What better way to celebrate students’ achievements than with a movie day? Choosing the right film that is engaging and appropriate for a school setting can be challenging. That’s where our curated list of G-rated movies comes in handy.
Movies can transport viewers to different worlds, ignite imaginations, and impart valuable life lessons. From the enchanting realms of fantasy to the gripping realities of history, the stories told on screen can profoundly enrich a child’s educational experience.
Recognizing this, our selection focuses on entertaining films that serve as springboards for discussing themes like friendship, courage, perseverance, and the importance of dreaming big.
23 G-rated Movies to Show Kids at School
Whether you’re planning a reward for hard work, a way to wrap up a unit, or just a special treat for your class, the top-rated movies on this list promise to deliver smiles, laughter, and maybe even a few tears of joy.
- Toy Story (1995): In Pixar’s groundbreaking animation, toys come to life when humans aren’t looking. Woody, a pull-string cowboy, and Buzz Lightyear, a space action figure, start off as rivals but become friends during an adventure that teaches them the value of friendship and loyalty as they strive to return to their owner, Andy.
- Finding Nemo (2003): This underwater adventure follows Marlin, an overprotective clownfish, searching for his missing son, Nemo. Alongside Dory, a fish with short-term memory loss, Marlin encounters various sea creatures and dangers in the Great Barrier Reef, learning lessons about trust, letting go, and courage.
- The Lion King (1994): Set in the African savanna, this epic tale follows Simba, a young lion who must embrace his role as the rightful king after the tragic murder of his father, Mufasa, by his treacherous uncle, Scar. Themes of responsibility, redemption, and the circle of life are explored.
- Monsters, Inc. (2001): In the city of Monstropolis, monsters Mike and Sulley work at Monsters, Inc., where they scare children to power their city. However, their lives are turned upside down when a human girl, Boo, accidentally enters their world, leading them on a journey that changes their perspective on humans.
- Cars (2006): Lightning McQueen, a hotshot race car, finds himself stranded in the forgotten town of Radiator Springs. As he gets to know the town’s quirky residents, McQueen learns valuable lessons about humility, friendship, and what it truly means to win.
- Ratatouille (2007): Remy, a rat passionate about cooking, makes an unusual alliance with Linguini, a young kitchen worker at a famous restaurant. Together, they embark on a journey to create dishes that aspire to change the culinary world, proving that greatness can come from the most unexpected places.
- WALL-E (2008): In a future where Earth has been abandoned due to waste and pollution, WALL-E, a garbage-compacting robot, has been left to clean up. His life changes when he meets EVE, a probe sent to find signs of life, leading to a space adventure that addresses themes of environmentalism, love, and humanity.
- Charlotte’s Web (1973): This heartwarming tale follows Wilbur, a runt pig who forms a friendship with Charlotte, a wise spider. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to save him, teaching lessons about friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life.
- Mary Poppins (1964): The magical nanny, Mary Poppins, arrives at the Banks household in London to care for Jane and Michael. Through adventures and magical moments, she teaches the family lessons about joy, love, and not taking life too seriously, all while singing and dancing her way into their hearts.
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977): In the Hundred Acre Wood, Pooh Bear, along with his friends—Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, and others—go through various adventures that highlight the themes of friendship, imagination, and the simple joys of life.
- Beauty and the Beast (1991): Belle, a young woman, becomes a prisoner in the castle of a Beast to save her father. Over time, she sees beyond the Beast’s exterior and falls in love, breaking a curse that transforms him back into a prince. This tale teaches about looking beyond appearances.
- Emperor’s New Groove (2000): This animated comedy follows the arrogant young Emperor Kuzco, who is transformed into a llama by his ex-advisor, Yzma. With the help of Pacha, a kind villager, Kuzco embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning valuable lessons about humility, friendship, and the importance of treating others with respect.
- Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (2007): In this whimsical fantasy, Molly Mahoney inherits a magical toy store from the eccentric Mr. Magorium. The store is a wonderous place that seems to have a mind of its own. This movie teaches about believing in oneself and the magic of imagination.
- Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993): This heartwarming tale follows three pets as they embark on a perilous journey across the Rocky Mountains to reunite with their family, teaching themes of loyalty, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond between pets and their owners.
- Chicken Little (2005): Chicken Little must save his town from an alien invasion after his initial false alarm of “the sky is falling” is true. It’s a story about courage, redemption, and the importance of standing by your convictions.
- Meet the Robinsons (2007): Young inventor Lewis is whisked away to the future by a mysterious boy named Wilbur. In a world filled with wonders and innovations, Lewis learns the importance of family, perseverance, and never giving up on your dreams.
- The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1986): This charming tale follows the adventures of Milo, a curious kitten, and Otis, a pug-nosed puppy. The film showcases their friendship as they embark on a delightful journey, highlighting themes of adventure, curiosity, and the bond of friendship.
- Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (2017) – Not Rated: This family-friendly film is about a group of children who must solve a series of puzzles to escape from an eccentric billionaire’s magical library. It promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and the joy of reading.
- Rescued by Ruby (2022) – Not Rated: This family film follows the story of a young girl and her dog, Ruby, as they embark on an adventure to save her family. Along the way, they learn about courage, family values, and love’s power.
- Robin Hood (1973): Disney’s animated take on the classic tale, where the charming outlaw Robin Hood and his merry men outwit the greedy Prince John. Themes of justice, bravery, and the fight against inequality are explored.
- Swiss Family Robinson (1960): After being shipwrecked on a deserted island, the Robinson family works together to survive and create a new home. This classic adventure teaches lessons about ingenuity, teamwork, and resilience.
- Escape to Witch Mountain (1975): Two orphaned siblings with supernatural abilities must escape from an evil millionaire who wants to exploit their powers. Along their journey, they discover the true meaning of family and belonging.
- Babe (1995): A piglet named Babe dreams of becoming a sheepdog and, with the help of Farmer Hoggett and the other farm animals, learns that anyone can be anything they want to be, teaching lessons about determination, kindness, and breaking stereotypes.
Check for Copyright and Permissions for Classroom Movie Viewing
Teachers should check copyright laws and group viewing rights before turning down the lights and starting the popcorn machine. Showing a movie in the classroom, even as a reward, is not as straightforward as pressing play.
Copyright laws protect the intellectual property of filmmakers and production companies, ensuring they receive proper compensation and control over how their works are used and distributed.
For teachers, this means taking extra steps to ensure the movie reward is fun and lawful.
Understanding Public Performance Rights
Most commercially available movies are intended for personal, home use only. When you plan to show a film to a group outside the home, especially in a public setting like a classroom, it typically falls under the category of a public performance.
Public performances require a license, even if the event is free and occurs in an educational setting.
However, there’s good news: many educational institutions may already have agreements covering public performance rights for various live-action and animated films.
How to Ensure You’re Covered
- Check with Your Institution: Before choosing a movie, inquire with your school’s administration or library media specialist. They can inform you whether your school has a site license that includes the film you wish to show.
- Educational Exemptions: Familiarize yourself with the specifics of the Copyright Law’s Fair Use guidelines and the TEACH Act. While these provide some exemptions for educational use, they have specific conditions and limitations, particularly regarding the environment in which the film is shown and the educational purpose behind its use.
- Seek Permission When in Doubt: If your desired film is not covered under an existing license or exempted for educational purposes, you may need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder or a licensing agency. Many major film studios have departments or designated agents to handle such requests, and fees can vary depending on the film and the viewing context.
- Alternative Licensing Agencies: Organizations like the Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC) and the Public Performance Licensing Agency (PPLA) offer umbrella licenses that give educational institutions the rights to show a wide array of movies for non-commercial, educational purposes.
By ensuring that you have the appropriate permissions or licenses to show a movie in your classroom, you not only adhere to legal standards but also model ethical behavior for your students.
Integrating movies into the classroom as a reward can significantly enhance your student’s educational experience, offering students a break from the routine and invaluable lessons woven through compelling narratives.
Our carefully curated list of G-rated movies provides a wide array of options suitable for young audiences, each chosen for its unique ability to entertain, educate, and inspire.
