13 Family Movies That Educate Kids On Values

Today, we'll present you with a list of the best 13 family movies that educate children on values. Get ready to plan your next movie night!
13 Family Movies That Educate Kids On Values
Elena Sanz Martín

Reviewed and approved by the psychologist Elena Sanz Martín.

Last update: 27 December, 2022

If you’re looking for family movies that educate kids on values, here’s a list of 14 ideal options to watch with your little ones.

Some are for the whole family and others are best for the older children who’ve already started elementary school. Do you want to know what they are so you can begin your home theater marathon?

Our favorite movies that educate little ones on values

As an article published by the Revista Española de Pedagogía (REP) states well, it’s difficult to know which films are suitable and educational for children. In addition, you have to consider which options will be of interest to your kids.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled 13 family movie titles that educate kids on values. In addition, we’ll give you a brief review of each one with its score and its main characteristics.

Films for all audiences

In this section, we’ll share with you our suggestions for films that you can watch with children of all ages.

1. My neighbor Totoro

The most beloved character of any child is Totoro. Without a doubt, this film, which belongs to Ghibli studios, touches the heart and teaches the little ones the value of friendship through this fantasy story.

It’s about two little girls who move with their father to a house on the outskirts of the city. In the forest, they’ll find both small and big surprises while they wait for their mother to leave the hospital.

2. The road to El Dorado

Delve into the adventure of two young men who set out in search of the city of El Dorado, in the New World. It has a plot full of adventure and friendship, which is surrounded by history and legend.

3. The Adventures of J. Thaddeus Toad

If you like the previous suggestion, then you may also like the adventures of J. Thadeus Toad. What’s more, there’s more than one film in the saga for your to enjoy. Thanks to the ingenuity of the well-known explorer, you’ll be un for plenty of surprises.

4. Wreck it Ralph

Tired of being the villain of the story, Ralph decides to embark on an adventure through video games in order to show people that he can also be a hero.

This animated 3D movie will delight little ones as well as older children. In addition, it has a sequel, Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet where the adventures of Ralph and his friends continue.

We recommend this movie to teach the little ones that you shouldn’t judge people by their appearances. Rather, what’s important is what’s on the inside.

5. Despicable Me

And if we’re going to talk about villains who change sides, we can’t forget to mention Gru and his famous Minions.

How can someone who wants to conquer the moon stop being so bad? The 3 leading girls will have the responsibility of showing that Gru’s heart is bigger than he thinks.

6. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Based on the original novel, this film invites children to dream and never give up.

It tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a boy who belongs to a poor family and whose grandfather buys a chocolate bar. In it, he finds a prize–a golden ticket to meet the eccentric Willy Wonka, owner of the largest chocolate factory in the city.

7. Alvin and the Chipmunks

This group of singing squirrels is the best combo when it comes to instilling good values regarding respect for nature, friendship, and love. And like several others we’ve selected, this saga also consists of several different films.

8. The Good Dinosaur

This Pixar adventure starring the dinosaur Arlo and the primitive boy Spot shows some values that have caught the attention of teachers and movie-goer parents.

According to critics, the film stands out for instilling the importance of some important aspects, such as those detailed below:

  • Family
  • Friendship
  • Generosity
  • Courage
  • Effort
  • Self-improvement

In addition, it makes it clear from the beginning that you should never judge.

9. Hotel Transylvania

Dracula’s a father! And older children are likely to identify with some of his overprotective behaviors. What better way to learn to see our mistakes than through laughter?

Movies that teach kids about values: Elementary school and beyond

If your children are already in school, don’t miss out on these more sophisticated options.

10. Coco

This movie about Mexico’s Day of the Dead start little Miguel, a young boy who wants to be a musician but doesn’t have the support of his family. They’re afraid that the child will lose himself in the music and abandon them, just as his great-great-grandfather did.

Mexican tradition and bid dreams come together to create one of Pixar’s best movies. Don’t miss this one!

12. Billy Elliot

This is one of the best movies when it comes to instilling diversity. Billy’s a boy who has to face several obstacles in order to follow the path of his dream to become a professional dancer.

13. Dennis the Menace

Everything that little Dennis says or does will make you laugh, as he’s constantly getting himself into trouble. We’ve chosen this film because it reflects the attitudes that you shouldn’t take under any circumstances.

14. Matilda

A girl with magical powers who doesn’t hesitate to enhance her creativity with her teacher, despite the fact that her parents are the worst mom and dad a girl could ask for.

Matilda’s intelligence, imagination, and quest for self-improvement will fascinate all the members of your family.

Turn off the lights, grab some popcorn, and enjoy these 13 family movies on Netflix that educate kids on values

It’s time to get everything ready to create your home theater. Without a doubt, it’s a fabulous way to spend the weekend with your family, snuggled together with those you love the most.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.



This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.