Movies with Incredible Role Models for Boys

Boys deserve more than action-hero role models, and these incredible movies offer examples of kindness, selflessness, courage, and sensitivity -- examples that are good for everyone to see but especially for boys, who too often are bombarded with messages that they should be strong no matter what. When Hogarth Hughes feels compassion for the trapped Iron Giant and works to free him, or when Billy Elliot pursues his passion for dancing despite what people say, boys see that manliness isn't just fighting and being tough. Inspire the boys (and girls) in your life with these fun, family-friendly films. For more strong role models, try these TV shows with positive role models for girls.

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Finding Nemo Poster Image
MOVIE

Finding Nemo

age 5+

Sweet father-son tale has some very scary moments.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2003)
Odd Squad: The Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

Odd Squad: The Movie

age 5+

Pint-sized problem-solvers face rival squad on funny show.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
A Goofy Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

A Goofy Movie

age 6+

Even tweens will enjoy this road trip with Goofy.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1995)
The Iron Giant Poster Image
MOVIE

The Iron Giant

age 6+

Touching robot-kid friendship tale has great messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1999)
Ratatouille Poster Image
MOVIE

Ratatouille

age 6+

Cute rat tale has some peril and potentially scary moments.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2007)
Up Poster Image
MOVIE

Up

age 6+

Pixar's stunning adventure is an upper for everyone.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
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)
Boy and the World Poster Image
MOVIE

Boy and the World

age 7+

Poignant hand-drawn story promotes family, environmentalism.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Poster Image
MOVIE

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

age 7+

Spielberg's family classic is still one of the best.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1982)
Elf Poster Image
MOVIE

Elf

age 8+

Peppy holiday favorite for both kids and parents.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2003)
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)
How to Train Your Dragon Poster Image
MOVIE

How to Train Your Dragon

age 7+

Thrilling adventure sends brains-over-brawn message.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2010)
James and the Giant Peach Poster Image
MOVIE

James and the Giant Peach

age 7+

Fabulous adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic book.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1996)
The Rookie Poster Image
MOVIE

The Rookie

age 7+

Sweet, engaging true story more appealing to tweens and up.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Poster Image
MOVIE

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

age 8+

Action- and creature-packed Potter sequel.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
Hugo Poster Image
MOVIE

Hugo

age 8+

Spectacular book adaptation is great for tweens and up.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)
High School Musical Poster Image
MOVIE

High School Musical

age 8+

A modern-day Grease for tweens.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2006)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Poster Image
MOVIE

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

age 8+

Classic pits Jimmy Stewart against government corruption.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1939)
The NeverEnding Story Poster Image
MOVIE

The NeverEnding Story

age 8+

Fantasy for book-lovers has scary images, traumatic death.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1984)
Ralph Breaks the Internet Poster Image
MOVIE

Ralph Breaks the Internet

age 8+

Colorful, clever sequel tackles complexity of online world.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)