Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a crucial skill for young people to develop. It promotes emotional intelligence, fosters better relationships, and encourages a more compassionate society. In this post, we’ll explore three insightful movies that illuminate the concept of empathy, each in their unique way. So, what are our picks for the 3 Great Movies to Teach Students about Empathy? Let’s delve into how these films can be utilized to teach students about empathy.
Zootopia (PG – 2016)
In Zootopia, we follow the journey of Judy Hopps, the first bunny to join the police force in a city inhabited by anthropomorphic animals. Through her interaction with different species, especially her unlikely partnership with a fox, she learns to overcome her prejudices and empathize with others’ experiences. The movie brilliantly addresses the concepts of stereotypes, bias, and acceptance, thereby teaching viewers about empathy and understanding.
The Mighty (PG-13 – 1998)
The Mighty tells the story of two boys, both social outcasts, who form an unlikely friendship. The bond between Kevin, who has a physical disability, and Max, who struggles with learning difficulties, enables them to empathize with each other’s struggles. Their shared experiences allow them to see past their differences and challenges, offering viewers a heartfelt demonstration of empathy in action.
Big Hero 6 (PG – 2014)
Big Hero 6 presents the story of Hiro Hamada, a young robotics prodigy, who forms a superhero team to combat a masked villain. The film, at its core, explores themes of loss, grief, and the power of empathy. Hiro’s bond with the inflatable robot Baymax—designed to understand and care for people’s emotional needs—underscores the importance of empathy in healing. Baymax’s caring approach and the way he supports Hiro through his grief provide a powerful model of empathetic behavior.
These films are exceptional resources to initiate discussions about empathy and emotional intelligence among students. Each movie, with its unique storyline and characters, provides valuable insights into understanding and sharing emotions. As we close our exploration of the 3 Great Movies to Teach Students about Empathy, we invite your thoughts. Have you used any of these films in your classroom? Are there other movies that have effectively taught your students about empathy? We’d love to hear from you!
Do you want to search for more movies by their educational key concept?
Check out this blog post to discover 21 educational key concepts and find more movies that align with each one!