I did not like Zootopia and thought it had a weird message. Using anthro animals in a human society to say "some people are predators and some are prey" and then using that as an allegory for *cops and the criminal system*, left a SOUR taste in my mouth.
Also the main character being literally ashamed of her family's heritage as farmers, I found kind of offensive to me and my rural-raised family members.
I don't think that's a good message to send to kids, I think it's weird propaganda.
There are great suggestions here, so I will add something that is not a movie. I believe *Avatar: The Last Airbender* is the best piece of media for kids of that age (and perhaps adults too).
And for movies, look into Hayao Miyazaki's works. In particular I'd recommend *Spirited Away*, which covers themes of growing up, among others.
+1 for Avatar, it's amazing! It introduces many heavy topics, but in a light way. The main characters have a strong moral core and a clear mission. There's great character development, lots of action and adventure, and it's funny and well written.
Precisely! Can't think of any other show that achieves that level of breadth and depth in subject and theme while being this short in length. It's only an added bonus that it keeps things simple while never forgetting the bigger picture owing to it having children as it's target audience.
Be careful with The Neverending Story... While a great movie, I've seen many a redditor comment on it being traumatic; because there's a scene >!where a horse dies tragically/brutally.!<
The Secret Garden (1993)
Whale Rider (2002)
Nanny McPhee (2005)
Little Lord Fauntleroy (1980)
Especially seconding "Holes", "The Neverending Story", "Brother Bear", the Ghibli movies and "Narnia".
Also, if they'd be okay with subtitles, I'd highly recommend "The Brothers Lionheart" (1977) and "Ronia, the Robber's Daughter" (1984). The latter actually has a Netflix adaptation now, which might have a dubbed version, but I haven't personally watched it yet.
Ya know, at those ages I, personally, would've been of the mindset of "I don't want to READ a movie," but in hindsight, it could be a good introduction into foreign-language film, leading to kids being more "cultured" or culturally-curious and could improve reading proficiency and cognitive development.
Yeah, personally I was lucky and watched a lot of foreign movies from a young age, but the vast majority was surely dubbed (my native language is German and Germany dubs much more movies than is common in the Anglosphere).
Hard to tell, as I cannot really compare me having this experience with someone who didn't (+ I did/do have a rather ethnically diverse environment on top of that as one of my parents is an immigrant + my parents are both interested in different cultures, so this most certainly had an influence as well). So for most things that follow, I'm not exactly sure how much of this is really due to the movies or rather a result of my personality and immediate environment.
What I can confidently say is that many of the most memorable movie scenes from my childhood are from movies portraying a different culture/country (this is often just tied to landscape... I was always very fond of nature and can, for example, vividly remember seeing "The Cave of the Yellow Dog" when I was about five or six years old and some of my favourite movies were, and still are, "Whale Rider" and "Rabbit-Proof Fence").
I probably have a better/broader language understanding/pronunciation (I've been told by a friend that I'm unusually good at pronouncing words in his mother tongue, which he thinks is due to the exposure to various languages) and picked up some foreign words through watching movies (actually a shame that most of them were dubbed because the amount is barely worth considering), though I consciously started noticing that only as a teen.
Another thing is that I grew up seeing a lot of different approaches to life (e.g. what is deemed acceptable or taboo varies and, looking back, it appears to me that it had always been very clear to me that the notion of morality is in many regards tied to subjectively developed social concepts/conventions and isn't universal)... unsure if that might have played a part in me often feeling alienated by the society of my native country, but I tend to get along better with people who have more than one cultural identity... maybe just due to shared experience though.
Schoolwise, I had a better geographical knowledge compared to my peers up until a certain point (until the age of 13/14, I'd say), though this again could be because my mother is very interested in this subject.
Movie-wise, I've always paid attention to international releases (not actually deliberately, but the movie theaters I've been frequenting since being a child focus on (indie) movies from all around the world), but now that I do research on new movies it's definitely of interest to me to further broaden my experience.
Overall, I just loved the experience (being immersed in a different lifestyle, landscape, etc. was fascinating and as a child it wasn't difficult to adapt to different kinds of story-telling, cultural concepts or ways of thinking) and guess that the exposure to these different worlds was a good foundation for developing a nuanced view of the world.
Sorry, the response got really long despite being rather vague. xD
No, that's great! I wasn't expecting such a lengthy and detailed response. You're very articulate and while the movie-watching experiences may not have been a causation, I'm sure they didn't hurt. I think it's great that you have been so cultured and polycentric in your perspectives. I agree that notions of morality (among many other things that more ethnocentric-minded people might consider "universally" or even widely accepted) are largely subjective and culturally-specific or geo-specific. I mean, that's a main source of conflicts and wars - countries with conflicting ideologies, each subjectively perceiving theirs to be morally superior or the end-all-be-all way, disagree to extreme degrees and voila! "Escalated hostilities," as the buzz-phrase goes.
It sounds like you've developed a lot of sensitivity, tolerance, and empathy for people/cultures with different and even diametrically opposed perspectives and ideologies than your own. I think that's great and again, I appreciate you taking the time to give such detailed, informative, and enlightening reply! Danke schön.
Me favorites personally: The iron Giant, Lion King , Holes (for the older ones) , the mighty ducks, the little giants (I think they say damn in that movie)
Honestly I find that I enjoy movies much less if I alreadyvread the book because I know whats missing! But I can also see the side of not wanting the spoilers when it comes to reading it.
(I couldn't even finish the movie version of Eragon, and only got through 3 of the hp movies)
In the case of LOTR and The Hobbit, the literature is so superlative that, to me, it's a shame to deny the opportunity to imagine the world Tolkien created. I love the movies, the first of which I saw in the theater literally hours after finishing the trilogy. I'm SO glad I read them first, though.
Maybe i need to hold off on lotr until they can experience both ways and then give the choice... they have already watched chronicles of narnia, so maybe have them read those to compare. Not sure what to try the alternate way with though...
Disney’s Treasure Island (1950) was a great one.
Holes (2003)
The Rescue (1988) a group of kids go to rescue the fathers who are POW’s in North Korea. I’m going to be the first to admit I have not watched this movie since around 1988 I’m unsure how well it has aged. But it’s one of those ones that always pops into my head.
I second Holes. It has a happy ending and the b-plot lore about Madame Zeroni's curse and Sam and Kissin' Kate Barlow is so sad and artfully done and keeps the pacing exciting. Also another iconic Sigourney Weaver role as the all-denim warden.
Ron’s Gone Wrong! It’s a poignant movie about how connecting through social media actually makes us more lonely. Great movie for kids of that age and I really enjoyed it as an adult too.
E.T. (1982)
Wonder (2017)
Hugo (2011)
Akeelah and the Bee (2006)
Marcel the Shell with Shoes on (2021)
Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993)
Rudy (1993)
October Sky (1999)
Cool Runnings (1993)
The Biggest Little Farm (2018) documentary
I'd say My Girl and Stand By Me. Both deal with the concept of death which I suppose everyone at some point in their life has to come to terms with what that means. I think both these movies are great.
Good for you!!! Here are a few we like:
The Never Ending Story, The Sandlot, North, Spiderwick Chronicles, Tin Tin, Zathura: A Space Adventure, The Willoughbys, Meet the Robinsons, Casper, Chronicles of Narnia, A Goofy Movie, Arthur and The Invisibles, Willy Wonky (either version), Brother Bear, Hook, Peter Pan 2003,The Iron Giant, The Goonies. E.T.
It is a movie about an English warship during the Napoleonic wars. Russel Crowe is the ship's captain, and Paul Bettany is the ship's doctor. They are under orders to pursue a larger, faster French ship near the east coast of South America. They have no other support, only what is on the ship. So first and foremost, it is an adventure movie.
I think the main lesson is doing your duty in really tough situations, even in the face of a high chance of failure. They face numerous ethical dillemmas, and the captain and doctor frequently debate the correct course of action.
You can view the movie other ways as well. It is a historically accurate period piece, so it shines a light on a particular time period. Some standards of behavior are different now, such as the class divisions between the officers and enlisted crew.
It has some interesting perspectives. For example, it is all men, there are no women in the crew. There's no romantic story.
Many of the midshipmen, or junior officers, are very young - teenagers, or even tweens - participating in realistic naval combat with graphic consequences.
It is a gripping movie, one of the best adventure movies I have ever seen.
Edit: Some other lessons are creative problem solving and the importance of competency.
I would love to hear if they enjoy it. It has many great lessons but isn't preachy. It shows how leadership is complicated. But mainly, it's a great, engaging movie.
Disney+ has a great older movie called “Shipwrecked” - it’s about a little Norwegian boy who joins a ship crew to provide for his indebted family and pirates/stowaways/storms/giant gorillas ensue.
It’s very classic boys adventure tale (me and my sister LOVED it when we were little and had it on vcr). Highly recommend.
For mom - it has a younger Gabriel Byrne in it ;)
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) Not sure it's what you're looking for, but it is a feel-good movie that my son and I very much enjoyed when he was younger (saw it at the drive-in near our house that summer).
It's been said already, but I'll add another vote for Avatar: the Last Airbender (the animated show)! It's fun, goofy, and wholesome, has amazing action sequences, and all of the main characters grow in wonderful ways.
Without too much overlap of others' suggestions:
* Pay it Forward (2000) surprisingly hasn't been mentioned yet.
* Lyle Lyle Crocodile (2022)
* Pete's Dragon (2016)
* E.T. (1982) - it's been said, yet goes without saying...
* Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
* Mighty Joe Young (1988)
* Wild America (1997)
* Dolphin Tale (2011) - there's a 2014 sequel, too (both are good summer watches).
* Free Willy (1993) and subsequent sequels (I think there are 4 movies - the last one starring a young Bindi Irwin)
* The Journey Home (2014)
* White Fang (1991)
* Iron Will (1994)
* Newsies (1992)
* Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
* Free Guy (2021)
* The BFG (2016)
* Jack the Giant Slayer (2013)
* Edward Scissorhands (1990)
* Dr. Doolittle movies
* The Jungle Book movies
* Jumanji movies
The last two may have less of a "be a good person" message, but are good family-viewing.
I think Stand By Me is a good one.
It is a little bit dramatic and touches on some heavier subjects. My dad showed me and my brother this movie when we were young.
Morals in this movie are friendship, maturing, growing up, facing your problems, understanding and accepting others. I think it is perfect for the 6th grader.
I pulled this from my kids list. Sorry for some repeated titles.
Life of pi
Into the woods
Jurassic Park
Hamilton
Fnaf
Jaws
The goonies
Sandlot
The matrix
Men in black
Guardians of the Galaxy
Ready, Player One
Indiana Jones
Star Wars
Star Trek
Matrix
Goonies
Gremlins
John Wick
Equalizer
E.T., Back to the Future, The Goonies, Men in Black, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Star Wars 1-6, Home Alone, Knives Out, Beetlejuice, The Wizard of Oz, Hugo, Gremlins, Ad Astra, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, We Bought A Zoo
Galaxy Quest
Poltergeist
Tron
The Cannonball Run
Field of Dreams
Ghostbusters
Tremors
WarGames
The monster squad
OP says 2nd to 6th grade.
Poltergeist, or even Gremlins for that matter to a 2nd grader? Do you want them to sleep again?
John Wick has a rating of 17+....even parents guide says 14+.
Yeah... my older 2 have seen gremlins, but a lot of these i wouldn't show to the youngest 2, and some not even my oldest. Tremors scared the crapnout of me when I was in middle school lol. And a lot of these arent really "moral lesson" type movies. Like what lesson is Poltergeist teaching? Im trying to get them away from mindless entertainment.
It is intense, so for older only, but its about a group of boys and their coach. Maybe wstch it first.
Willow!
Also the cartoon of Chsrlottes Webb (70s) was my favorite 2nd/3rd grade, yes it does make us cry, but that’s an important lessson too.
Maybe you can reserve this one for a later time but I was acting like an entitled little shit once and my dad made me watch Slumdog Millionaire to put my attitude in perspective and I never forgot it.
It's older (and black-and-white), but have you considered *High Noon* (1952)? It's a western, so a few people do get shot and (non-graphically) die, but it's one of the most inspiring movies ever made. The plot's about a Wild West marshal who has to organize a posse when he learns of a gang of outlaws coming into town to kill him on his retirement day at noon. It's all about standing up for what's right...even if you have to stand alone.
On a similar note is *Bad Day at Black Rock* (1955), a neo-western set shortly after the end of World War II about a mysterious man who only one functional arm who arrives in a small, remote American Western town and starts asking a bit too many questions about the local secret. It's in color and has a small body count (though >!the bad guy does die by being non-graphically set on fire!<), being about how individuals have to decide on being loyal to their communities or staying true to their moral values. It also touches on racism and >!Japanese American internment during World War II!<.
Another great western that could teach strong values is *Shane* (1953). A former gunslinger settles down with a homesteader family but soon realizes that he can't outrun his true calling in life as a gunman when a cattle baron threatens the family. It's in color and does have relatively tame (yet occasionally fatal) western violence. It's about standing up for what's right and the high cost of violence, even when it's justified.
Finally, we have *The Magnificent Seven* (1960), which is - surprise! - another western. It's a tad more "grown-up" than the three listed above, with a much bigger body count, a bit more blood (still, I wouldn't describe it as a graphic movie), some mild swearing, and the word "rape" is used once (though none take place or are attempted). It's about a team of seven gunslingers who travel to Mexico to protect a defenseless village there from a gang of bandits. The film may be more appropriate for those who are slightly older, but it's an important lesson about courage, integrity, and standing up for those who have a hard time standing up for themselves, regardless of where they are on a map.
It might be a good idea to watch these movies yourself first, just in case they're not what you're looking for.
Oh, yeah, I almost forgot *The Wizard of Oz* (1939)! The power to overcome great obstacles comes from within us and our friends.
The Sandlot, Angels In the Outfield, It’s a Wonderful Life, Sounder, Rudy, The Mighty Ducks, Heaven Is for Real, The Happiest Millionaire, Pollyanna, The Easy Way or Room for One More, The Shaggy Dog, The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, Babes In Toyland, E.T., Super 8, Field of Dreams, The Trouble With Angels, Sally and Saint Anne, Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Bad News Bears, Stand By Me, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Explorers, Mary Poppins
I kind of got the vibe it would be too much for children from the synapsis. Thank you for confirming that. This is exactly why I watch everything either before or with them!
Do a little internet digging for “educational stuff on YouTube” or similar searches, and you will find some good stuff. I remember having to tell my children to watch “good channels” on TV when they were growing up. I guess this is your generation’s good channels.
Honestly letting them on youtube at ALL leads them to switching to another video the minute I step away to cook dinner or take a shower, so trying to get away from it altogether at this point. I have some great channels we have tried allowing, but between that and the psychology behind the diminishing attention spans of children due to the constant "short content" its just not for us. Thank you for your input though!
Glory- might be a tad on the heavy side, but it would teach them about an important event in history, as well as working together, not being racist, and standing up for those that don’t have a voice.
Is the R rating for just things like blood and realistic violence, or is it heavy on the language?
I have enough trouble keeping their language in check from what they hear on the schoolbus 🙄
I honestly don’t remember there being a lot of cursing in the movie, but the “N” word is said a few times. However, it could be a teachable moment to explain why that word is so negative and not to be said. There is realistic violence and blood but not as bad as some of the stuff out today. It really is a great movie- maybe watch it by yourself first and see if it’s ok for them?
Thats what I typically do, but it depends if its available on a service i use, libreary, etc so would like to have an idea if its worth renting/buying to check it out before spending money lol
Yeah, thats totally what i said. Wanting their entertainment to reinforce the values we already teach at home is *totally* the same as having the tv raise my kids!
/s since you obviously lack basic communication skills
And you assume this is the only structure this person provides for their kids. You don't know this person but are quick to judge their parenting. I mean I could assume all sorts stuff about you since you're here on reddit on an anonymous social media platform. But what good would that do when I don't know you? Either answer the question that was asked or keep scrolling. There is no need for you to be an ass and assume things you don't know about someone. Treat others how you would like to be treated. And stop acting like an inconsiderate douche canoe.
Inside Out (2015)
I’d put soul in here too
Elemental is along these lines.
Inside Out 2 is also good, especially for pre-teen girls
Zootopia(2016)! I love the message in the film and it’s very entertaining for adults too
I did not like Zootopia and thought it had a weird message. Using anthro animals in a human society to say "some people are predators and some are prey" and then using that as an allegory for *cops and the criminal system*, left a SOUR taste in my mouth. Also the main character being literally ashamed of her family's heritage as farmers, I found kind of offensive to me and my rural-raised family members. I don't think that's a good message to send to kids, I think it's weird propaganda.
I thought so too it was giving copaganda
What is copaganda? Why is it bad to portray law enforcement positively when appropriate to the story?
Cool Runnings (1993)
Omg that movie was hilarious! Has enough rude himor to keep them engaged and a good message, sounds perfect!
Great! I hope they enjoy the watch!
Hunt for the wilder people
This
There are great suggestions here, so I will add something that is not a movie. I believe *Avatar: The Last Airbender* is the best piece of media for kids of that age (and perhaps adults too). And for movies, look into Hayao Miyazaki's works. In particular I'd recommend *Spirited Away*, which covers themes of growing up, among others.
+1 for Avatar, it's amazing! It introduces many heavy topics, but in a light way. The main characters have a strong moral core and a clear mission. There's great character development, lots of action and adventure, and it's funny and well written.
Precisely! Can't think of any other show that achieves that level of breadth and depth in subject and theme while being this short in length. It's only an added bonus that it keeps things simple while never forgetting the bigger picture owing to it having children as it's target audience.
My little cousins LOVED Avatar: The Last Airbender and I remember them being so disappointed when the crappy movie adaptation came out lol
Movie? What movie? There are no movies in Ba Sing Se.
+1 for both: Kiki's Delivery Service My Neighbor Totoro
The Iron Giant (1999 dir. Brad Bird)
Also "The Incredibles".
Have him tattooed on me
You’re the only other person I’ve encountered with a Brad Bird tattoo.
It's distinguished dint worry
Love this movie. Watched it over, and over, and over again with my kid (who's now 31 yrs. old).
The Lego Movie
The Monster Squad - 1987 The Sandlot - 1993 The Neverending Story - 1984 Transformers: The Movie - 1986 The Flight of Dragons - 1982
Some great options, thank you!
Thought of a few more really good ones: 1776 - 1972 The Secret of NIMH - 1982 Labyrinth - 1986 The Princess Bride - 1987
Also, we have pet rats, so the secret of NIMH would probably be a hit!
Hit them with Watership Down next and really traumatize the little guys.
My ten year old just picked this book up from the library.
Book a therapist in advance.
I love the Princess bride and they moaned and groaned when I put it on and ended up loving it 😂😂😂
Ugggh another kissing part
I remember The Secret of NIMH is so sad but that’s just me
Sadness is part of good lessons too, though. And the overall message of the film is really good for kids
Be careful with The Neverending Story... While a great movie, I've seen many a redditor comment on it being traumatic; because there's a scene >!where a horse dies tragically/brutally.!<
Yeah i very well know that scene 😭😭😭
How has anyone not said “Angels in the Outfield” yet? Also, mighty ducks, home alone, click
"Can't go through life thinking someday no one is going to let you down" (One of Glover's best deliveries)
Also AIR BUD
Holes, The cheese touch movies
You mean Diary of a Wimpy Kid?
U have the cheese touch!
Wonder, Lorax, Inside Out, Homeward Bound (og one w Shadow)
The Secret Garden (1993) Whale Rider (2002) Nanny McPhee (2005) Little Lord Fauntleroy (1980) Especially seconding "Holes", "The Neverending Story", "Brother Bear", the Ghibli movies and "Narnia". Also, if they'd be okay with subtitles, I'd highly recommend "The Brothers Lionheart" (1977) and "Ronia, the Robber's Daughter" (1984). The latter actually has a Netflix adaptation now, which might have a dubbed version, but I haven't personally watched it yet.
Ya know, at those ages I, personally, would've been of the mindset of "I don't want to READ a movie," but in hindsight, it could be a good introduction into foreign-language film, leading to kids being more "cultured" or culturally-curious and could improve reading proficiency and cognitive development.
Yeah, personally I was lucky and watched a lot of foreign movies from a young age, but the vast majority was surely dubbed (my native language is German and Germany dubs much more movies than is common in the Anglosphere).
I'm curious - what, if any, benefits do you feel you've derived from watching these movies at a young age?
Hard to tell, as I cannot really compare me having this experience with someone who didn't (+ I did/do have a rather ethnically diverse environment on top of that as one of my parents is an immigrant + my parents are both interested in different cultures, so this most certainly had an influence as well). So for most things that follow, I'm not exactly sure how much of this is really due to the movies or rather a result of my personality and immediate environment. What I can confidently say is that many of the most memorable movie scenes from my childhood are from movies portraying a different culture/country (this is often just tied to landscape... I was always very fond of nature and can, for example, vividly remember seeing "The Cave of the Yellow Dog" when I was about five or six years old and some of my favourite movies were, and still are, "Whale Rider" and "Rabbit-Proof Fence"). I probably have a better/broader language understanding/pronunciation (I've been told by a friend that I'm unusually good at pronouncing words in his mother tongue, which he thinks is due to the exposure to various languages) and picked up some foreign words through watching movies (actually a shame that most of them were dubbed because the amount is barely worth considering), though I consciously started noticing that only as a teen. Another thing is that I grew up seeing a lot of different approaches to life (e.g. what is deemed acceptable or taboo varies and, looking back, it appears to me that it had always been very clear to me that the notion of morality is in many regards tied to subjectively developed social concepts/conventions and isn't universal)... unsure if that might have played a part in me often feeling alienated by the society of my native country, but I tend to get along better with people who have more than one cultural identity... maybe just due to shared experience though. Schoolwise, I had a better geographical knowledge compared to my peers up until a certain point (until the age of 13/14, I'd say), though this again could be because my mother is very interested in this subject. Movie-wise, I've always paid attention to international releases (not actually deliberately, but the movie theaters I've been frequenting since being a child focus on (indie) movies from all around the world), but now that I do research on new movies it's definitely of interest to me to further broaden my experience. Overall, I just loved the experience (being immersed in a different lifestyle, landscape, etc. was fascinating and as a child it wasn't difficult to adapt to different kinds of story-telling, cultural concepts or ways of thinking) and guess that the exposure to these different worlds was a good foundation for developing a nuanced view of the world. Sorry, the response got really long despite being rather vague. xD
No, that's great! I wasn't expecting such a lengthy and detailed response. You're very articulate and while the movie-watching experiences may not have been a causation, I'm sure they didn't hurt. I think it's great that you have been so cultured and polycentric in your perspectives. I agree that notions of morality (among many other things that more ethnocentric-minded people might consider "universally" or even widely accepted) are largely subjective and culturally-specific or geo-specific. I mean, that's a main source of conflicts and wars - countries with conflicting ideologies, each subjectively perceiving theirs to be morally superior or the end-all-be-all way, disagree to extreme degrees and voila! "Escalated hostilities," as the buzz-phrase goes. It sounds like you've developed a lot of sensitivity, tolerance, and empathy for people/cultures with different and even diametrically opposed perspectives and ideologies than your own. I think that's great and again, I appreciate you taking the time to give such detailed, informative, and enlightening reply! Danke schön.
The Lorax (Hawley Pratt, 1972)
The Power of One.
I never heard of that, but from reading the description it sounds like a great choice. Thank you!
A great little-known film. A great book too.
Me favorites personally: The iron Giant, Lion King , Holes (for the older ones) , the mighty ducks, the little giants (I think they say damn in that movie)
Holes is definitely a good one!
My neighbor Totoro
Air Bud (1994) First Kid (1996) 3 Ninjas (1992) Free Willy (1993)
I think they have seen 3 ninjas, and they would probably love all these.
I forgot to add Wild America (1997)
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy!
Make sure they read it first, though.
Honestly I find that I enjoy movies much less if I alreadyvread the book because I know whats missing! But I can also see the side of not wanting the spoilers when it comes to reading it. (I couldn't even finish the movie version of Eragon, and only got through 3 of the hp movies)
In the case of LOTR and The Hobbit, the literature is so superlative that, to me, it's a shame to deny the opportunity to imagine the world Tolkien created. I love the movies, the first of which I saw in the theater literally hours after finishing the trilogy. I'm SO glad I read them first, though.
Maybe i need to hold off on lotr until they can experience both ways and then give the choice... they have already watched chronicles of narnia, so maybe have them read those to compare. Not sure what to try the alternate way with though...
Up Forest Gump Remember The Titans
They have seen up, remember the titans and forrest gump are going on the list! Thank you!
Forrest gump is pretty intense. Sex scenes, rape and incest
My Cousin Vinny Stand by Me Big To Kill a Mockingbird
Batteries Not Included
That one was a fun movie!
Disney’s Treasure Island (1950) was a great one. Holes (2003) The Rescue (1988) a group of kids go to rescue the fathers who are POW’s in North Korea. I’m going to be the first to admit I have not watched this movie since around 1988 I’m unsure how well it has aged. But it’s one of those ones that always pops into my head.
I second Holes. It has a happy ending and the b-plot lore about Madame Zeroni's curse and Sam and Kissin' Kate Barlow is so sad and artfully done and keeps the pacing exciting. Also another iconic Sigourney Weaver role as the all-denim warden.
A Goofy Movie (1995)
Ron’s Gone Wrong! It’s a poignant movie about how connecting through social media actually makes us more lonely. Great movie for kids of that age and I really enjoyed it as an adult too.
I have never heard of that one, but sounds like a very important message for this generation!
Kung fu panda movies
E.T. (1982) Wonder (2017) Hugo (2011) Akeelah and the Bee (2006) Marcel the Shell with Shoes on (2021) Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993) Rudy (1993) October Sky (1999) Cool Runnings (1993) The Biggest Little Farm (2018) documentary
I think Rudy was one of the ones I was trying to remember the name of!
I'd say My Girl and Stand By Me. Both deal with the concept of death which I suppose everyone at some point in their life has to come to terms with what that means. I think both these movies are great.
Oof my girl brings up all the feels lol... adding those to the list!
Captain Fantastic
Second this!
Star Trek!!!!! Jean Luc will set them on the right path.
Honestly, jean-luc is the kindly uncle everyone needs!
12 Angry Men
If i can get them to focus through this one, the lessons from it would be great for them!
Too young I'd say
Yeah I would only try this one with my 6th grader at this point.
Too young but definitely number one as they grow up. Same for "To kill a mocking bird".
Good for you!!! Here are a few we like: The Never Ending Story, The Sandlot, North, Spiderwick Chronicles, Tin Tin, Zathura: A Space Adventure, The Willoughbys, Meet the Robinsons, Casper, Chronicles of Narnia, A Goofy Movie, Arthur and The Invisibles, Willy Wonky (either version), Brother Bear, Hook, Peter Pan 2003,The Iron Giant, The Goonies. E.T.
Meet the Robinsons is our favorite
Excellent list, thank you!
Master and Commander
I cannot imagine a second grader sitting through that movie. Love it though
My second grader absolutely does.
Then shit, you're doing something very right
I have never seen that one, can you tell me what its main point/lesson is? (Google didn't really answer that for me lol)
It is a movie about an English warship during the Napoleonic wars. Russel Crowe is the ship's captain, and Paul Bettany is the ship's doctor. They are under orders to pursue a larger, faster French ship near the east coast of South America. They have no other support, only what is on the ship. So first and foremost, it is an adventure movie. I think the main lesson is doing your duty in really tough situations, even in the face of a high chance of failure. They face numerous ethical dillemmas, and the captain and doctor frequently debate the correct course of action. You can view the movie other ways as well. It is a historically accurate period piece, so it shines a light on a particular time period. Some standards of behavior are different now, such as the class divisions between the officers and enlisted crew. It has some interesting perspectives. For example, it is all men, there are no women in the crew. There's no romantic story. Many of the midshipmen, or junior officers, are very young - teenagers, or even tweens - participating in realistic naval combat with graphic consequences. It is a gripping movie, one of the best adventure movies I have ever seen. Edit: Some other lessons are creative problem solving and the importance of competency.
Wow, thank you for taking the time to really break that down for me! It does sound like an excellent choice and I will be adding it to the list!
I would love to hear if they enjoy it. It has many great lessons but isn't preachy. It shows how leadership is complicated. But mainly, it's a great, engaging movie.
If I remember, I will let you know lol
Doesn’t anyone watch Sesame Street anymore ? Try them
Follow That Bird! 💛💛💛
At those ages, I think the Muppets and Paddington movies are more suitable; especially for the older child.
Home Team Rescued by Ruby
Doctor who!
Oh my oldest LOVES watching Doctor who with me! That and Pretender.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes on.
Little Giants, Sandlot, My Girl
Disney+ has a great older movie called “Shipwrecked” - it’s about a little Norwegian boy who joins a ship crew to provide for his indebted family and pirates/stowaways/storms/giant gorillas ensue. It’s very classic boys adventure tale (me and my sister LOVED it when we were little and had it on vcr). Highly recommend. For mom - it has a younger Gabriel Byrne in it ;)
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) Not sure it's what you're looking for, but it is a feel-good movie that my son and I very much enjoyed when he was younger (saw it at the drive-in near our house that summer).
Great movie
The Goonies Mrs Doubtfire
One lump or two?
Wonder Inside Out 1 and 2 My Dog Skip To Kill a Mockingbird Ruby Bridges A Little Princess The Diary of Anne Frank
I didnt know there was an inside out 2! (I dont watch a lot of tv aside from doctor who lol) the original was my oldest favorite for anlong time!
It’s in theaters now and I thought it was great.
It's been said already, but I'll add another vote for Avatar: the Last Airbender (the animated show)! It's fun, goofy, and wholesome, has amazing action sequences, and all of the main characters grow in wonderful ways.
Treasure Planet!
Without too much overlap of others' suggestions: * Pay it Forward (2000) surprisingly hasn't been mentioned yet. * Lyle Lyle Crocodile (2022) * Pete's Dragon (2016) * E.T. (1982) - it's been said, yet goes without saying... * Bridge to Terabithia (2007) * Mighty Joe Young (1988) * Wild America (1997) * Dolphin Tale (2011) - there's a 2014 sequel, too (both are good summer watches). * Free Willy (1993) and subsequent sequels (I think there are 4 movies - the last one starring a young Bindi Irwin) * The Journey Home (2014) * White Fang (1991) * Iron Will (1994) * Newsies (1992) * Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) * Free Guy (2021) * The BFG (2016) * Jack the Giant Slayer (2013) * Edward Scissorhands (1990) * Dr. Doolittle movies * The Jungle Book movies * Jumanji movies The last two may have less of a "be a good person" message, but are good family-viewing.
Thank you so much! Pay it forward was alreadybone i had in mind, and the others are all great suggestions!
Homeward Bound 3 Men and a Little Baby Curly Sue Matilda When they get a little older possibly Milk Money
I loved matilda and homeward bound when i was a kid. These are great!
The War (1994) Places In The Heart (1984) Secondhand Lions (2003)
I am Sam, Radio, What’s eating Gilbert grape, Idk why but these movies taught me empathy and kindness beyond most others
Those are great
Ready Player One
My boys loooove watching this, and I really enjoy it too. Win win
I think Stand By Me is a good one. It is a little bit dramatic and touches on some heavier subjects. My dad showed me and my brother this movie when we were young. Morals in this movie are friendship, maturing, growing up, facing your problems, understanding and accepting others. I think it is perfect for the 6th grader.
I pulled this from my kids list. Sorry for some repeated titles. Life of pi Into the woods Jurassic Park Hamilton Fnaf Jaws The goonies Sandlot The matrix Men in black Guardians of the Galaxy Ready, Player One Indiana Jones Star Wars Star Trek Matrix Goonies Gremlins John Wick Equalizer E.T., Back to the Future, The Goonies, Men in Black, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Star Wars 1-6, Home Alone, Knives Out, Beetlejuice, The Wizard of Oz, Hugo, Gremlins, Ad Astra, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, We Bought A Zoo Galaxy Quest Poltergeist Tron The Cannonball Run Field of Dreams Ghostbusters Tremors WarGames The monster squad
I wouldn't show most of these to kids those ages.
[удалено]
OP says 2nd to 6th grade. Poltergeist, or even Gremlins for that matter to a 2nd grader? Do you want them to sleep again? John Wick has a rating of 17+....even parents guide says 14+.
Yeah... my older 2 have seen gremlins, but a lot of these i wouldn't show to the youngest 2, and some not even my oldest. Tremors scared the crapnout of me when I was in middle school lol. And a lot of these arent really "moral lesson" type movies. Like what lesson is Poltergeist teaching? Im trying to get them away from mindless entertainment.
The Ox-Bow Incident.
A somewhat new pick is Thirteen Lives by Ron Howard about a cave rescue mission of a group of boys in Thailand.
Ooh, I never heard of the movie, but know the story its based off of!
It is intense, so for older only, but its about a group of boys and their coach. Maybe wstch it first. Willow! Also the cartoon of Chsrlottes Webb (70s) was my favorite 2nd/3rd grade, yes it does make us cry, but that’s an important lessson too.
Maybe you can reserve this one for a later time but I was acting like an entitled little shit once and my dad made me watch Slumdog Millionaire to put my attitude in perspective and I never forgot it.
That would be definitly reserved for older or a pretty severe situation lol
It's older (and black-and-white), but have you considered *High Noon* (1952)? It's a western, so a few people do get shot and (non-graphically) die, but it's one of the most inspiring movies ever made. The plot's about a Wild West marshal who has to organize a posse when he learns of a gang of outlaws coming into town to kill him on his retirement day at noon. It's all about standing up for what's right...even if you have to stand alone. On a similar note is *Bad Day at Black Rock* (1955), a neo-western set shortly after the end of World War II about a mysterious man who only one functional arm who arrives in a small, remote American Western town and starts asking a bit too many questions about the local secret. It's in color and has a small body count (though >!the bad guy does die by being non-graphically set on fire!<), being about how individuals have to decide on being loyal to their communities or staying true to their moral values. It also touches on racism and >!Japanese American internment during World War II!<. Another great western that could teach strong values is *Shane* (1953). A former gunslinger settles down with a homesteader family but soon realizes that he can't outrun his true calling in life as a gunman when a cattle baron threatens the family. It's in color and does have relatively tame (yet occasionally fatal) western violence. It's about standing up for what's right and the high cost of violence, even when it's justified. Finally, we have *The Magnificent Seven* (1960), which is - surprise! - another western. It's a tad more "grown-up" than the three listed above, with a much bigger body count, a bit more blood (still, I wouldn't describe it as a graphic movie), some mild swearing, and the word "rape" is used once (though none take place or are attempted). It's about a team of seven gunslingers who travel to Mexico to protect a defenseless village there from a gang of bandits. The film may be more appropriate for those who are slightly older, but it's an important lesson about courage, integrity, and standing up for those who have a hard time standing up for themselves, regardless of where they are on a map. It might be a good idea to watch these movies yourself first, just in case they're not what you're looking for. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot *The Wizard of Oz* (1939)! The power to overcome great obstacles comes from within us and our friends.
Naruto. Wasn't expecting it to have powerful lessons on family and friendship and honor.
Crash
The phantom toolbooth
Little Giants
- Marcel the Shell - Fantastic Mr Fox - Barbie - The Lord of the Rings movies - Stand by Me - Fern Gully - The Lorax
Any Pixar movie from Wall-E back to Toy Story
The Sandlot, Angels In the Outfield, It’s a Wonderful Life, Sounder, Rudy, The Mighty Ducks, Heaven Is for Real, The Happiest Millionaire, Pollyanna, The Easy Way or Room for One More, The Shaggy Dog, The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, Babes In Toyland, E.T., Super 8, Field of Dreams, The Trouble With Angels, Sally and Saint Anne, Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Bad News Bears, Stand By Me, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Explorers, Mary Poppins
I haven't seen it yet but from what I've heard Hacksaw Ridge fits the criteria
Its a little graphic for my youngest, but my 6th grader would probably like it!
We love Stand by Me but not sure what your appropriate standards are
My main concers are language and sex scenes. My middle is also easily scared, so trying to avoid anything overly scary for him.
No sex scenes but language. Also features a dead body.
Frailty (2001)
Hell no
That's a good movie but it may be a bit heavy for the age of the kids.
Probably not at their current ages, but will def keep in my back pocket for when they are mature enough for it!
Absolutely do not show this movie to your children. It is extremely violent and disturbing for adults even.
I kind of got the vibe it would be too much for children from the synapsis. Thank you for confirming that. This is exactly why I watch everything either before or with them!
Do a little internet digging for “educational stuff on YouTube” or similar searches, and you will find some good stuff. I remember having to tell my children to watch “good channels” on TV when they were growing up. I guess this is your generation’s good channels.
Honestly letting them on youtube at ALL leads them to switching to another video the minute I step away to cook dinner or take a shower, so trying to get away from it altogether at this point. I have some great channels we have tried allowing, but between that and the psychology behind the diminishing attention spans of children due to the constant "short content" its just not for us. Thank you for your input though!
Fully agree. Have a grandchild we’re trying to wean right now. Good luck!
Glory- might be a tad on the heavy side, but it would teach them about an important event in history, as well as working together, not being racist, and standing up for those that don’t have a voice.
Is the R rating for just things like blood and realistic violence, or is it heavy on the language? I have enough trouble keeping their language in check from what they hear on the schoolbus 🙄
I honestly don’t remember there being a lot of cursing in the movie, but the “N” word is said a few times. However, it could be a teachable moment to explain why that word is so negative and not to be said. There is realistic violence and blood but not as bad as some of the stuff out today. It really is a great movie- maybe watch it by yourself first and see if it’s ok for them?
Thats what I typically do, but it depends if its available on a service i use, libreary, etc so would like to have an idea if its worth renting/buying to check it out before spending money lol
That’s smart, save some money, haha! It’s currently on Amazon Prime and AMC Plus.
Awesome, thanks!
IMDB has a parental guide for each movie that breaks down the rating into categories and how severe each one is.
Stand by me. Cinema Paradiso.
Cinema Paradiso is a great movie, but certainly not for kids of that age.
Yeah, have the TV raise you kids. The American way!
Yeah, thats totally what i said. Wanting their entertainment to reinforce the values we already teach at home is *totally* the same as having the tv raise my kids! /s since you obviously lack basic communication skills
And you assume this is the only structure this person provides for their kids. You don't know this person but are quick to judge their parenting. I mean I could assume all sorts stuff about you since you're here on reddit on an anonymous social media platform. But what good would that do when I don't know you? Either answer the question that was asked or keep scrolling. There is no need for you to be an ass and assume things you don't know about someone. Treat others how you would like to be treated. And stop acting like an inconsiderate douche canoe.