“The Lion King” (1994)
Set on the African savanna, “The Lion King” tells the story of a young lion named Simba who looks up to his father, King Mufasa. When Mufasa dies suddenly while protecting Simba, the young cub is left heartbroken and confused. Believing he is to blame, Simba runs away and grows up far from home. With time, the support of new friends, and the memory of his father’s love, he eventually finds the courage to return and take his place in the great “circle of life.”
Scenes that may open space for children to think and talk about loss include:
- The wildebeest stampede: Mufasa’s sudden death shows how loss may arrive without warning, leaving children with many feelings to sort through.
- Simba leaving home: His decision to run away reflects how grief and guilt may make someone want to withdraw from those closest to them.
- Life with Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the warthog: Their friendship and humor bring Simba comfort, reminding children that laughter and companionship may help during sad times.
- Mufasa’s image in the night sky: A tender moment that suggests loved ones may continue to guide us, even after they are gone.
“Coco” (2017)
Set in Mexico during Día de los Muertos, “Coco” follows Miguel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s ban on music. On the holiday, he accidentally crosses into the Land of the Dead, where he meets generations of relatives who have passed on. Believing that his great-great-grandfather was the legendary singer Ernesto de la Cruz, Miguel sets out to find him—hoping that uncovering this connection will explain his own love of music. Along the way, he learns about family history, the importance of remembrance, and the ways love can endure across time.
Scenes that may help children think about remembrance and connection include:
- Miguel’s arrival in the Land of the Dead: Meeting ancestors face-to-face shows how family ties may continue even after someone has died.
- The fading of forgotten relatives: A gentle illustration of how being remembered keeps someone’s presence alive in the hearts of others.
- Miguel’s friendship with Héctor: Reveals how love and belonging may resurface, even after years of absence.
- Singing “Remember Me” to Mamá Coco: A moving moment that shows how music and memory can bring comfort, helping a loved one feel close again.
“My Neighbor Totoro” (1988)
In My Neighbor Totoro, two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, move to the countryside with their father to be closer to the hospital where their mother is receiving long-term care. While they adjust to their new home and the uncertainty of their mother’s illness, they encounter gentle forest spirits, including the large and friendly Totoro. The magical adventures they share provide comfort, distraction, and joy during a time when fear and worry are close at hand.
Scenes that may help children reflect on absence, illness, and comfort include:
- Exploring the empty house: The sisters’ nervous excitement mirrors the mix of emotions that may come with change and uncertainty.
- Mei waiting for her mother: Her sadness and longing show how children may feel when someone they love is away or unwell.
- Totoro offering shelter at the bus stop: A tender scene of protection and reassurance, suggesting how comfort may appear in unexpected forms.
- The magical Catbus ride: A moment of wonder that helps carry the girls toward hope, even in the face of worry.
“Up” (2009)
“Up” begins with the love story of Carl and Ellie, who spend their lives dreaming of adventures together. When Ellie dies before they can take the trip they always imagined, Carl is left grieving and alone in their home filled with memories. In his sadness, he ties thousands of balloons to the house and sets off on the journey they never took—only to discover that new connections, especially with a young boy named Russell, may bring comfort and healing.
Scenes that may help children think about love, loss, and moving forward include:
- The opening montage of Carl and Ellie’s life: A tender sequence that shows how love may last through joyful years and through loss.
- Carl sitting alone in his house: Illustrates the loneliness and quiet that may follow the passing of someone close.
- The flying house adventure: Carl’s determination to hold on to Ellie’s memory reflects how difficult it can feel to let go.
- Carl sharing new experiences with Russell: A gentle reminder that new bonds and friendships may grow even while remembering those we have lost.
How Families Can Watch Together
Watching films that touch on loss may open the door to meaningful conversations between children and caregivers. Every child processes stories differently, and there is no single “right” way to respond. What matters most is creating a safe, supportive space for whatever feelings or questions arise.
A few approaches that may help include:
- Sit together: Being physically close while watching can provide comfort and reassurance.
- Pause when needed: If a child has questions, taking a moment to talk through what happened may help them feel heard and supported.
- Follow their lead: Some children may want to ask questions or share memories; others may prefer quiet reflection. Both responses are natural.
- Offer creative outlets afterward: Drawing, storytelling, or playing may give children additional ways to express their feelings.
- Connect to family experiences: If appropriate, you might share stories about loved ones, making the themes of remembrance and love more personal.
Helping Children Understand Loss Through Film
Movies about grief often give children a gentle way to begin talking about life and loss. Through story and imagination, they open space for big emotions and show that love and connection continue even after someone is gone.
Whether a child is curious, grieving, or preparing for a loss, these stories create opportunities for families to share reflection and comfort. Watching together and talking is a way to hold space for love, memory, and hope.
