Movies That Inspire Gratitude

Last updated: July 28, 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.

December 9, 1965 1965 G (30 minutes)

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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.

November 20, 1973 1973 NR (25 minutes)

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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.

October 13, 2009 2009 NR (58 minutes)

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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.

March 4, 1950 1950 G (74 minutes)

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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.

December 18, 1966 1966 NR (26 minutes)

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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.

December 3, 2019 2019 NR (28 minutes)

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The Snowy Day Poster Image

MOVIE

The Snowy Day

age 4+

Love and community central to holiday book adaptation.

November 25, 2016 2016 NR (59 minutes)

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Tinker Bell Poster Image

MOVIE

Tinker Bell

age 4+

Sweet, simple story is best for young Tink fans.

October 22, 2008 2008 G (78 minutes)

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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.

January 1, 1998 1998 NR (37 minutes)

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Finding Nemo Poster Image

MOVIE

Finding Nemo

age 5+

Sweet father-son tale has some very scary moments.

May 30, 2003 2003 G (101 minutes)

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Good Night Oppy Movie Poster

MOVIE

Good Night Oppy

age 5+

Inspiring docu about Mars rovers has teamwork, curiosity.

November 4, 2022 2022 PG (105 minutes)

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Luck Movie Poster

MOVIE

Luck

age 5+

Colorful, charming animated tale has positive messages.

August 5, 2022 2022 G (97 minutes)

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Tangled Poster Image

MOVIE

Tangled

age 5+

Fantastic princess adventure is fun, with great messages.

November 24, 2010 2010 PG (92 minutes)

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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.

March 20, 2026 2026 NR (93 minutes)

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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.

August 6, 2019 2019 G (82 minutes)

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Alien Xmas Poster Image

MOVIE

Alien Xmas

age 6+

Adorable family tale of Christmas spirit has mild scares.

November 20, 2020 2020 NR (42 minutes)

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Angela's Christmas Wish Poster Image

MOVIE

Angela's Christmas Wish

age 6+

Some emotional intensity in uplifting Ireland-set sequel.

December 1, 2020 2020 NR (47 minutes)

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Annie (1982) Poster Image

MOVIE

Annie (1982)

age 6+

Classic orphan tale has great songs, some iffy content.

June 9, 1982 1982 PG (127 minutes)

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Cinderella (2015) movie poster: Cinderella in a blue dress

MOVIE

Cinderella (2015)

age 6+

Visually impressive fairy tale promotes kindness.

March 13, 2015 2015 PG (105 minutes)

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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.

November 22, 2024 2024 PG (84 minutes)

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