Our children have been born into a dying planet. As their teachers and caregivers, it is our responsibility to instill them with a sense of compassion and environmental stewardship. While environmentalist kids' movies may seem like empty entertainment, they actually provide a vital function-- they teach our children how to relate to the poisoned world that they will one day inherit.
The following environmentalist movies for kids can provide healthy, green entertainment while teaching valuable lessons about caring for the environment.
Fern Gully
This classic from the early 1990s chronicles the tale of Crysta, a fairy living in the last remaining jungles of Tasmania. Crysta meets-- and falls in love with-- a human who is working to clear-cut the woodland. The story portrays the horrors of deforestation in a manner that is readily accessible, even to the youngest of viewers.
The Lion King
The first Disney film with no human characters, the Lion King is one of Disney's greatest masterpieces. This environmentalist movie for kids reflects the beauty of the African savanna and the delicate balance of the natural world. Be warned though-- kids and grown-ups alike may find some scenes heartbreaking.
Wall-E
Wall-E is a magical film that contains stellar computer-generated animation and a spellbinding plot. Set several centuries in the future, Wall-E illustrates the tragic consequences of a world governed by consumerism. In my mind, Wall-E's only flaw is that it fails to adequately portray how irreversible our actions can be.
Happy Feet
This environmentalist kids' movie rode the wave of penguin-popularity that followed "The March of the Penguins". Watch in delight and amusement as you witness a group of penguins surviving in the overfished, melting regions of Antarctica. This film is sad, funny and heartwarming, and marked by beautiful animation and a child-friendly plot.
Rescuers Down Under
Released during the peak of the Disney renaissance, the Rescuers Down Under heralded a wave of environmentalist kids' movies that remain popular today. This moving tale documents several important environmental issues, including poaching, endangered species, and the importance of choosing morality over financial gain.
Over the Hedge
If you want relief from the seriousness of some environmentalist kids' movies, Over the Hedge may be your ticket. This hilarious film pokes light-hearted fun at suburban culture and our indifference to the wildlife we affect each day. A "must see" for families who reject conventional suburban culture.
Finding Nemo
A captivating, beautifully-animated Pixar film, Finding Nemo is a classic of modern children's cinema. The environmentalist themes of Finding Nemo are ultimately subtle compared to some of its predecessors, but it communicates a compelling message of compassion for the creatures we hold in captivity.
Princess Mononoke
This Japanese classic is set in a fantasty universe dominated by animistic spirits and sentient wild creatures. In this film, anime master Hayao Miyazaki uses traditional Japanese mythology to illustrate the importance of the natural world. "Mononoke" documents the age-old battle between human progress and natural beauty-- and ultimately reconciles the two causes into a unified triumph.
Castle in the Sky
Another fantasy classic by Hiyao Miyazaki, Castle in the Sky integrates elements of science fiction and fantasy to create an adult-friendly, child-accessible theme. The film paints a portrait of paradise lost: a high-tech, sustainable world crushed by the winds of time. This environmentalist movie for kids is as captivating as it is creative.
The Lorax
Released in the 1970s, the animated version of Dr. Seuss' "Lorax" is a must-have for any environmentalist family. In a humorous fantasy plot, Seuss engages children with complex issues like economic instability and resource depletion. The witty rhymes, catchy tunes and slightly-psychedelic visuals make the Lorax a keeper.
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