Movies That Promote Self-Control

Last updated: July 8, 2026

Self-control can be a tricky skill for kids to master—whether they're toddlers, teens, or anywhere in between. It can be tough to stay focused, manage big feelings, and resist impulses, but these movies are here to help. Packed with inspiring role models and powerful moments where characters conquer impulsiveness and recklessness, these films show kids the value of self-reflection, staying focused, and thinking before acting. For more great picks that can help teach this valuable character strength, check out TV That Promotes Self-Control.

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Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Tiger Family Trip Poster Image

MOVIE

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Tiger Family Trip

age 3+

More kid-friendly entertainment from inquisitive tiger cub.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)

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Peppa Celebrates Chinese New Year Poster Image

MOVIE

Peppa Celebrates Chinese New Year

age 3+

Great holiday explainer best for young Mandarin speakers.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)

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Peppa Pig: Festival of Fun Poster Image

MOVIE

Peppa Pig: Festival of Fun

age 3+

10 episodes of Peppa repackaged as a sing-along movie.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)

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Ruby's Studio: The Safety Show Poster Image

MOVIE

Ruby's Studio: The Safety Show

age 4+

Fantastic interactive video teaches kids vital safety tools.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)

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10 Years of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Poster Image

MOVIE

10 Years of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends

age 4+

Collection of fave episodes has positive messages for kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)

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Tangled Poster Image

MOVIE

Tangled

age 5+

Fantastic princess adventure is fun, with great messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2010)

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Frozen Poster Image

MOVIE

Frozen

age 5+

Wintry Disney musical is fabulous celebration of sisterhood.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)

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Inside Out 2: Movie Poster: The emotion characters all squish together, their faces up against the "glass" of the poster

MOVIE

Inside Out 2

age 6+

Growing up is emotional in thoughtful sequel; some peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2024)

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Inside Out Movie Poster: Riley's emotions stand in a group, Joy throwing her hands wide

MOVIE

Inside Out

age 6+

Creative, clever story about big feelings has peril, scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)

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Beauty and the Beast Poster Image

MOVIE

Beauty and the Beast

age 6+

Disney fave has great music, strong messages, some scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1991)

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The Bad Guys 2 movie poster: A collage of the animated main characters against in an engaging and colorful action-packed layout.

MOVIE

The Bad Guys 2

age 6+

Funny sequel mixes action, heart, and a bit of violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2025)

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Kung Fu Panda Poster Image

MOVIE

Kung Fu Panda

age 6+

Action-packed start of a franchise; scary scenes, fatphobia.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2008)

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Anne of Green Gables Poster Image

MOVIE

Anne of Green Gables

age 7+

Faithful, sensitive take on classic novel is great for kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1986)

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Wreck-It Ralph Poster Image

MOVIE

Wreck-It Ralph

age 7+

Game-themed movie mixes potty humor with strong messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2012)

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Fireheart movie poster

MOVIE

Fireheart

age 7+

Animated mystery has positive female role model, messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)

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Pinocchio (2018) Poster Image

MOVIE

Pinocchio (2018)

age 7+

Reimagining of classic tale has lots of peril, some scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)

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A silhouetted figure in a wheelchair is poised in the wings to enter a ballet performance.

MOVIE

Everybody Dance

age 8+

Sweet docu follows kids with disabilities at ballet school.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)

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Ralph Breaks the Internet Poster Image

MOVIE

Ralph Breaks the Internet

age 8+

Colorful, clever sequel tackles complexity of online world.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)

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The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar movie poster: Benedict Cumberbatch levitates as Henry Sugar.

MOVIE

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

age 8+

Uplifting story-based fantasy has some smoking, death.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)

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Spellbound Poster Image

MOVIE

Spellbound

age 8+

Families should see this m-a-r-v-e-l-o-u-s film.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2003)

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