There are so many movies coming out these days, and several great ones that have already been released. So how do you choose which one your child should watch? Since summer is here (and that means more free time for the children!) we compiled a list of the ten greatest movies for kids. The best part of this is that each film comes with a positive and empowering message for your child to learn from.

1. HARRIET THE SPY

RATED: PG

YEAR: 1996

PLOT: Harriet likes to pretend to be a spy. But one day, when her friends find her secret notebook where she has written some not-so nice things about them, she must find a way to win them back. Can she get her friends back and still be a spy?

THE MESSAGE: Even if you have some bad qualities (being nosy or unkind at times), you are still capable of being a good person and a good friend.

 

2. SHREK

RATED: PG

YEAR: 2001

PLOT: An ogre named Shrek wants nothing more in life than to be left alone. But when he must do whatever he can to keep his swamp, he teams up with a loud-mouthed donkey to rescue a princess!

THE MESSAGE: Be yourself because others will like the real you. Also, it doesn’t matter who you are- you can be a hero.

 

3. HAPPY FEET

RATED: PG

YEAR: 2006

PLOT: A movie set in the world of penguins, who all find their true love by singing. One day, however, a penguin is born who cannot sing but can dance fabulously well. This leads to his parents fearing he may never find his soul mate.

THE MESSAGE: Dare to be different and do what you love.

 

4. FROZEN

RATED: PG

YEAR: 2013

PLOT: Optimistic Anna sets out on a journey to find her sister, Elsa. She teams up with mountain man, Kristoff and his reindeer, Sven. Battling the harsh cold caused by Elsa’s power to freeze things, Anna must overcome many obstacles to find Elsa and to bring her back home.

THE MESSAGE: Unlike other Disney princesses who fall in love by the end of the film, this movie lays much emphasis on accepting yourself and on strengthening your family bonds (as is evident by the love of two sisters Elsa and Anna)

 

5. MRS. DOUBTFIRE

RATED: PG-13

YEAR: 1993

PLOT: After divorcing his wife, a father disguises himself as an old housekeeper to spend more time with his three children. He manages to fool his ex-wife and children into thinking he is a woman, and gets to spend more time with his kids, knowing their likes and dislikes, and becoming closer to them.

THE MESSAGE: This movie is a great example of the lengths parents are willing to go to make their child happy and to be with them.

 

6. HOME ALONE

RATED: PG

YEAR: 1990

PLOT: An eight year old is accidentally left alone at home when his family goes on vacation. He must defend his house from two clumsy thieves who are trying to rob it!

THE MESSAGE: No matter how much we fight with our siblings or parents, we really do love them.

 

7. THE WIZARD OF OZ

RATED: PG

YEAR: 1939

 

PLOT: Dorothy and her dog, Toto are swept away in a tornado and taken to the magical world of Oz. Dorothy wants to find her way home and must ask the Wizard to help her. Along her journey she joins a lion, a tin man and a scarecrow.

THE MESSAGE: Even if you are from a normal or ordinary place, you can have extraordinary adventures- as long as you use your courage, heart and brain!

 

8. WALL-E

RATED: G

YEAR: 2008

PLOT: Set in the future, the Earth has become so polluted that humans are forced to live in a spaceship. Only one robot is left on the Earth, cleaning up the waste.

THE MESSAGE: Be kind to your planet and try to waste less.

 

9. MARY POPPINS

RATED: G

YEAR: 1964

PLOT: A magical nanny comes to take care of the Banks’ children. Their father, a cold banker, never spends much time with them. The nanny tries to make this unhappy family, happy once again!

THE MESSAGE: Creativity and imagination can help you get work done in a fun way!

 

10. HOMEWARD BOUND: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY

RATED: G

YEAR: 1993

PLOT: Three pets (two dogs and a cat) escape from a ranch to find their owners, facing many hurdles along the way.

THE MESSAGE: Animals love you completely and whole-heartedly. Treat them with kindness and patience and you will have friends for life!