Movies That Inspire Gratitude

Last updated: August 18, 2026

Gratitude is a key ingredient for kids' happiness and success (and an important life skill), but it's about much more than just saying "thank you." The movies on this list can help kids see how powerful it is to notice and appreciate the good things in their lives—and to pass that kindness to others. These inspiring films highlight characters who grow by letting go of selfishness and learning to truly value what they have, showing kids how gratitude can transform their outlook on life. For more great stories about gratitude, check out TV That Inspires Gratitude

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A Charlie Brown Christmas Poster Image
MOVIE

A Charlie Brown Christmas

age 3+

The Peanuts gang in a classic Christmas special.

1965 G (30 minutes)
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Poster: Charlie Brown holds a bowl of dog food while Snoopy and Woodstock sit at a table that has pie and turkey on it
MOVIE

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

age 3+

Classic Turkey Day special for all ages; some insult words.

1973 NR (25 minutes)
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas Poster Image
MOVIE

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas

age 3+

Sweet, funny holiday fare with familiar, loveable monkey.

2009 NR (58 minutes)
Cinderella Movie Poster: Cinderella holds a glass slipper; smaller images of the Fairy Godmother and other characters are below her
MOVIE

Cinderella

age 4+

Sweet fairy-tale classic has bullying, tense chase scenes.

1950 G (74 minutes)
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas Poster Image
MOVIE

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

age 4+

Heartwarming TV special is true to Seuss' classic book.

1966 NR (26 minutes)
Elf Pets: A Fox Cub's Tale Poster Image
MOVIE

Elf Pets: A Fox Cub's Tale

age 4+

Lights, songs, and good cheer delight in short holiday tale.

2019 NR (28 minutes)
The Snowy Day Poster Image
MOVIE

The Snowy Day

age 4+

Love and community central to holiday book adaptation.

2016 NR (59 minutes)
Tinker Bell Poster Image
MOVIE

Tinker Bell

age 4+

Sweet, simple story is best for young Tink fans.

2008 G (78 minutes)
VeggieTales: Madame Blueberry Poster Image
MOVIE

VeggieTales: Madame Blueberry

age 4+

Great songs and a timely message about the dangers of greed.

1998 NR (37 minutes)
Finding Nemo Poster Image
MOVIE

Finding Nemo

age 5+

Sweet father-son tale has some very scary moments.

2003 G (101 minutes)
Good Night Oppy Movie Poster
MOVIE

Good Night Oppy

age 5+

Inspiring docu about Mars rovers has teamwork, curiosity.

2022 PG (105 minutes)
Luck Movie Poster
MOVIE

Luck

age 5+

Colorful, charming animated tale has positive messages.

2022 G (97 minutes)
Tangled Poster Image
MOVIE

Tangled

age 5+

Fantastic princess adventure is fun, with great messages.

2010 PG (92 minutes)
The Land of Sometimes movie poster: Alfie stands next to Elise on a ship, holding up the wish watch
MOVIE

The Land of Sometimes

age 5+

Whimsical animated adventure with peril, potty humor.

2026 NR (93 minutes)
The Swan Princess: Kingdom of Music Poster Image
MOVIE

The Swan Princess: Kingdom of Music

age 5+

Sweet fairy tale romance, positive messages, mild action.

2019 G (82 minutes)
Alien Xmas Poster Image
MOVIE

Alien Xmas

age 6+

Adorable family tale of Christmas spirit has mild scares.

2020 NR (42 minutes)
Angela's Christmas Wish Poster Image
MOVIE

Angela's Christmas Wish

age 6+

Some emotional intensity in uplifting Ireland-set sequel.

2020 NR (47 minutes)
Annie (1982) Poster Image
MOVIE

Annie (1982)

age 6+

Classic orphan tale has great songs, some iffy content.

1982 PG (127 minutes)
Cinderella (2015) movie poster: Cinderella in a blue dress
MOVIE

Cinderella (2015)

age 6+

Visually impressive fairy tale promotes kindness.

2015 PG (105 minutes)
Flow movie poster: A black cat sits in front of a Tibetan landscape
MOVIE

Flow

age 6+

Superb animated "cat-astrophe" has animals in peril.

2024 PG (84 minutes)
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