15 Best Movies About Change And Growth Update 05/2024

Movies About Change And Growth

Top 15 Movies About Change and Growth for Children

Although change offers wonderful chances for learning and progress, it isn’t easy, particularly for adults. Movies are a fantastic instrument to help children comprehend an optimistic approach to the huge life changes we unavoidably endure. We have put together a compilation of movies about transformation and growth with positive themes for youngsters.

Watch these movies with your children, discuss them and appreciate the life lessons your children will acquire in the process. You may also enjoy our selections of growth mindset movies and movies about friendship.

*Disclaimer: Parents, carers, and teachers are urged to view or read about the movies to make sure they are acceptable for their children.

1. Inside Out (2015)

Inside Out (2015)

11-year-old Riley’s life changes when her father’s profession transports them from the Midwest to San Francisco. Her emotions — Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Fear, and Anger — argue on how to navigate the tough event. Although Riley struggles to adjust, she gradually accepts life in San Francisco, even embracing new friends and new hobbies.

2. Happy Feet (2006)

Emperor Penguins discover their soulmates through singing, which makes life difficult for Mumble, who can only manage a croak. Mumble’s lack of singing talents eventually leads to his banishment from the society. Fortunately, he meets new friends who help him discover that his actual calling is tap dancing! This adorable video provides a terrific lesson about following your heart, even if it involves dealing with some huge challenges.

3. Finding Nemo (2003)

Finding Nemo (2003)

When the baby clownfish Nemo is taken by scuba divers, his terrified father Marlin must step outside of his comfort zone to discover and save him. Meanwhile, Nemo determinedly plots to make his own escape. Children will adore the gorgeous animation while learning about overcoming life’s curveballs and hurdles.

4. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

Max the terrier’s tranquil life is flipped upside down when his owner takes in Duke, leading Max to fight with jealousy. Max and Duke undergo countless experiences together and ultimately form a true friendship. This movie is a great approach to speak to children about adjusting to new friendships or even a new member to the family.

5. The Karate Kid (1984)

In this movie, suited for older tweens and teens, Daniel and his mother travel from New Jersey to California. At first, Daniel is bullied by a group of bullies. After Daniel learns karate from Mr. Miyagi, he gets the respect of the bullies. The movie promotes discipline, hard effort, and perseverance in the face of obstacles and change.

6. Big Hero 6 (2014)

Big Hero 6 (2014)

A huge inflatablerobot and a young genius create a delightful and unexpected friendship while teaming up with a gang of high-tech heroes. Early in the film, the young prodigy’s older sibling sadly dies. The movie provides the opportunity to speak about grief, love, loss, and healing. It also highlights the power of friendship and using your gifts to serve others.

7. Piper (2016)

In this short animated clip, a newborn sandpiper is no longer being fed by her mother and must venture out to dig for food on her own. To receive her own food for the first time, Piper must conquer her dread of the ocean waves. At about six minutes long, it presents a short and sweet message about adapting to change, even when it feels daunting.

8. Brave (2012)

Free-spirited Princess Merida decides to create her own change by disobeying convention (and her mother) and refusing to marry. When a witch gives her an enchanted cake to change her fate, Merida mistakenly changes her mother into a bear. Over the course of the movie, mother and daughter mend their friendship and overcome their disagreements.

9. Toy Story (1995)

Toy Story (1995)

When a new spaceman toy comes in a boy’s room, a cowboy doll, who is now the boy’s favorite feels greatly threatened. By the end of the movie, the two toys have to join together to survive and make it back to the child they love. One of the most popular movies on growth and change, this film also represents a positive experience with moving to a new residence.

10. Coco (2017)

Another animated picture that confronts sadness, Coco recounts the narrative of an aspiring singer named Miguel. Desperate to tackle his family’s prohibition on music, Miguel ventures to the Land of the Dead to discover his great-great-grandfather, a wonderful singer. In the end, Miguel’s relentless pursuit of his ambition pays off.

11. The Good Dinosaur (2015)

When a downpour washes Arlo the dinosaur downriver, he is separated from his parents and siblings. Miles from home, Arlo forms a strange connection with a Neanderthal boy named Spot. With Spot at his side, Arlo sets off on a trip to be reunited with his family. Along the way, he learns about friendship, self-discovery, confidence, and overcoming fear, no matter what life delivers.

12. Zootopia (2016)

Zootopia (2016)

In the huge city of Zootopia, a rural rabbit is fulfilling her ambition of becoming a police officer. The rabbit succeeds well in the academy but is assigned to parking duty by the police chief because she is a bunny. Ultimately, she allies up with a con artist fox and they become a pair of unlikely heroes. In addition to teaching youngsters about persisting in the face of change, the movie includes a significant lesson about battling against stereotypes and discrimination.

13. Up (2009)

No list of movies about change and growth would be complete without this poignant film about Carl, an elderly man who is obliged to go to a retirement home following the death of his wife. Instead, he sets out for Paradise Falls, a site he always dreamed of visiting with his wife Ellie. He’s unintentionally joined by a young stowaway named Russell, and the two learn essential lessons about love, life, and savoring the tiny moments.

14. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

A young witch in training, 13-year-old Kiki is compelled to go to a beach town for a year of autonomous existence. As she struggles to adapt into a new town, Kiki launches her own flying courier service to support herself. Eventually, she begins doubting herself and losing her magical skills. To reclaim her skills, Kiki must learn to believe in herself again. This dramatic story of development and progress also offers lessons about recognizing our talents and passions and sharing them with others.

15. Queen of Katwe (2016)

Queen of Katwe (2016)

This heartwarming film tells the story of a little girl from the Ugandan community of Katwe, whose life dramatically changes when she finds the game of chess. Based on a true event, the movie imparts significant lessons about optimism, strength, and overcoming adversity to achieve huge aspirations.