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.
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A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story
Outstanding role model urges kids to stand up to bullies.
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Alive Inside
Inspiring, tween-friendly documentary on music's impact on memory.
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Anita: Speaking Truth to Power
Riveting documentary may inspire discussion of sexual harassment.
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Bowling for Columbine
Must-see gun violence documentary is brutal.
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Bully
Powerful documentary addresses critically important issue for kids.
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Citizenfour
Bold documentary explores Edward Snowden's controversial actions.
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Chasing Ice
Beautiful, affecting documentary about glacier retreat.
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Cowspiracy
Provocative documentary has some graphic scenes of animal cruelty.
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Dear Dumb Diary
Books-inspired movie has great social messages for kids.
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Dancing in Jaffa
Uplifting documentary promotes religious tolerance via dance.
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FernGully: The Last Rainforest
Family favorite features strong environmental message.
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Forks Over Knives
Engaging documentary promotes a vegan diet in nonjudgmental way.
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Fed Up
Informative, engrossing documentary about saying no to sugar.
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G-Dog
Inspiring documentary about gang intervention program in LA.
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Girl Rising
Powerful documentary explains why all girls need an education.
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He Named Me Malala
Inspiring, deeply affecting documentary explores teen icon's life.
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Imba Means Sing
Vibrant, uplifting documentary about African children's choir.
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If You Build It
Inspiring documentary shows young people capable of great things.
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Kindness is Contagious
Warm, feel-good documentary about being nice is uplifting.
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Living on One Dollar
Earnest, inspiring documentary shows realities of rural poverty.
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Dr. Seuss: The Lorax
Outstanding 1970s Dr. Seuss parable about protecting nature.
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March of the Penguins
Stunning, loving documentary; some intense peril.
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Maidentrip
Excellent documentary about teen sailor; some brief profanity.
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Most Valuable Players
Moving, engaging documentary about high school musical theater.
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A Place at the Table
Powerful documentary explores the problem of hunger in America.
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Pixie Hollow Games
Beautifully animated "fairy" tale teaches about teamwork.
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Super Size Me
Fascinating, award-winning documentary on American fast food.
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The Dream is Now
Strong, emotional documentary supports immigration reform.
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The Square
Unflinching, violent, but excellent documentary on Arab Spring.
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Waste Land
Inspiring documentary portrays the dignity of the poor.
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Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom
Brutal but inspiring documentary about 2013-'14 Ukrainian uprising.