EQ-Friendly Kids Movies (That Adults Love Too)

Because emotional intelligence isn’t just kid stuff—it’s life stuff.

At MoveMaker Media, we believe emotional intelligence (EQ) is one of the most important skills we can foster in ourselves and the next generation. And lucky for all of us, today's animated storytelling is bringing the big feels in big ways.

These movies (and one very special show) aren't just visually stunning or laugh-out-loud funny—they also dig deep into themes like grief, identity, belonging, forgiveness, and self-worth. In short, they’re cinematic self-help in disguise. Here are some of our favorites:

🎭 Inside Out & Inside Out 2

Feelings, meet the spotlight. These Pixar masterpieces are basically Emotional Intelligence 101. They personify emotions, normalize sadness, and remind us that “being okay” isn’t always the goal—being real is. Kids love the colorful characters; adults walk away with a better understanding of their own emotional roadmap.

🏡 Encanto

No villain. Just family dynamics. Beneath the vibrant colors and catchy tunes lies a nuanced story about intergenerational trauma, pressure, and self-worth. Kids love the magic. Grown-ups feel personally attacked by Abuela’s high expectations. (Don’t worry, it’s healing.)

🌊 Moana

Calling all leaders and late bloomers. Moana’s journey is a lesson in following your inner compass—even when it contradicts what you’ve been told. It’s a powerful narrative about courage, legacy, and self-trust that speaks to any adult who’s ever wrestled with purpose.

🐼 Turning Red

Puberty. Pandas. People-pleasing. With honesty, humor, and just the right amount of cringe, this film unpacks mother-daughter dynamics, generational expectations, and the wild hormonal rollercoaster of growing up. It’s awkward in the best, most relatable way.

🛵 Luca

Be afraid—and do it anyway. A heartwarming tale of friendship, belonging, and embracing what makes you different. For adults, it’s a nostalgic nod to childhood summers, self-discovery, and that first brave step outside your comfort zone.

🐉 Raya and the Last Dragon

Trust is hard. Do it anyway. This visually stunning epic explores betrayal, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to rebuild what’s broken. A rare kids’ movie that treats emotional growth as the real hero’s journey.

🕹️ Wreck-It Ralph & Ralph Breaks the Internet

Insecurity: The sequel. Both films unpack identity, jealousy, and friendship in ways that are laugh-out-loud funny and painfully accurate. For adults, Ralph’s people-pleasing spirals hit a little too close to home. But hey—awareness is the first step.

❄️ Frozen & Frozen II

Sisterhood and self-discovery. Yes, you’ve heard the songs a thousand times. But beneath the Broadway ballads is a story of fear, isolation, codependency, and ultimately, emotional freedom. Elsa’s overfunctioning? Yeah, that’s an adult mood.

🦊 Zootopia

Not all heroes wear badges—some question the system. This buddy-cop adventure sneaks in big themes: bias, fear, justice, and the harm of assumptions. It’s witty, fast-paced, and a brilliant conversation starter for grown-ups who want to raise inclusive, critical thinkers.

💀 Coco

Love, loss, and legacy. A stunning, soul-stirring celebration of family and remembrance. It gently opens the door to grief, healing, and honoring where (and who) we come from. Warning: You will cry. Multiple times.

🐟 Finding Dory

Different doesn’t mean broken. Dory’s journey is about resilience, adaptation, and redefining what it means to “know your way.” A beautiful metaphor for neurodivergence and self-trust—wrapped in aquatic hijinks and heart.

🎁 BONUS: Bluey (Disney+)

The show that saved tired parents everywhere. Technically not a movie—but too emotionally intelligent to leave out. Bluey is parenting poetry. It captures the mess, magic, and micro-moments of real family life. And whether you’re a toddler or a tired adult, Bandit and Chilli’s emotional awareness (and parenting fails) are pure gold.

✨ Final Thoughts

Whether you’re raising littles, healing your inner child, or just in the mood for a good cry with a side of animation, these stories deliver. Emotional intelligence isn’t just a subject—it’s a practice. And these films? They’re some of our favorite teachers.

---

Snack-sized sentiments, full-sized feelings. Follow @MoveMakerMedia for more everyday chaos and emotional clarity.