Movies to Help Kids Deal with Grief

Grief is different for everyone. Kids and families who've experienced the death of a loved one (or pet!) can find comfort in these movies that address loss and its complicated aftermath. Ranging from lighthearted to serious, these films feature characters who deal with the devastation of death yet also find support and comfort as they process their emotions and learn to move forward. For more stories about tough moments in life, check out Books About Grief and How to Talk to Kids About Difficult Subjects.

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Bambi Poster Image
MOVIE

Bambi

age 5+

Disney's original circle-of-life story.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1942)
Charlotte's Web (2006) Poster Image
MOVIE

Charlotte's Web (2006)

age 5+

Enchanting take on a beloved children's classic.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2006)
Cottontail movie poster: Yuri Tsunematsu stands in the shallow waters of a lake holding her dress up out of the water
MOVIE

Cottontail

age 13+

Poignant drama has drinking, smoking, upsetting scenes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2024)
The Lion King (1994) Poster Image
MOVIE

The Lion King (1994)

age 6+

Musical king-of-the-beasts blockbuster is powerful, scary.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1994)
Big Hero 6 Poster Image
MOVIE

Big Hero 6

age 7+

Awesome origin story is action-packed, deals with grief.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
Up Poster Image
MOVIE

Up

age 6+

Pixar's stunning adventure is an upper for everyone.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
The Book of Life Poster Image
MOVIE

The Book of Life

age 7+

Beautifully animated film has some scary imagery.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
Coco Movie Poster: Miguel and Hector stand back to back on a path made out of marigold petals
MOVIE

Coco

age 7+

Stunningly animated, poignant tribute to family and culture.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
A Greyhound of a Girl movie poster: A girl reads a book to three women and three men cheering
MOVIE

A Greyhound of a Girl

age 7+

Sweet animated adaptation about losing a grandparent.

In Theaters (Release Year: 2024)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Poster Image
MOVIE

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

age 7+

First Potter movie is a magical ride but also intense.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2001)
Onward Poster Image
MOVIE

Onward

age 7+

Original, heartfelt sibling adventure about love and loss.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Fly Away Home Poster Image
MOVIE

Fly Away Home

age 8+

Thrilling, touching adventure for animal lovers.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)
Hugo Poster Image
MOVIE

Hugo

age 8+

Spectacular book adaptation is great for tweens and up.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)
Old Yeller Poster Image
MOVIE

Old Yeller

age 8+

Tearjerker is one of the best early Disney dramas.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1957)
My Penguin Friend movie poster: Jean Reno stands in a friendly pose with a penguin next to a boat, a happy girl behind them
MOVIE

My Penguin Friend

age 8+

Drama about unlikely birds of a feather has grief, peril.

In Theaters (Release Year: 2024)
Riverdance: The Animated Adventure Poster Image
MOVIE

Riverdance: The Animated Adventure

age 8+

Engaging Irish animation deals with grief; some peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
The Secret Garden (2020) Poster Image
MOVIE

The Secret Garden (2020)

age 8+

Adaptation has positive themes but falls short on magic.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
The Yearling Poster Image
MOVIE

The Yearling

age 8+

Thoughtful adaptation of the prize-winning novel.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1946)
Bridge to Terabithia Poster Image
MOVIE

Bridge to Terabithia

age 9+

Beautiful lesson in friendship for young and old.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2007)
My Dog Skip Poster Image
MOVIE

My Dog Skip

age 9+

Great boy-and-dog tale, but be prepared for tears.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2000)