The 85 Best Movies That Teach Empathy, Ranked

Ranker Film
Updated May 17, 2024 87 items
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Vote up the films empaths will find comforting and inspirational.
Latest additions: We Grown Now, How to Date Billy Walsh
Most divisive: War Horse
Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 85 Best Movies That Teach Empathy, Ranked

Moving about empathy encourage viewers to expand their understanding of the human experience. These films captivate audiences with their impactful stories that emphasize compassion, understanding, and connection among humans. By watching these empathy movies, viewers can gain new perspectives and develop a deeper sense of empathy towards others, broadening their emotional intelligence. 

The best movies that teach empathy skillfully navigate various themes and ideologies. By showcasing empathy, these films often break new ground within their respective genres, introducing fresh ideas that challenge and inspire audiences. It's worth noting how these movies illuminate different facets of empathy, providing a diverse and enriching cinematic experience for viewers. 

Among the many remarkable movies that teach empathy, a select few truly captivate and inspire with their distinctive portrayals of compassion and understanding. Notable examples of empathy movies include Stand by Me, The Pursuit of Happyness, and Life Is Beautiful. Stand by Me explores the bonding among young friends facing challenges together, inviting audiences to reflect on the significance of empathy and understanding during difficult times. The Pursuit of Happyness tackles the power of resilience, love, and compassion, as a father and son navigate life's trials and tribulations. Life Is Beautiful tells an unforgettable story of a father's unwavering love and determination to protect his son amidst the horrors of war, reminding viewers that empathy can prevail even in the darkest of circumstances. 

Empathy movies can spark emotional growth and understanding, transcending the boundaries of traditional cinema. Through their engaging storytelling, thought-provoking themes, and emotional resonance, these films encourag new generations to embrace empathy as a vital part of the human experience. 

  • Stand by Me
    1

    Stand by Me

    Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman
    28 votes
    In the engaging film Stand by Me, four young boys - Gordie Lachance (Wil Wheaton), Chris Chambers (River Phoenix), Teddy Duchamp (Corey Feldman), and Vern Tessio (Jerry O'Connell) - embark on an unforgettable quest. Their aim? To locate a missing teenager's body somewhere in the woods of Oregon. Directed by Rob Reiner, this coming-of-age drama is based on Stephen King's novella The Body. It's a gripping tale about friendship, adventure, and the harsh realities of growing up. The film, ripe with poignant performances and a captivating storyline, won critical acclaim upon its release in 1986.
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  • The Pursuit of Happyness
    2

    The Pursuit of Happyness

    Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton
    16 votes
    In The Pursuit of Happyness, Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is a struggling salesman in San Francisco. With his son Christopher (Jaden Smith), he faces the harsh reality of homelessness after an unfortunate series of events. Amidst this, Gardner lands an unpaid internship at a prestigious brokerage firm. The film, based on a true story, follows their journey as Gardner, with unwavering determination and resilience, fights against all odds for a better future. The movie earned Will Smith an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
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  • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
    3

    E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

    Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote
    27 votes
    E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a mesmerizing blend of science fiction and family drama directed by Steven Spielberg. The story revolves around Elliott (Henry Thomas), a lonely boy who befriends an extraterrestrial, dubbed 'E.T.', stranded on Earth. E.T.'s health declines while government agents close in on his location. With help from his older brother Michael (Robert MacNaughton) and younger sister Gertie (Drew Barrymore), Elliott must help E.T. escape Earth and return to his home planet. This film won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Score, and remains a beloved classic in the realm of cinema.
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  • Life Is Beautiful
    4

    Life Is Beautiful

    Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini
    24 votes
    In the heart-warming yet poignant film Life is Beautiful, Guido Orefice (Roberto Benigni) is an Italian Jewish bookshop owner. He employs his fertile imagination to shield his son, Giosué (Giorgio Cantarini), from the horrors of internment in a Nazi concentration camp. The movie, a unique blend of comedy and drama, bagged three Academy Awards. It weaves a tale of resilience and love against the grim backdrop of World War II. Its endearing characters and compelling narrative make it an unforgettable cinematic experience.
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  • My Girl
    5

    My Girl

    Anna Chlumsky, Macaulay Culkin, Dan Aykroyd
    28 votes
    In the heartwarming drama My Girl, precocious 11-year-old Vada Sultenfuss (Anna Chlumsky) navigates the trials of adolescence in 1972 Pennsylvania. Living with her widowed mortician father, Harry (Dan Aykroyd), Vada's world is colored by death and grief. Her best friend, the sweetly allergic Thomas J. Sennett (Macaulay Culkin), offers a ray of joy in her life. As Vada grapples with first love, loss, and growing up, she learns valuable lessons about life. The film beautifully captures the innocence and confusion of childhood amidst profound themes of mortality and transformation.
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  • Marley & Me
    6

    Marley & Me

    Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric Dane
    25 votes
    In the heartwarming comedy-drama film Marley & Me, John Grogan (Owen Wilson) and his wife, Jennifer (Jennifer Aniston), navigate the challenges of marriage and journalism. In an attempt to test their readiness for parenthood, they adopt a Labrador Retriever puppy, Marley. The mischievous yet lovable Marley brings chaos and unexpected life lessons into their lives. This family-oriented movie is filled with humor and heartfelt moments, showing the profound impact one dog can have on a family unit. Directed by David Frankel, this film beautifully illustrates that even in the messiest situations, love prevails.
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  • Beaches
    7

    Beaches

    Bette Midler, Barbara Hershey, John Heard
    19 votes
    In the heart-tugging drama Beaches, two childhood friends, C.C. Bloom (Bette Midler) and Hillary Whitney (Barbara Hershey), navigate life's ups and downs together. Despite differing backgrounds, C.C., a brash singer with dreams of stardom, and Hillary, an affluent lawyer, maintain their bond over decades. As they experience love, heartbreak, and career highs and lows, their friendship remains a constant. Directed by Garry Marshall with a memorable soundtrack including the hit song Wind Beneath My Wings, Beaches is a poignant portrayal of enduring friendship in the face of life's inevitable trials.
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  • Good Will Hunting
    8

    Good Will Hunting

    Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck
    21 votes
    In the heart of Boston, a self-taught genius janitor, Will Hunting (Matt Damon), solves complex mathematical problems at MIT unnoticed. His talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård). The professor seeks therapy for Will's emotional issues from Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), an empathetic psychologist. As Will grapples with his past and future, he finds solace in his relationship with Skylar (Minnie Driver), a Harvard student. Good Will Hunting, a compelling drama directed by Gus Van Sant, won two Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay.
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  • I Am Sam
    9

    I Am Sam

    Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning
    17 votes
    I Am Sam is a heartfelt drama that centers around Sam Dawson (Sean Penn), a man with an intellectual disability, who fathers a daughter named Lucy Diamond Dawson (Dakota Fanning). As Lucy grows older, her mental capacity surpasses Sam's, leading to the state deeming him unfit as a parent. The story unfolds as Sam, aided by lawyer Rita Harrison (Michelle Pfeiffer), fights for custody of his daughter. Directed by Jessie Nelson, this film garnered Penn an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Notable for its exploration of love and family in unconventional circumstances, I Am Sam challenges societal norms and perceptions.
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  • Inside Out
    10

    Inside Out

    Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind
    29 votes
    In the vibrant animation Inside Out, a young girl named Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) navigates the complexities of a new city and school, guided by her unique emotions. These emotions - Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), and Disgust (Mindy Kaling) - reside in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley's mind. As Riley's life takes unexpected turns, so does the harmony within Headquarters. The film delicately explores emotion-driven decision-making, earning an Oscar for Best Animated Feature. This Pixar creation is not just a movie; it's an enlightening journey into the human psyche.
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  • Gandhi
    11

    Gandhi

    Ben Kingsley, Candice Bergen, Edward Fox
    17 votes
    Gandhi, an epic historical drama, unravels the life and times of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Ben Kingsley). Set against the tumultuous backdrop of colonial India, the film charts Gandhi's transformative journey: from a humble lawyer in South Africa to the spearhead of India's non-violent independence movement. Directed by Richard Attenborough, this Oscar-winning masterpiece paints an intimate portrait of a man who championed peace in a world torn by violence. It also features powerful performances by Rohini Hattangadi as Kasturba Gandhi and Roshan Seth as Jawaharlal Nehru. A riveting tale of resistance and resilience, Gandhi is a cinematic tribute to an extraordinary life.
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  • The Perks of Being a Wallflower
    12

    The Perks of Being a Wallflower

    Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller
    20 votes
    In The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Charlie (Logan Lerman), an introverted high-school freshman, navigates through the trials and tribulations of adolescence. His world opens up when he befriends two seniors, Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller). As they introduce him to the real world beyond textbooks and tests, Charlie grapples with first love and deep-seated secrets. A coming-of-age drama, this movie shines a spotlight on the joys and heartbreaks of growing up. Garnering critical acclaim, it won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature.
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  • Amélie
    13

    Amélie

    Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus
    9 votes
    "Amélie" is a fanciful comedy about a young woman who discretely orchestrates the lives of the people around her, creating a world exclusively of her own making. Shot in over 80 Parisian locations, acclaimed director Jean-Pierre Jeunet ("Delicatessen"; "The City of Lost Children") invokes his incomparable visionary style to capture the exquisite charm and mystery of modern-day Paris through the eyes of a beautiful ingenue.
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  • Juno
    14

    Juno

    Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner
    16 votes
    Juno is a heartwarming drama-comedy that revolves around the life of Juno MacGuff (Elliot Page), a witty and independent 16-year-old who becomes pregnant by her friend, Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera). Instead of opting for an abortion, she decides to give the baby up for adoption. The prospective parents are Mark and Vanessa Loring (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner), a seemingly perfect couple. As the story unfolds, Juno navigates through pregnancy while dealing with school, relationships, and the impending reality of motherhood. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was nominated for three others including Best Picture.
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  • Pollyanna
    15

    Pollyanna

    Hayley Mills, Jane Wyman, Richard Egan
    11 votes
    Young orphan Pollyanna (Hayley Mills) believes life's most difficult problems can always be surmounted by a positive attitude and pragmatism. But when she moves in with her dour aunt (Jane Wyman), she is introduced to a range of disheartened folks who challenge her upbeat outlook. Not to be discouraged, she sets to work spreading hope and good cheer. However, when an inspired doctor (Richard Egan) leads the community in a campaign in opposition to her aunt, Pollyanna's goodwill is strained.
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  • Wonder
    16

    Wonder

    Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay
    2 votes
    Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie Pullman becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade. As his family, his new classmates, and the larger community all struggle to discover their compassion and acceptance, Auggie's extraordinary journey will unite them and prove you can't blend in when you were born to stand out.
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  • Pay It Forward
    17

    Pay It Forward

    Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, Haley Joel Osment
    13 votes
    In the heartwarming drama Pay It Forward, young Trevor McKinney (Haley Joel Osment) is inspired by a social studies assignment. His teacher, Eugene Simonet (Kevin Spacey), encourages students to think of an idea to change the world and put it into action. Trevor's grand plan is a benevolent chain reaction of good deeds, which he calls 'pay it forward'. The boy's actions ripple outwards, affecting his hardworking single mother Arlene (Helen Hunt) and the wider community. A tale of simple acts sparking monumental changes, this film explores the power of kindness in unexpected ways.
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  • My Left Foot
    18

    My Left Foot

    Daniel Day-Lewis, Ray McAnally, Brenda Fricker
    15 votes
    No one expects much from Christy Brown (Daniel Day-Lewis), a boy with cerebral palsy born into a working-class Irish family. Though Christy is a spastic quadriplegic and essentially paralyzed, a miraculous event occurs when, at the age of 5, he demonstrates control of his left foot by using chalk to scrawl a word on the floor. With the help of his steely mother (Brenda Fricker) -- and no shortage of grit and determination -- Christy overcomes his infirmity to become a painter, poet and author.
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  • War Horse
    19

    War Horse

    Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Jeremy Irvine
    12 votes
    An epic war drama, War Horse is a cinematic journey directed by the acclaimed Steven Spielberg. The film revolves around a horse named Joey (voiced by David Thewlis) and his young trainer Albert Narracott (Jeremy Irvine). Set against the backdrop of rural England and Europe during World War I, the movie explores their bond amidst the chaos of war. As Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent into battle, Albert embarks on a mission to find him and bring him home. Despite being nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture, it didn't bag any wins.
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  • Terms of Endearment
    20

    Terms of Endearment

    Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, Jack Nicholson
    14 votes
    Terms of Endearment is an engaging drama directed by James L. Brooks. The plot centers around the thirty-year relationship between mother Aurora Greenway (Shirley MacLaine) and her daughter Emma Horton (Debra Winger). Their bond, filled with love, conflict, and reconciliation, forms the heart of the narrative. Jack Nicholson adds another layer to the story as retired astronaut Garrett Breedlove, a charming yet unconventional neighbor who becomes romantically involved with Aurora. The movie won five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director for Brooks, and Best Actress for MacLaine. It's a captivating exploration of familial ties and personal growth.
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  • Up
    21

    Up

    Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai
    5 votes
    Up, an animation adventure film, spins a story of unexpected friendships and unforeseen journeys. Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner), a retired balloon salesman, embarks on a whimsical journey after he ties thousands of balloons to his house. Russell (Jordan Nagai), a young wilderness explorer, accidentally joins him in this airborne odyssey. The two navigate diverse landscapes and meet colorful characters, including the exotic bird Kevin and the talking dog Dug (Bob Peterson). This Pixar creation, directed by Pete Docter, won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, a testament to its imaginative storytelling.
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  • A Woman Under the Influence
    22

    A Woman Under the Influence

    Gena Rowlands, Peter Falk, Katherine Cassavetes
    4 votes
    Mabel Longhetti (Gena Rowlands), desperate and lonely, is married to a Los Angeles municipal construction worker, Nick (Peter Falk). Increasingly unstable, especially in the company of others, she craves happiness, but her extremely volatile behavior convinces Nick that she poses a danger to their family and decides to commit her to an institution for six months. Alone with a trio of kids to raise on his own, he awaits her return, which holds more than a few surprises.
  • A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
    23

    A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

    Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Susan Kelechi Watson
    4 votes
    Lloyd Vogel is an investigative journalist who receives an assignment to profile Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers. He approaches the interview with skepticism, as he finds it hard to believe that anyone can have such a good nature. But Roger's empathy, kindness and decency soon chips away at Vogel's jaded outlook on life, forcing the reporter to reconcile with his own painful past.
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  • Peaceful Warrior
    24

    Peaceful Warrior

    Nick Nolte, Scott Mechlowicz, Amy Smart
    9 votes
    Dan Millman (Scott Mechlowicz) is a gifted athlete whose desire for success drives everything he does. When a mysterious stranger (Nick Nolte) opens Dan's eyes to a new vision of strength and understanding, the Olympic hopeful finds that he still has much to learn and more sacrifices to make.
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  • Children of Heaven
    25

    Children of Heaven

    Mohammad Amir Naji, Amir Farrokh Hashemian, Bahare Seddiqi
    3 votes
    When young Ali (Amir Farrokh Hashemian) accidentally loses the only pair of shoes his little sister Zahra (Bahare Seddiqi) owns, the siblings attempt to hide the bad news from their poverty-stricken father (Mohammad Amir Naji) and ill mother (Fereshte Sarabandi). They devise a scheme to share Ali's own pair of worn sneakers until they can find a new pair of shoes for Zahra. This documentary-like film was shot on location in some of Tehran's poorest areas.
  • Carol
    26

    Carol

    Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson
    3 votes
    Aspiring photographer Therese spots the beautiful, elegant Carol perusing the doll displays in a 1950s Manhattan department store. The two women develop a fast bond that becomes a love with complicated consequences.
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  • Billy Elliot
    27

    Billy Elliot

    Julie Walters, Jamie Bell, Jamie Draven
    2 votes
    The life of 11-year-old Billy Elliot, a coal miner's son in Northern England, is forever changed one day when he stumbles upon a ballet class during his weekly boxing lesson. Before long, he finds himself in dance, demonstrating the kind of raw talent seldom seen by the class' exacting instructor, Mrs. Wilkinson. With a tart tongue and a never-ending stream of cigarettes in her hand, Mrs. Wilkinson's zest for teaching is revived when she sees Billy's potential.
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  • The Intouchables
    28

    The Intouchables

    François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny
    3 votes
    An unlikely friendship develops between a wealthy quadriplegic (François Cluzet) and his caretaker (Omar Sy), just released from prison.
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  • Au revoir, les enfants
    29

    Au revoir, les enfants

    Irène Jacob, François Berléand, Philippe Morier-Genoud
    3 votes
    Au revoir les enfants is an autobiographical 1987 film written, produced and directed by Louis Malle. The screenplay was published by Gallimard in the same year. The film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
  • Portrait of a Lady on Fire
    30

    Portrait of a Lady on Fire

    Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel, Luàna Bajrami
    2 votes
    In 1770 the young daughter of a French countess develops a mutual attraction to the female artist commissioned to paint her wedding portrait.
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