Movies to Help Kids Deal with Grief

Last updated: December 11, 2025

Grief is different for everyone. Kids and families who've experienced the death of a loved one (or pet!) can find comfort in these movies that address loss and its complicated aftermath. Ranging from lighthearted to serious, these films feature characters who deal with the devastation of death yet also find support and comfort as they process their emotions and learn to move forward. For more stories about tough moments in life, check out Books About Grief and How to Talk to Kids About Difficult Subjects.

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Bambi Poster Image

MOVIE

Bambi

age 5+

Disney's original circle-of-life story.

August 21, 1942 1942 G (70 minutes)

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Charlotte's Web (2006) Poster Image

MOVIE

Charlotte's Web (2006)

age 5+

Enchanting take on a beloved children's classic.

December 14, 2006 2006 G (97 minutes)

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The Lion King (1994) Poster Image: Simba above Rafiki, Timon, and Pumba

MOVIE

The Lion King (1994)

age 6+

Musical king-of-the-beasts blockbuster is powerful, scary.

June 15, 1994 1994 G (89 minutes)

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Up Poster Image

MOVIE

Up

age 6+

Pixar's stunning adventure is an upper for everyone.

May 29, 2009 2009 PG (98 minutes)

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A Greyhound of a Girl movie poster: A girl reads a book to three women and three men cheering

MOVIE

A Greyhound of a Girl

age 7+

Sweet animated adaptation about losing a grandparent.

July 27, 2024 2024 NR (85 minutes)

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Big Hero 6 Poster Image

MOVIE

Big Hero 6

age 7+

Awesome origin story is action-packed, deals with grief.

November 7, 2014 2014 PG (102 minutes)

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Coco Movie Poster: Miguel and Hector stand back to back on a path made out of marigold petals

MOVIE

Coco

age 7+

Stunningly animated, poignant tribute to family and culture.

November 22, 2017 2017 PG (109 minutes)

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Poster Image

MOVIE

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

age 7+

First Potter movie is a magical ride but also intense.

November 16, 2001 2001 PG (152 minutes)

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Onward Poster Image

MOVIE

Onward

age 7+

Original, heartfelt sibling adventure about love and loss.

March 6, 2020 2020 PG (102 minutes)

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The Book of Life Poster Image

MOVIE

The Book of Life

age 7+

Beautifully animated film has some scary imagery.

October 17, 2014 2014 PG (95 minutes)

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Fly Away Home Poster Image

MOVIE

Fly Away Home

age 8+

Thrilling, touching adventure for animal lovers.

May 1, 1998 1998 PG (107 minutes)

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Hugo Poster Image

MOVIE

Hugo

age 8+

Spectacular book adaptation is great for tweens and up.

November 23, 2011 2011 PG (127 minutes)

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My Penguin Friend movie poster: Jean Reno stands in a friendly pose with a penguin next to a boat, a happy girl behind them

MOVIE

My Penguin Friend

age 8+

Drama about unlikely birds of a feather has grief, peril.

August 16, 2024 2024 PG (97 minutes)

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Old Yeller Poster Image

MOVIE

Old Yeller

age 8+

Tearjerker is one of the best early Disney dramas.

December 25, 1957 1957 G (84 minutes)

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Riverdance: The Animated Adventure Poster Image

MOVIE

Riverdance: The Animated Adventure

age 8+

Engaging Irish animation deals with grief; some peril.

January 14, 2022 2022 NR (87 minutes)

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Tale of the Forest Unicorn movie poster: Girl and unicorn.

MOVIE

Tale of the Forest Unicorn

age 8+

Young girl loses parents but finds family and purpose.

April 8, 2025 2025 NR (82 minutes)

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The Secret Garden (2020) Poster Image

MOVIE

The Secret Garden (2020)

age 8+

Adaptation has positive themes but falls short on magic.

September 22, 2020 2020 PG (106 minutes)

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The Yearling Poster Image

MOVIE

The Yearling

age 8+

Thoughtful adaptation of the prize-winning novel.

December 18, 1946 1946 NR (128 minutes)

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Bridge to Terabithia Poster Image

MOVIE

Bridge to Terabithia

age 9+

Beautiful lesson in friendship for young and old.

February 15, 2007 2007 PG (95 minutes)

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My Dog Skip Poster Image

MOVIE

My Dog Skip

age 9+

Great boy-and-dog tale, but be prepared for tears.

March 3, 2000 2000 PG (95 minutes)

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