Movies That Inspire Kids to Change the World

Last updated: April 27, 2026

Inspiration comes from a variety of sources, but movies can be particularly powerful for kids and teens. Whether it's the environmental message of FernGully that gets young kids thinking about the Earth differently or a documentary like Food, Inc. that inspires kids to change their eating habits, the movies in this list can spur action. Many of these films have a specific aim to persuade viewers to think a certain way, so parents can help kids understand different sides of the issues as a means of keeping kids media savvy.

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Dr. Seuss: The Lorax Poster Image
MOVIE

Dr. Seuss: The Lorax

age 5+

Outstanding 1970s parable about protecting nature.

February 14, 1972 1972 NR (25 minutes)
Police Patrol Poster Image
MOVIE

Police Patrol

age 5+

Computer-animated film with strong pro-environment message.

January 29, 2013 2013 NR (74 minutes)
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.

April 15, 2022 2022 G (38 minutes)
A Beautiful Planet Poster Image
MOVIE

A Beautiful Planet

age 6+

Stunning look at Earth -- and man's sobering impact on it.

April 29, 2016 2016 G (45 minutes)
Back from the Brink: Saved from Extinction Poster Image
MOVIE

Back from the Brink: Saved from Extinction

age 6+

IMAX nature docu proves human efforts can make a difference.

November 2, 2019 2019 NR (39 minutes)
Backyard Wilderness Poster Image
MOVIE

Backyard Wilderness

age 6+

Nature triumphs over devices in inspiring nature docu.

March 21, 2018 2018 NR (45 minutes)
Dear Dumb Diary Poster Image
MOVIE

Dear Dumb Diary

age 6+

Books-inspired movie has great social messages for kids.

November 15, 2013 2013 PG (84 minutes)
FernGully: The Last Rainforest Poster Image
MOVIE

FernGully: The Last Rainforest

age 6+

Family favorite features strong environmental message.

April 10, 1992 1992 G (75 minutes)
Batkid Begins Poster Image
MOVIE

Batkid Begins

age 7+

Tremendously heartwarming, positive docu for all ages.

June 26, 2015 2015 PG (87 minutes)
Dolphin Tale Poster Image
MOVIE

Dolphin Tale

age 7+

Heartwarming tale is sweet, inspiring for kids and tweens.

September 23, 2011 2011 PG (113 minutes)
Hoppers movie poster: A large bear holds a wide-eyed beaver in its mouth
MOVIE

Hoppers

age 8+

Delightful animal activism tale has creepy scenes, scares.

March 6, 2026 2026 PG (105 minutes)
Imba Means Sing Poster Image
MOVIE

Imba Means Sing

age 8+

Vibrant, uplifting docu about African children's choir.

December 4, 2015 2015 NR (75 minutes)
We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest Poster Image
MOVIE

We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest

age 8+

Docu about kids living MLK's legacy gives all the feels.

February 18, 2020 2020 NR (60 minutes)
What's on Your Plate? Poster Image
MOVIE

What's on Your Plate?

age 8+

Excellent docu teaches Fast Food Nation-like lessons.

October 15, 2010 2010 NR (73 minutes)
Woman in Motion Poster Image
MOVIE

Woman in Motion

age 8+

Docu about role model Nichelle Nichols inspires, delights.

March 1, 2019 2019 NR (105 minutes)
A Place at the Table Poster Image
MOVIE

A Place at the Table

age 9+

Powerful docu explores the problem of hunger in America.

March 1, 2013 2013 PG (84 minutes)
Chasing Coral Poster Image
MOVIE

Chasing Coral

age 9+

Awe-inspiring, poignant docu tracks decline of coral reefs.

July 14, 2017 2017 NR (93 minutes)
Kindness Is Contagious Poster Image
MOVIE

Kindness Is Contagious

age 9+

Warm, feel-good docu about being nice is uplifting.

September 22, 2015 2015 NR (75 minutes)
Wadjda Poster Image
MOVIE

Wadjda

age 9+

Beautiful, nuanced tale of an independent Saudi girl.

September 13, 2013 2013 PG (98 minutes)
We Are the Radical Monarchs Poster Image
MOVIE

We Are the Radical Monarchs

age 9+

Docu about girls' social justice troop inspires all ages.

December 8, 2019 2019 NR (95 minutes)
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