Ready to pop some popcorn and snuggle on the couch with your child while watching a good family movie? If you’re an adoptive parent, you might want to consider these family-friendly movies with adoption themes. Not only are they entertaining, they also offer the perfect opportunity to discuss adoption and educate your child on this important topic.
1. Kung Fu Panda 2. Adopted by a goose, panda Po learns his adoption story and what makes him who he is. This movie is filled with positive messages and touches on the interplay between nature and nurture.
2. Despicable Me 2. Despite his villainous nature, Gru learns what love is and how to be a good father to his three adoptive daughters. It’s touching to see the changes he undergoes and how they become a true forever family.
3. Superman: The Movie. In order to provide a better life for his son, Superman’s father decides to have strangers raise him. Superman struggles with his identify, works hard to apprehend criminals, and even falls in love. Superman: The Movie is a good story of how good triumphs over evil; however, it is not suitable for younger kids due to some language.
4. Elf. When Buddy—raised as an elf since birth—discovers he’s not really an elf, he sets out to find his birth father and learn more about his roots. This movie is fun and silly with a Christmas theme.
5. Annie. Orphan Annie’s life is full of challenges—from the separation from her birth family to greedy foster parents to incompetent social workers to life disappointments. But through it all, she maintains a positive attitude and learns that you can find a permanent, loving home despite the obstacles.
6. Babe. A pig named Babe is raised by sheepdogs and bonds with a motherly collie. Despite his differences, he learns to herd sheep and fit in with the dogs. But will the others accept him? This is a sweet story about friendship and trust.
7. The Boxtrolls. When a father’s life is in danger, he sends his son to be raised by Box Trolls. The boy’s new family is very nurturing, but he must eventually deal with his differences and face his losses. The credits feature a song about being happy for the families we have—definitely a positive message for adoptive children and families everywhere.
