Movies That Inspire Gratitude

Last updated: July 8, 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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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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)

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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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1965)

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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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1973)

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Tinker Bell Poster Image

MOVIE

Tinker Bell

age 4+

Sweet, simple story is best for young Tink fans.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2008)

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The Snowy Day Poster Image

MOVIE

The Snowy Day

age 4+

Love and community central to holiday book adaptation.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)

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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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)

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VeggieTales: Madame Blueberry Poster Image

MOVIE

VeggieTales: Madame Blueberry

age 4+

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

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)

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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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1966)

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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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1950)

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Good Night Oppy Movie Poster

MOVIE

Good Night Oppy

age 5+

Inspiring docu about Mars rovers has teamwork, curiosity.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)

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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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)

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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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Luck Movie Poster

MOVIE

Luck

age 5+

Colorful, charming animated tale has positive messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)

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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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2026)

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Finding Nemo Poster Image

MOVIE

Finding Nemo

age 5+

Sweet father-son tale has some very scary moments.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2003)

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Mary Poppins Returns Poster Image

MOVIE

Mary Poppins Returns

age 6+

Blunt is a delight in sweet, nostalgic, toe-tapping sequel.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)

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Trolls Holiday Poster Image

MOVIE

Trolls Holiday

age 6+

Holiday-themed show will give Trolls fans the warm fuzzies.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)

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Up Poster Image

MOVIE

Up

age 6+

Pixar's stunning adventure is an upper for everyone.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)

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School of Magical Animals movie poster: A girl with red hair and a blonde boy and black haired boy smile at the camera

MOVIE

School of Magical Animals

age 6+

German book adaptation is fun for kids too young for Potter.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)

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Pollyanna Poster Image

MOVIE

Pollyanna

age 6+

Wonderful family film with excellent messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1960)

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