20 Amazing Movies About Friendship Every Child Should Watch

20 Amazing Movies About Friendship Every Child Should Watch

Friendship is one of the most important and heartwarming themes in children’s movies. Whether it's about unlikely companions, lifelong pals, or new friends finding their way together, these stories show the value of loyalty, kindness, and fun.

Here’s a list of 20 kid-friendly movies that celebrate the magic of friendship—perfect for your next family movie night!

 

Toy Story (1995)

"You’ve Got a Friend in Me" couldn’t be a more fitting theme for this Pixar classic. Toy Story follows the adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of Andy’s toys as they navigate the challenges of jealousy, teamwork, and understanding what it truly means to be a friend. It’s a timeless tale of friendship that resonates with kids and adults alike.

 

Finding Nemo (2003)

In this underwater adventure, friendship plays a crucial role as Marlin searches for his son, Nemo. Along the way, he meets Dory, a forgetful but optimistic fish, who becomes his steadfast companion. Their journey together highlights how friends can help each other overcome fears and face challenges head-on.

 

The Lion King (1994)

Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa are the ultimate trio when it comes to showing the power of friendship. The Lion King is a story of growing up, overcoming hardship, and finding your way back home—with the help of true friends who stand by you through thick and thin. Plus, who can resist singing along to “Hakuna Matata”?

 

Inside Out (2015)

This Pixar gem delves into the emotions inside a young girl named Riley, focusing on how memories and emotions shape our relationships. Inside Out is a beautiful reminder that friendships, just like emotions, can be complex but are an essential part of our lives, especially during tough times.

 

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

This enchanting Studio Ghibli film introduces us to Satsuki and Mei, two sisters who befriend magical creatures in the countryside. My Neighbor Totoro is a gentle tale of friendship, imagination, and the importance of connecting with others, especially when facing life's challenges.

 

The Peanuts Movie (2015)

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts gang are back in this delightful film that celebrates the ups and downs of friendship. Whether it’s Charlie Brown’s unending optimism or Snoopy’s wild adventures, this movie is all about sticking together, supporting one another, and finding joy in the little things.

 

Frozen (2013)

While Frozen is often celebrated for its portrayal of sisterhood, the friendship between Anna, Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf is also a central theme. Their journey to save Elsa is filled with moments that highlight the importance of trust, teamwork, and standing by your friends, no matter what.

 

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

Lilo & Stitch is a heartwarming story about an unlikely friendship between a lonely girl and a mischievous alien. Their bond teaches us that family isn’t just about who you’re related to—it’s about the people (and creatures) who care for you and stand by you, even in the face of danger.

 

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Mike and Sulley are best friends who work together at Monsters, Inc., a company that powers their world by scaring children. However, when they meet a little girl named Boo, their friendship is tested as they realize that there’s more to life than just their job. Monsters, Inc. is a fun-filled movie that showcases how true friends can help you see the world in a new light.

 

The Fox and the Hound (1981)

This classic Disney film tells the tale of an unlikely friendship between Tod, a fox, and Copper, a hound dog. Despite their natural instincts and the world telling them they shouldn’t be friends, Tod and Copper prove that true friendship can overcome any obstacle. It’s a touching story about the power of friendship to bridge even the widest of divides.

 

The Iron Giant (1999)

This heartwarming story follows the unlikely friendship between a young boy named Hogarth and a giant robot from outer space. The Iron Giant is a beautiful tale about acceptance, understanding, and the lengths we go to protect our friends. It's a movie that teaches kids about the power of empathy and standing up for what’s right.

 

Paddington (2014)

Paddington Bear is charming, polite, and always finds himself in sticky situations. As he navigates life in London, Paddington forms strong friendships with the Brown family and others in his neighborhood. Paddington is a delightful film that showcases how kindness and a good heart can turn strangers into lifelong friends.

 

Zootopia (2016)

Zootopia is more than just a fun adventure in a world of talking animals—it's a story of an unlikely friendship between Judy Hopps, a rabbit police officer, and Nick Wilde, a sly fox. Their journey together teaches valuable lessons about trust, teamwork, and overcoming prejudice to build strong friendships.

 

The Lego Movie (2014)

Emmet, an ordinary Lego figure, finds himself on an extraordinary adventure with a group of misfit friends. The Lego Movie is a hilarious and action-packed film that emphasizes the importance of creativity, cooperation, and how even the most ordinary person can be a hero with the help of friends.

 

Charlotte’s Web (2006)

Based on the beloved children’s book, Charlotte’s Web tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. Through their bond, the movie beautifully illustrates themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the power of true friendship to change lives.

 

Big Hero 6 (2014)

This action-packed Disney movie is about a boy named Hiro and his inflatable robot friend, Baymax. Along with a group of friends, they form a superhero team to solve the mystery of a tragic event. Big Hero 6 is a fantastic mix of humor, heart, and action, showing how friendship can help us heal and become stronger.

 

The Incredibles (2004)

While The Incredibles is often recognized for its portrayal of family dynamics, the friendships between the characters, like Dash and his classmates, or Violet and her new friends, also play an important role. This movie is all about teamwork and standing by each other through thick and thin.

 

Shrek (2001)

Shrek tells the story of an ogre who, despite his gruff exterior, forms a deep and meaningful friendship with a talking donkey named Donkey. This hilarious and heartwarming movie shows that friendship can be found in the most unexpected places, and that true friends see past each other’s flaws.

 

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

This epic tale centers on the friendship between a young Viking named Hiccup and a dragon named Toothless. How to Train Your Dragon is an inspiring story about overcoming fear and prejudice, and how the bond of friendship can change the course of history.

 

The Jungle Book (2016)

This live-action adaptation of the classic tale follows Mowgli, a young boy raised in the jungle, and his friendships with animals like Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther. The Jungle Book is an adventurous and touching story that highlights the strength and loyalty that true friends offer each other, even in the wildest of places.

 

Grab some popcorn, cuddle up on the couch, and enjoy these timeless tales of friendship on your next movie night! 

 

My Friends and I book

 💡 Looking for more kid-friendly movie ideas? Check out question #16 in your child's My Friends and I book to see what their friends love to watch! Don't have a book yet? Get one here or on Amazon!

 

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Photo by Vika Glitter

 

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