The Bible says in Ephesians 4:32, Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. If you’re looking to instill compassion in your children, this MOVIEGUIDE® curated list features films that focus on kindness. From a love-sick robot to a little lost fish, these characters demonstrate empathy. Your little ones will see love in action within these movies.
DESPICABLE ME is an action-packed movie about a criminal mastermind who adopts three orphan girls as pawns for his dastardly 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. It contains pro-family and pro-adoption messages. There is mild potty humor and strong slapstick violence. MOVIEGUIDE® suggests caution for young children. DESPICABLE ME is a hilarious romp for kids 6 and up.
Read the Full Review →WINNIE THE POOH is a darling film about Pooh and his friends’ latest adventure in the Hundred Acre Wood. Pooh’s pal Eeyore has lost his tail, and all the friends come to the rescue to search for a replacement. Whoever finds the best tail, wins the coveted jar of honey. WINNIE THE POOH features redemptive moments about helping a friend in need. It contains light cartoon violence that is mostly Tigger-related. All in all, it’s a tender movie for the whole family.
Read the Full Review →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 reaction to a bee sting. After being sent to the bullfighting ring, he teams up with a misfit group of animals to find his way home. While FERDINAND has a strong moral worldview stressing love over hate, there are romantic elements that may be confusing for young children. For the most part, it’s a charming movie for kids 6 and up.
Read the Full Review →BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is the Disney adaptation of the classic fairytale. The story follows Belle, a French girl who longs to escape from her macho suiter. Her life changes when she’s imprisoned by a brooding beast who was once a Prince. It’s a sweet story about empathy and the power of love. Not to mention the many unforgettable songs. The movie contains light violence and some course language but nothing too objectionable. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a classic film but has some parts that may be scary for under 6.
Read the Full Review →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, it’s a sweet story with an old-fashioned feel that kids will love. THE PEANUTS MOVIE is a family-friendly flick for children 4+.
Read the Full Review →Disney’s animated comedy, LILO & STITCH, is a delightful discovery. Lilo’s parents died in a car accident, and her older sister, Nani is raising her in Hawaii. #626, an illegal life form created by an evil scientist in a distant galaxy, crash lands in Hawaii. Posing as a puppy, #626 is grabbed up by Lilo. Hilarious antics ensue as Nani and Lilo try to teach him how to fit in. LILO & STITCH has a strong moral worldview stressing the value of family, yet contains light, comic references to evolution and voodoo.
Read the Full Review →WALL*E is a Dinsey and Pixar film set in the distant future. It follows the story of a solitary robot who cleans up garbage 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 light peril and cartoon violence so MOVIEGUIDE® suggests caution for young children. WALL*E is a fantastic film for kids 5 and up.
Read the Full Review →UP is a Pixar and Disney animated movie about 78-year-old Carl, who fulfills his late wife’s dream of traveling to Paradise Falls by turning his house into a blimp with hundreds of balloons. Once on his way, he discovers a young stowaway who goes on an epic adventure with him. It has a very strong Christian worldview, but there is light cartoon peril. Best of all, UP features a friendship between unlikely characters. It’s a fun film with a lot of heart for the 6+ crowd.
Read the Full Review →CINDERELLA is the live-action reboot of the beloved fairy tale. It tells the story of Ella, whose father unexpectedly passes away, leaving her at the mercy of her unkind stepmother and two stepsisters. Ella’s luck turns when she meets her fairy godmother. The movie features a very strong moral worldview and touches on redemptive themes of hope, loyalty and mercy. It contains light violence, so MOVIEGUIDE® suggests parents use caution for kids under 6. CINDERELLA is a magical movie about overcoming adversity with grace.
Read the Full Review →FINDING DORY is the follow-up film to the beloved animated movie FINDING NEMO. This time, the plot centers around the absent-minded fish Dory, who embarks on a journey to find her long-lost parents. Marlin and Nemo join her in the search and learn lessons about the true meaning of family. It’s a delightful movie with a very strong moral worldview and only a few scenes with light cartoon violence. Best of all, FINDING DORY gives kids a glimpse of ocean life, making it a fantastic watch for curious 6+ kids.
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