10 Family Movies That Teach Kids to Be Compassionate

10 Family Movies That Teach Kids to Be Compassionate

By Movieguide® Contributor

The Bible says in Ephesians 4:32, Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as in Christ God forgave you. If you want to instill compassion in your children, this MOVIEGUIDE® A curated list includes movies that focus on kindness. From a nervous robot to a lost little fish, these characters demonstrate empathy. Your little ones will see love in action in these movies.

quality: ****

Content: +1 Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.

SWALLOWED ME is an action-packed film about a criminal mastermind who adopts three orphaned girls as pawns for his nefarious plan. Little does he know that their love will transform his heart forever. The film features a strong moral worldview emphasizing redemption and the power of love. Contains messages about family and adoption. It has light humor and heavy slapstick violence. MOVIEGUIDE® recommends caution in young children. DESPICABLE ME is a fun game for kids ages 6 and up.

quality: ****

Contents: +3 Some minor questionable elements (media wisdom is offered to discuss).

WINNIE THE Pooh is a beloved film about the latest adventure of Pooh and his friends in the Hundred-Eyed Forest. Pooh’s friend Eeyore has lost his tail and all the friends come to the rescue to find a replacement. Whoever finds the best tail wins the coveted jar of honey. Winnie the Pooh presents redemptive moments for helping a friend in need. Contains mild cartoon violence that is mostly related to Tiger. Overall, this is a gentle film for the whole family.

quality: ****

Contents: +1 Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.

FERDINAND is a sweet story based on the children’s book about a gentle bull mistaken for a dangerous beast after he accidentally destroys a town in response to a bee sting. After being sent to the bullring, he teams up with a misfit group of animals to find his way home. Although FERDINAND has a strong moral worldview emphasizing love over hate, there are romantic elements that may be confusing for young children. For the most part, this is an adorable movie for kids 6 and up.

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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is the adaptation of the classic Disney tale. The story follows Belle, a French girl who yearns to escape her macho suit. Her life changes when she is imprisoned by a dark beast who was once a prince. This is a sweet story about empathy and the power of love. Not to mention the many unforgettable songs. The film contains mild violence and some natural language, but nothing too unpleasant. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a classic movie, but there are some parts that might be scary for children under 6.

quality: ****

Contents: +3 Some minor questionable elements (media wisdom is offered to discuss).

THE PEANUT MOVIE is a charming animated film based on the iconic comic strip by Charles Schultz. Favorite character Charlie Brown sets his sights on a beautiful new redhead at school and works hard to make a great first impression. This tender film has a very strong redemptive worldview with only minor slapstick violence. Morality includes compassion, honesty and courage. Most importantly, it’s a sweet story with an old-fashioned feel that kids will love. THE PEANUTS MOVIE is a family movie for children over 4 years old.

Quality: ****

Content: +1 Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.

Disney’s animated comedy, LILO & STITCH, is a delightful discovery. Lilo’s parents died in a car accident, and her older sister Nani raised her in Hawaii. #626, an illegal life form created by an evil scientist in a galaxy far, far away crashes in Hawaii. Posing as a puppy, #626 is grabbed by Lilo. Hilarious antics ensue as Nani and Lilo try to teach him how to fit in. LILO & STITCH has a strong moral worldview emphasizing the value of family, but also contains light, comical references to evolution and voodoo.

quality: ****

Content: +4 A biblical, generally Christian worldview, without any questionable elements.

WALL*E is a Dinsey and Pixar film set in the distant future. Follows the story of a lone robot cleaning up the trash on Earth in the year 2805. He meets a robot named EVE sent from a starship and falls in love with her. He travels across the galaxy to find her and embarks on an interstellar adventure. The film contains a very strong biblical worldview extolling kindness and empathy. There is mild danger and cartoon violence, so MOVIEGUIDE® recommends caution in young children. WALL*E is a fantasy film for children ages 5 and up.

quality: ****

Contents: +3 Some minor questionable elements (media wisdom is offered to discuss).

UP is a Pixar and Disney animated film about 78-year-old Carl, who fulfills his late wife’s dream of traveling to Paradise Falls by turning his house into an airship with hundreds of balloons. Once on his way, he discovers a young traveler who goes on an epic adventure with him. It has a very strong Christian worldview, but there is a slight cartoonish danger. Best of all, UP features friendship between unlikely characters. This is a fun movie with a lot of heart for the 6+ crowd.

quality: ****

Content: +1 Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.

CINDERELLA is the live-action reboot of the beloved fairy tale. It tells the story of Ella, whose father dies unexpectedly, leaving her at the mercy of her unkind stepmother and two stepsisters. Ella’s luck turns when she meets her fairy godmother. The film features a very strong moral worldview and touches on redemptive themes of hope, loyalty and mercy. Contains mild violence, i.e MOVIEGUIDE® recommends that parents be careful with children under 6 years of age. CINDERELLA is a magical film about overcoming adversity with grace.

quality: ****

Contents: +3 Some minor questionable elements (media wisdom is offered to discuss).

FINDING DORY is the sequel to the beloved animated film FINDING NEMO. This time, the plot centers around the distracted fish Dory, who embarks on a journey to find her long-lost parents. Marlin and Nemo join her on the quest and learn lessons about the true meaning of family. It’s a delightful film with a very strong moral outlook and only a few scenes of mildly cartoonish violence. Best of all, FINING DORY gives kids a glimpse of ocean life, making it a fantastic watch for curious kids over 6.