Going to college is an adjustment for everyone involved, including — and maybe even especially — for parents and families.
As you prepare to watch your college-bound student leave the nest, watch these four animated movies for inspiration. Grab your popcorn and tissues and get ready to laugh, cry, and laugh some more as these stories unfold. The lessons you’ll learn may surprise you.
#1. Toy Story 3
In this adventure, a group of toys find themselves in a new and unfamiliar home when Andy, their owner, donates them while getting ready to go to college. On the toys’ journey back to Andy’s house, they realize that change and growth are normal parts of life, even if it isn’t easy to move on at first. (We weren’t kidding about having tissues; this film will make you bawl your eyes out when you can’t help but empathize with the situation.)
#2. Bao
Short and wholesome, this animated film depicts a Chinese mother who feels lonely after her child moves out. One of her dumplings comes to life, and she gets a second chance at motherhood. (A dumpling coming to life — we can’t be the only ones who think that is cute!)
The story explores themes like food, family, culture, and the experience of being an empty nester. As the child grows more independent and figures out what they want in life, the mom misses the memories they used to share, until her child comes back to visit.
#3. An extremely goofy movie
In this fun flick, the main character, Goofy, is very proud of his college-bound son, Max, while Goofy himself is trying to find his next path. While Max is ready for his newfound independence, Goofy ends up crashing Max’s college life to finish his own degree.
The movie shows Goofy’s attachment to his son and their bond being tested at times because Goofy had a hard time letting go. (We can’t blame him!) But for them to both grow, they needed space to have their own lives.
#4. The Mitchells vs. the machines
Katie Mitchell is ready to embark on her journey to film school, where she’ll meet the new friends she met through the school’s admitted student community. (What a great way to meet people. Good thing CSU has one of those!) Katie’s dad wants one last hurrah with a family road trip, but their bonding time screeches to a halt when the world’s electronic devices start an uprising against humans. The Mitchells must put their heads together to save one other and the planet, teaching viewers that spending quality time together as a family is important, as the first day of college approaches before you know it.
This story is unique to this list because it also reflects on how siblings may feel about an older sibling going off to college.
