It feels like we need good friends now more than ever. Whether they’re with us for a moment or a lifetime, having someone to laugh with or a shoulder to cry on can make all the difference. Emphasizing kindness and compassion in the classroom is one way to foster solid relationships among students. We’ve put together this list of friendship videos to help you get started.
1. Some friends start out as enemies
It’s hard to feel like friends if you see each other as adversaries. This sweet video shows how fierce competition can turn into mutual support—and ultimately friendship.
2. It can be hard to know how to get along with everyone
Follow Howard B. Wigglebottom as he navigates situations that often lead to conflict. While it can be easy to give in to feelings of frustration, he offers a great example for learning how to get along better with others.
3. What’s in a pot of friendship soup?
What’s the recipe for friendship soup? Kids will learn about the equal importance of ingredients like kindness, honesty, and respect in this creative video.
4. What does it take to make a friendship last?
Iconic Sesame Street pals Rosita and Elmo know a few things about maintaining a long-term friendship. These super-cute besties explain how helping each other, sharing, doing things together, and being silly together makes them good friends.
5. A kids guide to making new friends
Meeting new people can be difficult for some. Kid President and his guest, Donna, created this fantastic video on making new friends that is perfect for the middle school crowd.
6. What makes a good friend?
What do you value most in a friend? In this video, kids share their thoughts on how a good friend makes them feel. Psychology Today takes a look at the 13 essential traits of good friends.
7. School can be a great place to make friends (even though it can be hard!)
Making new friends at school can be intimidating, but in less than two minutes, this animated video sends a strong message on how to take the first step (and why it’s worth it!). That said, if any of these tips don’t feel right for you, skip ‘em. It’s always best to be yourself. Learn more about the benefits of authenticity from UC Berkeley!
8. A good friend can help us weather the storm
Even short friendship videos can be powerful. This animated story illustrates the heartbreak of being left out and the joy of making a new friend.
9. Kindness is a superpower!
Jack Hartmann never misses. You’ll be singing along to this catchy song that teaches kids that we can all be superheroes—we just need kindness. Plus, check out the Kindness in the Classroom curriculum from PBS Kids.
10. We can all flex that kindness muscle
This super-cute song will have everyone singing about kindness. We can run laps, we can lift weights, but we can also strengthen our hearts. As the lyrics say, “Kindness is a muscle, work it out, gotta hustle. We kids will show you the way, gotta flex it every day.”
11. A teachers guide to making friends
Teachers have a front-row seat to the dynamic relationships taking place in the classroom. They’ve seen it all! This video shares some of the wisdom and advice on how to cope when you struggle to make friends.
12. Kindness Is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler!
This read-aloud of Kindness Is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler follows five students who are kept in from recess because they were caught being unkind to their classmates. Their teacher assigns them five acts of kindness—how will this impact the class? Plus, check out what research says about this type of “punishment.”
13. It’s never too early to learn about friendship
Undeniably cute sea creatures like Captain McFin help teach kids how to handle a number of real-life scenarios that might come up between friends. Plus, see what research says about preschoolers making friends.
14. Words and manners matter
One of the best ways to make friends is to speak kindly and use your manners. We especially love that this cute video includes sign language instruction to teach kids polite words. Students need these social skills to succeed!
15. Being at camp teaches us a lot about friendship
Spending time at camp can offer many benefits, including fostering independence, learning survival skills, and a love for being out in nature. It also teaches kids a lot about friendship. Hear what these campers have to say in their own words.
16. What is friendship, anyway?
Get your day started with these adorable preschoolers who share words of wisdom about how to make friends. It’s “kindness, empathy, compassion” and, of course, sharing your Cheetos with everyone!
17. It starts with a hello
Sometimes, the solution is simpler than we realize. Worried about making friends? For these kids, it starts with a hello, smiling, asking questions, listening, sharing, and more.
18. Sometimes you’ve gotta take a risk
Meesha is a creative and imaginative little girl, but she struggles to make friends. When she’s approached by a kid at a party, she has to decide whether to open up or shut them out. She takes a risk, and it pays off!
19. It’s the little things that count
While big gestures can be exciting and meaningful, friendships are often about all of the little things we can do to make each other feel seen, valued, and special.
20. When the best friend is an unexpected one
Great friendships can start in surprising ways. This sweet read-aloud story follows William as he discovers that, sometimes, you can find a friend in someone you wouldn’t have expected!
21. Friends stand up for what’s right
PBS Kids makes some great friendship videos, including this one about standing up for ourselves and our friends. Kids join their parents and discuss what standing up means to them.
22. Healthy friendships have boundaries
Setting healthy boundaries is an important part of any relationship, but it’s not always easy. This great story provides a positive example for how we can stand up for ourselves while still being respectful.
23. Good friendships are mindful
We should always strive to treat others in a way that we’d want to be treated. Sometimes, though, challenging emotions can make that hard. This video not only shares some helpful friendship topics, but it also ends with simple breathing exercises kids can try. Learn more about the importance of mindfulness for kids.
24. Sometimes friendships change
Some friends are inseparable—until they are forced to live apart. This story will touch the hearts of anyone who has had to watch their best friend move away. Plus, check out these ways we can support kids going through this tough transition.
25. Friendships can help us live longer
What are the benefits of having friends? This great Kids TED Talk shares what’s been learned through studies on friendship, including the possibility that having friends extends our lifespan!
26. Our differences are our strengths
When Maryam Elassar faced questions about her clothing, she used the opportunity to build a bridge. This TED Talk highlights the importance of embracing diversity and promoting inclusiveness. We all belong.
27. Friends can help you through tough times
Beautifully animated, this is one of the most unique friendship videos on this list. This story about houses shows us that having good friends can help us weather the storm.
28. Friendship is a gift
This sweet commercial tells the story of a young student who is surprised by the unexpected kindness of a classmate. One thoughtful action can inspire others to do the same.
29. Even best friends aren’t perfect
Despite our best intentions, we’re not perfect—and sometimes we hurt others. What can we do when we’ve been hurt by a friend? The answer may be forgiveness.
30. Some best friends aren’t human
This video shares the compelling story about the life-changing relationship between a woman and her service dog. There are so many great topics to explore surrounding service dogs and why they can be so important.
31. Friends help us solve problems
Sesame Street comes through again with more great friendship videos. This one includes a lesson on what it means to be a friend. It’s not always about having fun together—sometimes we need help!
32. Three’s a crowd?
When a couple of friends hang out, it can be a lot simpler to give each other undivided attention. When a third person joins, the dynamics can be tricky to navigate. This read-aloud shows that while it can take some effort, three’s company—not a crowd!
33. The friendship of a lifetime
Some friendships last for a season, others last for a lifetime. This short film showcases the beauty of finding the kind of friend who will be by your side until the very end.
34. Practice makes perfect
Finding the right words to walk up to a stranger and strike up a conversation can be intimidating for anyone. Sometimes it helps to role-play and practice with someone you trust. This video offers a great example for making that work!
35. There’s more than one way to be a friend
There are all kinds of people in the world. It makes sense, then, that there are different types of friends. Some are great for playing sports with, while others will protect your secrets. This video discusses six types of friendships and why they’re all so valuable.