Over 30 Movies That Will Inspire Kids to Change the World
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We asked our friends from Common Sense Media to share their list of recommended movies that will inspire kids to change the world — read through to see what they chose.
Inspiration comes from a variety of sources, but movies can be particularly powerful for kids and teens. Whether it's the environmental message of FernGully that gets young kids thinking about the Earth differently or a documentary like Super Size Me! that inspires kids to change their eating habits, this list of movies can spur action. Many of these films have a specific aim to persuade viewers to think a certain way, so parents can help kids understand different sides of the issues as a means of keeping kids media savvy.
A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story
Outstanding role model urges kids to stand up to bullies.
Alive Inside
Inspiring, tween-friendly documentary on music's impact on memory.
Anita: Speaking Truth to Power
Riveting documentary may inspire discussion of sexual harassment.
Bowling for Columbine
Must-see gun violence documentary is brutal.
Bully
Powerful documentary addresses critically important issue for kids.
Citizenfour
Bold documentary explores Edward Snowden's controversial actions.
Chasing Ice
Beautiful, affecting documentary about glacier retreat.
Cowspiracy
Provocative documentary has some graphic scenes of animal cruelty.
Dear Dumb Diary
Books-inspired movie has great social messages for kids.
Dancing in Jaffa
Uplifting documentary promotes religious tolerance via dance.
FernGully: The Last Rainforest
Family favorite features strong environmental message.
Forks Over Knives
Engaging documentary promotes a vegan diet in nonjudgmental way.
Fed Up
Informative, engrossing documentary about saying no to sugar.
G-Dog
Inspiring documentary about gang intervention program in LA.
Girl Rising
Powerful documentary explains why all girls need an education.
He Named Me Malala
Inspiring, deeply affecting documentary explores teen icon's life.
Imba Means Sing
Vibrant, uplifting documentary about African children's choir.
If You Build It
Inspiring documentary shows young people capable of great things.
Kindness is Contagious
Warm, feel-good documentary about being nice is uplifting.
Living on One Dollar
Earnest, inspiring documentary shows realities of rural poverty.
Dr. Seuss: The Lorax
Outstanding 1970s Dr. Seuss parable about protecting nature.
March of the Penguins
Stunning, loving documentary; some intense peril.
Maidentrip
Excellent documentary about teen sailor; some brief profanity.
Most Valuable Players
Moving, engaging documentary about high school musical theater.
A Place at the Table
Powerful documentary explores the problem of hunger in America.
Pixie Hollow Games
Beautifully animated "fairy" tale teaches about teamwork.
Super Size Me
Fascinating, award-winning documentary on American fast food.
The Dream is Now
Strong, emotional documentary supports immigration reform.
The Square
Unflinching, violent, but excellent documentary on Arab Spring.
Waste Land
Inspiring documentary portrays the dignity of the poor.
Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom
Brutal but inspiring documentary about 2013-'14 Ukrainian uprising.