, are easily distracted. They may spend too much of the viewing experience concentrating on the surface plot and failing to comprehend the deeper themes.

They should be able to learn the lessons of giving back to people less fortunate than themselves with a little persuading.

Movies are not just for fun..

'The Lorax'

This Dr. Seuss story is ideal for teaching children about the environment and how we can't just take and take and take. Although the original book does a decent job of articulating this, the movie-length discussion of the dangers of greed is beneficial in solidifying the point.

Rated: PG

'Up'

Russell, a young scout, is a character that many children can relate to. He's attempting to obtain his badge for serving the elderly, but he's drawn into a far larger adventure than he anticipated. This film emphasizes empathy for others who are different from ourselves, as well as the fact that no one is ever too young (or too old) to help others.

Rated: PG

'Silver Bells' (2013)

When a competitive sportscaster gets into a brawl with his son's basketball coach, he is sentenced to community service as a Salvation Army Christmas bell ringer. He quickly learns the value of helping others and giving, which children can readily understand.

Rated: TV-G

'The Ultimate Gift'

If Jason can complete 12 tasks first, his wealthy grandfather's will guarantees him "the ultimate reward." Each activity focuses on assisting others, and they gradually change Jason from jaded to caring, particularly when he meets and befriends a young girl and her mother.

He doesn't need or desire the $100 million reward by the time he receives it at the end. Instead, he puts the money toward building a hospital, earning him an even larger legacy from his grandfather for doing the right thing.

The Ultimate Life and The Ultimate Legacy are the two sequels of this film, and all three will teach children the significance of giving to and supporting those who are less fortunate than themselves.

'Pollyanna' (1960)

Pollyanna, the ever-joyous orphan, improves the lives and spirits of everyone around her in a short length of time in her new community. And when she gets an injury that leaves her feeling hopeless for the first time in her life, the community repays her goodwill by assisting her in getting through the difficult moment.

This film will motivate everyone to embrace life's ups and downs, to smile during the day, and to always be kind to others because no one knows what they are going through.

'The Grinch' (2018)

This modified version of Dr. Seuss' Grinch novel adds a more positive message of acceptance and love to the classic tale. In this story, the Grinch despises Christmas since he grew up without a family and never got to celebrate it.

Cindy-Lou, on the other hand, educates the Grinch that family isn't simply about biological relations by the end of the film. And by inviting the Grinch to Christmas dinner, she educates children all across the world that the true spirit of the holiday is to be nice to those who are in need.

'Gandhi'

Gandhi's biography may be too difficult for younger children, but his message of nonviolence while fighting for justice may be appealing to older youngsters. This film follows Gandhi throughout his life and the challenges he faced, demonstrating how he never wavered from his message of nonviolence while simultaneously assisting others.

'The Incredibles'

Even if children are not superheroes, this film will teach them the value of using one's exceptional skills to benefit the community. Parents may need to explain the movie's teachings to their children in order for them to sink in, but once we connect helping at a shelter to what Mr. Incredible did to save a crumbling building, kids will be eager to help.

'Klaus'

This Netflix Christmas film depicts the origins of Santa Claus. Jesper, a wealthy postal service heir, is exiled for his arrogance and meets Klaus, an aging toy manufacturer.

He devises a scheme to help the mail service by having youngsters write letters to Klaus, who will subsequently send the child a gift. Jesper begins his scheme for selfish reasons, but by the end of the movie, he realizes how rewarding it is to help others simply for the sake of helping and being kind.

Children will be able to witness his metamorphosis from selfish to selfless, and maybe emulate his giving talents in their own lives.

'Batkid Begins'

This film tells the incredible story of "Batkid," a little cancer survivor named Miles Scott. His Make-A-Wish wish was to be Batman for a day, and the entire city of San Francisco rallied behind him to grant his wish.

Viewers will be inspired to give back after seeing the lengths to which people went to make Miles' fantasy day a reality.

'Free Willy'

Animals, like people, are deserving of our kindness, and Free Willy is a fantastic approach to teach children this lesson. When Jesse befriends a killer whale, he quickly learns that the animal deserves to be released back into the wild, and he sets out to do just that.

While his rescue attempt was extreme, it contributes to a larger discussion about the ethical treatment of animals in captivity and the importance of treating all forms of life with respect.

'Robin Hood' (1973)

Stealing from the wealthy isn't always the best approach to aid the poor, but this film does a good job of teaching young children the necessity of helping those less fortunate than ourselves.

Rather than accepting money, we can teach our children to organize fundraising or donate from their allowance if they wish to help.

'A Christmas Carol'

Ebenezer Scrooge is the ultimate children's morality tale. Scrooge is shown how his entire life will develop if he continues to be a selfish individual in the film, and it does not end well for him.

This life lesson teaches him to give while he has the opportunity, and it will also teach our children the same lesson.

'It Could Happen To You' (1994)

A police officer doesn't have enough money to tip his waitress in this film, so he pledges to split his lottery ticket with her if he wins. He keeps his word when he wins $4 million by a stroke of luck.

The officers and waitress are resolved to do good with the winnings, despite the greedy individuals around them who want their profits. This film will teach children that the true value of money is the good that can be accomplished with it.

'Groundhog Day'

The character of Bill Murray Phil is unconcerned about anyone except himself. When he realizes he'll be stuck repeating the same day for the rest of his life, he decides to work on himself and his relationships with others.

It only goes to show that it's never too late to improve oneself, especially for children who are given the opportunity to do so at a young age.

'It’s A Wonderful Life'

This iconic Christmas film emphasizes the importance of a single person's deeds. When George Bailey dreams of a world without him, he is able to observe how many tiny actions he has made that have benefited others.

It's the ideal film for kids who are curious about how one young person can make a difference.

'Patch Adams'

This film portrays Robin Williams as a doctor who helps his patients through kindness and humor. Laughter is truly the best medicine, and it's a simple way for children to give back to their communities.

Although this film is intended for older students, the message it teaches is nonetheless motivating. It's based on a real-life story, too.

'Millions' (2004)

Two brothers find a bag of cash and have very different ideas about what they should do with it. But kindness triumphs for one of the brothers, who donates all of the money he can and does a variety of additional nice things.

Seeing children struggle with ethics and how to help others personally teaches a profound lesson to other children who are watching.

'Pay It Forward'

A little youngster devises a strategy to "pay it forward," with each act of kindness inspiring the next. Soon, the entire country notices a favorable change as a result of his initiatives.

It's just another fantastic method for children to realize how they, too, can make a difference. Because this film is classed PG-13, it is best suited for older children.

'Last Christmas'

Last Christmas is another PG-13 film that is nonetheless worth seeing for older children. During the holidays, Kate encounters a mystery man and is immediately inspired to do as much good as he has.

She soon finds herself helping at a homeless shelter, focusing on her family's relationship, and getting her life in order. The film's theme is one of inspiration, encouraging us to pay attention to those around us and to help where we can.

So, did you like our list? We believe that kids can learn some important things from them.

And if, as adults, we also need a refresher, these movies will jog all our memories. From time to time, we could all use a little help to remember to help others.

Sad, but true...

Damjan