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20 kids movies with a message

These movies will keep your kids entertained, while teaching them important life lessons. Whether it be about friendship, teamwork or families - these movies all have a great message in them.
Four characters, including a lion, scarecrow, girl, and tin man, from "The Wizard of Oz" stand together in a forest.
Belle reading to Beast and enchanted objects in a cozy room from "Beauty and the Beast."

Aside from singing household implements and a big scary beast who’s really a big softie, Beauty and the Beast teaches kids why it’s important not to judge a book by its cover. You never know what (or who) is inside.

Babe the pig stands smiling in a scenic countryside with farm animals and a glowing sunset sky in the background.

A little pig follows his dream of becoming a sheep dog despite people (or other animals) telling him he can’t do it? The message is clear – if you can dream it, you can do it!

Young girl holding piglet surrounded by farm animals and a blue sky. "Charlotte's Web" title with web background.

Better for the older kids due to its sad ending, Charlotte’s Web goes against today’s “every man for himself” thinking. Instead, it’s about friendship, unconditional love and doing what you can to help another person (or pig).

Claymation chickens from "Chicken Run" look surprised inside a barn, with varied expressions and outfits.

A group of chickens and a crazy rooster must band together to escape their evil owners and their pie machine. It’s a great fun flick, all about the importance of … teamwork!

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Boy in red hoodie looks up beside E.T., an alien with a glowing heart, from the movie "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial."

Littlies might be a little bit scared by this funny lookin’ fella, but older kids will love it – although some of the referrences might be a little dated. The message? We may be from different planets, but we can still be friends.

Dumbo, the flying elephant, soars with Timothy the mouse on his hat against a circus backdrop in a nighttime scene.

Kids will love the adorable Dumbo, but watch out mums (and dads) – the scene where he gets separated from his mum is a real tear jerker. Teaches kids about how having faith and belief in yourself can lead to amazing things. Plus, how a mother’s love is unconditional – big ears or not.

Animated "FernGully: The Last Rainforest" movie poster with fairies, a magical forest, and characters flying.

It may be nearly 10 years old, but the message in Fern Gully is still very relevant today – we need to take care of the environment or we will lose it forever.

Dory and Marlin, characters from "Finding Nemo," swim among colorful coral in a vibrant underwater scene.

Aside from being great fun, Finding Nemo teaches us about courage, family and friendship.

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Two women stand together; one in a suit holding a briefcase, the other in a denim jacket with a red electric guitar.

I think every mum should get her daughter to watch this movie. Gives a little bit of insight into what it might be like to spend a day (or more) in your mother’s shoes, and vice versa.

Two animated dogs, one gray and one brown, share a spaghetti dinner by candlelight at an outdoor table.

A classic tale about breaking down the “class” barriers. You can find friends in all sorts of places, just because someone is from a different “side of the tracks” doesn’t mean you can’t be friends.

Animated character with a dragon holds a birdcage, cherry blossoms in the background.

One of Disney’s most underrated movies! Mulan features a heroine who isn’t content to sit around and wait for her prince to rescue her – brave, heroic and empowered.

Monsters from "Monsters, Inc." including Sulley and Mike stand in front of a company logo in a factory setting.

Your kids will never be afraid of monsters in the closet again! In fact, they may hope there ARE because these guys are so much fun. A classic buddy tale, with a bit of good vs evil (and of course good always wins) thrown in as well.

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Two coaches celebrating with a football, surrounded by cheering football players.

For parents and slightly older kids, there are lots of great messages in this movie. Acceptance, friendship, teamwork and how hard work can pay off.

Shrek the ogre smiling in a forest setting, from the animated movie series "Shrek".

Loved by kids and adults alike, Shrek is all about how being different isn’t a bad thing, and why it’s important not to judge people by how they look.

Ariel the mermaid with Flounder and Sebastian underwater, from Disney's "The Little Mermaid."

Ariel is bored with life as a princess under the sea and goes against her father’s wishes to spend time with Prince Eric, who she is in love with. This movie is about being happy with what you have, sacrifice, acceptance, with a little bit of love thrown in for good measure.

Characters from "The Lion King" gathered on Pride Rock, including Simba, Mufasa, Rafiki, and others, under a blue sky.

A timeless classic. The Lion King features betrayal, loss, shame, disappointment, friendship, bravery and family – plus a great soundtrack and lots of funny quotes.

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Group of boys in baseball attire stand together, smiling, in front of a fence with "The Sandlot" title overhead.

A very cute movie. There’s a character in here that everyone can relate to – the brainiac, the sporty guy, the joker, the one with glasses. Despite their different quirks, these kids are great friends and band together to beat the baddies!

Buzz Lightyear and Woody stand on a colorful bed in a room with cloud wallpaper, from the movie Toy Story.

Each of these movies have a fun and fantastical storyline, but the message about friendship, compromise and learning to accept people’s differences is clear in each one.

Group of adults and children in colorful outfits looking up in a whimsical, green, and surreal landscape.

Let’s ignore the weird guy in the hat. Charlie is a good kid but from a poor family, all the other kids are spoilt, rich brats who are horrible to their parents and ignore Willy’s requests not to touch or eat things. End result? Naughty kids turn blue or end up as “bad nuts”, while good boys get the whole chocolate factory!

Characters from "The Wizard of Oz": Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, Dorothy, and Tin Man standing together in a forest scene.

An oldie but still a goodie. Dorothy and her travelling companions learn about friendship, compassion, bravery and acceptance. Plus, how a great pair of shoes can take you all sorts of places!

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