Look, we've all been there. Your kid asks for the latest gaming console, the newest phone, or their third pair of trendy sneakers this month, and you're wondering if they've ever actually appreciated anything you've given them. Teaching gratitude isn't just some feel-good parenting buzzword—it's genuinely one of the most important life skills we can help our kids develop.
The good news? Some really excellent films can do the heavy lifting here. Movies about gratitude aren't necessarily the ones that beat you over the head with "be thankful!" messages (those are usually unwatchable). The best ones weave appreciation, perspective, and kindness into stories that actually resonate with kids. They show characters discovering what truly matters, often by losing something, gaining perspective, or realizing that what they had all along was pretty special.
Here's the thing about gratitude: you can't really lecture it into existence. Telling your 9-year-old to "just be grateful" lands about as well as explaining why they can't have unlimited Roblox Robux. But stories? Stories work differently. They let kids see gratitude in action without feeling preached at.
The research backs this up too. Kids who regularly practice gratitude show better emotional regulation, stronger relationships, and even improved academic performance. But "practicing gratitude" doesn't have to mean forced gratitude journals (though if that works for your family, great). Sometimes it's just watching a character realize that their annoying sibling is actually pretty cool, or that their "boring" life is full of people who care about them.
Ages 4-7: The Foundation Years
Coco (2017) is basically the gold standard here. Miguel learns to appreciate his family's history and the people who came before him. Yes, there are some intense moments about death, but the film handles it beautifully and sparks amazing conversations about remembering and honoring the people we love. Plus, the music absolutely slaps.
Encanto (2021) tackles family pressure and learning to appreciate people for who they are, not what they can do for you. Mirabel's journey to recognize her own worth while also seeing her family members as full humans (not just their magical gifts) is chef's kiss. Fair warning: "We Don't Talk About Bruno" will be stuck in your head for weeks.
Ages 8-12: Building Empathy
A Christmas Carol (any version, honestly, though the 2009 animated one is solid) is the OG gratitude story. Scrooge's transformation from miserly jerk to generous human is a bit on the nose, but it works. The Muppet version adds levity if your kids need something less intense.
Inside Out (2015) isn't explicitly about gratitude, but it brilliantly shows how appreciating all our emotions—even the hard ones—leads to deeper connections and understanding. Riley learns that her "perfect" life in Minnesota was actually full of meaningful moments she took for granted.
The Secret Garden (1993 version is lovely) follows Mary Lennox, a spoiled, lonely child who discovers appreciation for nature, friendship, and the healing power of caring for something beyond herself. It's slower-paced than modern films, which might actually be a feature, not a bug.
Ages 13+: Deeper Themes
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) is a classic for a reason. George Bailey's journey to see how his "ordinary" life has extraordinary impact is genuinely moving. Yes, it's old. Yes, it's in black and white. Yes, your teen might roll their eyes at first. But this film has made grown adults sob for 75+ years because it works.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) shows Chris Gardner and his son facing homelessness while maintaining hope and appreciation for each other. It's heavy—definitely preview it first—but it provides powerful perspective about privilege and perseverance. The bathroom scene will wreck you.
Lady Bird (2017) captures that teenage tension between desperately wanting to escape your hometown and eventually recognizing the love that surrounded you. Christine's relationship with her mother is complicated and real, and her eventual gratitude feels earned, not forced. Note: rated R for language and some sexual content, so definitely 15+.
Don't expect immediate transformation. Your kid isn't going to watch Coco and suddenly start thanking you for making dinner every night. These films plant seeds. The conversations you have afterward matter more than the movie itself.
Ask open-ended questions like:
- "What do you think changed for [character]?"
- "Have you ever felt like you didn't appreciate something until it was gone?"
- "Who in our life do we maybe take for granted?"
Watch for the right moment. Forcing a gratitude movie right after your kid has a tantrum about not getting what they want? Probably not going to land well. But a cozy family movie night when everyone's relaxed? Perfect.
Connect it to real life. After watching Encanto, maybe talk about the pressure kids feel to be "gifted" at everything. After Inside Out, discuss how even sad or scary experiences can become meaningful memories.
Movies about gratitude work best when they're just... good movies that happen to explore appreciation, perspective, and what really matters. The heavy-handed "moral of the story" films usually fall flat. But stories about characters discovering the value of what they have? Those stick with kids long after the credits roll.
And honestly? These films might remind us parents to appreciate the small stuff too. Like when your kid actually puts their phone down to watch a movie with you. That's worth something.
Pick one film from the age-appropriate section above and plan a family movie night this week. Make it special—popcorn, cozy blankets, phones away. Then see what conversations naturally emerge. You might be surprised what your kids notice and what resonates with them.
And if you're looking for more ways to build gratitude beyond movie night, explore conversation starters that actually work with kids
or learn about gratitude practices that don't feel forced.