13 Best Earth Day Movies For Kids

Looking for the best earth day movies for kids to celebrate our planet? Here are 13 top educational movies rated PG-13 and below.

Earth Day is just around the corner! While any time is a perfect time to teach kids of all ages about the natural world and climate change, the month of April is great time to bring this to the forefront.

Earth Month is a great time to watch environmental movies about our beautiful planet.

What better way to introduce little minds to the inconvenient truth of how humans are impacting our environment and things like the concept of global warming than by introducing books and movies about planet earth?

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What is Earth Day?

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd, that marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.

It was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as a day to raise awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment and natural resources.

On Earth Day, people around the world celebrate mother earth by participating in events to demonstrate their support for protecting the planet.

Events can include outdoor activities, such as beach cleanups and tree plantings, educational programs, social media campaigns and more.

The simple act of celebrating Earth Day is a powerful way to spread awareness about environmental issues and to show that we are responsible for taking care of our planet.

By coming together, we can make a difference and create real change that will have lasting impacts on our planet.

How To Teach Kids About Earth Day

Teaching kids about Earth Day is a great way to help them become more aware and engaged with environmental issues and bring up environmental themese.

One of the best ways to teach kids about Earth Day is through hands-on activities. Have them create something out of recycled materials that they can use in their everyday lives, like a pencil holder or planter. Or, plan a day of outdoor activities in nature like visiting a local park or beach and picking up litter.

Another good way to celebrate Earth Day is by reading books or watching movies about our planet and the environment. This is a good way to introduce environmentalism concepts to little minds.

You can show any of these amazing earth day movies starting at the beginning of the month for productive screen time.

These fantastic films make for great conversation starters through the month of April and are a complement to earth day activities you can do as a family.

13 Best Earth Day Movies For Kids

There are several movies that promote environmental awareness and would be great choices to celebrate Earth Day with kids.

Here are some recommendations:

1. The Lorax (2012)

PG, 1 hr 26 minutes

Featuring Danny Devito, this animated film is based on the classic Dr. Seuss book and follows the story of a boy who goes on a quest to find a real tree in a world without nature.

The story of the lorax is a great way to introduce kids to the importance of protecting our environment and natural resources.

It has a strong environmental message that really resonates with young kids as the main character perspective is a young boy.

Rent or Watch here

2. The Iron Giant (1999)

PG, 1hr 26 minutes

This BAFTA CHILDREN’S AWARD® winner shows that despite the looming threats of an environmental crisis, this film highlights how friendship and courage can help make a difference for our planet.

The story involves a brave boy who saves a colossal robot that fell from outer space and landed on Earth, while doing his best to keep the kind creature safe from an overly curious government official.

Rent or Watch Here

3. Wall-E (2008)

G, 1hr 38 minutes

This Pixar movie is set in a dystopian future where Earth is covered in garbage, and follows the adventures of a trash compactor robot who falls in love with another robot.

It integrates environmental themes by illustrating the relationship between consumerism, wastefulness, and greedy corporations.

Rent or Watch here

4. Happy Feet (2006)

PG, 1 hr 48 minutes

This animated film tells the story of a penguin who can’t sing but can dance, and how he discovers the cause of the food shortage in his community.

The plot follows a young penguin who uses his special singing talent to save the Antarctic from an ecological disaster.

Rent or Watch here

5. FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992)

G, 1hr 15 minutes

This classic animated movie takes place in a rainforest and follows the adventures of fairies who work to save their home from destruction.

This movie is a great introduction to the importance of preserving natural environments for future generations.

Rent or Watch here

6. Over the Hedge (2006)

PG, 1hr 26 minutes

This movie follows the story of a group of animals who must adapt to the changing environment when a suburban housing development encroaches on their territory.

Rent or Watch here

7. Avatar (2009)

PG-13, 2hr 49 minutes

Although this movie is rated PG-13, this 3x Oscar winner directed by James Cameron is a great choice for older kids and teenagers who are interested in environmental issues.

This feature film takes place on the fictional planet of Pandora and follows the story of a disabled marine who is sent to infiltrate the local alien community, but ends up siding with them against his own people.

Rent or Watch here

8. A Bug’s Life (1998)

G, 1hr 34 minutes

This Pixar movie is set in a colony of ants who are being threatened by a group of grasshoppers.

It’s a great choice for younger kids, and can help teach them about the importance of working together to protect their communities.

Rent or Watch here

9. The Secret of NIMH (1982)

G, 1hr 19 minutes

This classic animated movie follows the adventures of a mouse who seeks the help of rats who have escaped from a laboratory where they were being used for experiments.

It’s a great choice for kids who are interested in animal rights and environmental protection.

Rent or Watch here

10. Fly Away Home (1996)

PG, 1hr 46 minutes

This movie tells the story of a young girl who raises a flock of geese and teaches them how to migrate south for the winter.

It’s a great choice of eco-friendly movies for kids who are interested in wildlife conservation.

Rent or Watch here

11. March of the Penguins (2005)

G, 1hr 20 minutes

This documentary follows the life cycle of emperor penguins in Antarctica, and can help teach kids about the importance of adapting to extreme environments and protecting vulnerable species.

This is a great addition to a curated collection of documentaries you might want to show during earth month.

Rent or Watch here

12. Puff: Wonders of the Reef (2021)

G, 1hr 2 minutes

Embark on an exciting underwater journey with Puff, the intrepid and inquisitive pufferfish as he discovers a dazzling world of color beneath the waves in this vibrant animated feature.

While on his journey, he uncovers majestic creatures and discovers the significance of protecting our underwater ecosystem. He also begins to understand how humans can do their part in preserving this delicate realm.

Watch on Netflix

13. Blippi’s Great Green Adventure

G, 42 minutes

In this mini-movie, Blippi teaches kids about the planet. He shows us how to to transform a litter into a beautiful garden.

Together with his friends, they clean up a park that is filled with trash and pollution. With a shorter run time, this is one of the most kid-friendly movies to show this month.

Rent or Watch here

To Sum It Up: The Best Earth Day Movies For Kids

All of these movies are great choices for Earth Day and can help spark discussions about environmental issues with kids.

These movies are just a few great examples that can be used to teach kids about the importance of protecting our planet and respecting its resources.

I hope you enjoy celebrating Earth Day with these fun and educational films on your next family movie night!

Happy Earth Day! 🌍💚

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