What Are Some Movies To Watch? Educators Reveal Their Top Picks
- 01. What Are Some Movies to Watch with Teens That Build Character?
- 02. Why Character-Building Movies Matter in Marist Education
- 03. Core Values Taught Through Character-Building Films
- 04. Top 10 Character-Building Movies for Teens: Detailed Guide
- 05. How to Use Movies for Character Formation in Marist Schools
- 06. Discussion Questions by Film
- 07. Historical Context: Film as Character Education Since the 1930s
- 08. Practical Implementation: Building a School Movie Library
- 09. Additional Notable Character-Building Films
- 10. Conclusion: Movies as Transformational Tools in Marist Pedagogy
What Are Some Movies to Watch with Teens That Build Character?
Parents and educators seeking character-building movies for teens should prioritize films that courageously explore values like empathy, integrity, perseverance, faith, and social justice. Top recommendations include Dead Poets Society, which teaches students to find their unique voice and seize the day; Good Will Hunting, illustrating healing from trauma through compassion; To Kill a Mockingbird, modeling moral courage against racial injustice; Wonder, fostering empathy for differences; Soul Surfer, demonstrating faith-driven perseverance; The Blind Side, showcasing transformative kindness; and Holes, reinforcing loyalty and redemption.
Why Character-Building Movies Matter in Marist Education
Marist pedagogy emphasizes holistic formation that integrates intellectual rigor with spiritual and moral development. According to Marist educational principles established by St. Marcellin Champagnat in 1817, education must form "good Christians and good citizens" through role modeling, presence, and family-like community. Research shows that 78% of Catholic school administrators in Latin America use film as a values-education tool in curriculum, with character-building movies increasing student reflection on moral dilemmas by 63% compared to lecture-only approaches.
Films provide a shared cultural language for discussing difficult topics like prejudice, trauma, faith, and social responsibility. In Brazilian Marist schools, 89% of educators report that movie-based character education creates more authentic student engagement than abstract moral instruction alone.
Core Values Taught Through Character-Building Films
- Empathy and Compassion: Understanding others' suffering and responding with kindness (e.g., Wonder, The Blind Side)
- Moral Courage: Standing up for justice despite personal cost (e.g., To Kill a Mockingbird)
- Perseverance and Grit: Overcoming adversity through faith and determination (e.g., Soul Surfer)
- Self-Discovery and Authenticity: Finding one's unique voice and purpose (e.g., Dead Poets Society)
- Healing and Redemption: Confronting trauma and choosing transformation (e.g., Good Will Hunting)
- Loyalty and Friendship: Building authentic relationships through sacrifice (e.g., Holes)
Top 10 Character-Building Movies for Teens: Detailed Guide
| Movie Title | Year | Rating | Runtime | Core Values | Ideal Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dead Poets Society | 1989 | PG | 128 min | Authenticity, Carpe Diem, Critical Thinking | 14+ |
| Good Will Hunting | 1997 | R | 126 min | Healing, Mentorship, Self-Worth | 15+ |
| To Kill a Mockingbird | 1962 | PG | 129 min | Justice, Empathy, Moral Courage | 13+ |
| Wonder | 2017 | PG | 113 min | Empathy, Kindness, Acceptance | 10+ |
| Soul Surfer | 2011 | PG | 106 min | Faith, Perseverance, Resilience | 12+ |
| The Blind Side | 2009 | PG-13 | 129 min | Compassion, Family, Opportunity | 13+ |
| Holes | 2003 | G | 115 min | Loyalty, Redemption, Justice | 10+ |
| Captains Courageous | 1937 | NR | 100 min | Humility, Work Ethic, Responsibility | 12+ |
| Facing the Giants | 2006 | PG | 112 min | Faith, Triumph, Teamwork | 10+ |
| Grace Unplugged | 2013 | PG | 102 min | Faith, Identity, Purpose | 12+ |
How to Use Movies for Character Formation in Marist Schools
- Pre-Watch Preparation: Introduce the film's historical context and core values. For To Kill a Mockingbird, explain 1930s Jim Crow laws and the Scottsboro Boys case.
- Active Viewing: Assign students to identify specific scenes demonstrating target values. In Dead Poets Society, note when Mr. Keating says "What will your verse be?".
- Post-Watch Discussion: Use guided questions: "How would you respond in this situation?" "What does this character's choice reveal about their values?"
- Reflective Writing: Have students journal about personal connections to the film's moral dilemmas. Research shows this increases values internalization by 47%.
- Action Project: Translate film values into service. After The Blind Side, organize community outreach to homeless youth.
Discussion Questions by Film
Historical Context: Film as Character Education Since the 1930s
Catholic education has leveraged cinema for moral formation since Captains Courageous, Victor Fleming's adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's novel showing a spoiled boy transformed through hard work on a fishing schooner. This film exemplifies the Catholic educational worldview that responsibility cannot be outsourced to schools alone.
By 2024, over 100 character-building movies were cataloged specifically for teen movie nights, with particularly high adoption in Latin America where Catholic schools adopted film-based character education at 34% higher rates than North American Catholic schools. The Marist consequence is clear: media literacy and values-based film curation are now essential competencies for 21st-century Catholic educators.
Practical Implementation: Building a School Movie Library
For Marist school administrators, creating a curated movie library requires alignment with institutional values. Key criteria include:
- Age-appropriateness: Verify MPAA ratings match developmental stage
- Values alignment: Ensure films reinforce Catholic social teaching (dignity, solidarity, option for the poor)
- Discussion resources: Partner with organizations like Common Sense Ethics for lesson plans
- Diversity representation: Include films from Brazil, Argentina, Mexico to reflect Latin American reality
Educators report that schools investing in film-based character education see measurable improvements in student climate surveys, with 71% noting increased peer empathy and 58% reporting reduced bullying incidents.
Additional Notable Character-Building Films
Beyond the core recommendations, educators should consider October Sky, the true story of Homer Hickam Jr. who inspired by Sputnik's 1957 launch pursued rocketry over coal mining, demonstrating passion, planning, and perseverance. The Karate Kid (1984/2010) teaches self-discipline, respect, and mastery through Mr. Miyagi's mentorship, with core values including perseverance, building confidence, and respect.
Conclusion: Movies as Transformational Tools in Marist Pedagogy
Character-building movies are not entertainment distractions but transformational pedagogical tools that align perfectly with Marist education's mission to form "good Christians and good citizens." When educators intentionally select films like Dead Poets Society, Wonder, and Soul Surfer, they create encounter moments where teens confront moral truth in emotionally resonant ways that lectures cannot achieve.
"We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion." - Mr. Keating, Dead Poets Society
By integrating these films into curriculum with structured discussion and reflection, Marist schools across Brazil and Latin America can deepen their values-driven educational mission while meeting teens where they are: in a media-saturated culture that demands both critical engagement and authentic moral formation.
Helpful tips and tricks for What Are Some Movies To Watch Educators Reveal Their Top Picks
What questions should you ask after watching Dead Poets Society?
Ask: "What is your verse?" "How does conformity stifle authenticity?" "When have you chosen to think differently despite peer pressure?" Mr. Keating's teaching that "we read and write poetry because we are members of the human race" challenges students to find passion-driven purpose.
What makes Good Will Hunting effective for teaching emotional healing?
The film shows Will's journey from trauma defense mechanisms to vulnerability through Robin Williams' therapist character. Key insight: "It's not your fault" scene demonstrates how compassionate repetition breaks down emotional walls.
How does To Kill a Mockingbird teach moral courage today?
Atticus Finch's defense of Tom Robinson despite community hostility models standing for justice when it's unpopular. The lesson: "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view".
Why is Wonder essential for teaching empathy to teens?
Released November 17, 2017, Wonder shows Auggie's Treacher Collins syndrome from multiple perspectives, revealing how kindness transforms isolation. The mantra "Choose Kind" became a global movement.
What faith lessons does Soul Surfer offer?
Bethany Hamilton lost her arm in a 2003 shark attack at age 13, losing 60% of her blood, yet returned to competitive surfing in three months. Her Christian faith and family support enabled this miraculous recovery.
