Movies That Help Kids Do the Right Thing

If you’ve ever hoped a movie night could sneak in a little life lesson along with the popcorn, you’re in luck. From big-screen adventures to thoughtful documentaries, some films do more than entertain — they spark conversations about kindness, courage, empathy and doing what’s right (even when it’s not easy). This list is packed with picks that help kids see the value in standing up for others, making good choices and being true to themselves.

Whether your child is in kindergarten or high school, into superheroes, animated animals, or real-life heroes, there’s something here that might just inspire their next right move. Bonus: You’ll probably enjoy watching them too.

“Separate Is Never Equal”

You can stream or rent this short documentary from the library about Sylvia Mendez, the young Latina who desegregated schools in California a decade before Brown v. Board of Education. This “Reading Rainbow”-style film is based on a book that draws dialogue directly from court documents.
Available to rent or stream through Seattle Public Library, not rated (but OK for ages 6 and older)

“The Eagle Huntress”

This documentary, narrated by Daisy Ridley of “The Force Awakens” fame, is about a 13-year-old Kazakh girl who bucks generations of male-only tradition to hunt with eagles. The premise of a girl entering a male-dominated field sounds straightforward, but the telling is so exquisite it’s hard to believe it’s really a documentary. Breathtaking cinematography, a heartwarming family dynamic and a heavy dose of girl power make this one not to miss. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated G

“Charlotte’s Web”

Based on the classic book by E.B. White, this live-action movie follows the story of Wilber the pig and his best friend, Charlotte the spider. Charlotte does everything in her power to save her friend Wilber from slaughter and teaches others to see beyond appearances. The movie teaches kids the importance of friendship, kindness and standing up for someone in need. Be sure to keep the tissues close by — if the movie itself isn’t enough to make you cry, Sarah McLachlan’s song “Ordinary Miracle” is sure to push you over the edge.   
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated G

“Mulan” 

This Oscar-nominated animated movie tells the story of Mulan, a girl who secretly joins the army to save her father’s life and protect her family. Through courage and determination, Mulan proves herself as a true hero. Not by pretending to be someone else, but by becoming who she truly is. This movie will inspire kids to do the right thing, even when that means going against societal expectations. It shows that honor comes from integrity and selflessness, not just following traditions. 
Stream on Disney+, rated G (there is also a live-action version rated PG-13)  

“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” 

Based on the excellent book by Roald Dahl, this classic movie follows the adventure of the eccentric Willy Wonka and a group of children and their guardians on a wild tour of his chocolate factory. (To be clear, we are talking about the original movie starring the late, great Gene Wilder, the only version that matters in my book.) One by one, the children show their true colors and disappear in a number of creative ways, leaving just Charlie and Grandpa Joe. Charlie’s ultimate decision to do the right thing results in a happily-ever-after for his whole family. This movie is fun, weird and packed with do-the-right-thing inspiration. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated G

“Pixie Hollow Games”

With recognizable voice actors and relatively tight plotting, the “Pixie Hollow” movies are surprisingly good compared to the cynical merchandising grab that parents have come to expect from the straight-to-video kids market. In “Pixie Hollow Games,” two very different characters learn to work together; other stories in the series teach lessons about valuing the work everyone does and getting to know people before deciding what you think about them. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, not rated (but OK for all ages) 

“Iron Giant”

This award-winning animated movie tells the story of a young boy named Hogarth who befriends a giant robot from outer space. They form a deep connection and Hogarth teaches the robot about humanity. But the government is afraid and sees the robot as a threat and wants to destroy it. The Iron Giant must decide if it will respond to the threat with violence and save itself. Ultimately, it chooses selflessness and peace, and shows that real strength comes from compassion, not power. This movie will spark some great conversations about empathy, nonviolence and doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.  
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“The Speed Cubers”

Welcome to the world of speed cubing, where people compete to solve a Rubik’s Cube in record time. This documentary follows two speed cubers —  Max and Felix — on their quest to win the world championship. But it soon becomes about much more, and tells a beautiful story of friendship and support that grows between the two rivals. Max has autism and Felix becomes one of his biggest allies as they both compete and root for one another. It’s a must-watch, but fair warning —  your kids are going to ask for a Rubik’s Cube when it’s over.     
Stream on Netflix, rated TV-PG

“Wadjda”

When 11-year-old Wadjda enters a Quran-reciting contest to fund her dream of buying a bicycle, the feisty Saudi girl fights traditional gender roles just by being herself. The film itself is groundbreaking; it was the first feature film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia and the first feature-length film made by a female Saudi director.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“The Lego Movie”

Everything is awesome, everything is cool when you’re part of a team, everything is awesome … Sorry, couldn’t help myself. Everyday Lego construction guy Emmet finds himself deemed “the special” and has to save the universe. With the help of his friends, he is able to rise to the occasion and learns that being a hero isn’t about being the most powerful or unique, but about believing in yourself and helping others. This movie celebrates creativity, teamwork and doing what’s right, even when others doubt you. It is also very funny, and I bet you’ll like it as much as your kids do.  
Stream on Netflix, rated PG

“The Lorax”

Based on the classic book by Dr. Seuss, prepare to enter the world of the Lorax, who speaks for the trees. The animated movie follows the adventures of a boy named Ted who sets out to find a real tree in a land where everything is artificial. With bright colors and catchy tunes (not to mention voice acting from a certain pop superstar), this movie will inspire kids to speak up for the environment and realize that even one voice can make a difference. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“Free Willy”

A huge hit when it came out, this story of a young boy rescuing an orca from captivity is ready for a new generation. Use it not only to talk about the ethical treatment of animals but to introduce the current challenges facing our most iconic local wildlife. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

“Inside Out 2”

Riley is a teenager with all the emotions to prove it in this excellent sequel. Her core emotions (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust) are joined by newcomers Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment and Ennui. All emotions are seen as valid and part of a whole person in this thoughtful (and funny) story following Riley’s struggle with self-doubt and anxiety. Riley is ultimately able to be true to herself and do the right thing by embracing self-awareness and emotional resilience. And with voice acting by Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke and Tony Hale (just to name a few), you know you are going to laugh out loud.  
Stream on Disney+, rated PG

“The Dawn Wall”

If you are looking for a movie about perseverance in the face of seemingly impossible odds, look no further. This documentary is about legendary climber Tommy Caldwell and his goal (obsession) with climbing the 3,000-foot Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite. Tommy finds a partner in a younger climber, Kevin, and their friendship and support of one another become a critical part of this inspiring story. While there is nothing graphic in this documentary, Tommy and his friends had a very intense experience in Kyrgyzstan which is retold and might require some further discussion with younger viewers (it’s a small part of the movie, but very impactful in Tommy’s story), and Tommy injures himself in a significant way later in the movie. There is also some swearing, mostly in the context of frustration. But this movie is incredibly inspiring and teaches viewers to never give up and that setbacks do not have to stop their dreams from coming true.
Rent from Seattle Public Library or stream on Kanopy, not rated 

Lord of the Rings (“The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers” and “The Return of the King”)

These classic stories of good versus evil follow the story of Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who finds himself tasked with destroying the ring of power and saving Middle-earth. There are so many instances of characters doing the right thing, starting with Frodo’s selfless decision to risk his own life to save everyone else. Watch one of the movies, or try to get through the trilogy in one epic weekend movie binge. Keep in mind that these movies are long, the Orcs are scary and there are some intense battles. But if you are looking for inspirational fantasy adventures, it doesn’t get much better than these. 
Stream them all on Max, rated PG-13

“Guardians of the Galaxy” 

This fun movie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a fast-paced, funny space adventure about a group of misfits who come together to stop a powerful villain from destroying the galaxy. What starts as a group of selfish loners turns into a found family as they discover the value of friendship, loyalty and standing up for what’s right. This movie is packed with action and laughs, this is one of our family’s favorite MCU movies. And if you don’t shed a tear when tree-like Groot makes his ultimate sacrifice near the end, I’m not sure we can be friends.  
Stream on Disney+, rated PG-13

“He Named Me Malala”

This documentary shares the famous story of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenager who stood up to the Taliban for the right to an education and won a Nobel Peace Prize. Yousafzai has also written a book with Christina Lamb about her experiences. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13

“Girl Rising”

Famous narrators from around the world including Cate Blanchett and Amitabh Bachchan share the true stories of nine girls fighting for an education. (For another excellent documentary on the same subject that’s appropriate for younger kids and rated G, try “On the Way to School.”) 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13

“If You Build It”

A high school shop class in a depressed Southern community builds a farmers market that sparks new businesses in this documentary that is as much about alternative education techniques as it is about design. 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, not rated (but OK for kids 13 and older)

“Sarafina!”

In this movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, South African teenagers fight against apartheid in the Soweto Uprising. It’s based on a Broadway musical and will have you singing and dancing! 
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13

“Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution”

This award-winning, Oscar-nominated documentary follows the story of teenagers with disabilities who found freedom and acceptance at Camp Jened. Many of the campers later helped fight for the Americans with Disabilities Act, including the late disability rights activist, Judy Heumann. It is a powerful story of human rights, respect and fighting for what you believe. There are conversations about sex, and some graphic images of disabled children who were sent to institutions that are hard (but important) to see. This movie will leave you inspired to make a difference and ready to hit the picket line. This movie is best for tweens and older, and I highly recommend watching it as a family since it is likely to inspire some important conversations (and it’s just really, really good).   
Stream on Netflix, rated R

Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and was most recently updated on May 5, 2025, by ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson, who contributed to this article. New movies were added.