pet loss · grief · animals · family movies · coping
Top 5 Movies to Help Kids After Losing a Pet
Movie Knight Editorial Team ·
The loss of a pet is often a child's first major experience with grief. These films address the deep bond we share with animals and the pain of saying goodbye, offering a way to process difficult emotions.
The best movies to help kids after losing a pet are ones that acknowledge the profound sadness of that loss with honesty and empathy. Films like Charlotte's Web and A Dog's Purpose validate the deep connection between children and their animal friends.
These stories don't shy away from the pain of goodbye but frame it within a larger context of love, memory, and the natural cycle of life. They can serve as a valuable tool for parents to open up conversations about grief and help their children feel less alone in their sadness.
Choose tonight’s movie
Quick picks
- Charlotte's Web
- Frankenweenie
- A Dog's Purpose
- Old Yeller
- Where the Red Fern Grows
Movie Knight guide
The full list
No. 1
Charlotte's Web
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A gentle goodbye
Charlotte's Web
This live-action adaptation tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte, who ultimately saves his life before hers comes to a natural end. It gently introduces the concept of the life cycle and shows how love and memory endure. The film deals directly with themes of life and death, which leads to some sad moments. This film works best for kids 5 and up.
No. 2
Frankenweenie
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A love that won't die
Frankenweenie
In this stop-motion film from Tim Burton, a young boy uses science to bring his beloved dog back to life, exploring the desire to never say goodbye. It's a quirky but heartfelt look at a boy's love for his pet. Parents should know the film is in black-and-white and features pet death and reanimation, along with some monster-like creatures that could scare younger kids. This film works best for kids 8 and up.
No. 3
A Dog's Purpose
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An enduring bond
A Dog's Purpose
This film follows a single dog's soul as it is reincarnated into different bodies, living different lives but always seeking connection. It frames death not as an end, but as a transition, which can be a comforting concept for some. Be aware that the dog experiences multiple deaths throughout the film, which can be very emotional for sensitive viewers. This film works best for kids 7 and up.
No. 4
Old Yeller
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A classic tear-jerker
Old Yeller
A boy on the Texas frontier forms an unbreakable bond with a stray dog who becomes a hero and beloved family member. The story is a powerful lesson in love, responsibility, and heartbreaking necessity. Parents must be prepared for the famous, tragic ending where the beloved pet becomes ill and must be put down. This film works best for kids 7 and up.
No. 5
Where the Red Fern Grows
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Devotion and loss
Where the Red Fern Grows
A boy works tirelessly to buy and train two hunting hounds, and the three become an inseparable team, facing adventure and tragedy together. The film is a raw and emotional depiction of the bond between a boy and his dogs. Parents should know that hunting scenes are depicted, and the story involves the sad loss of the animal companions. This film works best for kids 8 and up.
Before you press play
A note for parents
Losing a pet is a significant and painful event in a child's life. Many of the films on this list are famous tear-jerkers for a reason; they don't soften the blow of loss. Be ready to watch alongside your child, have tissues on hand, and provide plenty of comfort. The goal isn't to avoid sadness, but to experience it and talk about it together.
Questions parents ask
Parent FAQ
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