Movies That Inspire Resilience

Last updated: April 7, 2025

Resilience is an essential skill for kids (and all of us!). Being resilient means learning the importance of perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and never giving up—no matter the challenges you face. The best movies that center around resilience not only entertain but can also inspire kids to develop strength and determination in the face of adversity. This list, developed in partnership with Shine Global, features memorable stories of kids doing just that. From fighting tough rivals to learning from mistakes, these films showcase how courage, hard work, and optimism can help us rise above life's toughest moments. For more stellar movies that touch on this theme, check out our lists of Movies That Inspire Kids to Change the World, Movies with Strong Female Characters, and Movies with Incredible Role Models for Boys.

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Kensuke's Kingdom movie poster: A young boy looks over an island from a wooden platform in the trees
MOVIE

Kensuke's Kingdom

age 8+

Magical animated adaptation about the power of friendship.

October 18, 2024 2024 PG (85 minutes)
The Eagle Huntress Poster Image
MOVIE

The Eagle Huntress

age 8+

Inspiring documentary about barrier-breaking teen girl.

November 2, 2016 2016 G (87 minutes)
Anuja movie poster: Two young girls sew
MOVIE

Anuja

age 10+

Short film about orphan in India has message of hope.

January 31, 2025 2025 NR (22 minutes)
LIFT Movie Poster: A male ballet dancer is mid jump, and a little girl dancer looks at him
MOVIE

LIFT

age 10+

Poignant, inspiring doc about shelter kids who learn ballet.

September 15, 2023 2023 PG-13 (87 minutes)
Maika: The Girl from Another Galaxy Movie Poster
MOVIE

Maika: The Girl from Another Galaxy

age 10+

Sweet film about friendship, grief has comic violence.

June 3, 2022 2022 PG (105 minutes)
Name Me Lawand movie poster: A young boy runs through a field of tall grass, arms outstretched
MOVIE

Name Me Lawand

age 10+

Hopeful documentary has mention of threat, discrimination.

September 9, 2024 2024 NR (91 minutes)
Liyana Poster Image
MOVIE

Liyana

age 11+

Inspiring, unique film tells two stories of perseverance.

October 9, 2018 2018 NR (76 minutes)
Through Our Eyes Poster Image
TV

Through Our Eyes

age 11+

Touching, tough stories are told from kids' perspectives.

Max Educational (2021)
Dancing in Jaffa Poster Image
MOVIE

Dancing in Jaffa

age 12+

Uplifting docu promotes religious tolerance via dance.

August 12, 2014 2014 NR (90 minutes)
Daughters movie poster: A girl on a fence.
MOVIE

Daughters

age 13+

Emotionally intense docu with mature themes; some language.

August 14, 2024 2024 PG-13 (108 minutes)
Inocente Poster Image
TV

Inocente

age 13+

Affecting true story of homelessness and the human spirit.

MTV Educational (2012)
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