Kids Movies About Emotions

From Directors: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano, starring François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot
Rated R

The Intouchables tells the true story of an unlikely friendship between Driss, a young ex-con from the projects of Paris, and Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic. After Philippe's accident, he has been unable to find anyone to take on the job of being his full-time caretaker, until Driss arrives. Despite the odd circumstances of their meeting, the two form an unlikely bond. Driss helps Philippe rediscover the joy of living despite the challenges posed by his physical disability, while Philippe provides Driss with opportunities to expand his horizons and live a life he never thought possible. Together, they show that friendship and understanding can overcome cultural divides and personal differences to create a powerful bond.

From Thomas Vinterberg, starring Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp, Lasse Fogelstrøm
Rated R

The Hunt is a 2012 Danish drama film directed by Thomas Vinterberg and starring Mads Mikkelsen. It tells the story of Lucas (Mikkelsen), a small-town kindergarten teacher who is falsely accused of sexual molestation by one of his students. In the aftermath of the accusation, Lucas finds himself ostracized from his community and unable to prove his innocence. The movie follows Lucas as he deals with the fallout from the accusation and attempts to rebuild his life and relationships. As the evidence against him mounts, Lucas risks losing the support of his friends and family as he struggles to prove his innocence. The film also examines how easily a false accusation can ruin a person's life and how quickly a community can become divided over a matter of perceived morality.

From Gabriele Muccino, starring Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith, Brian Howe
Rated PG-13

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 biographical drama film based on entrepreneur Chris Gardner's nearly one-year struggle being homeless. It stars Will Smith as Gardner, a homeless salesman, and his son Christopher (Jaden Smith). They endure many hardships as Gardner works to create a better life for himself and his son. The film follows Gardner on his journey as he works hard to establish himself as a successful stockbroker and business owner, while also trying to mend his relationship with his son. Through determination, resilience and hard work, Gardner eventually succeeds and is able to provide a better life for his family.

From Stephen Chbosky, starring Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson, Izabela Vidovic, Julia Roberts
Rated PG

Wonder is a 2017 drama film directed by Stephen Chbosky, based on the novel of the same name by R. J. Palacio. The story follows 10-year-old Auggie Pullman, a sweet, endearing and imaginative boy born with an unusual facial deformity. As he navigates his way through the 5th grade at a new school, his family and friends must learn to accept and understand him as he faces obstacles of bullying and intolerance. With courage and kindness, Auggie is determined to show everyone that he is just like any other kid. Through his bravery, he is able to prove that you can't blend in when you were born to stand out.

From Noah Baumbach, starring Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Julia Greer, Azhy Robertson
Rated R

Marriage Story is a gripping drama that follows couple Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and Charlie (Adam Driver) as they grapple with the emotional and legal repercussions of an impending divorce. As the two struggle to come to an agreement about their future, the film examines the complexities of marriage, family and the human need for connection. Both Nicole and Charlie are forced to confront their own flaws and biases as they attempt to put their son's best interest first. Ultimately, they must find the strength to accept the situation, even if it means giving up some of their hopes and dreams.

From Robert Benton, starring Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry
Rated PG

Kramer vs. Kramer is a 1979 American drama film written and directed by Robert Benton, starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. The film tells the story of Ted and Joanna Kramer, their young son Billy, and the impact of a potential divorce on all three of them. After Joanna decides to leave their marriage and their home, Ted is left to navigate single parenthood and rebuild his relationship with his son. After a lengthy court battle, Joanna returns to challenge Ted's ability to be a good and capable parent to Billy. The film examines the impact of divorce on all three characters, and how they each find a way to come to terms with their new reality. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Hoffman), Best Supporting Actress (Streep), Best Director (Benton), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Benton).

From Matt Ross, starring Viggo Mortensen, George MacKay, Samantha Isler, Annalise Basso
Rated R

Captain Fantastic follows Ben Cash (Viggo Mortensen) and his six children as they live in the forests of the Pacific Northwest and practice an off-the-grid lifestyle. After the death of his wife, Ben decides to take his children on a road trip in order to attend her funeral. As they travel, they confront the realities of the outside world and eventually must decide whether they will stay apart from society or rejoin it. Along the way, they are forced to confront the consequences of their lifestyle choices. The film examines themes of family, parenting, freedom, and individualism.

From Greta Gerwig, starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen
Rated PG

Little Women is a 2019 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel of the same name, directed by Greta Gerwig. The film follows the story of the four March sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth—as they come of age in Civil War-era Massachusetts. Despite their poverty, the sisters are determined to make something of their lives, and each embarks on a journey towards a different path. Along their journey, they experience love, tragedy, and a variety of obstacles, only to find that the strength of family and their own personal courage will lead them to happiness and fulfillment.

From Robert Redford, starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, Timothy Hutton
Rated R

"Ordinary People" is a 1980 American drama film directed by Robert Redford and starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, and Timothy Hutton. It tells the story of a suburban family struggling to cope with the death of their eldest son and the resulting emotional stress. The film follows the newly-formed family's journey to rebuild itself and find hope in the midst of tragedy. The movie focuses on themes such as depression and suicide, guilt, and communication issues within families. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is an emotionally powerful film that explores family pain, loss, and ultimately, healing.

From Stephen Daldry, starring Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Jean Heywood, Jamie Draven
Rated R

Billy Elliot is a 2000 British drama film directed by Stephen Daldry and starring Jamie Bell as the title character. The film is set in a working-class mining town in England, during the 1984–1985 miners' strike. Billy Elliot is an 11-year-old boy whose father and brother are miners and who unexpectedly discovers a talent for dance. Despite the objections of his father and brother, Billy secretly begins to take ballet lessons and develops a passion for dancing. With the help of his dance teacher and a supportive friend, Billy overcomes his family's disapproval and enters a ballet competition that changes his life forever. The film explores themes of family, love, self-discovery, and the importance of following one's dreams. Billy Elliot is an uplifting story about the power of determination and hope.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira, Diego Cortina Autrey, Carlos Peralta
Rated R

Roma is a 2018 black-and-white Spanish language drama film written and directed by Alfonso Cuarón. The film follows the life of a live-in housekeeper of a middle-class family, Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), in the Colonia Roma neighborhood of Mexico City in the early 1970s. The story takes place in a turbulent time in Mexico's history, as the country faces political and social unrest. The story follows Cleo as she deals with the everyday challenges of her job and her relationship with the family she serves. The film also explores themes of class, family and identity, as Cleo slowly discovers what it means to be a woman and a Mexican in a rapidly changing society. With realistic and powerful performances, visuals, and sound, Roma is an intimate portrayal of one woman's experience in a changing Mexico.

From Marc Webb, starring Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan, Octavia Spencer
Rated PG-13

Gifted is a 2017 drama directed by Marc Webb and starring Chris Evans, McKenna Grace, and Octavia Spencer. The story follows Frank Adler, a single man raising his seven-year-old niece Mary, who has been identified as a math prodigy. When her grandmother discovers her extraordinary talent, a legal battle ensues between Frank, who wants Mary to have a normal childhood, and her grandmother, who wants her to hone her talent. As the battle intensifies, Frank and Mary form a bond and struggle to find a way to keep their family together.

From Wes Anderson, starring Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller
Rated R

The Royal Tenenbaums is a 2001 American comedy-drama directed by Wes Anderson. The film focuses on the lives of Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman) and his family, who are all highly accomplished in their respective fields. Royal announces to his family that he and his wife, Etheline (Anjelica Huston), are separating and that he is leaving the family home. The story follows the family as they struggle to reconnect and mend their estranged relationships. Royal attempts to gain back the love of his three children: Chas (Ben Stiller), Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow), and Richie (Luke Wilson). Along the way, the family's secrets and hidden pasts are revealed. The Royal Tenenbaums is a insightful, humorous, and heartwarming drama about the complexities of family relationships, and the power of love and forgiveness.

From Mark Rydell, starring Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda, Doug McKeon
Rated PG

On Golden Pond is a 1981 drama film directed by Mark Rydell, starring Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, and Jane Fonda. The film tells the story of an elderly couple, Norman and Ethel Thayer, who spend their summer at their lake house on Golden Pond. As the summer progresses, the Thayers are visited by their daughter Chelsea and her new fiancé, and are introduced to his son. The movie explores the relationships between the elderly couple, their daughter, and the young boy. The movie further delves into the psychological complexities of aging, relationships, and the concept of family. In the end, the Thayers are left with a sense of newfound understanding and appreciation for their family.

From Eugenio Derbez, starring Eugenio Derbez, Karla Souza, Jessica Lindsey, Loreto Peralta
Rated PG-13

Instructions Not Included is a 2013 Mexican comedy-drama film directed by, co-produced by, and starring Eugenio Derbez. It is the highest-grossing Mexican film ever released in Mexico and the highest-grossing Spanish-language film in the United States. The film follows Valentin, a Mexican playboy, who is suddenly left to care for a baby girl dropped off on his doorstep by a former lover. With no parental skills and no idea how to raise a child, Valentin makes a living as an acrobat in a Mexican circus and takes the baby with him on tour. He eventually lands in California where he begins to build a new life, working as a day laborer while trying to make a better future for his daughter, Maggie. Along the way, he meets the girl's mother and learns the importance of fatherhood and family.

From Directors: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash, starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, AnnaSophia Robb
Rated PG-13

From Dee Rees, starring Jason Mitchell, Carey Mulligan, Jason Clarke, Mary J. Blige
Rated R

From Cameron Crowe, starring Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renée Zellweger, Kelly Preston
Rated R

From Alexander Payne, starring George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller, Nick Krause
Rated R

From Tamara Jenkins, starring Kathryn Hahn, Paul Giamatti, Gabrielle Reid, Amy Russ
Rated R

From Directors: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz, starring Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Sharon Small
Rated PG-13

From Tamara Jenkins, starring Laura Linney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Philip Bosco, Peter Friedman
Rated R

From Patricia Riggen, starring Jennifer Garner, Kylie Rogers, Martin Henderson, Brighton Sharbino
Rated PG

From Lisa Cholodenko, starring Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska
Rated R

From Russell Crowe, starring Russell Crowe, Olga Kurylenko, Jai Courtney, Isabel Lucas
Rated R