Talking about death and grief with children can be one of the most challenging tasks for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. However, children’s movies can be powerful tools to address these topics in a sensitive and understandable way. They not only entertain but also teach valuable lessons on how to deal with loss and express emotions. Therefore, in this list, we highlight several films that touch on the theme of grief, providing a foundation for meaningful and therapeutic discussions.

The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH), committed to promoting emotional health, recognizes the importance of addressing grief in a way that children can understand and process. Combining entertainment and learning is one of the most effective ways to introduce these delicate concepts. More than just movies, these audiovisual resources can pave the way for deep and healing conversations.

We have selected films ranging from Disney classics to more recent productions, all addressing grief in varied and accessible ways. Each of these films has been carefully chosen for its ability to convey messages of resilience, memory, and enduring love. Additionally, these films exemplify how the scientific hypnosis advocated by SBH can be an ally in processing these emotions, providing a more open and receptive mental state to positive suggestions.

If you are a healthcare professional interested in deepening your knowledge in hypnosis to help children and families process grief, SBH offers several evidence-based training and postgraduate courses. After all, hypnosis can enhance any emotional health treatment, being a valuable tool in times of loss.

So check out our list of children’s movies about grief and see how they can be integrated into children’s learning and emotional support:

The Lion King: Circle of Life and Overcoming

In the movie “The Lion King”, the theme of grief is addressed in a sensitive and engaging way, providing a valuable lesson about the circle of life. The story begins with the young lion Simba, who lives in harmony in the African savanna under the protection of his father, Mufasa, the king. However, the plot takes a drastic turn when Mufasa tragically dies, leaving Simba desolate and full of guilt.

Simba’s journey is a powerful representation of how to deal with the pain of loss. At first, he runs away, unable to face the reality of his father’s death. This behavior is a common reaction among children, who often feel confused and overwhelmed when dealing with grief for the first time.

During his exile, Simba meets Timon and Pumbaa, two characters who introduce the concept of “Hakuna Matata” — living without worries. Although this philosophy helps Simba find momentary happiness, it also serves as a method of evading his pain and responsibility. Children can understand through Simba that moments of joy and distraction are important, but eventually, it is necessary to face the pain to become stronger.

Simba’s true transformation begins when he meets Rafiki, the wise baboon, who reminds him of his father and his responsibilities as an heir. This encounter symbolizes how the support of friends and mentors can be crucial for overcoming pain. Rafiki shows Simba that loved ones remain alive in our memories and influences, a concept that helps children understand that those we love never completely disappear.

Finally, Simba returns to his homeland, confronts Scar, his treacherous uncle, and takes his place as king. By doing so, he not only honors his father’s memory but also demonstrates the personal growth that results from facing pain. This narrative arc teaches children that facing grief can lead to maturation and a deeper understanding of the “circle of life”.

“The Lion King” offers a rich and multifaceted approach to grief, making it an effective tool in children’s emotional education. By following Simba’s journey, they learn that pain is an inevitable part of life, but there is also room for healing, memory, and overcoming.

Coco: Celebrating the Memory of Loved Ones

Coco is a charming film that uniquely and engagingly addresses the theme of grief. Set in Mexico, the film celebrates the Day of the Dead, a traditional Mexican holiday where families honor their loved ones who have passed away. This holiday is a time to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have gone, keeping their memories alive.

In the animation, we follow the story of Miguel, a young boy passionate about music who accidentally ends up in the Land of the Dead. During this journey, he meets his ancestors and discovers stories hidden in the family chest. The central narrative of Coco shows the importance of keeping alive the memories of loved ones, reinforcing the idea that as long as someone is remembered, they remain present in some way.

The film addresses grief with a positive and hopeful perspective. Instead of focusing on the pain of loss, Coco invites the audience to see the celebration of the lives of those who have passed. Through vibrant colors and emotional songs, the film transforms grief into a process of celebration and acceptance. It shows that remembering loved ones with love and joy can be a healthy way to deal with loss.

Additionally, Coco educates children about different ways to deal with death. Through the Mexican culture of the Day of the Dead, the idea that death is a natural part of life is presented in an accessible and non-scary way. This helps children understand that loss doesn’t have to be just sadness, but can also be an opportunity to celebrate good memories and legacies left behind.

The characters in the film demonstrate various emotions that arise with grief, from sadness to the joy of remembrance, thus providing a mirror for children to recognize and understand their own feelings. This is a crucial aspect of the film, as it validates children’s feelings, showing that it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions when remembering someone who has passed.

The beauty of Coco lies in its ability to transform a delicate theme like grief into a magical and joyful experience. The film teaches us that through memories and celebrations, we can keep the people we love always present in our lives. It’s a valuable lesson that offers comfort and hope, showing children that love and memories never fade away.

Up: Grief and New Beginnings

Up: Grief and New Beginnings

Up is an emotional animation that begins with one of the most touching scenes in children’s cinema. In the story, Carl Fredricksen loses his wife, Ellie, after years of a happy life together. From this point, the film deeply addresses the process of grief and overcoming loss for both children and adults.

The beginning of the film shows how Carl and Ellie met, fell in love, and shared dreams of adventures together. This quick and emotional montage culminates in Ellie’s death, leaving Carl in a state of deep sadness. He becomes reclusive and resentful, living in the house they restored together, representing a symbol of the love he lost.

Throughout the narrative, Carl faces the difficulties of grief. The house full of memories and unfulfilled promises become burdensome. However, the arrival of Russell, a cheerful and determined scout, brings new perspectives and challenges for Carl. The relationship between Carl and Russell is fundamental to the protagonist’s transformation. The young boy is seeking to complete his elderly assistance badge but ends up helping Carl more than he imagined.

One of the film’s most powerful messages is that even after significant loss, it is possible to find new purposes and create new memories. Carl initially tries to fulfill alone the dream he and Ellie had of traveling to Paradise Falls. However, over time, he realizes that adventures can take new forms and that it is possible to open his heart to new relationships and experiences.

For children, Up teaches that grief is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to be faced alone. The film shows that, with the support of friends and new adventures, it is possible to find joy again. Carl and Russell’s journey is a touching example of how friendship and accepting new opportunities can help heal the pain of loss.

Thus, Up not only addresses grief but also celebrates the possibility of new beginnings. It is a valuable lesson for children, showing that life goes on and that even after difficult moments, there is always room for new dreams and adventures.

Over the Moon: Quest for Closure and Renewal

Over the Moon is a film full of charm and emotion that addresses the delicate issue of grief with a sensitive and fantastical approach. The plot follows the young Fei Fei, who, after her mother’s death, embarks on an extraordinary journey to the moon to prove the existence of the moon goddess Chang’e. From an early age, Fei Fei’s mother told stories about this goddess, and these memories become a deep bond between mother and daughter.

Fei Fei is firmly attached to the idea that the moon goddess is waiting for her beloved, echoing the protagonist’s desire to reunite with her deceased mother. During the journey, Fei Fei encounters various mystical creatures and faces challenges that force her to deal with her feelings. Through these experiences, she learns valuable lessons about acceptance and renewal.

Throughout the journey, Fei Fei discovers that the goddess Chang’e is also trapped in a cycle of grief, eternally waiting for her lost love. This discovery is a crucial moment, as it helps her realize that even mythological beings experience complex feelings like grief. From this point, the narrative addresses the importance of allowing oneself to feel sorrow, but also finding ways to move forward.

One of the central messages of Over the Moon is that the love and memories of loved ones remain with us, even after death. Fei Fei learns to incorporate her mother’s memories into her daily life, rather than trying to prove her fantastic existence. This is a crucial step for her healing and renewal process.

In the end, Fei Fei returns to Earth with a deeper understanding of herself and her pain. She realizes that life goes on and that new experiences can bring joy again. The film offers a powerful metaphor for children facing loss, showing that it is possible to find closure and renew one’s journey, even after significant loss.

In summary, Over the Moon offers children a path to understand and accept grief, showing that despite the pain, there is always room for new beginnings and that the love of those we have lost never truly disappears. It is a powerful tool to facilitate difficult conversations in an empathetic and engaging way.

Conclusion

Addressing grief through children’s movies is a powerful and empathetic way to help children process their emotions. Each mentioned film offers a unique and sensitive approach to dealing with loss, teaching valuable lessons about resilience, memory, and acceptance. These films not only entertain but also serve as bridges for meaningful discussions between children and adults.

In addition to the emotional benefits provided by these films, scientific hypnosis can be a valuable ally in grief treatment. The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH) believes that hypnosis enhances any health treatment when associated with evidence-based practices. This approach can help children and families face grief in a lighter and more welcoming way.

If you are a healthcare professional or someone interested in learning more about scientific hypnosis and how it can help you assist your patients or even start a new career, SBH offers high-quality training and postgraduate courses. Discover our courses and find out how hypnosis can transform the way you deal with complex emotional issues, such as grief.

To learn more about our training and enroll in courses, visit: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/

Frequently Asked Questions

How can children’s movies help deal with grief?

Children’s movies are valuable tools that address grief in a sensitive and understandable way. They can entertain and provide starting points for meaningful discussions about emotions and loss. By watching characters deal with pain, children can learn about resilience and the importance of remembering and honoring loved ones.

What are some examples of children’s movies that address grief?

Some films that deal with grief include The Lion King, Coco, Up, and Over the Moon. Each addresses loss and overcoming from different angles, providing a richer and more accessible understanding for children.

How to integrate children’s movies about grief into clinical practices?

Healthcare professionals can use these films to open dialogues with patients about grief. After watching, discussing the reactions and feelings triggered by the film helps in emotional processing. Scientific hypnosis can also be used in conjunction to create a mental state more open to positive suggestions and emotional elaboration.

What is scientific hypnosis and how can it help with grief?

Scientific hypnosis is a focused state of consciousness that increases the response to positive suggestions. It can help in the grief process by creating a safe mental environment to face and process emotions. This makes the experience of grief less burdensome and promotes emotional well-being.

Where can I learn more about scientific hypnosis to apply in grief treatment?

The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH) offers courses and postgraduate studies in evidence-based scientific hypnosis. Healthcare professionals interested in expanding their skills can access more information and enroll in courses through the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/.