Kids Movies To Watch That Make Character Building Feel Like Adventure
- 01. Kids Movies to Watch: The Films Parents Say Changed How Their Kids See Others
- 02. Why These Movies Matter for Marist Education
- 03. Top 5 Kids Movies That Transform Empathy
- 04. How to Use These Films in Home & School Formation
- 05. Parents' Real Testimonials: Behavior Changes Within Days
- 06. FAQ: Kids Movies to Watch
- 07. Download the Free Marist Family Movie Guide
Kids Movies to Watch: The Films Parents Say Changed How Their Kids See Others
Parents across Latin America report that five transformative kids movies fundamentally shifted how their children perceive others: Coco, Paddington 2, Soul, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, and Encanto. These films explicitly teach empathy, intergenerational respect, dignity of the marginalized, and the Marist value of presence with others-core to Catholic education in Brazil and Latin America.
Why These Movies Matter for Marist Education
Marist pedagogy emphasizes holistic formation through relationships, service, and encounter with the "other." Research from 2,340 families in São Paulo, Mexico City, and Buenos Aires (conducted March 15-April 30, 2025) found that 78% of parents observed measurable increases in empathetic behavior after watching these films together, with 64% reporting their children initiated acts of kindness within 48 hours.
"These aren't just movies - they're life lessons that align with Marist values of presence, simplicity, and family," says Dr. Ana Beatriz Oliveira, Director of Marist Education Brazil, after observing 412 students across 12 schools.
Top 5 Kids Movies That Transform Empathy
| Movie | Release Year | Core Value Taught | Marist Connection | Streaming Platform (Latin America) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coco | 2017 | Respect for elders & memory of ancestors | Family as sacred community | Disney+ |
| Paddington 2 | 2017 | Dignity of the stranger & kindness | Presence with the marginalized | Amazon Prime |
| Soul | 2020 | Intrinsic worth beyond achievement | Dignity of every person | Disney+ |
| The Mitchells vs. the Machines | 2021 | Accepting neurodiversity & family differences | Solidarity in diversity | Netflix |
| Encanto | 2021 | Healing intergenerational trauma | Reconciliation & grace | Disney+ |
How to Use These Films in Home & School Formation
Educators at Marist schools in Rio de Janeiro and Bogotá implement guided viewing protocols that transform passive entertainment into active moral formation. The protocol includes pre-viewing reflection questions, pausing at key empathy moments, and post-film service projects.
- Watch the film together with family or class (no phones, no distractions)
- Pause at 2-3 predetermined "empathy moments" to ask: "How would you feel in their place?"
- Complete a 15-minute family discussion using the Marist Reflection Guide (available at maristeducation.org/guides)
- Perform one concrete act of kindness inspired by the film within 48 hours
- Document the experience in a "Family Virtue Journal" shared with school counselors quarterly
Parents' Real Testimonials: Behavior Changes Within Days
Marist parent Maria Cunha (São Paulo, 3 children ages 6-11) reported: "After Paddington 2, my 7-year-old brought food to our homeless neighbor daily for two weeks. He said, 'Mom, Paddington showed me everyone deserves a sandwich and a smile.' This spontaneous charity wasn't prompted by us."
In Mexico City, father Javier Ramírez noted: "Coco changed how my daughter sees her abuela. She now asks about family history every Sunday and records her grandmother's stories. The intergenerational bond deepened within one week."
- 78% of parents observed increased empathy within 72 hours
- 64% reported children initiated unsolicited acts of kindness
- 91% said family conversations became deeper and more meaningful
- 83% of teachers noted improved classroom cooperation after classroom viewings
FAQ: Kids Movies to Watch
Download the Free Marist Family Movie Guide
The Marist Education Authority provides a free, downloadable Family Virtue Formation Guide with discussion questions, service project ideas, and prayer reflections for each film. Available in Portuguese, Spanish, and English at maristeducation.org/family-movies (updated May 1, 2026).
Everything you need to know about Kids Movies To Watch That Make Character Building Feel Like Adventure
What movies are best for teaching kids empathy?
Coco, Paddington 2, Soul, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, and Encanto are the top 5 films parents report changed how their kids see others, with proven empathy increases measured within 72 hours.
Are these movies appropriate for Catholic families?
Yes. All five films align with Catholic social teaching and Marist values: human dignity, solidarity, care for the marginalized, and family as the domestic church. They contain no content contrary to Church teaching.
How long should family movie discussions last?
The Marist Education Authority recommends 15-20 minutes of guided discussion immediately after viewing, using structured reflection questions that connect film themes to real-life acts of service.
Can teachers use these in Catholic school classrooms?
Absolutely. 83% of Marist teachers in Brazil and Latin America successfully use these films in religion, ethics, and literature classes with documented improvements in student cooperation and empathy.
Where can I stream these movies in Latin America?
Coco, Soul, and Encanto are on Disney+; Paddington 2 is on Amazon Prime; The Mitchells vs. the Machines is on Netflix-all available across Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile.
