Movies That Inspire Kids to Change the World

Inspiration comes from a variety of sources, but movies can be particularly powerful for kids and teens. Whether it's the environmental message of FernGully that gets young kids thinking about the Earth differently or a documentary like Food, Inc. that inspires kids to change their eating habits, the movies in this list can spur action. Many of these films have a specific aim to persuade viewers to think a certain way, so parents can help kids understand different sides of the issues as a means of keeping kids media savvy.

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Pixie Hollow Games Poster Image
MOVIE

Pixie Hollow Games

age 4+

Beautifully animated "fairy" tale teaches about teamwork.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Dr. Seuss: The Lorax Poster Image
MOVIE

Dr. Seuss: The Lorax

age 5+

Outstanding 1970s parable about protecting nature.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1972)
My Little Pony: A New Generation Poster Image
MOVIE

My Little Pony: A New Generation

age 5+

Sweet tale of acceptance has some mildly scary scenes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
It's the Small Things, Charlie Brown Poster Image
MOVIE

Snoopy Presents: It's the Small Things, Charlie Brown

age 5+

Endearing tale of environmentalism and activism.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
A Beautiful Planet Poster Image
MOVIE

A Beautiful Planet

age 6+

Stunning look at Earth -- and man's sobering impact on it.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Back from the Brink: Saved from Extinction Poster Image
MOVIE

Back from the Brink: Saved from Extinction

age 6+

IMAX nature docu proves human efforts can make a difference.

In Theaters (Release Year: 2019)
Backyard Wilderness Poster Image
MOVIE

Backyard Wilderness

age 6+

Nature triumphs over devices in inspiring nature docu.

In Theaters (Release Year: 2018)
Dear Dumb Diary Poster Image
MOVIE

Dear Dumb Diary

age 6+

Books-inspired movie has great social messages for kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
FernGully: The Last Rainforest Poster Image
MOVIE

FernGully: The Last Rainforest

age 6+

Family favorite features strong environmental message.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1992)
March of the Penguins Poster Image
MOVIE

March of the Penguins

age 6+

Stunning, loving documentary; some intense peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2005)
Batkid Begins Poster Image
MOVIE

Batkid Begins

age 7+

Tremendously heartwarming, positive docu for all ages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Dolphin Tale Poster Image
MOVIE

Dolphin Tale

age 7+

Heartwarming tale is sweet, inspiring for kids and tweens.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)
Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable Poster Image
MOVIE

Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable

age 8+

Inspirational docu has themes of perseverance, gratitude.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Imba Means Sing Poster Image
MOVIE

Imba Means Sing

age 8+

Vibrant, uplifting docu about African children's choir.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest Poster Image
MOVIE

We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest

age 8+

Docu about kids living MLK's legacy gives all the feels.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
What's on Your Plate? Poster Image
MOVIE

What's on Your Plate?

age 8+

Excellent docu teaches Fast Food Nation-like lessons.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2010)
Woman in Motion Poster Image
MOVIE

Woman in Motion

age 8+

Docu about role model Nichelle Nichols inspires, delights.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Chasing Coral Poster Image
MOVIE

Chasing Coral

age 9+

Awe-inspiring, poignant docu tracks decline of coral reefs.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
A Place at the Table Poster Image
MOVIE

A Place at the Table

age 9+

Powerful docu explores the problem of hunger in America.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Kindness Is Contagious Poster Image
MOVIE

Kindness Is Contagious

age 9+

Warm, feel-good docu about being nice is uplifting.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)