Movies are a great source of entertainment and serve as an efficient tool for keeping your kids engaged. But they also serve as an educational tool at times. There are several kids’ movies that can be used to teach your kids important values and lessons.
Movies to Motivate your Child
Listed below are 10 great movies to motivate your child to do better and be better.
1. Motivational Movies for Kids – Brave
Duration: | 93 Minutes |
Produced by: | Walt Disney Pictures |

The first on our list of motivational movies for kids is Brave. Brave is unlike the regular fairytales where the girl plays the damsel in distress waiting to be rescued by a prince. Brave follows the story of Princess Merida who wants to be anything but a princess. Merida is brave, talented, and resilient. But Merida is also flawed. She rebels to make mistakes and learns from them. Brave is an inspirational movie for young girls and pushes them to be brave, compassionate, and independent. The impeccable animation and colourful characters are just an added bonus to the wonderful life lessons.
2. The Lion King
Duration: | 118 Minutes |
Produced by: | Walt Disney Pictures |

The next on the list of inspirational movies for kids is The Lion King. This is one of the most popular animated movies for kids. Lion King is the story of a lion cub, Simba, who is destined to succeed his father as the king of the jungle. This adorable kids movie has left children and adults alike in tears with its beautiful and heart-wrenching storyline. Simba’s struggle to overcome the challenges life throws at him and persevere in spite of tragedy is nothing short of inspiring. This movie teaches kids about strength, love, and the dark side of power.
3. Mary Poppins
Duration: | 139 Minutes |
Produced by: | Walt Disney |

Mary Poppins is one of the wonderful musical and inspirational movies for kids. This classic movie is a must-watch for families. Based on a children’s novel, this movie follows the story of Mary Poppins a magical nanny with a gracious demeanor. “Actions have consequences” and “Never judge a book by its cover” are two of the many valuable lessons Mary Poppins teaches kids in the movie. The movie comprises timeless teachings that are not only for kids but also for parents.
4. The Land Before Time
Duration: | 69 Minutes |
Produced by: | Don Bluth |

The Land Before Time is a kid’s classic that helps teach kids some of the toughest but essential life lessons. The movie tells the story of five little dinosaurs and their struggles. It teaches kids the importance of love, friendship, and family. This movie makes it easy to talk about the subject of death and grief with kids. It teaches kids how to cope with the loss of a loved one in a healthy way.
5. Moana
Duration: | 107 Minutes |
Produced by: | Walt Disney Animation Studios |

The next on our list of motivational movies for kids is Moana. It follows the story of a Polynesian princess who dreams big. This inspirational kids movie is a refreshing break from the old-school fairytales. Moana is a charming, passionate, and determined girl who wants to explore life beyond her little village. She sets sail on an amazing adventure with a demi-god to save her village from a curse. Moana makes for a fantastic role model for young kids, especially girls. She teaches kids about the importance of following their dreams, taking risks, and pursuing them in spite of failures.
6. How to Train Your Dragon
Duration: | 98 Minutes |
Produced by: | DreamWorks Animation |

How Train to Train Your Dragon is one of the movies to motivate your child and parents. This movie follows the story of Hiccup, a young boy in a Norse village who is unlike any of the other villages. Hiccup goes against the rules and befriends an injured dragon named toothless. Hence begins the adventure of Hiccup and Toothless.
The movie teaches kids the importance of self-love, compassion, and leading with your heart. The movie also teaches parents about encouraging their kids to be who they are.
7. Wizard of Oz
Duration: | 101 Minutes |
Produced by: | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer |

Wizard of Oz is the next on our list of inspirational movies for kids. This classic kid’s movie tells the story of Dorothy and her dog Toto who are taken to the magical land of Oz by a tornado. Dorothy makes some interesting friends on her journey and finds a way back home. The movie teaches lessons about confidence, bravery, and friendship.
8. The Karate Kid
Duration: | 140 Minutes |
Produced by: | Jerry Weintraub James Lassiter Ken Stovitz Will Smith Jada Pinkett Smith |

One of the best on the list of motivational movies for kids is The Karate Kid. This movie is suited for older kids. This martial arts drama movie teaches kids some important life lessons. The movie tells the story of Dre Parker who resorts to learning Karate from a kung fu master in order to defend himself against his bullies. In his journey to learn karate, Dre knows there is more to martial arts than just fighting. He learns how to deal with the curveballs thrown by life. This movie teaches kids about discipline, persistence, and what really matters in life.
9. The Pursuit of Happyness
Duration: | 117 Minutes |
Produced by: | Will Smith Todd Black Jason Blumenthal James Lassiter Steve Tisch |

The Pursuit of Happyness is a movie based on a true story suitable for older kids. It follows the journey of Chris, a salesman who is also a single dad. Chris faces difficulties with his job and becomes homeless. Chris’s hard work, willpower, and determination to offer a better life for his son are heartwarming. This movie shows that with hard work and persistence, you can achieve anything. It also helps them appreciate the comforts of their life and be grateful for the opportunities they have.
10. Harry Potter Series
Duration: | 1,179 Minutes (All movies) |
Produced by: | David Heyman Chris Columbus Mark Radcliffe David Barron J. K. Rowling |

The Harry Potter series is much more than a bunch of entertaining movies. The movie follows the story of Harry Potter who learns he is a wizard on his eleventh birthday. Harry goes on enchanting adventures along with his two best friends Ron and Hermione in the wizarding world. Each Harry Potter movie is riddled with lessons about love, life, and friendship that will stay with your kids long after the movies are over.
FAQs
What is the best movie of all time under 12?
The 10 best movies of all time for kids are Brave, The Lion King, Marry Poppins, The Land Before Time, Moana, How to Train Your Dragon, Wizard of Oz, The Karate Kid, The Pursuit of Happyness, and the Harry Potter Series.
What is the most liked movie for kids?
Some of the most liked movies by kids are The Lion King, Wizard of Oz, How to Train Your Dragon, and the Harry Potter Series.
Conclusion
These were some of our top picks for inspirational movies for kids. Which is your favourite kid’s inspirational movie? Let us know in the comments!