Get out the popcorn and snacks – it’s movie night! Treat your little ones (and yourselves) to an entertaining flick made to uplift and inspire. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll sing and dance! Here is a roundup of 10 truly enjoyable movies made for the whole family.
INSIDE OUT
What it’s about: Inside Out follows the emotional journey of an 11-year-old girl named Riley as her family moves to a new city. Inside Riley’s mind, her emotions, Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, work together to navigate her feelings and experiences. When Joy and Sadness get lost in the depths of her mind, they discover the importance of embracing all emotions, even sadness, as they shape who Riley is and create meaningful memories.
Why it’s great: Inside Out teaches children that it’s okay to experience a range of emotions and that all feelings play a vital role in shaping our identities and lives. The film encourages emotional intelligence, empathy, and the understanding that happiness doesn’t mean suppressing negative emotions, but rather embracing and learning from them.
MOANA
What it’s about: Moana, a courageous and determined Polynesian teenager, sets sail on an epic journey to save her island and her people. She teams up with the ‘demigod’ Maui and faces numerous challenges and self-discovery along the way. With bravery and resilience, Moana embraces her heritage, navigates the open ocean, and restores the heart of Te Fiti, the goddess of life.
Why it’s great: Moana inspires children to embrace their true selves, have faith in their abilities, and confront their fears to achieve their dreams. The movie teaches the importance of respecting and preserving one’s culture and environment, and the power of self-belief in accomplishing extraordinary feats.
UP
What it’s about: Up follows the adventures of Carl Fredricksen, an elderly widower who fulfills his dream of exploring South America by tying thousands of balloons to his house. However, he soon discovers that a young stowaway, Russell, is aboard. Together, they embark on a heartwarming and transformative journey, encountering new friends and overcoming obstacles.
Why it’s great: Up teaches children that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and that genuine friendships can emerge in the most unexpected places. The movie emphasizes the value of cherishing memories, letting go of the past, and finding joy in life’s small and meaningful moments.
WALL-E
What it’s about: Wall-E is a lonely and diligent waste-collecting robot left on Earth after humans abandoned the polluted planet. Amid the debris, he discovers a tiny plant that signals the possibility of bringing life back to Earth. Wall-E then sets off on a thrilling space adventure, where he encounters the spaceship-dwelling humans and helps them rediscover their connection with their home planet.
Why it’s great: Wall-E conveys a powerful environmental message to children, highlighting the importance of taking care of our planet and the consequences of excessive consumerism. The film shows that even the smallest actions can make a difference, and it encourages children to be stewards of the Earth and work together to create a sustainable future.
WONDER
What it’s about: Wonder revolves around Auggie Pullman, a young boy born with a facial difference. The story follows his journey as he attends school for the first time and faces the challenges of fitting in and dealing with bullying. Auggie’s courage, kindness, and inner strength inspire those around him, demonstrating the power of empathy and acceptance.
Why it’s great: Wonder delivers a powerful message about the importance of kindness, compassion, and seeing beyond appearances. The film encourages children to embrace differences in others, practice empathy, and be a positive force for change by standing up against bullying and embracing inclusivity.
SOUL
What it’s about: Soul follows Joe Gardner, a middle-school band teacher and aspiring jazz musician who finds himself in the Great Before—a realm where souls develop their personalities before going to Earth. In his quest to return to his body, Joe learns about the true essence of life, passion, and the beauty of living in the present.
Why it’s great: Soul encourages children to find their true purpose and passion in life, reminding them that their worth isn’t solely determined by achievements or goals. The film emphasizes the value of cherishing life’s simple joys and appreciating every moment, encouraging children to live a fulfilling life by being present and finding meaning in everyday experiences.
TROLLS
What it’s about: Trolls is a vibrant, musical adventure featuring the happy-go-lucky Poppy and the grumpy Branch. The Trolls’ colourful world is invaded by the Bergens, creatures who believe eating Trolls will make them happy. Poppy and Branch set out on a journey to rescue their captured friends and teach the Bergens that true happiness comes from within.
Why it’s great: Trolls promotes the idea that happiness is a state of mind, and it can be found within ourselves and by spreading joy to others. The movie encourages children to stay positive, be resilient in the face of challenges, and find strength in their friendships and community.
STORKS
What it’s about: Storks depicts a world where storks used to deliver babies but have now transitioned to delivering packages for a retail giant. Junior, a stork about to be promoted, accidentally activates the Baby Making Machine and produces an unauthorized baby. Together with an orphan girl named Tulip, they embark on a hilarious adventure to deliver the baby before anyone finds out.
Why it’s great: Storks highlights the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and embracing change. The film encourages children to be resourceful, adaptable, and to support their friends in times of trouble. It also conveys the idea that families come in different forms and love can be found in unexpected ways.
BRAVE
What it’s about: Brave tells the story of Merida, a skilled archer and impetuous princess of Scotland. Frustrated with her arranged marriage, she makes a reckless choice that unleashes chaos in her kingdom. Merida must learn the true meaning of bravery as she faces magical challenges and seeks to mend the bonds with her family.
Why it’s great: Brave inspires children to challenge traditional gender roles and societal expectations, encouraging them to follow their hearts and be true to themselves. The movie emphasizes the significance of communication, understanding, and finding common ground within families to foster love and respect.
COCO
What it’s about: Coco centers around Miguel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, Miguel finds himself magically transported to the Land of the Dead on Dia de los Muertos. There, he embarks on a quest to uncover his family’s history and reconcile his passion for music with his love for his family.
Why it’s great: Coco celebrates the importance of family, tradition, and remembering our ancestors. The film encourages children to pursue their passions while staying connected to their roots. It also teaches the value of honoring and respecting those who came before us, as they continue to live on through the memories and stories we share.
