Movies That Inspire Empathy

Last updated: July 24, 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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Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Poster Image
MOVIE

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown

age 3+

Peanuts classic sings the Valentine's Day blues.

January 28, 1975 1975 NR (25 minutes)
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.

September 17, 2018 2018 NR (47 minutes)
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.

March 11, 1977 1977 G (74 minutes)
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.

January 1, 1985 1985 NR (48 minutes)
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.

November 14, 2017 2017 G (91 minutes)
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.

March 16, 2026 2026 NR (49 minutes)
Charlie Brown's All Stars! Poster Image
MOVIE

Charlie Brown's All Stars!

age 4+

Classic Peanuts fare stands the test of time.

October 4, 2016 2016 NR (74 minutes)
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.

March 4, 1950 1950 G (74 minutes)
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.

November 20, 2006 2006 NR (60 minutes)
Maya the Bee Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

Maya the Bee Movie

age 4+

Cute bee adventure teaches about inclusion and cooperation.

March 8, 2015 2015 G (79 minutes)
Peanuts Emmy Honored Collection Poster Image
MOVIE

Peanuts Emmy Honored Collection

age 4+

Classic TV favorites are as charming and relevant as ever.

September 15, 2015 2015 NR (265 minutes)
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.

March 20, 2012 2012 NR (45 minutes)
Ruby's Studio: The Friendship Show Poster Image
MOVIE

Ruby's Studio: The Friendship Show

age 4+

Insightful, gentle lessons teach kids about relationships.

January 29, 2013 2013 NR (40 minutes)
Spookley the Square Pumpkin Poster Image
MOVIE

Spookley the Square Pumpkin

age 4+

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

October 19, 2005 2005 G (41 minutes)
Super Monsters Save Halloween Poster Image
MOVIE

Super Monsters Save Halloween

age 4+

Short tale gently helps preschoolers handle fear.

October 5, 2018 2018 NR (24 minutes)
A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon Poster Image
MOVIE

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon

age 5+

Delightful family-friendly sequel has positive themes.

February 14, 2020 2020 G (86 minutes)
Dumbo Poster Image
MOVIE

Dumbo

age 5+

Sweet Disney classic is still lovely, despite stereotypes.

October 31, 1941 1941 G (63 minutes)
Good Night Oppy Movie Poster
MOVIE

Good Night Oppy

age 5+

Inspiring docu about Mars rovers has teamwork, curiosity.

November 4, 2022 2022 PG (105 minutes)
Kiki's Delivery Service Poster Image
MOVIE

Kiki's Delivery Service

age 5+

A mystical, positive take on girl's coming of age.

December 20, 1990 1990 G (105 minutes)
Luck Movie Poster
MOVIE

Luck

age 5+

Colorful, charming animated tale has positive messages.

August 5, 2022 2022 G (97 minutes)
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