Must See Movies Before You Grow Up: Heroes & Villains

Heroes and villains provide the backbone of some of our most enduring stories. These films prove that heroes can come in all shapes and sizes, from any background and any age. Working alone, or as part of a team these characters inspire us with their feats, even when they are relatively humble. But who doesn't love a great baddie as well? Despite all of the booing and hissing, the truly great villains are more complex than they initially seem, and it is only when our hero encounters their nemesis that their greatest qualities are truly revealed.

The films in the theme are divided into three strands: Heroic Villains and Villainous Heroes, Heroes Assemble and Little Heroes. For each strand, there are activity outlines and extension activities that can be used with any of the films listed in that section. The activities in this resource support learners to examine the relationship between heroes and villains in films, their traits and journeys and how they form teams with others.

The films referenced in this resource are available to borrow for free to Into Film Clubs: Beauty and the Beast (1991), Fantastic Mr Fox (2009), Frozen (2013), Shrek (2001), Space Jam (1996), Spirited Away (2001), The LEGO Movie (2014), The Lion King (1994), The Lorax (2012), The Princess Bride (1987).

Please visit the Into Film website for a chance to win a private screening for your class at a local cinema or a runner-up prize of one of 40 sets of 10 DVDs from the Must See Movies Before You Grow Up list! https://www.intofilm.org/campaign/8