mathmarm Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 I need some suggestions for children movies for ages 4-11 that do not contain romance or the death of a character. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 What do you count as romance? My 2yo's favourite movie is Milo and Otis. It is about a dog and cat growing up and adventuring out in the world. They are real animals, not cartoons. At the end there are some scenes where they meet other dogs and cats and you see puppies and kittens being born. We also love Totoro. The mother is in the hospital and at one point the daughters think she could die, but she doesn't. Wall-E, the robots "kiss" at the end but I wouldn't count it as romance. Winnie the Pooh should be ok. I like to look up movies at commonsensemedia.org. The parent comments usually indicate if something concerning happens in the movie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Cars is a good movie, but Lightening McQueen falls for another car...don't remember her name right now. I was also thinking Finding Nemo, but I think 1 fish dies in a flashback of a girl shaking up the fish (don't remember for sure though) Toy Story ETA you could also stick with educational videos like Leapfrog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 free willy movies homeward bound (also has a sequel) - there's a wedding between mom and step-dad at the beginning of the first one. but that's it for 'romance'. (it's more just to set-up what comes later. not in depth at all.) I'd suggest some of the wonderful world of Disney 'movies' from the 50's/60's. (not the cartoons) dudeling was *very* skeptical when I got him bedknobs and broomsticks. he'd replay the armored knights scene over and over. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mathmarm Posted June 2, 2015 Author Share Posted June 2, 2015 I don't have a good succint definition of romance but I'll say that the classic tale of "boy meets girl" is at its heart--a romance. Also tales where a prominent character is motivated to do the things that he does out of the desire to gain the attention and affection of their love interests. (ie, I'll go on the quest for The Gem because when I return a hero, the lovely princess will just have to notice me then!) So WallE is out, he's motivated to take most of his actions by his frantic love of Eve (Who could have been a mass murdering lunatic for all he knew) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Does Frozen count as death of a character since she doesn't end up dead at the end? (though the parents do die part way through) Up also has romance and death. But it does not drive the plot. It, too, is more backstory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mathmarm Posted June 2, 2015 Author Share Posted June 2, 2015 Also, romance as a background plot device (ie signals of a wedding between a couple at the beginning of a film that is part of setting up the plot) does not count. So Lady and the Tramp is out not because Jim Darling and the Mrs marry, but because a good deal of focus is on the budding romance between Tramp and Lady themselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 okay - I see from your sig you're talking *really* tiny kids. veggie tales. I admit, I didn't want to hear about it from a friend who thought they were great. her mil bought them and everyone from toddlers to TEENS liked them. I finally watched one - and my then teens liked them too. . . . . and some pretty catchy tunes . . . about the extent of their violence is throwing slushies. kipper the dog is also a very sweet show Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 I was also thinking Finding Nemo, but I think 1 fish dies in a flashback of a girl shaking up the fish (don't remember for sure though) Nemo's mother and siblings all die at the beginning. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mathmarm Posted June 2, 2015 Author Share Posted June 2, 2015 Does Frozen count as death of a character since she doesn't end up dead at the end? (though the parents do die part way through) Up also has romance and death. But it does not drive the plot. It, too, is more backstory. The deaths in Frozen (the parents) and Up (the wife + the villian) take them out of the running. For Frozen though, even if the parents had not died in a traumatic event, the romance between Non-magic sister and the Ice selling guy prevents it from making the cut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Nemo's mother and siblings all die at the beginning. In a rather scary way too. We used to skip this scene when dd was little. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mathmarm Posted June 2, 2015 Author Share Posted June 2, 2015 okay - I see from your sig you're talking *really* tiny kids. This isn't about Jr. because for the most part he doesn't watch TV, I'm looking for movies for kids 4-11. veggie tales. I admit, I didn't want to hear about it from a friend who thought they were great. her mil bought them and everyone from toddlers to TEENS liked them. I finally watched one - and my then teens liked them too. . . . . and some pretty catchy tunes . . . about the extent of their violence is throwing slushies. kipper the dog is also a very sweet show I will check out Kipper and Veggie Tales. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Ate age 2, with DS, we watched nothing at all. At age 3, he started with the Leapfrog movies. Particularly the Letter Factory Other shows he liked young: (And really it was mostly shows because he grew bored of longer movies) Kidsongs Sid the Science Kid WordWorld My Fantastic Field Trip to the Planets Milo and Otis (though he got bored and couldn't watch all the way through) Baby Signing Time The Snowman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PamJBA Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 I don't recall death or romance in the newish movie, Home, but I wasn't really looking for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PamJBA Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 At 2 DD only watched NickJr. Her dad watched Duck Tale and Chip n Dale Rescue Rangers, so she saw those as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PamJBA Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Maybe a Curious George movie? I didn't care for the second one. The Curious George cartoon series on PBS is really good. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mathmarm Posted June 2, 2015 Author Share Posted June 2, 2015 Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Keep them coming! I'm trying to put together a selection of movies for a group of elementary aged children (4-11) to chose from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PamJBA Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 I'd still recommend Home, but I don't know when it will be out on DVD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Those parameters rule out most movies and stories. TV shows would exist for the 4-ish crowd, but a 8+ year old isn't going to want to watch Daniel Tiger. (Which is a sweet little show that would fit.) Odd Squad maybe? Ruff Ruffman? Cooking shows like the kids competitions? Mythbusters? What do these kids normally watch? Normalcy might be comforting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cottonwood Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Hoodwinked and Hoodwinked Too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 As the mom of adopted kids, I quickly became aware that the vast majority of good kids' / family movies involve kids who have lost one or both parents. (Books too.) Can't think of many off hand that don't have either death or romance as at least a side theme. The Wizard of Oz doesn't have any main characters dying (other than the wicked witches), but it is pretty scary at times. (And yes, Dorothy is an orphan.) Hmm, what about Pinocchio? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 nm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whereneverever Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 We recently saw Home and it was adorable and I LOVED that there wasn't any romance as part of the plot. Just loved it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TracyP Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 My kids are age 4-11. I'll list a few that they like that have no death or romance. I'll leave it to you to decide whether they are otherwise appropriate. Homeward Bound The Sandlot National Velvet Home Alone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plink Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Would Dreamer make the cut? The mom and dad kiss, but I thought it was very appropriate for my 5yo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xixstar Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Home Alone We watched this one this past holiday season because I remembered it being one of my favorites as a kid - I was actually really shocked at some of the content that I would not typically show to my children. The slapstick humor was fine but many of the verbal references and language used and such in it were uncomfortable and we're not a conservative family either. Mine were 4 and 6 at the time and I wish we hadn't picked it out and reminded me I should rewatch movies I liked as a kid before assuming they'd be good choices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2bee Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Disney movies are pretty much out of the running because they almost all feature deaths--either within the first 10 minutes or the last 5 minutes. I'm sure that if there are exceptions they are more likely to be in the Mickey Mouse films (Christmas Carol, Three Musketeers etc) and MM spin offs (Donald in Mathemagic Land etc.) than the Feature Length movies that go to theaters. Find children's shows that come on Nick Jr, Cartoon Network, Sprout and PBS. Then look for tv specials or movies based on those shows. Charlie Brown movies are very entertaining and many of them timeless. I don't know if the Peanuts brand of crushes will count too heavily as romance or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Nemo's mother and siblings all die at the beginning. Oops forgot about that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2bee Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Has anyone seen the Tinkerbell Movies? I think that the Tinkerbell Movies will probably work but I haven't watched them, I just know there are a bunch of girl fairies in them. My Little Pony Friendship is Magic is popular with boys and girls, despite how it is marketed. What about Earth to Echo Disney Nature Documentaries. ET The Extra Terrestrial Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TracyP Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 We watched this one this past holiday season because I remembered it being one of my favorites as a kid - I was actually really shocked at some of the content that I would not typically show to my children. The slapstick humor was fine but many of the verbal references and language used and such in it were uncomfortable and we're not a conservative family either. Mine were 4 and 6 at the time and I wish we hadn't picked it out and reminded me I should rewatch movies I liked as a kid before assuming they'd be good choices. I completely agree. In fact it was this last holiday season when we showed it to our kids, too. I was surprised by a few things, but I was especially appalled by how the older kids spoke to Kevin. That unkindness stuff bothers me way more than the things parents typically seem to be looking out for. I won't let my kids watch Arthur for the same reason... Anyway, rewatching first is a good idea. At least we know that we watched it and turned out okay. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 The Brave Little Toaster Toy Story I (There is Little BoPeep, but it's not a romance, and Mr & Mrs Potato Head are an old married couple.) Homeward Bound Babe, the Gallant Pig (Maybe it is just Babe. Only the first one. Does an animal die at the beginning? It's such a great story. I always cry.) Mary Poppins (Although Bert does fancy Mary) Fly Away Home Singing in the Rain (No deaths, but Debbie Reynolds and Gene Kelly do end up together.) Matilda (no deaths, no romance, but terrible parents and Agatha Trunchbull. Matilda's magic.) Monsters Inc I (Mike and Celia, but I wouldn't exactly call it a romance) Wizard of Oz, but witch scare factor. ET, but intense for some Star Trek: The Journey Home (Save the whales, formulaic Kirk hug with the scientist that helps them.) *Sandlot is fun, but one of the young boy characters fakes a near drowning to get the pretty female Lifeguard to do mouth-to-mouth on him. I though it was pretty hilarious. They get banned from the pool the whole summer. lol. Also, Smalls' Dad is dead, his mother remarries, a story element is building a relationship with his stepdad.) *The Sound of Music- Maria changes her mind about marrying Jesus and instead marries a man. That might be romance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyB Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Mary Poppins 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momto10blessings Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Winnie the Pooh/tigger movies Babe ET Wizard of oz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Wizard of Oz, but witch scare factor. Even as a kid I thought the flying monkeys were far scarier than the witch. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Marmalade Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Lilo and Stitch Monsters Inc and Monsters U Wreck it Ralph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Max and Ruby the Heffalump Movie Little Einsteins This is America, Charlie Brown Magic School Bus Dinosaur Train Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Balto: There are some tense situations since the movie is about the sled dogs traveling across Alaska for antitoxin during a diptheria epidemic, but I don't remember anyone dying. Balto's character might have a "love interest," but it's definitely puppy love and not the focus of the movie. Air Bud: The child's father passed away while serving in the military, but this happened before the time period in which the movie is set. The plot of the movie is about a boy who bonds with a dog he has found, which helps him deal with his grief over his father's death. So, you may decide not to put it on your list, but I think it is a positive, upbeat movie with a good message. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73349 Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Lilo and Stitch Monsters Inc and Monsters U Wreck it Ralph L&S is all about the fact that the girls' parents died, though, so IDK if that would be okay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Marmalade Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 L&S is all about the fact that the girls' parents died, though, so IDK if that would be okay. Yes and no. I mean, it doesn't have a death scene or a backstory about life with parents and then life without the parents. They simply aren't there and we jump right into Lilo and her sister navigating life together when crazy Stitch shows up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Also, romance as a background plot device (ie signals of a wedding between a couple at the beginning of a film that is part of setting up the plot) does not count. So Lady and the Tramp is out not because Jim Darling and the Mrs marry, but because a good deal of focus is on the budding romance between Tramp and Lady themselves. Honestly I am confused. We all have different opinions but I think there are many fantastic children's movies where romance is part of it such as Cinderella and The Princess Bride. I see it as showing kids the value of love. Obviously there are adult romance shows where I would not show really young kids but would not have a problem showing tweens as long as there is no objectionable material. I am hoping my ds is inspired by romance someday:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaBearTeacher Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That Curious George videos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaBearTeacher Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Also, The Little Polar Bear. (I think it's called) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaBearTeacher Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Also, The Little Polar Bear. (I think it's called) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 This is not directed to Mathmarm, but I love Ebert's explanation (youtube) as to why parents die in so many kids movies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Walt Disney's "Ben and Me" and "Mr. Revere and I" are American-history, animated movies, based on books by Robert Lawson. At least one of those is available on Youtube. they are *excellent.* "National Velvet" with Elizabeth Taylor, and "Lassie Come Home" with Roddy McDowell, are also excellent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kirstenhill Posted June 2, 2015 Share Posted June 2, 2015 Wow...it is really hard to think of movies without some aspect of either! What about "bad guys" dying? I was thinking about The Incredibles. I can't remember if the bad guy actually dies. Any amount of "romance" is just Mr. and Mrs. incredible and they're already married? Unless i am forgetting something. My kids like Turbo, Kung Fu Panda, and Madagascar (and sequels) a lot...I don't remember a lot of romance (except maybe a little bit of silly romance...not main story kind of romance) or major character death in either of those movies (maybe bad guys/minor characters die?)...but I have to admit sometimes I am not paying close attention to what is going on in movies like that as they aren't really my style. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PamJBA Posted June 3, 2015 Share Posted June 3, 2015 What about Mouse and the Motorcycle? I don't remember death. I know there isn't romance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plagefille Posted June 3, 2015 Share Posted June 3, 2015 We love Meet the Robinsons! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmandaVT Posted June 3, 2015 Share Posted June 3, 2015 The Boxcar Children (no one dies in the movie, but it starts off with the children's parents dead - DS didn't find it upsetting at all) The Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's child (on Netflix and DH and I enjoy these too!) Room on the Broom - same author as the Gruffalo. Curious George Toy Story movies Paddington? Mouse and the Motorcycle Turbo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewellsmommy Posted June 3, 2015 Share Posted June 3, 2015 Disney's Brave...Merida refuses to choose a husband so there is no romance. Both parents are living. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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