Movies That Inspire Empathy

Last updated: July 4, 2026

Empathy is one of the character strengths and life skills most essential to kids' overall growth and success, especially living in such an interconnected world. These movies offer kids powerful lessons in empathy, teaching them the importance of stepping into someone else's shoes to truly understand their feelings and perspectives. They offer great examples of how empathy can play a key role in a story, often showcasing it as a core strength in overcoming personal flaws. In these picks, empathy shines as a key trait for growth and connection, showing that caring for others can lead to real triumph. For even more great stories in which empathy plays a big part, check out TV Shows That Inspire Empathy..

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The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Poster Image
MOVIE

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

age 3+

Remains faithful to A. A. Milne's beloved classic stories.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1977)
The Daniel Tiger Movie: Won't You Be Our Neighbor? Poster Image
MOVIE

The Daniel Tiger Movie: Won't You Be Our Neighbor?

age 3+

Daniel helps a nervous new neighbor friend feel at home.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown Poster Image
MOVIE

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

age 3+

A toe-tapping song-fest for the whole family.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1985)
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Poster Image
MOVIE

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown

age 3+

Peanuts classic sings the Valentine's Day blues.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1975)
Spookley the Square Pumpkin Poster Image
MOVIE

Spookley the Square Pumpkin

age 4+

Delightful musical tale of pumpkin who doesn't fit in.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2005)
All I Want for Christmas Is You Poster Image
MOVIE

All I Want for Christmas Is You

age 4+

Merry, mischievous holiday tale is fun for families.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
Peanuts Emmy Honored Collection Poster Image
MOVIE

Peanuts Emmy Honored Collection

age 4+

Classic TV favorites are as charming and relevant as ever.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Ruby's Studio: The Feelings Show Poster Image
MOVIE

Ruby's Studio: The Feelings Show

age 4+

Intuitive movie helps kids learn to express their emotions.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2012)
Ruby's Studio: The Friendship Show Poster Image
MOVIE

Ruby's Studio: The Friendship Show

age 4+

Insightful, gentle lessons teach kids about relationships.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Super Monsters Save Halloween Poster Image
MOVIE

Super Monsters Save Halloween

age 4+

Short tale gently helps preschoolers handle fear.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Maya the Bee Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

Maya the Bee Movie

age 4+

Cute bee adventure teaches about inclusion and cooperation.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Charlie Brown's All Stars! Poster Image
MOVIE

Charlie Brown's All Stars!

age 4+

Classic Peanuts fare stands the test of time.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
He's a Bully, Charlie Brown Poster Image
MOVIE

He's a Bully, Charlie Brown

age 4+

The Peanuts friends cleverly team up to best a bully.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2006)
Cinderella Movie Poster: Cinderella holds a glass slipper; smaller images of the Fairy Godmother and other characters are below her
MOVIE

Cinderella

age 4+

Sweet fairy-tale classic has bullying, tense chase scenes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1950)
Bluey's Big Play poster: Bluey, Bingo, and their parents feature together
MOVIE

Bluey's Big Play

age 4+

Stage version of popular show is full of magic and wonder.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2026)
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)
Good Night Oppy Movie Poster
MOVIE

Good Night Oppy

age 5+

Inspiring docu about Mars rovers has teamwork, curiosity.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
Swan Princess a Fairtytale is Born movie poster:  in text at the top of the movie promo and a pair of king and queens stand below
MOVIE

The Swan Princess: A Fairytale Is Born

age 5+

Sweet animated prequel has positive messages, peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
Dumbo Poster Image
MOVIE

Dumbo

age 5+

Sweet Disney classic is still lovely, despite stereotypes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1941)
Monsters University Poster Image
MOVIE

Monsters University

age 5+

Monsters Inc. prequel is a fun college comedy for all ages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
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