Kids Movies About Earth Day

From Steven Spielberg, starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Rated R

Schindler's List is a 1993 historical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Steven Zaillian. It is based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Thomas Keneally, which tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The film follows Schindler as he gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazi Germans. The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score. It was also nominated for twelve other Academy Awards, making it the most-nominated film in Academy Awards history. The film's powerful imagery of the Holocaust has made it one of the most significant and memorable films of all time.

From Roberto Benigni, starring Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durano
Rated PG-13

Life Is Beautiful is a 1997 Italian comedy-drama film directed by Roberto Benigni, who also stars in the film. The story follows Guido, a Jewish Italian bookshop owner, who is separated from his wife and son when they are taken away to a concentration camp during World War II. In order to shield his son from the horrors of their situation, Guido convinces his son that their time in the camp is merely an elaborate game. Through Guido's courage and imagination, they survive the ordeal and eventually reunite with his wife. The film is a heartwarming and humorous exploration of the power of courage and the ability to find joy even in the darkest of times.

From John Sturges, starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson
Rated Approved

The Great Escape is a classic World War II action drama directed by John Sturges in 1963, starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough. The film follows a group of Allied prisoners of war (POWs) who plan an elaborate escape from a German POW camp. Led by the rebellious and defiant RAF Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett (Richard Attenborough), the prisoners must use their wits and courage to outwit their captors and secure freedom. Along the way, they face many obstacles and must use teamwork and ingenuity to succeed. The Great Escape is an inspiring story of courage, hope, and friendship, and has become one of the most iconic films of its genre.

From Mark Herman, starring Asa Butterfield, David Thewlis, Rupert Friend, Zac Mattoon O'Brien
Rated PG-13

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a 2008 drama film set in World War II and directed by Mark Herman. It is based on the novel of the same name by John Boyne. The film follows the story of eight-year-old Bruno (Asa Butterfield), the son of a Nazi commandant (David Thewlis), who moves with his family to a new home near a concentration camp. Bruno befriends a Jewish boy named Shmuel (Jack Scanlon) who lives on the other side of the camp’s fence, despite the warnings of his parents. As the two boys interact, Bruno learns the truth about the camp and the horrors occurring inside. In the end, Bruno and Shmuel’s friendship helps to illustrate the futility of war and the power of human connection.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers
Rated PG

Set in Shanghai, China during World War II, Empire of the Sun is the story of Jamie ‘Jim’ Graham, a young British boy separated from his parents in the chaos of the Japanese invasion. Forced to live in the slums, Jim finds himself alone in a world of danger. When he is finally captured by the Japanese, Jim manages to survive the squalor of a Japanese internment camp with the help of a spirited and resourceful American POW called Basie. As the war drags on, Jim matures, learning to survive under the most trying of conditions. With Basie’s help, he begins to piece his life back together, eventually rising to become a leader among his fellow prisoners. In the face of cruelty and deprivation, Jim’s courage and resilience carry him through, ultimately leading him home. The film is a powerful exploration of the themes of resilience, hope, and courage in the face of darkness and despair. With stunning cinematography and an unforgettable performance from young Christian Bale, Empire of the Sun is an unforgettable classic from master filmmaker Steven Spielberg.

From Jean-Jacques Annaud, starring Jude Law, Ed Harris, Joseph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz
Rated R

Enemy at the Gates is a war drama set during the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II. The film follows two characters, Vassili Zaitsev, a young Soviet sniper, and Major Erwin König, the German sniper sent to eliminate him. As the battle rages on, the two engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse, with the fate of the city and the outcome of the war at stake. As Zaitsev's fame grows and he captures the attention of the Soviet propaganda machine, their rivalry quickly becomes a symbol of the struggle between two great nations. As the conflict intensifies, the film delves into the devastating effects of war and its psychological toll on those it touches.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Liesel Matthews, Eleanor Bron, Liam Cunningham, Rusty Schwimmer
Rated G

A Little Princess is a 1995 family drama film directed by Alfonso Cuarón, based on the novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The film tells the story of Sara Crewe, an intelligent and imaginative young girl living in a boarding school in England in the early 1900s. When her father, a wealthy businessman, is reported missing in action during World War I, the cruel school headmistress forces Sara to become a servant in the school. Despite her harsh surroundings, Sara holds onto her father's legacy and finds solace and joy through her vivid imagination. With the help of her friends, she embarks on a magical journey to reunite with her father. Along the way, she discovers the power of love, faith, and resilience.

From Michèle Ohayon, starring J.P. Gillain, Jeroen Krabbé, Marieke Oudejans, Jack Polak
Rated Not Rated

Steal a Pencil for Me is a 2007 documentary film directed by Michèle Ohayon. It tells the story of Ina and Jaap Polak, a Dutch couple who were separated by the Holocaust and then reunited after the war. Ina and Jaap were both imprisoned in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Nazi Germany. Despite their captivity, the couple managed to write hundreds of love letters to each other and carry out a daring plan to reunite. The film follows Ina and Jaap's story of survival and love in the face of unimaginable horror. It is a powerful and moving testament to the human capacity for resilience and strength, even in the face of tragedy.

From Directors: Richard Fleischer, Kinji Fukasaku, Toshio Masuda, Akira Kurosawa, starring Martin Balsam, Sô Yamamura, Jason Robards, Joseph Cotten
Rated G

Tora! Tora! Tora! is a 1970 Japanese-American historical war drama film that dramatizes the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the events leading up to it. It is one of the first major Hollywood films to be co-directed by a Japanese director, Akira Kurosawa. The film follows both the Japanese and American perspectives of the attack, beginning with the Japanese preparations for the attack and culminating in the aftermath of the bombing and subsequent declaration of war. It features an all-star cast and an original score by Jerry Goldsmith. The movie was well-received by critics and was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is considered a classic of war cinema and a must-see for anyone interested in the history of World War II.

From Brian Percival, starring Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Ben Schnetzer
Rated PG-13

The Book Thief is a 2013 drama directed by Brian Percival and based on the bestselling novel by Markus Zusak. The film follows the life of young Liesel (Sophie Nelisse), who is sent to live with a foster family in Nazi Germany during World War II. Despite the danger of being discovered, Liesel begins to steal books from Nazi book burnings and shares them with her foster family and the Jewish man, Max (Ben Schnetzer) whom they are hiding. As Liesel develops a bond with her adoptive parents and Max, she learns to read and shares the power of words with her new friends. Together, they find hope and courage in the face of adversity, even as they struggle to survive in the midst of war.

From Richard Attenborough, starring Sean Connery, Ryan O'Neal, Michael Caine, Laurence Olivier
Rated PG

From George Stevens, starring Millie Perkins, Shelley Winters, Joseph Schildkraut, Richard Beymer
Rated Approved

From Chanoch Ze'evi, starring Bettina Göring, Katrin Himmler, Monika Hertwig, Rainer Höß
Rated Not Rated

From Directors: Elliot Berlin, Joe Fab, starring Sandra Roberts, Dagmar Schroeder-Hildebrand, Tom Bosley, Casey Condra
Rated G

From John Boorman, starring Sarah Miles, David Hayman, Sebastian Rice-Edwards, Geraldine Muir
Rated PG-13

From Steven Spielberg, starring Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Benedict Cumberbatch
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Robert Stevenson, Ward Kimball, starring Angela Lansbury, David Tomlinson, Roddy McDowall, Sam Jaffe
Rated G

From Michael Bay, starring Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale, Josh Hartnett, William Lee Scott
Rated PG-13

From Pat O'Connor, starring Jack O'Connell, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, George MacKay, Frances de la Tour
Rated Not Rated

From George Clooney, starring George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett
Rated PG-13