Three movies that will teach children about selflessness and teamwork

If we believe that stories have the power to convey values and positive
messages much better than theories, then it’s important to choose stories
that display kindness, solidarity, love, and friendship.

But which stories would those be?

As Juan José Muñoz García states in his work Cine y misterio humano, traditional tales and parables are now
being replaced by “cine-parables” or “tele-parables.”

Especially when speaking about children, shouldn’t we focus on teaching
them about selflessness and teamwork?

We have three suggestions for cartoons that display these values¾though, we
know the list could actually be much longer.

Toy story

(1995), directed by John Lasseter, starring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, a
Walt Disney film

This is story is set “in the world of toys” and is the first movie of its
kind. The protagonists are toys that are lying around the bedroom of a boy
named Andy. Whenever Andy gets a new toy, he neglects the older ones. After
receiving his latest toy, Buzz Lightyear, the little boy seems to have
forgotten that Sheriff Woody used to be his favorite toy. Jealous Woody
starts fighting with Buzz, causing Buzz to fall out of the window. The
other toys are outraged at Woody’s behavior. At this point, he begins a
challenging journey to bring Buzz home.

Toy Story
‘s message is profound and valuable: it teaches children how to interact
with one another and be part of a group; what the consequences are of
treating someone badly or discriminating against him; the value of a
supportive friendship; the need to recognize that we all make mistakes;
and, last but not least, the importance of making up for our mistakes in
order to receive forgiveness.

Cars – Roaring Engines
(2006), directed by John Lasseter, a Walt Disney film

Another thought-provoking movie is Cars – Roaring Engines.
Lightning McQueen is an arrogant, boastful race car. He is used to placing
first on the track, then going around showing off and seeking attention and
praise. Until one day, just before an important race, he accidentally ends
up in the forgotten ghost town of Radiator Springs after a mishap with his
transport truck. There, thanks to the residents of that quirky town, he
discovers that life is more beautiful when shared, instead of sitting on
the pedestal all alone.

This movie points out that the important thing isn’t placing first, but
rather coming together with others; friendship and loyalty matter more than
cups; being successful and all alone doesn’t make us happy¾rather, it’s the
saddest thing that could happen to us.

Sing
, a 2016 animated film directed by Garth Jennings

The protagonist of this animated film is Buster, a relatively perfect koala
who wants to carry on his family business at any cost, as it was built with
his father’s blood, sweat, and tears. That business is a theater that seems
doomed to fail.

Buster seems naive and clueless at first glance, but he is actually quite
determined and tenacious. He holds his father in very high regard. Even
though he has passed away, his son tries to come up with solutions to keep
his business from going under.

He decides to organize a singing competition in an attempt to revive the
theater.

So many talented people show up for auditions. Many will initially find
themselves competing against each other for a prize. Later, however, these
new friends come together to work to save the theater.

This movie¾in addition to showcasing a beautiful father-son relationship,
so solid and deep that it transcends even death¾teaches us that generosity,
sharing, and teamwork lead to much better, lasting results than any results
one could get thinking only of one’s own selfish interests.

This hilarious, original story, enjoyable for both children and adults, is
peppered with twists and turns. Its main characters, silly little animals
who dance and perform famous musical pieces, will have the audience busting
up with laughter.