18. Finding Nemo
Nemo, a young clownfish, strays from the safety of the Great Barrier Reef and is captured by a diver. Placed in a dentist’s aquarium in an office with an ocean view, he finds a group of fish with an escape plan. Meanwhile, Nemo’s father searches for his son, meeting a number of ocean creatures along the way. Luck and Disney screenwriting lead to a happy reunion.
It also teaches lessons about friendship, obeying parents, and avoiding dangerous situations.
19. Outbreak
Students will have a clear picture of the path that a virus could take from a host animal to its first human victims and from there to an epidemic that could destroy an entire community. The film clips provide an excellent supplement to a unit on the spread of infectious disease.
20. Bruce Almighty
A furious TV reporter demands an explanation from God for the injustice done to him. The Almighty gives him the power to run the world for a while, to teach him how difficult it is. Learn to be happy and a great watch to laugh along.
21. Around the Worlds in 80 Days
The year is 1872. A well-to-do English gentleman bets members of his club that he can circumnavigate the world in 80 days. The bet is so large that unless he wins, his entire fortune will be lost. The film, based on a Jules Verne novel, is the suspense filled story of Fogg’s attempt to win the bet. The plot turns on the International Date Line and the effects of the rotation of the Earth on time and travel. This is the best film that we have found to teach this subject.
These animated features contain lessons in the value of nonconformity and friendship.
23. The Perfect Gift
A wicked girl receives an uplifting message about friendship, commitment and gets to know the real meaning of Christmas from a mysterious drifter. Just like the protagonist, a lot of kids can learn the same values from the movie.
24. Never Cry Wolf
This is a fictional account of a young scientist who spends a year observing a pack of wolves in Alaska. The film is based on the classic novel by Farley Mowat, first published in 1963. The movie will introduce children to the world of wolves and will teach them to be caring for animals, have courage and respect for others.
25. Tucker: The Man and His Dreams
Tucker is determined to create a futuristic car for the masses: the Tucker Torpedo. However, his dreams are challenged by Detroit’s auto manufacturers, production problems and accusations of stock fraud, and he is forced to defend his dream and honesty in court. A nice movie for kids.
Benjamin Franklin Gates seeks a war chest hidden by the Founding Fathers during the Revolutionary War. He must find it before his competitor does and also avoid getting arrested by the FBI. Be adventurous and learn to stay strong in all the problems.
27. Jumanji
Two kids come across a magical board game. While playing it, they release Alan, an adult trapped in the game. They encounter various dangers which will come to an end only when the game is completed. With a series of comic event that happen in the movie, it’s a must watch for the class.
28. Zathura
Two young brothers find themselves transported into the depths of space while playing a board game. They try their best to find their way back to Earth. A scientific movie. The film includes scary music, scary sound effects (crashes, explosions, alien-monster growls), and some images of space-aliens and a big robot attacking the boys that might be frightening for younger viewers.
29. Shrek
Shrek, an ogre, embarks on a journey with a donkey to rescue Princess Fiona from a vile lord and regain his swamp. The biggest moral of the movie is wrongfulness of judging people by their appearances alone.
30. The Lion King
The Lion King tells the story of Simba, his birth, the murder of his father by his Uncle Scar, Simba’s exile, and his return. The film is a Disney animation with excellent music. The Lion King” deals with the death of a parent, betrayal, guilt, running away, denial, ambition, coming of age, redemption, and friendship
31. The Karate Kid
Dre Parker gets trained in martial arts by his master. He has to fight a bunch of kung fu-trained boys in the annual championship. Dre’s hard work and his master’s able lessons make him the winner. Get inspired to be hardworking, determined and respecting others.
32. Shark Tale
Oscar, a fast talking fish, pretends to have killed a shark and becomes a hero overnight. However, he soon realizes that his lie may have serious consequences. Learn to be honest and respectful to others.
33. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
A great movie starring Johnny Depp. Charlie, a young boy from an impoverished family, and four other kids win a tour through an amazing chocolate factory run by an eccentric candy maker, Willy Wonka, and his staff of Oompla Loompas. Lessons to learn are not to envy, love for one another and gratitude is everything.