Kids movies are a great way for kids to learn about climate change. Climate change is a complex and serious issue and it is important that kids learn about it in a fun and engaging way. There are so many great films to choose from. Here are seven of our favourite movies that teach kids about climate change:
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Wall-E
Our first kid-friendly film is Wall-E. This classic Pixar film is set in a future world where humans have trashed the planet and left it to be cleaned up by robots. Wall-E is one of the last remaining robots, and he falls in love with a probe sent to Earth to find plant life.
This animation is suitable for young kids (aged 8+) as much of the emotion is created through WALL-E’s characterisation. However, there are a few scary scenes (with explosions) that some children may not want to watch.
Wall-E is an excellent way to introduce kids to the environmental impact of waste. Set in the future, it shows how humans created huge amounts of waste making the planet inhabitable.
Bonus: Wall-E has a strong environmental message about waste. It may inspire kids to learn more about recycling!
The Lorax
This beloved Dr Seuss story is about a Lorax who speaks for the trees and tries to protect them from being chopped down by the Once-ler. It’s a great way to teach kids about the importance of conservation, and how our actions can have a negative impact on the environment.
This animation has a strong pro-environment message about looking after our natural environment. The Lorax is a goofy, funny flick that will give you a deeper appreciation for our natural resources.
The Lorax is also a good reminder that small actions can make a big difference. If every person does their part to conserve resources, we can help protect our planet.
Bonus: Kids will love the catchy songs in The Lorax!
Happy Feet
This Academy Award-winning film tells the story of a young penguin, Mumble, who must journey to find his place in the world. Along the way, he learns about the dangers of climate change and how it’s affecting his home and family.
Happy Feet is a great way to introduce kids to the effects of global warming. It shows how climate change can impact animals and their habitats, and how we all need to work together to solve this problem.
Bonus: Happy Feet is also a great way to teach kids about conservation!
NB: While we find this film inspirational, you may not. There have been mixed reviews due to the ‘mild scares’ involving a seal. There are also sexual references that younger children will not understand. Despite these issues, what’s not to love about an animated penguins film! The penguins are cute and funny. We believe you will be able to introduce the topic of climate change in a healthy and effective way.
Penguins of Madagascar
This popular animated film follows the adventures of four mischievous penguins who are recruited by the CIA to stop an evil scientist from taking over the world. While it’s not explicitly about climate change, Penguins of Madagascar does address some of the effects of global warming.
For example, in one scene the penguins come across a melting glacier, and they realize that if this continues, their home will be destroyed. Penguins of Madagascar is a fun way to teach kids about the dangers of climate change, and how we all need to work together to find solutions.
Bonus: Penguins of Madagascar also teaches kids about teamwork and problem-solving!
Ice Age: The Meltdown
Ice Age: The Meltdown is the second film in the popular Ice Age series. In this movie, the characters must find a way to stop the world from melting and flooding their home.
Ice Age: The Meltdown is a good way to teach kids about the dangers of climate change. It shows how global warming can cause sea levels to rise and flood coastal areas, and how we need to take action to prevent this from happening.
Bonus: Ice Age: The Meltdown is also a great way to teach kids about conservation!
Rio 2
This animated film follows the adventures of Blu, a domesticated bird who travels to the Amazon rainforest in search of other Macaws. There he meets his long-lost family and learns about their way of life.
Rio is a great way to teach kids about the importance of conservation. It shows how humans are damaging the environment, and how we need to work together to save our planet.
Bonus: Rio is also a great way to teach kids about the importance of diversity!
Tomorrow
This kids’ film is something a bit different from the usual Disney Pixar offer. ‘Tomorrow’ is a short animated film that won the Best Animation Flim at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021 so the creators clearly did something right. Originally created for a Bangladeshi audience, the film is dubbed in English so it is accessible to a wider audience
Tomorrow is about a little boy who meets the Father of the Winds and shows him the damage caused by climate change. The film encourages children to learn more and to educate others.
Bonus: Tomorrow teaches kids the importance of taking action to support the reduction of fossil fuels.
Global Warming and Climate Change
There are many other films we could have included in the list such as Avatar, Fern Gully, Moana, Over the hedge and of course, an old classic, Watership Down which highlights our destructive nature as humans. There are other ways to learn about global warming and climate change too. For example, there are plenty of books, documentaries and Youtube channels that cover these topics.
We recognise that the conversation has moved on from global warming and climate change to one that describes a climate crisis. Our children need to be made aware of the climate emergency and we can help them by introducing them to movies that teach kids to care for the planet.
Kids will love these films, and they’ll learn a lot too! Films like Wall-E, The Lorax, Happy Feet, Ice Age, Rio 2, and Tomorrow are perfect for talking about climate change with your children. These films are all about conservation, the effects of climate change, and how we can work together to find solutions.
So grab some popcorn and enjoy a movie night with your kids – you’ll be surprised at what they learn!
