25+ Emotionally Charged Movies Like Inside Out That Will Tickle Your Heartstrings

Must-Watch: Grab the Tissues for These Emotionally Rich Kids’ Movies

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When Inside Out premiered in 2015, it captivated audiences and received rave reviews, surpassing the usual expectations for an animated feature. This film dives deep into the realm of complex emotions, a territory that many animated films shy away from without a closer examination. As a parent, it’s hard not to get a bit teary-eyed while watching this film with your children, especially considering the significance of a movie that addresses such intricate feelings for young viewers. If you’re on the hunt for films that evoke similar sentiments to Inside Out, you’re in luck!

In case you’ve forgotten the premise, Inside Out follows the journey of 11-year-old Riley as she navigates her family’s move across the country. For anyone who has dealt with a tween or teen, you know their feelings can shift dramatically — sometimes within moments. Add a significant relocation and challenges at dad’s job, and you have a child grappling with intense and perplexing emotions for the first time.

For instance, Riley’s decision to run away, driven by anger, contrasts sharply with her later realization that she misses her family and feels sadness. The film poignantly illustrates how one can feel multiple emotions simultaneously — a crucial life lesson as one grows older and learns to manage such feelings. While no other film has tackled emotional complexity quite like Inside Out, there are several other outstanding films that delve into those “big feelings.” Here are some of our top recommendations:

Movies That Will Tug at Your Heartstrings Like Inside Out

  1. Onward (2020)
    If you haven’t seen Onward, you’re truly missing a gem. Kids will love the vibrant visuals and thrilling escapades, but the film dives deep into the enduring grief that follows the loss of a loved one. It’s captivating and beautiful, yet utterly heart-wrenching.
  2. Big Hero 6 (2014)
    Big Hero 6 feels quite different from a typical Disney movie. Set in the imaginative city of “San Fransokyo,” it intertwines action with themes of loss and grief. You’ll witness a young prodigy learn to channel his anger and ultimately embrace forgiveness.
  3. Finding Dory (2016)
    As a sequel, Finding Dory explores deeper themes than its predecessor. While Finding Nemo had its emotional highlights, Dory’s journey touches on memory, isolation, and the importance of creating one’s own family.
  4. Toy Story 2 (1999)
    Each film in the Toy Story series could easily fit this list, but Toy Story 2 stands out. The heart-wrenching moment when Sarah McLachlan’s “When She Loved Me” plays evokes deep nostalgia for childhood toys and the emotions tied to them.
  5. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
    Venturing beyond Disney/Pixar, My Neighbor Totoro from Studio Ghibli captures the essence of childhood joy, as well as loneliness and displacement — vital emotions for children to grasp.
  6. Frozen II (2019)
    This film captures the struggle of accepting one’s true self amid societal expectations. Elsa’s journey teaches resilience and the importance of following one’s instincts, even when faced with adversity.

More Emotionally Nuanced Animated Films Like Inside Out:

  • The Good Dinosaur (2015)
  • Up (2009)
  • Home (2015)
  • Soul (2020)
  • Coco (2017)
  • Brave (2012)
  • Brother Bear (2003)
  • Wall-E (2008)
  • The Land Before Time (1988)
  • The Lorax (2012)
  • Over the Moon (2020)
  • The Iron Giant (1999)
  • The Little Prince (2015)
  • The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
  • Lilo & Stitch (2002)
  • An American Tail (1986)
  • Meet the Robinsons (2007)
  • The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
  • Christopher Robin (2018)
  • Luca (2021)
  • All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)
  • James and the Giant Peach (1996)
  • The Fox and the Hound (1981)
  • Ponyo (2008)
  • Rise of the Guardians (2012)

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Summary

This curated list highlights over 25 animated films that explore complex emotions similar to those found in Inside Out. These films not only entertain but also help children understand their feelings, making them perfect for family movie nights.

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