Movies with Positive Role Models for Boys

Last updated: October 7, 2025

Boys deserve more from their movies than narrow or biased representations. These films offer examples of kindness, compassion, selflessness, courage, and sensitivity—all things that are good for everyone to see, but especially for boys, who too often are bombarded with messages that prioritize the importance of being protectors, extremely fit, and financially successful. Inspire the kids in your life with these fun, family-friendly films that portray healthy masculinity. For other worthy role models, try these TV shows and books.

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The Peanuts Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

The Peanuts Movie

age 4+

Gentle family-friendly comedy has sweet messages.

2015 G (93 minutes)

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Finding Nemo Poster Image

MOVIE

Finding Nemo

age 5+

Sweet father-son tale has some very scary moments.

2003 G (101 minutes)

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Odd Squad: The Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

Odd Squad: The Movie

age 5+

Pint-sized problem-solvers face rival squad on funny show.

2016 NR (67 minutes)

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A Goofy Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

A Goofy Movie

age 6+

Even tweens will enjoy this road trip with Goofy.

1995 G (78 minutes)

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Elio Movie Poster: Elio and the other main characters appear against a purplish-blue background

MOVIE

Elio

age 6+

Moments of peril in heartfelt adventure about lonely boy.

2025 PG (99 minutes)

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Ferdinand Poster Image

MOVIE

Ferdinand

age 6+

Sweet story about compassion, nonviolence has a few scares.

2017 PG (106 minutes)

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How to Train Your Dragon movie poster: Hiccup rides Toothless, his fist in the air

MOVIE

How to Train Your Dragon

age 6+

Thrilling adventure sends brains-over-brawn message.

2010 PG (90 minutes)

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Ratatouille Poster Image

MOVIE

Ratatouille

age 6+

Cute rat tale has some peril and potentially scary moments.

2007 G (110 minutes)

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The Iron Giant Poster Image

MOVIE

The Iron Giant

age 6+

Touching robot-kid friendship tale has great messages.

1999 PG (86 minutes)

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Up Poster Image

MOVIE

Up

age 6+

Pixar's stunning adventure is an upper for everyone.

2009 PG (98 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.

2014 PG (102 minutes)

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Boy and the World Poster Image

MOVIE

Boy and the World

age 7+

Poignant hand-drawn story promotes family, environmentalism.

2015 PG (83 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.

2017 PG (109 minutes)

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Dolphin Tale Poster Image

MOVIE

Dolphin Tale

age 7+

Heartwarming tale is sweet, inspiring for kids and tweens.

2011 PG (113 minutes)

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E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Poster Image

MOVIE

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

age 7+

Spielberg's family classic is still one of the best.

1982 PG (115 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.

2001 PG (152 minutes)

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James and the Giant Peach Poster Image

MOVIE

James and the Giant Peach

age 7+

Fabulous adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic book.

1996 PG (79 minutes)

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The Rookie Poster Image

MOVIE

The Rookie

age 7+

Sweet, engaging true story more appealing to tweens and up.

2002 G (128 minutes)

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Elf Poster Image

MOVIE

Elf

age 8+

Peppy holiday favorite for both kids and parents.

2003 PG (90 minutes)

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Poster Image

MOVIE

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

age 8+

Action- and creature-packed Potter sequel.

2002 PG (161 minutes)

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