It’s often difficult to find family friendly movies to watch that are both uplifting and positive. Keeping in mind that my kids are teenagers, here are 3 movies we’ve watched as a family over the last 6 months and really enjoyed.
1. Spare Parts
Based on a true story, Spare Parts tells the inspiring story of four high school students that form a robotics club at their school and with little experience, scant resources, and a big dream; to compete at a national college level robotics competition.
We enjoyed how these kids managed to compete against all odds, how they learned to work together, depending on each others strengths and the bond that develops between them and their new teacher.
Rated PG-13
2. McFarland USA
As someone who loves running, a movie about running is obviously hard to resist. In our home we sometimes discuss how previous generations had to be tough because their circumstances were very difficult. Our generation, on the other hand, have had life much easier and as a result many of us don’t have to be as tough.
This inspirational movie, also based on a true story, is about kids that have to be tough because the circumstances in their lives requires it from them. The things that average kids takes for granted are a luxury to them. They run out of sheer necessity; to make it to work in the fields to pick crops after school each day, etc.
What they may lack in material wealth, they make up for in strong family bonds, incredible work ethic, and loyalty. A new coach with his own problems see’s the potential in these kids and tries to convince them to join a cross country running team.
Rated PG
3. 4 Minute Mile
Yes, another running movie. This movie is about a young man’s struggles to overcome not only his circumstances in the shape of an abusive older brother involved with drug dealers, but also his own emotional pain. After getting kicked off the school track team for a bad attitude, he gets a second chance in the form of a retired coach offering to train him.
We liked this movie for the story itself but also because it highlights a principle that we instill in our children. Life is about choices. Some choices are harder to make than others, but whatever you choose, you will live with the consequences of those choices. Make good choices so that you can have good consequences.
Rated PG-13
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