Summer is winding down and school will be in session. I can probably guess that parents and children alike are feeling the summer blues knowing structure and routine will take priority. It definitely is a hard transition for families to get back into the swing of school. I still remember what that felt like as a student: the early mornings, the pressure to get enough sleep, the balancing act of homework and after-school activities. It’s a big shift, and I empathize with families who are gearing up for that transition.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of 20 of my all-time favorite animated movies! Movies can be a great needed distraction, a sweet way to connect on something not school-related, and a fun activity the family can forward to. You may even consider making Fridays movie nights and celebrate the end of the week with everyone piled on the couch and eating popcorn. I’ve done the hard work for you and found movies that are family-friendly and contain uplifting moral messages. For each one, I’ve included a brief synopsis, moral takeaway, themes, and even a bonus question to encourage thoughtful discussion. Happy watching!
1. Mitchells vs. the Machines
Synopsis: A less than perfect family goes on a cross-country road trip and end up on a family mission to save the world from a robot apocalypse.
Themes: Family bonds, teamwork, reliance on and dangers of technology.
Moral Messages: Embrace what makes you unique and work together with your family to overcome challenges.
Q for the Fam: What is your relationship with technology?
2. The Wild Robot
Synopsis: A robot washes up on a remote island and learns to survive in nature while forming bonds with the local animals.
Themes: Family, parenting, nature, adaptation, displacement, friendship, belonging.
Moral Messages: The power of kindness and empathy can foster love and togetherness.
Q for the Fam: How do you accept others who are different than you are?
3. Leo
Synopsis: Voiced by Adam Sandler, Leo, is an aging lizard who lives in a classroom terrarium who sets out to help students with life’s challenges.
Themes: Compassion, friendship, self-discovery, self-acceptance, intergenerational connection.
Moral Messages: Helping others and sharing wisdom can make life more meaningful.
Q for the Fam: What is the most memorable advice someone has given you?
4. Soul
Synopsis: A middle school music teacher has an unexpected accident that takes him on a journey through the afterlife and back.
Themes: Purpose, gratitude, perspective, life after death.
Moral Messages: Life’s beauty is found in small, everyday moments.
Q for the Fam: What makes your life meaningful?
5. Bee Movie
Synopsis: A young bee questions his life’s purpose and ends up suing humans for exploiting bees.
Themes: Environmental responsibility, justice, coexistence, friendship.
Moral Messages: Every role matters and our actions have consequences.
Q for the Fam: What’s a job that appears small, but actually has a huge impact?
6. Luca
Synopsis: Two young sea monsters disguise themselves as humans to explore life on land.
Themes: Friendship, courage, belonging, connection, acceptance.
Moral Messages: True friends accept you for who you are.
Q for the Fam: How would you describe your true self?
7. Turning Red
Synopsis: A 13-year-old girl discovers she turns into a giant red panda whenever she gets angry.
Themes: Self-acceptance/self-discovery, emotions, growing up, identity.
Moral Messages: Embracing your emotions and identity is part of becoming who you are.
Q for the Fam: What animal would you turn into if you couldn’t control your emotions?
8. Encanto
Synopsis: In a magical family where everyone has a special gift except Mirabel, she learns her worth while helping save her family’s magic.
Themes: Family, acceptance, identity, belonging, magic.
Moral Messages: Your value or worth isn’t defined by special abilities.
Q for the Fam: What is your magical gift?
9. Kung Fu Panda
Synopsis: Jack Black voices a clumsy panda who is unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy and must train to become a kung fu master.
Themes: Determination, belief, growth, adoption, belonging.
Moral Messages: Believing in yourself is the first step to achieving your dreams.
Q for the Fam: What’s something about you that you’ve learned to embrace and appreciate?
10. Inside Out
Synopsis: The story of a young girl’s emotions (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust) as they navigate her move to a new city.
Themes: Emotions, empathy, resilience, change
Moral Messages: All emotions have importance and can help us grow.
Q for the Fam: Which emotion do you resonate with most?
11. Zootopia
Synopsis: In a city where animals live in harmony, a bunny police officer and a fox work together to solve a mystery.
Themes: Diversity, teamwork, perseverance, acceptance, community
Moral Messages: Don’t judge others based on appearances or stereotypes.
Q for the Fam: Can you think of a time when you stood up for someone?
12. My Neighbor Totoro
Synopsis: A Miyazaki classic where two sisters move to the countryside and meet magical forest spirits who help them through life changes.
Themes: Imagination, adventure, wonder, kindness.
Moral Messages: Small acts of kindness and curiosity make the world a magical place.
Q for the Fam: Where’s a place in nature that feels calming and magical to you?
13. Wall-E
Synopsis: A small robot ends up on an adventure that could save the future of humanity.
Themes: Environment, love, hope, future, adventure.
Moral Messages: Take care of our planet and value human connection.
Q for the Fam: What’s one small change you could implement to help the environment?
14. Up
Synopsis: A widowed, elderly man fulfills a lifelong dream of traveling to South America and discovers unexpected adventure along the way.
Themes: Adventure, friendship, loss, grief, empathy.
Moral Messages: Adventure is found in both big journeys and small moments.
Q for the Fam: What is an adventure you would like to go on with your family?
15. Coco
Synopsis: A young boy travels to the Land of the Dead to learn about his family’s history and the power of remembering loved ones.
Themes: Family, tradition, remembrance, loss, afterlife, curiosity.
Moral Messages: Honoring loved ones keeps their stories alive.
Q for the Fam: What about your own family history are you curious about?
16. Lilo & Stitch
Synopsis: A quirky and friendless Hawaiian girl adopts a strange “dog,” and together they learn the meaning of family or ohana.
Themes: Love, belonging, loyalty, acceptance, family.
Moral Messages: Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.
Q for the Fam: How do you make sure you include others?
17. Ratatouille
Synopsis: A rat with a passion for cooking teams up with a young chef to prove that cooking can be for anyone.
Themes: Creativity, courage, ambition, adventure, passion.
Moral Messages: Don’t let limitations or other people’s perceptions hold you back from your dreams.
Q for the Fam: What’s something you’d love to learn to cook?
18. How to Train Your Dragon
Synopsis: A young Viking befriends a dragon that challenges his tribe’s beliefs about these animals.
Themes: Understanding, bravery, change, difference, courage.
Moral Messages: Compassion and empathy can repair and mend deep conflicts.
Q for the Fam: What is a moment where you chose to be brave?
19. Kubo and the Two Strings
Synopsis: A young storyteller embarks on a quest to discover his family’s past, using music and courage to face danger.
Themes: Storytelling, memory, courage, family, music.
Moral Messages: Stories hold the power to heal and connect us to one another.
Q for the Fam: What story from our family should we make sure does not get forgotten?
20. Megamind
Synopsis: A supervillain accidentally defeats his nemesis and must decide what to do with his newfound power.
Themes: Redemption, identity, choice, adversity
Moral Messages: We can choose to change, no matter our past.
Q for the Fam: What does it mean to be a hero in everyday life?
