Movies That Promote Self-Control

Last updated: July 28, 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.

May 16, 2017 2017 NR (51 minutes)
Peppa Celebrates Chinese New Year Poster Image
MOVIE

Peppa Celebrates Chinese New Year

age 3+

Great holiday explainer best for young Mandarin speakers.

February 6, 2019 2019 G (81 minutes)
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.

April 5, 2019 2019 NR (68 minutes)
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.

January 1, 1998 1998 G (63 minutes)
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.

October 15, 2013 2013 NR (45 minutes)
Frozen Poster Image
MOVIE

Frozen

age 5+

Wintry Disney musical is fabulous celebration of sisterhood.

November 27, 2013 2013 PG (102 minutes)
Tangled Poster Image
MOVIE

Tangled

age 5+

Fantastic princess adventure is fun, with great messages.

November 24, 2010 2010 PG (92 minutes)
Beauty and the Beast Poster Image
MOVIE

Beauty and the Beast

age 6+

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

November 22, 1991 1991 G (90 minutes)
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.

June 19, 2015 2015 PG (102 minutes)
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.

June 14, 2024 2024 PG (100 minutes)
Kung Fu Panda Poster Image
MOVIE

Kung Fu Panda

age 6+

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

June 6, 2008 2008 PG (88 minutes)
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.

August 1, 2025 2025 PG (104 minutes)
Anne of Green Gables Poster Image
MOVIE

Anne of Green Gables

age 7+

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

January 10, 1986 1986 NR (199 minutes)
Fireheart movie poster
MOVIE

Fireheart

age 7+

Animated mystery has positive female role model, messages.

February 15, 2022 2022 NR (92 minutes)
Pinocchio (2018) Poster Image
MOVIE

Pinocchio (2018)

age 7+

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

April 10, 2018 2018 PG (84 minutes)
Wreck-It Ralph Poster Image
MOVIE

Wreck-It Ralph

age 7+

Game-themed movie mixes potty humor with strong messages.

November 2, 2012 2012 PG (108 minutes)
A Christmas Story Poster Image
MOVIE

A Christmas Story

age 8+

Wonderful antidote to cutesy holiday tales; some swearing.

November 18, 1983 1983 PG (98 minutes)
Akeelah and the Bee Movie Poster: Akeelah stands at a microphone in a pink shirt, with various other characters' faces above her
MOVIE

Akeelah and the Bee

age 8+

Inspiring drama about a young spelling champ has swearing.

April 28, 2006 2006 PG (112 minutes)
Brave Poster Image
MOVIE

Brave

age 8+

Mother-daughter princess tale has some very scary scenes.

June 22, 2012 2012 PG (100 minutes)
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.

October 7, 2022 2022 NR (85 minutes)
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