← Childhood Library

Artwork Coming Soon

Where to Watch

Coming Soon

Soul

2020 · Movie · 100 min · PG

A−Parent’s Cut Grade

Primary lesson · Build a meaningful life around more than a single dream or achievement

Sign in to add this title to a child’s journey.

Why It’s Worth Watching

Joe Gardner believes finally becoming a professional jazz musician will make his life complete, but an unexpected journey forces him to reconsider what makes a life meaningful. The film opens unusually thoughtful conversations about ambition, career identity, mentorship, gratitude, and the difference between having a passion and treating one achievement as the entire purpose of your life.

Who it's for

Ages & Chapters

Suggested viewing age

6+

Best learning window

7–14

Best discussion ages

10+

Best chapterGrowing IndependenceAges 12–14

Before you press play

Parent Guidance

Heads up level
Mild

Content notes

Death and afterlife themes; existential questions; brief peril

Context for parents

The story repeatedly discusses death, purpose, and what makes life worth living. Younger viewers may enjoy the adventure while older children are more likely to grasp the deeper ideas.

More title details▾
Era
2020s
Language
English
Origin
United States

What it teaches

Lessons & Learning Areas

Primary lesson

Build a meaningful life around more than a single dream or achievement

Secondary lessons

PurposeAmbitionGratitudeCareerMentorshipIdentityFulfillmentAppreciating everyday life

Strongest learning areas

Character & ValuesHealth & Well-Being

After the credits

Discussion Questions

  1. 1

    Why does Joe believe one career achievement will make his life complete?

  2. 2

    What is the difference between a spark, a passion, and a purpose?

  3. 3

    Which ordinary moments does Joe begin to value differently?

Take it further

Family Experience

Activity

Make a list of five small experiences that make an ordinary week feel worthwhile.

Real-world challenge

Spend 20 minutes doing one enjoyable activity without trying to improve, monetize, or win at it.

Parent follow-up

Ask whether their answer to 'What do you want to be?' is different from 'What kind of life do you want?'.

Discovery

Where It Sits

Generation

Gen z childhoodGen alpha childhood

Mood

ThoughtfulEmotionalInspirationalFamily night

Life stage

Identity developmentFinding purposeWork

Lesson tags

PurposeAmbitionGratitudeCareerMentorshipFulfillment

Genre

AnimationComedyFamilyFantasyMusic