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14 Educational Movies No Student Should Miss!

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: January 23, 2017

Educational movies aren’t limited to non-fiction films, narrated in monotone and projected onto a whiteboard in darkened classrooms that you’ve sat through at some point in your academic careers.

Good educational films are also movies you’ve seen in theaters. Like good teachers, they have challenged, inspired, scared, angered, and moved you. Here are 14 of the best movies for students that are fun to watch but also have some important messages.

Educational Movies for Students

1. good will hunting .

Actors: Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Minnie Driver, Stellan Skarsgard

Genre: Drama

A janitor at M.I.T. is discovered to be a mathematical genius after solving a graduate-level equation nobody else has been able to. His brilliant mind comes with a troubled personality and he’s unwillingly paired with a therapist as part of a probation agreement after getting arrested. While the math professor who wrangled the probation agreement only sees him as a project, the therapist sees the whole person and pushes him to have the courage to create his own path.

This heartwarming movie delivers important messages about being true to yourself, the importance of solid friendships, and using your gifts even in the face of fear and self-doubt. This remains among the best films for students!

2. Freedom Wr iters

Rated: PG-13

Actors: Hilary Swank, Scott Glen, Imelda Staunton, Patrick Dempsey, Mario

A young English teacher takes a job teaching at-risk students at a high school where racial tensions run high and gangs are ever-present. Her world is much different than theirs and she struggles to make connections. Her dogged devotion to her students slowly breaks down barriers and using her own money she buys composition books in which they can write about their lives – abuse, violence, neglect, hope, and dreams.

More than one tear will be shed while watching this movie that shouts that our humanness ties us together and that perseverance in following your dreams despite overwhelming odds is a battle worth fighting.

3. Race to Nowhere

Directors: Vicki Abeles, Jessica Congdon

Genre: Documentary

The idea for this powerful documentary came about after Vicki Abeles’ middle-school daughter became physically ill from the pressure to succeed. Race to Nowhere takes a critical look at the systemic problem of pushing kids to the brink in the American education system. Burdened students, burned-out teachers, and worried parents tell their stories.

This is one of those educational movies that will have you thinking about your own priorities and whether you’re taking on too much. If you’re an education major, this is a must-see in the category of films for students!

4. Lean on Me

Actors: Morgan Freeman, Beverly Todd, Robert Guillaume

Genre: Drama/Action

New Jersey’s Eastside High School is a derelict war zone with rampant violence, drugs, gangs, and a student body that isn’t learning. The school is set to be turned over to State administration unless 75% of the students can pass the minimum skills tests. The new principal, known as “Crazy Joe” is hired right away and shakes things up in a big way. Do his students succeed? You’ll have to watch it!

Lean on Me is clear about its messages that life often involves some very hard choices, fierce dedication has the power to change lives, and that students in lower socio-economic areas are too often cast away.

5. Theory of Ev erything

Actors: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones

Genre: Romance/Drama

Astrophysics student Stephen Hawking trying to determine a thesis topic. After a lecture on black holes, he surmises that these holes may have been a part of creation and decides to write about them. He’s diagnosed with motor neuron disease and is told what that means. His love, Jane, is determined to stay with him but after several years of trying to raise children, care for Stephen, and manage writing her own thesis, it’s apparent that the marriage is no longer realistic. But the divorce isn’t the end of the story.

The themes in this fascinating film include endurance, perseverance in the face of hardships, and selfless love. The theory of everything needs to be on the list of best movies for the classroom!

6. The So cial Network 

Actors: Jessie Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield

Genre: Drama/History

This is one of those educational movies that anyone who uses the social media platform Facebook should watch! It traces the journey of jilted boyfriend Mark Zuckerberg as he creates a platform called Facemash which allows others to rate girls on their attractiveness. Zuckerberg is found out and given academic probation but invited to help run a social network for Harvard students developed by three others. Zuckerberg then approaches an investor about his idea for Facebook and conflict is born. The twins are incensed and as Facebook becomes wildly popular a trail of lawsuits begins to follow Zuckerberg.

This movie should be listed among the ideal educational films for older students. It will challenge your ethics, make you question why and how you use social media, and create discussions around privacy and internet safety.

7. Life of Pi 

Actors: Saraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Rafe Spall

Genre: Adventure/Drama

A great story about a man named Pi whose family owns a zoo. His father decides they will move to Canada and will sell the animals there. A terrible storm sinks the ship and Pi finds himself in a lifeboat with a zebra, an orangutan, a hyena, and a tiger. Eventually, it’s just Pi and the tiger after the hyena kills the zebra, and the orangutan and the tiger kill the hyena. When he is rescued he tells this story but nobody believes him. And then, a twist.

On the surface, this seems to be one of those fantastical movies for the classroom that students will enjoy. But there’s much more to it and will raise questions about survival, truth in storytelling, and faith.

8. The B lind Side

Actors: Sandra Bullock

Genre: Sports/Drama

Based on a true story of a teen who has bounced around foster care due to a drug-addicted mother. He gets a break when a friend’s father asks the football coach of a Christian school to help enroll him. He makes the team but struggles with places to live and when the mom of a teammate finds out he’s sleeping outside, she invites him home. Slowly he becomes part of this family despite the many challenges and bumps along the way.

The Blind Side is a heartwarming tale about looking beyond outward appearances, trust, loyalty, the power of athletics, and that family isn’t always blood.

9. Girls Ri sing

Producers: Kaycee Freed, Tom Yellin, Holly Gordon

Girl Rising is a global movement for education that was born from this film that features the stories of nine girls from different locations around the world. They share their struggles to overcome the cultural and social barriers that females in their countries face daily.

This film will teach you about the struggles that females face in other countries because of social and cultural barriers and how they fight for an education.

10. The Great Debaters

Actors: Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker

Genre: Drama/Romance

A debate coach at a historically black college strives to see his team considered equal with white teams during the racist era of Jim Crow, lynching, and beatings. Black people were not allowed to be full members of the debate society and any win against a white team was not recognized – even a championship.

This is one of the more powerful films for students as we grapple with our history and our future.  Topics include racism, Jim Crow, perseverance against all odds, and being a champion at heart.

11. A Plasti c Ocean 

Rated: Not rated

Producer: Craig Leeson

What began as a search for the elusive blue whale ended in the discovery of plastic trash in what should have been a pristine ocean. Journalist, free diver, scientists, and researchers document their travels to 20 locations around the world to discover just how much plastic waste has fouled our oceans and how that’s impacted those creatures who live in its waters.

This film will likely leave you stunned as you begin to understand the scope of how humans are destroying the planet. It will inspire you to take the small steps that can make a difference.

12. Int o the Wild 

Actors: Emile Hirsch, Marsha Gay Harden, William Hurt

Genre: Biographical/Drama

A young man, disenchanted with modern society, treks, completely unprepared, into the Alaskan wilderness. In his backpack are a few camping supplies, meager clothes, and a bag of rice. He intends to live off the land but he discovers Alaska exacts a heavy price from the foolish.

Into the Wild touches on several themes including humankind’s longing for simpler times, living life connected to the Earth, mental health, the cost of being unprepared for challenges, and the sheer strength of the human spirit.

13. T he Pursui t of Happyness

Actors: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton

A hardworking but down-on-his-luck salesman has a chance encounter with a partner of an investment firm. This gives him the opportunity to become one of 20 unpaid temporary interns competing for one permanent job at the company. But the financial tension dissolves his marriage and soon he’s on the streets with his young son in tow. Despite the trials and tribulations, he sets his sights on beating out all the other interns for that full-time position.

This moving feature film teaches the audience that nothing is impossible, that sometimes hard work does indeed pay off, and that there is still compassion in this world.

14. A B eautiful Mind 

Actors: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ron Howard

An Ivy League student, with a brilliant mathematical mind, attracts the attention of the Pentagon and is invited to help decipher encrypted enemy communications. Things go south when he begins to struggle with schizophrenia which manifests itself in an imaginary world of spies and intrigue.

A Beautiful Mind tackles the often misunderstood world of mental health in general, and schizophrenia in particular. Viewers will understand how important a good support system and medical care are and the film helps to destigmatize mental illness.

Final Thoughts

Educational movies are a key component of learning and the majority of films aren’t written just to entertain. There are messages of hope, endurance in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and the power of the human spirit.

Movies can challenge you to be and do better and to take the first steps to make the world a much better place. Take every opportunity to enjoy a great movie and some popcorn and consider the message the writers and actors are trying to convey!

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The 20 Best Educational Movies for Kids

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Your kids are home from school, and you desperately need some time to do laundry/pay bills/chill out. The fix? Plunk ‘em down in front of the TV for a couple of hours. But if you’re feeling sheepish about screen time , we’ve got you covered. Here, the best educational movies for kids so you can press play without a pang of guilt.

The Best Family Movies of All Time

1. Wall-e (2008)

• Suitable for: kids ages 5+
• Run time: 103 minutes

This artsy Pixar gem is about Wall-E—a hopelessly charming robot who lives on Earth, centuries into the future when humans have trashed the planet and then left it to live unhealthy lives on a spaceship instead. If it sounds a bit dystopian, that’s because it is at first. However, the narrative takes a turn for the hopeful when Wall-E encounters another robot on Earth and falls in love. The object of his affection, Eve, is scooped up by the human spaceship and a romantic rescue mission ensues—one that has an unexpectedly positive impact on mankind. This eco-conscious film is heavy-handed, to be sure, but it’s also poignant and visually beautiful. Turn it on and prepare to have your heart strings tugged and your conscience stirred.

2. Coco (2017)

• Suitable for: kids ages 7+
• Run time: 109 minutes

Kids of all ages can get a dose of culture from this moving tribute to Mexican traditions, which features an impressive Latino cast (Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt), vibrant animation and a stellar soundtrack. As for the storyline, Coco is ultimately a coming-of-age film about a young boy named Miguel, who is torn between following his passion for music and honoring his family’s rich history. The takeaway? This kid-friendly number serves up a resounding celebration of cultural heritage, alongside positive messages about family, unconditional love and ambition.

3. Wings Of Life (2013)

• Suitable for: kids ages 6+
• Run Time : 77 minutes

This Disney nature doc, a special Earth Day release, is all about the birds and the bees…literally. Narrated by Meryl Streep, this fascinating flick takes a deep dive into the important work done by pollinators. It’s also blessedly light on wildlife violence: There’s some squabbling between birds and a couple insect-related predator-prey scenes, but none of the carnage that could make a sensitive kid feel terrified of nature.

4. Inside Out (2005)

• Run Time : 94 minutes

This quirky and incredibly original animated film follows a tween girl, Riley, as she tries to navigate her daily struggles and the flood of emotions that adolescence has introduced. The twist is that it’s those very feelings, personified, that tell the story (and pull the strings) from inside her brain. The plot of this one has plenty of excitement and moderate peril, but what really stands out is the positive and emotionally evolved message it sends that all feelings are OK, even anger and sadness, and what matters most is how you express them.

5. Sound Of Music (1965)

• Run Time : 224 minutes

This beloved classic has stood the test of time for a reason, friends. As the title suggests, the film is replete with amazing tunes. In fact, the wholesome narrative revolves around Maria, a nun-turned-nanny who wins over her reluctant charges (and their father) with song. Ultimately, this musical is full of romance and brimming with positive messages about kindness and integrity. That said, parents should know that the story takes place during the Nazi invasion of Austria—a historical context that plays a significant role in the film and may inspire questions from inquisitive kids.

6. March Of The Penguins (2005)

• Run Time : 80 minutes

March of the Penguins is a visually stunning nature documentary that follows—you guessed it—penguins as they make their yearly, perilous trek across Antarctica. The film is moving—tragic, at times—and ultimately serves up a display of empathy and community among the migrating birds that’s so beautiful you’ll want to have a box of tissues on hand.

7. Akeelah And The Bee (2006)

• Suitable for: kids ages 8+
• Run Time : 112 minutes

This poignant drama revolves around the struggles and triumphs of a young black girl, Akeelah, as she navigates her relationships with family and friends, whilst pursuing her talent as a champion speller. The story unfolds around a National Spelling Bee competition, but you definitely don’t have to be a bookworm to appreciate the complexity of the narrative and the empowering conclusion to the story.

8. The Mitchells Vs. The Machines (2021)

• Run Time : 109 minutes

In The Mitchells vs. the Machines , a family road trip turns into an action-packed adventure when an AI robot released by a tech company turns on mankind. Needless to say, the film explores the pros and cons of technology and the growing role it plays in our lives. File under ‘screen time conversation starter.’

9. What’s On Your Plate?

• Run Time : 76 minutes

There’s a pro-vegetarian message in this informative and engaging documentary about food, which covers everything from the global impact of consumption and waste to basic nutrition. It’s basically a kid-friendly version of Fast Food Nation and an educational watch, to be sure. That said, parents who choose this one for family movie night should be prepared to field some difficult questions about their own eating habits.

10. Science Fair (2018)

• Run Time : 90 minutes

Young innovators steal the show in this documentary about teen participants in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. The film follows an impressively diverse group of contestants from a variety of economic and ethnic backgrounds, and the content is plenty engaging. Overall, it’s a compelling watch that will surely inspire science-minded tweens and teens to pursue their STEM goals.

11. Wadjda (2013)

• Suitable for: kids ages 9+
• Run Time : 97 minutes

Wadjda is an empowering and beautiful film about a spirited, sneaker-wearing Saudi girl who wants to learn how to ride a bicycle, despite the fact that such activities are forbidden for women in the conservative Muslim tradition to which she belongs. Thought-provoking and full of charm, this one serves up a subtle and complex perspective on oppression, culture and religion. Parents should know that the movie is relatively free of violence and other explicitly disturbing elements, but it is subtitled and also sophisticated compared to other kid’s movies. In other words, this one is best-suited to tween and teen audiences.

12. Turning Red (2022)

• Suitable for: kids ages 10+
• Run Time : 100 minutes

Don’t ask us why some parents have their panties in a bunch over this heartwarming story about a young girl reaching puberty. As far as we’re concerned, Pixar’s first ever women-only project is a winner. The animation is lively, the characters are likable, and the sweet coming-of-age narrative perfectly captures the highs and lows of adolescence, while highlighting the importance of friends and family alike. Plus, the “red panda” metaphor is so much better than the tired “it’s that time of the month” business. (Right?)

13. Paper Clips (2004)

• Run Time : 82 minutes

When it comes to age-appropriate Holocaust education, Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars is a classic; and then there’s “Paper Clips,” a documentary about a group of students and a remarkable teacher who introduced the subject in a way that adequately captures the profound injustice of the historic event without all the violent details. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more family-friendly movie for teaching tweens about tolerance, diversity and the horror that was the Holocaust.

14. Jane (2014)

Jane Goodall, the famous primatologist and chimp whisperer, is the subject of this engaging documentary, which explores both her pioneering work and the fascinating primates she studied. Most importantly, though, this heartfelt biopic boasts a powerful and far-reaching message about perseverance and compassion that’s sure to make an impact on animal-lovers, budding scientists and pretty much everybody else.

15. Woman In Motion (2019)

• Run Time : 105 minutes

Here, another empowering documentary about a strong female role model. This time the subject is the life and work of Nichelle Nichols—the Star Trek actress who, at the series’ end, passionately devoted herself to a NASA special project that focused on the recruitment of female and minority astronauts. Her poignant story is a lesson in the importance of diversity, as well as the impressive progress that a single person can bring about by simply using their voice to champion a worthy cause.

16. Night At The Museum (2006)

New York’s Museum of Natural History has a new night watchman—and he’s wholly unprepared for the fantastical adventure that his first shift turns into. Ben Stiller, Dick Van Dyke and Bill Cobb are just a few names on the all-star cast of this action-packed movie, which brings history to life in ways that are slightly terrifying but mighty entertaining. (Psst: Considerable peril and occasional bad language make this one best for the tween and up crowd.)

17. Fantasia (1940)

• Run Time : 125 minutes

Give your kid an education in classical music with a timeless Disney favorite. This entirely dialogue-free animated film is best described as a compilation of visually enchanting short stories that unfold to the tune of the greatest compositions from the 18th and 19th century. There’s nothing flashy or objectionable about this one, friends, so you needn’t worry about overstimulation. In fact, Fantasia is one of the best ways for kids of all ages to experience screen time and discover a love of music in the process.

18. Ferngully: The Last Rainforest (1992)

• Run Time : 75 minutes

Long before Wall-E hit the theaters, there was Ferngully —an animated gem from the 90s with a similarly powerful environmental message. There’s a deranged but charming bat (voiced by Robin Williams), a courageous fairy apprentice (Samantha Mathis), and an evil spirit (Tim Curry) that they must stop from destroying the rainforest. Spoiler: Humans are responsible for said evil spirit, and your kid will become a veritable treehugger after just one watch.

19. The Land Before Time (1988)

• Run Time : 70 minutes

You might remember this popular film (and the many, many sequels) from your own youth. Our suggestion? Start from the beginning with the original animated movie about a courageous and diverse band of dinosaur babies who overcome their differences so they can overcome the adversity of parental separation in the aftermath of the legendary (and continent-creating) giant earthquake that broke up Pangaea.

20. Up (2009)

• Run Time : 98 minutes

Pixar tackles old age, illness and death in this surprisingly uplifting film. The unlikely protagonist is a curmudgeonly old man who aches for his deceased wife and decides to honor her memory by departing on a grand adventure with the help of a whole bunch of helium balloons…and the (unwanted) company of a boy scout on board. Humorous and touching, this kid-friendly flick will have viewers of all ages pondering the meaning of life, love and friendship.

The 20 Best Movies on Netflix for Families

Freelance PureWow Editor

• Has 5+ years of experience writing family, travel and wellness content for PureWow
• Previously worked as a copy editor, proofreader and research assistant for two prominent authors
• Studied Sociology, Political Science and Philosophy in the CUNY Baccalaureate independent study program.

Extra Credit

The 50 Best Historical and Educational Films Streaming Now

Great true stories, biopics, and family movies available online and streaming to bring into your home classroom

Emily Gaudette

• May 15, 2020

When you’re streaming movies at home, it can be tempting to let your eyes glaze over as you watch sitcom reruns or the same animated classics. But streaming platforms include as many classics and educational films as they do popcorn fare. You just have to know where to look.

Here are 50 of the best true stories, biopics, and historical dramas available on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and other streaming services, presented in alphabetical order. All of us can afford to learn something new with the time we’ve been given during the coronavirus pandemic. And if you’re a student or are quarantining with students, watching a significant film to learn a bit more about our world is an intellectual investment. But don’t worry—none of the movies on the list are dry. (Streaming services can drop titles at the end of each month, so it’s possible the availability of these movies will shift over time.)

Warner Bros. Inc./Getty Images

All the President’s Men

This 1976 political thriller from director Alan J. Pakula ( Sophie’s Choice, Klute ) casts Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, two Washington Post reporters who investigated the Watergate scandal. Their articles, of course, eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. (Rent on Amazon)

This historical film following Mozart (Tom Hulce) and his artistic rival Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham) won the 1984 Best Picture Oscar and is considered by the American Film Institute and United States Film Registry to be one of the greatest movies ever made. From an educational standpoint, Miloš Forman’s ( One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest ) film is a deep dive into the history of opera and classical music and an exploration into what defines a genius. (Rent on Amazon)

Steven Spielberg directed this 1997 historical drama depicting the events that unfolded on the slave ship Amistad in 1839. African men sold into slavery from the Mende tribe of Sierra Leone managed to overthrow their captors, and they were tried in a Supreme Court case in 1841. Djimon Hounsou stars as Cinque, a leader of the rebellion, alongside Anthony Hopkins as congressman and former President John Quincy Adams. (Stream on Hulu)

Tom Hanks stars in Ron Howard’s 1995 dramatization of the ill-fated Apollo 13 lunar mission, which would have ended in a horrific disaster had the spacecraft’s crew not been able to work with NASA scientists on Earth to engineer an insane solution to get the crew home. (Stream on Hulu)

Much like the historical drama Girl With a Pearl Earring (also a good educational home-watch!), the 2013 film Belle is a slightly editorialized dramatization of a classic painting. In this case, the portrait of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a girl of mixed race who grew up on the estate of her great uncle William Murray, the Lord Chief Justice of England in 1779. The film, written by Misan Sagay and directed by Amma Asante, dramatizes the Zong massacre of 1781 and the path to abolition. (Rent on Amazon)

The Best Years of Our Lives

William Wyler’s 1946 post-World War II melodrama, which won a Best Picture Oscar, isn’t a true story, but it is one of the first films devoted to the lives of returning American servicemen, who came back from the war with physical wounds and psychological conditions that challenged them, their families, and their communities. The film’s depiction of PTSD was way ahead of its time. (Rent on Amazon)

This 2005 drama features an unforgettable performance from the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor playing author Truman Capote. The film illuminates several subjects in literature and American history, ranging from Capote’s development of the now-ubiquitous “non-fiction novel” subgenre with his book In Cold Blood to his complex (and competitive!) partnership with Harper Lee (Catherine Keener). (Free on YouTube)

Dallas Buyers Club

This 2013 drama tells the true story of Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey), an AIDS patient who smuggled medication into Texas and illegally distributed it to those suffering from the disease. (Stream on Netflix)

The Death of Stalin

As far as films on this list go, writer-director Armando Iannucci’s 2017 black comedy probably takes the most liberties with its true story, but you’d be hard pressed to find a more cutting (and interesting!) depiction of Soviet Russia in the 1950s. (Stream on Netflix)

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

This 2007 French biographical film directed by Julian Schnabel follows the life of Elle journalist Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric), who was diagnosed with locked-in syndrome following a massive stroke in 1995. (Stream on HBO Now)

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Director Christopher Nolan’s 2017 war epic tells the true story of the British evacuation of troops from the French beach town of Dunkirk in the early days of World War II, a civilian-led event that saved the lives of hundreds of soldiers. (Rent on Amazon)

The Elephant Man

The real “elephant man”—a 19th century British man who had severe physical disabilities—was named Joseph Merrick, but director David Lynch’s masterpiece refers to him as John Merrick. The significant departures from Merrick’s true story end there. The film was both a critical and commercial success upon its release in 1980, and it cemented Merrick as a permanent fixture in pop culture. Most people have heard someone in their lives quote the film at some point: “I am not an animal!” Yep, comes from this movie. (Rent on Amazon)

Empire of the Sun

Director Steven Spielberg’s World War II drama features a young Christian Bale as J. G. Ballard, who was held as a prisoner of war when he was a boy by Japanese forces. The film is beautifully shot, but most importantly it’s a look at the war from a POV American audiences don’t often see — a child’s. (Ballard would grow up to become an acclaimed novelist, and the movie is based on his memoir.) (Stream on Amazon Prime Video)

Erin Brockovich

Director Steven Soderbergh’s 2000 film dramatizes the legal case of Anderson, et al. v. Pacific Gas and Electric , in which a then-untrained lawyer named Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) sued the gas company for poisoning the drinking water of Hinkley, California. Roberts gives one of the best performances of her career, and it earned her the Oscar for Best Actress. (Stream on Hulu)

A rare biography of an American cultural figure that doesn’t sugarcoat things, director Damien Chazelle’s 2018 film reimagines the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong as a relentless, near-stoic drive off our planet. Portrayed by Ryan Gosling, Armstrong is portrayed as a man meant for one thing only: space exploration. (Stream on Hulu)

A pre-Wakandan Chadwick Boseman stars as Jackie Robinson, the first African American player in MLB. This film will satisfy history nuts and sports fans alike—especially during this period where there’s nary a single live game to watch. (Rent on Amazon)

Salma Hayek plays surrealist Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, whose contributions to Latinx culture and feminist discourse have been sadly overshadowed in modern pop culture by the Warholian treatment of her face. You’ve almost definitely seen a tote bag or mug with Kahlo’s face on it, but until you’ve seen the film it’s difficult to understand how much torment she fought through to get her work into the world. (Rent on Amazon)

Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman star as fictional members of the real 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the few African American units in the American Civil War. (Free on Crackle)

Good Night, and Good Luck.

George Clooney directed this 2005 black-and-white drama, which is one of the most arresting films to explore McCarthyism—especially because it deals with real events. David Strathairn plays Edward R. Murrow, the CBS journalist who was accused by Sen. Joseph McCarthy in 1953 of having ties to Communists. McCarthy was slinging a lot of such accusations at the time, but he met his match in Murrow, who had as much to do with ending the senator’s reign of suspicion and hysteria as anyone. (Rent on Amazon)

The Grapes of Wrath

If the murmurings about a second Great Depression have begun to vex you and your family, consider watching the quintessential film about the most severe economic downturn the United States has ever weathered. Director John Ford’s black-and-white 1940 stunner, based on John Steinbeck’s indelible novel, is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, and its excellence is most obvious whenever star Henry Fonda is onscreen. (Rent on Amazon)

Hidden Figures

Boasting a talent-stacked trio of lead actresses (Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Taraji P. Henson), this early-1960s period drama tells the story of three African American “human computers”—women who worked at NASA and were instrumental to the launch of the Friendship 7 and other spacecraft that led to landing a man on the moon. (Stream on Hulu)

Hotel Rwanda

Don Cheadle gives a career-defining performance as Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who protected hundreds of Tutsi Rwandans during the Hutu-led genocide of 1994. The film is a horrifying true-life story, made only more disturbing by the depiction of the near-useless United Nations peacekeepers and apparent apathy of Western countries. (Stream on Hulu)

The Imitation Game

Benedict Cumberbatch plays Alan Turing, the genius British cryptanalyst who cracked the apparently uncrackable Nazi intelligence code during World War II. The 2014 film takes some artistic license with Turing’s life, though it won accolades from the Human Rights Campaign for its frank portrayal of Turing’s homosexuality, which turned the war hero into a criminal in postwar England. (Stream on Hulu)

This Hong Kong biographical drama follows the life of Ip Man, the 1930s Wing Chun grandmaster who trained Bruce Lee. (Stream on Netflix)

Pablo Larrain/Why Not Productions

Natalie Portman won critical acclaim for her turn in this 2016 biographical drama following Jacqueline Kennedy after the assassination of husband President John F. Kennedy in 1963. (Rent on Amazon)

The Last King of Scotland

Though the relationship between Ugandan leader Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker) and a Scottish doctor (James McAvoy) is fictional, it is Whitaker’s performance as the violent, erratic, and very real General Amin that puts this film on our list. (Stream on Hulu)

David James/©2012 DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Director Steven Spielberg and writer Tony Kushner focus on a very narrow part of the 16th president’s life—the fight over the passage of the 13th Amendment, which emancipated America’s slaves and banned slavery forever—but it feels like the definitive biopic of Abraham Lincoln. (It’s based in part on Doris Kearns Goodwin’s biography Team of Rivals. ) Yes, history nuts interested in the Civil War will get what they’re looking for, but it’s Sally Field’s gut-wrenching performance as a grieving Mary Todd Lincoln that’ll ring in your mind for days after you watch. (Rent on Amazon)

This Australian drama stars Dev Patel as Saroo Brierley, a writer adopted out of poverty by Australian parents in the 1980s. Brierley travels back to India, fighting to find his birth parents and discovering the differences between India’s socioeconomic structure and the culture he grew up with. (Free on Vudu; Rent on Amazon)

This romantic drama depicts the American couple behind the 1967 Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia , which overrode state laws banning interracial marriage. Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga pull at viewers’ heartstrings as Richard and Mildred Loving, a white man and black woman who fell in love after knowing each other from childhood. (Stream on Hulu or HBO Now)

Denzel Washington delivers a towering performance, in one of director Spike Lee’s best films, portraying the American Muslim leader and civil rights activist Malcolm X from childhood to his assassination in 1965. This film, which features cameos from black cultural leaders like Bobby Seale and Rev. Al Sharpton, is preserved in the National Film Registry and is based on Malcolm’s autobiography, which was completed by Alex Haley ( Roots ) and published after his death. (Stream on Netflix)

Mary Queen of Scots

Mary Queen of Scots follows the tense long-distance relationship that unfolded between Mary, Queen of Scotland (Saoirse Ronan), and her cousin Queen Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie). Ronan and Robbie simply shine. It's also the rare period drama that casts actors of color in other roles that would otherwise occupied by white performers. (Stream on Hulu or HBO Now)

Director Gus Van Sant’s emotive and delicate biography of San Francisco city supervisor Harvey Milk (Sean Penn), the first openly gay elected politician in California, covers, among other subjects, police raids of gay bars in cities across America. It’s one of the most detailed stories about gay American history committed to film. (Stream on Hulu)

The Motorcycle Diaries

This 2004 biopic follows Che Guevara (Gael García Bernal) as a young man in 1952, when he rode a motorcycle across South America with best friend Alberto Granado (Rodrigo De la Serna). We see the young Guevara become consumed with the lives of rural Indigenous people around the continent. As his understanding of Latinx identity evolves, he’s slowly radicalized by the dream of a better world. (Rent on Amazon)

Steve Dietl/Netflix

Director Dee Rees’ 2017 film doesn’t adapt a true story. In fact, it’s based on a 2008 novel of the same title, but it’s still a realistic portrayal of racial tensions and post-war strife in 1950s Mississippi. Two young veterans, one black and one white, return home to a rural village that doesn’t see them as equals, though they were trained in combat to work together. (Stream on Netflix)

My Left Foot

A quintessentially Irish story, My Left Foot is the biography of Christy Brown (Daniel Day-Lewis), a painter born with cerebral palsy into an impoverished family of 15. Illuminating in several ways, the film explores the complex journey of a profoundly gifted and physically challenged man while also depicting the lives of working-class Irish people. (Stream on HBO Now)

The New World

This 2005 Terrence Malick film is a way better watch than Disney’s Pocahontas . Though the latter admittedly has a better soundtrack, it takes too many artistic liberties with the story of John Smith and Pocahontas in order to count as educational. The New World , however, stars Colin Farrell and then-newcomer Q'orianka Kilcher as the ill-fated historical couple. (Free on Vudu)

BPM (Beats Per Minute)

This 2017 film follows the political activism of queer rights group ACT UP Paris in the 1990s. While telling the stories of young people frightened into hiding by the spread of HIV, the film also dramatizes the cultural shift in Pride parades, which became more celebratory in the years leading up to the new millennium. (Stream on Hulu)

Niko Tavernise/Twentieth Century Fox

Director Steven Spielberg’s 2017 historical drama is another visit into the Washington Post newsroom, this time during the First Amendment crisis over the publication of the Pentagon Papers. (The documents, illicitly copied by whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg, tracked the history of the Vietnam War from 1945 – 1967 and showed the government knew it was an unwinnable conflict.) And rather than focusing on reporters, The Post follows legendary Washington Post executive editor Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) and equally legendary publisher Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep). Oddly enough, this is the first time the two megastars appeared on screen together. (Rent on Amazon)

The Pianist

Adrien Brody plays Jewish pianist Władysław Szpilman in director Roman Polanski’s celebrated World War II drama. The critically acclaimed 2002 film follows Szpilman as he’s separated from his family in the Warsaw ghetto and then tries to evade capture by ruthless Nazi death squads. The film includes one of the most powerful moments in 21 st -century cinema: a long, uninterrupted shot of Szpilman, who ventures out of hiding for the first time, weeping as he walks alone through the streets of a decimated Warsaw. (Stream on Netflix)

Schindler’s List

Director Steven Spielberg’s landmark drama tells the story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman who saved more than a thousand Jewish refugees from Nazi genocide. Spielberg’s film is unrelenting and powerful, thanks in part to it being shot in black-and-white and filmed as if it were a documentary .

Atsushi Nishijima/©2014 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Ava DuVernay’s 2014 civil rights drama skyrocketed the director to fame. Given the film’s confident and delicate framing of the Selma to Montgomery marches by African Americans demanding the right to vote, it’s easy to see why. The Southern Poverty Law Center and other social justice groups released an educational guide for anyone streaming at home. (Rent on Amazon)

Seven Samurai

Considered by many to be one of the greatest films of all time, 1954’s Seven Samurai was cowritten, edited, and directed by Japanese visionary Akira Kurosawa. The drama is set in Japan’s Sengoku period and dramatizes the lives of rōnin, or samurai with no masters. (It has also inspired numerous other classics, from the western The Magnificent Seven to a little-known arthouse fantasy called Star Wars .) (Rent on Amazon)

Kerry Brown/Paramount Pictures

Director Martin Scorsese spent decades trying to make this historical epic, an adaptation of a novel by Japanese writer Shūsaku Endō. It follows Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, and Liam Neeson as 17th century Jesuit missionaries in Japan as they find their faiths (and fates) challenged by a society that doesn’t look kindly on their religion. (Free on Crackle)

The Social Network

Director David Fincher’s 2010 film dramatizing Mark Zuckerberg’s cofounding of Facebook has become increasingly relevant in the decade since its release. The film opens on a young, lonely Zuck (Jesse Eisenberg) at Harvard as he develops the digital prototype that would soon balloon into the social media behemoth and global phenomenon at the center of fraught debates regarding privacy, propaganda, and foreign nations tampering with American elections. (Stream on Netflix)

A must-watch for any aspiring journalist, this 2015 drama won Best Picture for its tense portrayal of the Boston Globe ’s venerated Spotlight investigative reporting team, played here by Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel McAdams, among others. The Spotlight team published a series of stories on child abuse and cover-ups in the Roman Catholic Church; their coverage of this scandal won a Pulitzer Prize in 2003 and continue to resonate nearly two decades later. (Rent on Amazon)

The Straight Story

This David Lynch-directed film is a bizarrely inspirational true story about resilience. In 1994, a farmer named Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth, who was nominated for Best Actor) drove from Iowa to Wisconsin on a 5-mph max tractor, just to visit his brother. (Rent on Amazon; stream on Disney+)

The Theory of Everything

A romanticized but still revelatory film about Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) and his wife Jane (Felicity Jones), whom he met at University of Cambridge before the onset of ALS, which took almost all of the physicist’s motor function. (Stream on Netflix)

To Sir, With Love

Sidney Poitier stars as E. R. Braithwaite, a schoolteacher in the East End of London, a rough neighborhood producing teenage students who are drawn into gang warfare, drug use, and dropping out. The film, which made ripples upon its release in the late 1960s, is based on Braithwaite’s autobiography. (Rent on Amazon)

A biography about the grandfather of modern fantasy that doesn’t actually delve into high fantasy, this film follows J.R.R. Tolkien (Nicholas Hoult) through his impoverished childhood, traumatic experiences in World War I, and the study of linguistics that led to writing The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings . But it’s not just a story for Middle Earth fans; Tolkien deeply explores privilege and trauma in a way that feels universal. (Stream on Hulu or HBO Now)

12 Years a Slave

Director Steve McQueen’s highly celebrated 2013 film dramatizes the 1853 memoir of Solomon Northup, a New Yorker and African American man who was kidnapped by con men in 1841, transported across the Mason-Dixon line, and forced in slavery in Louisiana. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Northup, opposite Lupita Nyong’o in her breakout (and Oscar-winning) role as Patsey, another enslaved American living on the plantation. (Rent on Amazon)

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10 Best Movies About Education That Offer Lessons for a Lifetime

Published by rahul narain on 16th january 2024 16th january 2024.

Movies that have educational value go beyond dry documentaries and instructional videos. They’re stories that resonate, characters that inspire, and narratives that teach in the most unexpected ways. Great movies about education are often those we encounter in the comfort of a cinema or our living rooms. They’re like exceptional teachers who engage, provoke, and stir emotions within us.

Movies have the unique ability to introduce us to ideas and emotions we might not encounter in our everyday lives. They can be mirrors reflecting our society. Cinematography teaches us about life, challenges, triumphs, and the diverse tapestry of human experience.

In this post, we share ten of the most powerful movies about learning. Each of them is a blend of entertainment and enlightenment, offering valuable lessons along with compelling storytelling. So grab some snacks, leave your assignment to write my essay for me as a service expert and dive into these captivating narratives with us to discover how they can enrich your perspective on education and life.

Best Educational Movies: Our Top Recommendations

1.   good will hunting.

Actors: Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck

Genre: Drama

This drama uncovers the story of a janitor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with an exceptional knack for math and who can solve complex equations. Yet, his genius is as deep as his personal struggles. Under probation and reluctantly paired with a therapist, his journey challenges both his intellect and emotions.

Good Will Hunting is a touching narrative about personal growth, the significance of authentic connections, and the courage to pursue one’s potential. It’s a quintessential film that resonates deeply with students and educators alike.

2.   Wonder

Actors: Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay

Genre: Drama, Family

Wonder is a heartwarming tale of a boy with facial differences attending mainstream school for the first time. When navigating the challenges of being different, the film beautifully portrays themes of empathy, friendship, and acceptance. As he and his family embark on this journey, they teach and learn valuable life lessons about kindness and resilience.

This movie not only delights but also inspires, making it an inspiring watch for students and families. It’s a touching hint of the force of acceptance and the beauty of being unique.

3.   Dangerous Minds

Actors: Michelle Pfeiffer, George Dzundza, Courtney B. Vance

Set in a tough inner-city school, Dangerous Minds follows the story of a former Marine who becomes a teacher. Facing a class of skeptical and resistant students, she employs unconventional methods to reach and motivate them. The film dives into themes of perseverance, the power of education, and the impact of a dedicated teacher on young lives.

Engaging and emotionally charged, this movie showcases the revolutionary strength of learning and the change an individual can make. It’s a compelling watch, especially for those interested in the realities and challenges of teaching.

4.   The Paper Chase

Actors: Lindsay Wagner, Graham Beckel, Timothy Bottoms

The Paper Chase tells an intense story of a freshman at Harvard Law School. Following the student struggling to keep up with the demanding coursework and a formidable professor, the film captures the pressures of academic life. It examines the topics of purpose, determination, and the ideal of excellence.

This classic film offers a glimpse into the rigors of higher education and the personal journey of a student navigating these challenges. It’s a must-watch for students in or aspiring to high-pressure academic environments.

5.   Mona Lisa Smile

Actors: Julia Roberts, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kirsten Dunst, Ginnifer Goodwin, Julia Stiles

Rated: PG-13

Mona Lisa Smile takes us to a conservative 1950s women’s college where a new art history professor challenges the traditional views of her students. Through her unique teaching style, she inspires them to see beyond societal expectations and embrace a broader perspective of what’s possible for their lives.

This film explores feminism, education, and the ability to challenge the status quo. It resonates with anyone who values the transformative power of education and the importance of thinking independently.

6.   Hidden Figures

Actors: Taraji P. Henson, Jim Parsons, Octavia Spencer

Genre: Drama, Biography

Hidden Figures reveals the untold story of black women mathematicians at NASA during the critical early years of the U.S. space program. Despite racial and gender barriers, they play pivotal roles in some of the greatest achievements in space exploration. The film highlights perseverance, intellect, and the vital contributions of these hidden figures in history.

It’s an inspiring watch, illustrating the power of determination and brilliance against the odds. This film is particularly resonant for students and educators, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.

7.   Stand and Deliver

Actors: Edward Olmos, Virginia Paris, Lou Phillips

This compelling drama is based on the true story of a high school math teacher who transforms a group of struggling students from an underprivileged community into calculus whizzes. The movie showcases the motivation of an imaginative and spirited educator who trusts in the prospects of his students against all expectations.

The film is an example of the life-changing influence of education and an educator’s belief in their students. It’s an uplifting and motivational film for anyone who values the impact of teaching and learning.

8.   The Ron Clark Story

Actors: Matthew Perry, Judith Buchan, Griffin Cork

The Ron Clark Story tells the real-life tale of an enthusiastic and innovative small-town teacher who relocates to New York City, aiming to impact his students’ lives. His unconventional methods and dedication inspire his class of diverse, inner-city students to reach new academic heights.

This uplifting movie showcases the impact of creative teaching and how one individual can significantly influence the lives of many students. It’s an excellent choice for teachers and those who appreciate the transformative effects of dedication and enthusiasm in education.

9.   Queen of Katwe

Actors: Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o

Queen of Katwe is based on the real story of a young girl from Uganda’s slums who uncovers a remarkable knack for chess. Guided by a supportive mentor, she defies the odds to chase her dream of becoming a global chess champion. This film highlights resilience, empowerment, and the profound influence of mentorship.

An uplifting and inspiring tale, this film is a must-watch for its portrayal of how education and guidance can change the trajectory of a life.

10.               Girl Rising

Actors: Cate Blanchett, Priyanka Chopra, Selena Gomez (narrators)

Genre: Documentary

Girl Rising is an impactful documentary featuring the narratives of nine girls from various corners of the globe, each overcoming significant obstacles in their quest for education. With narration by acclaimed actresses, the documentary showcases each girl’s journey, underscoring their strength, bravery, and the transformational role of education for girls in difficult circumstances.

This film is more than just a movie; it’s a movement showcasing how education can pave the way to a better future. It’s an essential watch for anyone passionate about global education and the empowerment of girls and women.

How to Pick Good Educational Movies

When you’re a student looking to pick the right movie, consider what interests you or what you’re currently studying. If you’re passionate about history, a film based on real events can be fascinating. If you’re exploring science, a movie that delves into scientific discoveries is for you.

Films can be a great basis for motivation. Choose educational movies that not only provide knowledge but also motivate you. Movies that feature strong characters overcoming challenges or individuals making significant discoveries can be particularly inspiring.

Remember, the goal is to find a movie that’s both fun and enlightening. This way, you’re learning while being entertained.

Final Thoughts on Top Academic Movies

Movies about learning do much more than just tell a story; they’re a vital part of our educational journey. Beyond their entertainment value, these films carry profound messages of strength, the accomplishment of the human heart, and the strength of wisdom.

They inspire us to strive for greatness, to overcome challenges, and to recognize our own potential to effect positive change. So, the next time you settle in to watch one of these remarkable ​​films about education, remember to reflect on the deeper insights they offer. Enjoy the experience, the popcorn, and the valuable life lessons these stories bring to light!

RAHUL NARAIN

Principal partner - BaseKamp Rahul has over 18 years of business & operations experience in the education domain. He is committed to bringing positive change to the education ecosystem merging improved learning with financial viability for all stakeholders. Rahul has been responsible for setting up K - 12 schools as well as vocational learning centres for premier education institutions like Aptech , EuroKids , iDiscoveri & Sesame Street . He has built a sustainable franchisee network and robust channel management. As a principal partner of Basekamp he brings entrepreneurial zeal & hands-on experience of building and raising projects successfully right from scratch. Rahul is a post-graduate in Business Management and certified in Business Environment & Strategic Management from IIT Delhi .

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Top 30 movies about education, schools, institutes, universities, teachers, students, instructors learning teaching.

1. Dead Poets Society

2. Detachment

3. El Estudiante

4. The Miracle Worker

5. To Sir, with Love

6. In a Better World

7. Finding Forrester

8. The Kite Runner

9. Monsieur Lazhar

10. To Be and to Have

11. The Miracle Worker

12. Escuela de sordos

13. Behavior

14. Night Train to Lisbon

15. Monsieur Ibrahim

16. Tuesdays with Morrie

17. Common Ground

18. The 400 Blows

19. Freedom Writers

20. El profe

21. One Eight Seven

22. Stand and Deliver

23. The Organizer

24. The Nutty Professor

25. The Class

More to explore, recently viewed.

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

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49 Fantastic Historical Movies To Share With Students

Bring history to life.

Movies can bring history to life for students. As students learn about everything from ancient Egypt to World War II, use movie clips and feature films to show students what life was like in the past, as well as what historical figures looked and sounded like. Here are 50 historical movies to share with your students. We’ve grouped them by grade level based on rating and content, but it’s always best to preview movies first to make sure they’re appropriate for your audience. Feel free to pull from the entire list based on your students’ maturity and curriculum.

Elementary schoolers are curious about what life was like “back then,” but they’re not ready for some of the more graphic depictions of historical events. Use historical movies to interest kids in a specific time period or event, and start conversations about what life was like in ancient Egypt or during the Holocaust or Civil Rights Movement.

The Prince of Egypt (1998)

Teaching topic: Ancient Egypt

This story shows young children what ancient Egypt could have been like (in animated form) through the story of the Book of Exodus when Moses feuds with the Pharaoh to free the Israelites.

Watch it: The Prince of Egypt on Amazon

Fiddler on the Roof (1971)

Teaching topics: Modern history, 20th century

This musical is set in the shtetl/village of Anatevka in Russia and depicts how the world changed at the beginning of the 20th century.

Watch it: F iddler on the Roof on Amazon

The Sound of Music (1965)

Teaching topic: World War II

This classic film shows what resistance looked like during the takeover of Austria. It’s also a love story, but you can focus on the sacrifices and risks that resisters took. Of course, the movie’s score is iconic. ADVERTISEMENT

Buy it: The Sound of Music on Amazon

Ruby Bridges (1998)

Teaching topic: Civil rights

The story of Ruby Bridges touches on many topics and issues that are important to kids—fairness, school, bravery. As kids learn about civil rights, it’s helpful to get a sense of what it was like for Ruby to be the first Black child to integrate a New Orleans school.

Watch it: Ruby Bridges on Amazon

Apollo 13 (1995)

Teaching topics: Modern history, American history

This nail-biting drama tells the story of a mission to the moon that experiences equipment failure. When the capsule starts losing oxygen, the crew has to work together to return to earth.

Watch it: Apollo 13 on Amazon

Hidden Figures (2017)

Teaching topics: Women’s history, civil rights

Hidden Figures is the story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, three Black women who helped launch the first American into orbit and bring him back in 1962. This story is a good one to pair with articles and texts about these spectacular women, and give students a chance to talk about why it took so long for their story to be told.

Watch it: Hidden Figures on Amazon

The Miracle Worker

Teaching topics: Modern history, disability history

This is the story of Helen Keller, a deaf-blind girl, and her teacher Annie Sullivan. The movie shows Helen Keller’s personality and determination.

Watch it: The Miracle Worker on Amazon

Middle School

Middle school students are ready for more mature events in history including relationship dynamics and war. And middle schoolers love the drama that can play out in history, so take advantage of that by showing them movies that will have them on the edge of their seats. (All these movies are rated PG-13 or younger.)

Ben Hur (1959)

Teaching topic: Ancient history

There’s Ben Hur , the story about a Jewish prince betrayed by a friend who becomes a chariot racer. And there’s the Ben Hur with the chariot racing scene that is one of the most famous scenes in Hollywood. Use one of these historical movies alongside other modern portrayals of ancient history to talk about themes in ancient history (epic battles, the conflict between upper and lower classes).

Watch it: Ben Hur on Amazon

Cleopatra (1963)

In this depiction, Cleopatra struggles to save Egypt from Roman invasion. And, of course, there’s the love triangle between Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Marc Antony. The depiction of Cleopatra is based on fictional characters, so it’s a good chance to talk about where fact and fiction can diverge when re-creating history.

Watch it: Cleopatra on Amazon

Troy (2004)

Paris, a Trojan prince, abducts Helen, queen of Sparta, starting a war led by Achilles and Hector that wreaks havoc on the ancient world. Heroes, love, and the fall-out—could there be a more apt middle school story?

Watch it: Troy on Amazon

Becket (1964)

Teaching topic: European history

This is the story of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, and King Henry II during a change in power. Henry II surprises England by naming his valet Thomas Becket as chancellor. Becket is great for teaching about the monarchy as well as the 16th century.

Watch it: Becket on Amazon

The Alamo (2004)

Teaching topic: American history

This movie brings the battle of the Alamo—when 200 Texans defended their small town from an army for 13 days during the 1836 Texas Revolution—to life. This is one of the historical movies that shows why “Remember the Alamo” is still a well-known phrase today.

Watch it: The Alamo on Amazon

Harriet (2019)

Teaching topics: American history, slavery

This is the most recent depiction of Harriet Tubman, the most famous Underground Railroad conductor. It shows Tubman as a brave, smart, determined hero, and highlights the true dangers that she faced.

Watch it: Harriet on Amazon

Amazing Grace (2007)

Teaching topics: European history, slavery

This is the love story of parliament member William Wilberforce and Barbara Spooner, who fall in love during the move to abolish the slave trade in England. It’s one way to come at the slave trade and abolition topics.

Watch it: Amazing Grace on Amazon

Wyatt Earp (1994)

Teaching topics: Western expansion, American history

Wyatt Earp was a legendary lawman in the American West. This story depicts his life in the 1800s, from his crazy teen years to his days as a sheriff in Tombstone and the OK Corral. It’s an introduction to the reality and myths of the Wild West.

Watch it: Wyatt Earp on Amazon

A Night to Remember (1958)

Teaching topics: Modern history, the Titanic

Sometimes a movie can spark an interest that kids can explore further. This movie, depicting the last hours of the April 1914 Titanic voyage, is a good introduction to the history of the Titanic, which students can pursue further through books and other historical movies.

Watch it: A Night to Remember on Amazon

Unbroken (2014)

Teaching topics: World War II, American history

This is a biopic of Louis Zamperini, an athlete in the 1936 Olympics, survivor of a airplane crash at sea, and prisoner of war in a Japanese camp. It’s an amazing story that spans the first part of the 20th century.

Watch it: Unbroken on Amazon

The Diary of Anne Frank (2010)

Teaching topics: The Holocaust, World War II

This historical movie telling of Anne Frank’s story, captured in her 1942 diary, is always compelling. Frank wrote about hiding from the Nazis and daily life during the start of the war.

Watch it: The Diary of Anne Frank on Amazon

Hidden in Silence (1996)

Another Holocaust story of bravery and determination, Hidden in Silence tells the story of Polish sisters who hid 13 Jews in their attic for two and a half years. The topic is intense, so expect some emotional parts.

Watch it: Hidden in Silence on Amazon

The Monuments Men (2014)

In this movie, a group of American soldiers heads into Germany to recover European art stolen by the Nazis. (It’s not 100% accurate as a historical retelling, but it’s a good conversation starter about the various ways that people served during World War II.)

Watch it: The Monuments Men on Amazon

The Imitation Game (2014)

Alan Turing was a mathematician who gathered Britain’s top code breakers and chess champions to try to glean top secret intelligence from the Nazis’ “unbreakable” code. This is another one of the World War II historical movies that’s not what students would expect and will make them think more deeply about all the ways the war was fought.

Watch it: The Imitation Game on Amazon

Red Tails (2012)

Teaching topics: World War II, African American history

This tells a story (not 100% factual) about the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of Black pilots who fought during World War II. It’s a mix of African American, aviation, and World War II history.

Watch it: Red Tails on Amazon or Disney Plus

Gandhi (1983)

Teaching topic: World history

An introduction to nonviolent protests and this iconic figure, the movie shows how Mohandas Gandhi led India out of British rule in 1947.

Watch it: Gandhi on Amazon

The Jackie Robinson Story (1950)

Jackie Robinson stars as himself in this story about how he became the first African American in Major League Baseball. It’s a good film to pair with discussion about how African Americans (and other groups) have had to break down racial barriers. (There are some racial slurs, so prepare students ahead of time for that.)

Watch it: The Jackie Robinson Story on Amazon

A League of Their Own (1992)

Teaching topics: World War II, women’s history

This classic baseball movie is about the game on the surface, but it’s about the home front during World War II on a deeper level. It’s also about women’s history and the difference that women made during the war.

Watch it: A League of Their Own on Amazon

Selma (2015)

For three months in 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a campaign to secure equal voting rights. This movie shows what a challenge that was and how King led through it.

Watch it: Selma on Amazon

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013)

Teaching topic: Modern history

The story of Nelson Mandela, who fought to rebuild South Africa after Apartheid and spent 27 years in prison before becoming president, gives students a glimpse into the life of a famous leader.

Watch it: Mandela on Amazon

High School

By high school, students are well versed in watching movies with more advanced themes. Historical movies give them a sense of what an experience felt like and the complicated dynamics at play. Use historical movies to build background knowledge about historical topics that are more nuanced and complicated than students may have encountered in middle school. (Many of these films are rated R, so be sure to preview them beforehand and follow any needed procedures around informing parents.)

300 shows the battle of Thermopylae in the Greco-Persian wars in 480 B.C.E. in Greece. It’s an underdog story, with 300 Spartans holding back 300,000 Persian troops. (The movie is a comic book adaptation, but it provides a good depiction of this period in time.)

Watch it: 300 on Amazon

Gladiator (2000)

Gladiator is the story of a Roman general who becomes a gladiator and rises to overthrow the mad emperor Commodus. The movie’s CGI re-creates ancient Rome in a way that could be well paired with lessons on Roman life and impact.

Watch it: Gladiator on Amazon

Apocalypto (2006)

During the decline of the Mayan civilization in Mesoamerica, a peaceful hunter is captured by an invading group. The hunter’s village is pillaged and he is chosen for human sacrifice, which he has to escape. The cast is made up of Native American and Indigenous Mexican actors, and attention was paid to make sure details like the setting and language spoken were accurate.

Watch it: Apocalypto on Amazon

The Patriot (2000)

Teaching topics: American history, Revolutionary War

While not a true story, The Patriot shows what Revolutionary War fighting was like. The plot centers around a father who joins the Revolutionary arm to avenge his son’s murder by a British officer.

Watch it: The Patriot on Amazon

Teaching topic: Revolutionary War

Yes, it’s a musical, but it’s also a great way to engage students after they’ve studied Alexander Hamilton and the Revolutionary War. They’ll see King George, Hamilton, Burr, and everyone else come to life, and they’ll understand the storyline and jokes.

Watch it: Hamilton on Disney Plus

Amistad (1997)

Teaching topic: World history, slavery

A group of enslaved Africans takes over their captor’s ship and tries to return to their homeland. Amistad is an important historical movie for the perspective it takes.

Watch it: Amistad on Amazon

Last of the Mohicans (1992)

Teaching topics: American history, French and Indian War

Set during the French and Indian War in 1757, this is the story of a Native American tribe that’s dying out. Hawkeye is adopted into the Mohicans. Cora is the daughter of a British colonel. Cue the forbidden romance in the middle of the conflict between the British and French and Native American allies.

Watch it: The Last of the Mohicans on Amazon

12 Years a Slave

Teaching topic: Slavery

This movie, which tells the story of a free man who was sold into slavery, is based on a true story. Solomon Northrup was born free but then kidnapped and sold. His memoir was published in 1853. This is one of the great historical movies to use as a starting point for talking about the brutality of slavery.

Watch it: 12 Years a Slave on Amazon

Glory (1990)

Teaching topics: Civil War, African American history

Robert Gould Shaw is the commander of the first all-African-American regiment in the Civil War. The troop faces challenges to be respected from the start, but Shaw fights for his troop to be on the front lines.

Watch it: Glory on Amazon

Gettysburg (1993)

Teaching topic: Civil War

Gettysburg was filmed on the actual battlefield, and this epic production re-creates the pivotal Civil War battle.

Watch it: Gettysburg on Amazon

Lincoln (2012)

This epic biopic tells the story of Abraham Lincoln’s last four months in office before he was assassinated in April 1865. This would be a good introduction to Lincoln or a wrap-up to a Civil War unit.

Watch it: Lincoln on Amazon

Iron Jawed Angels (2004)

Teaching topics: Women’s history, voting history

This is the story of Alice Paul, who picketed the White House for the right to vote in the early 20th century. It will show students how hard-won and important the right to vote was for women.

Watch it: Iron Jawed Angels on Amazon

All Quiet on the Western Front (1979)

Teaching topic: World War I

The novel (written in 1929) is fictional, but the story is based on the author’s personal experiences serving in Wold War I.

Watch it: All Quiet on the Western Front on Amazon

The King’s Speech (2010)

Teaching topics: World War II, European history

During World War II, King George VI must make a wartime radio broadcast, but he has to work through his stuttering first. The King’s Speech is also a good way to show the British monarchy, behind the scenes, in a way students may not be familiar with.

Watch it: The King’s Speech on Amazon

Fat Man and Little Boy

A story about the Manhattan Project, the secret project to build an atomic bomb. Fat Man and Little Boy focuses on the relationship between General Leslie Grovers and the scientist on the project, Robert Oppenheimer.

Watch it: Fat Man and Little Boy on Amazon

The Longest Day (1962)

This is a full account of D-Day, all done in black and white with classic film techniques.

Watch it: The Longest Day on Amazon

Judgement at Nuremberg (1961)

Teaching topics: European history, World War II

This shares a fictionalized version of the Nuremberg trials, when Nazis were put on trial for war crimes. It’s fiction but can start conversations about what happened after World War II, and how we should handle war crimes today.

Watch it: Judgement at Nuremberg on Amazon

Mississippi Burning

In 1960s Mississippi, two FBI agents come to investigate the murder of civil rights activists. It’s loosely based on the 1964 murder investigation of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner in Mississippi.

Watch it: Mississippi Burning on Amazon

The Right Stuff

Teaching topic: Modern American/Cold War

The story of the Space Race and the first astronauts who were attempting to catch up with the Russians by going to the moon.

Watch it: The Right Stuff on Amazon

All the President’s Men (1976)

Teaching topic: Modern American history

All the President’s Men shows the story of the reporters (Woodward and Bernstein) who uncovered the Watergate scandal that eventually lead to President Nixon’s resignation. In addition to the Watergate scandal, this is one of the great historical movies to inspire conversation about journalism and its role in shaping history.

Watch it: All the President’s Men on Amazon

Hotel Rwanda (2005)

Teaching topics: Modern history, Rwandan genocide

Set during the Rwandan genocide in 1994, this story tells of the genocide of the Tutsi population by the Hutus. It happened over 100 days, during which Hutus killed more than 75% of the Tutsi population—around 800,000 people. During the genocide, Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager, saved 1,200 people in his hotel.

Watch it: Hotel Rwanda on Amazon

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44 Educational Movies For Kids to Turn Movie Night Into a Learning Opportunity

By In The Playroom

June 6, 2024

Movie nights are a cherished tradition for many families, a time to gather, relax, and enjoy a film together. But what if you could turn this beloved pastime into a powerful educational opportunity? Imagine combining the excitement of watching a great movie with the enrichment of learning valuable life lessons.

Here are over 40 educational movies that do just that, offering everything from historical insights to moral teachings, all while keeping your kids entertained and engaged.

Finding ways to make screen time beneficial for young minds is more important than ever. With an abundance of content available at our fingertips, it can be challenging to sift through and find movies that are both entertaining and educational. This carefully curated list ensures that each film not only captures the imagination but also provides meaningful lessons in history, science, literature, and moral values. 

So if you’re looking to inspire a love for learning or simply want to spend quality time with your family, these movies are perfect for turning a simple movie night into an enriching experience.

1. Akeelah and the Bee

“Akeelah and the Bee” tells the true story of a young girl’s journey to the national spelling bee. This film highlights the importance of hard work, dedication, and the power of education. It’s an inspiring watch for elementary school-aged kids and older, with a strong message about perseverance.

Recommended for ages 8+ due to its inspiring academic themes and moderate intensity.

2. Hidden Figures

“Hidden Figures” tells the true story of African-American women mathematicians who played crucial roles at NASA during the early days of the U.S. space program. This film is an excellent educational resource for older kids, teaching about history, gender equality, and the power of determination.

Recommended for ages 10+ due to its historical context and complex themes.

“Matilda” is the story of a young girl with extraordinary abilities and a love for books. This film encourages kids to embrace their independent voice and the power of education. It’s perfect for young readers and tweens, offering a blend of fantasy and valuable lessons.

Recommended for ages 6+ with its whimsical yet educational story about a young girl’s love for books.

4. The Theory of Everything

“The Theory of Everything” is a biographical film about the life of physicist Stephen Hawking. This movie teaches about resilience, the power of the human mind, and the wonders of science. It’s suitable for older kids and teens interested in STEM fields.

Recommended for ages 13+ due to its biographical and emotional depth.

5. October Sky

Based on a true story, “October Sky” follows a young boy in a coal mining town who dreams of building rockets. This film highlights the importance of pursuing one’s passions, education, and the power of determination. It’s a great movie for older kids and teens.

Recommended for ages 10+ with its inspiring true story about pursuing dreams.

6. Good Will Hunting

“Good Will Hunting” tells the story of a young janitor at MIT with extraordinary mathematical abilities. This film teaches about self-discovery, the importance of education, and the value of mentorship. It’s suitable for older teens, offering a blend of inspiration and drama.

Recommended for ages 16+ due to mature themes and language.

7. Dead Poets Society

“Dead Poets Society” follows an English teacher who inspires his students to embrace poetry and seize the day. This film is a great way to introduce kids to literature, the power of individual thought, and the impact of an inspiring teacher. It’s ideal for high school students.

Recommended for ages 13+ due to its themes of individuality and critical thinking.

8. The Pursuit of Happyness

Based on a true story, “The Pursuit of Happyness” follows a father’s struggle to provide for his son. This film teaches about perseverance, hard work, and the power of determination. It’s an inspiring watch for older kids and teens.

​Recommended for ages 12+ due to its emotional and motivational content.

9. The Imitation Game

“The Imitation Game” tells the story of Alan Turing, a mathematician who helped crack the Enigma code during World War II. This film is an excellent educational resource for teaching about history, mathematics, and the impact of cryptography. It’s suitable for older kids and teens.

Recommended for ages 13+ due to its historical and complex subject matter.

10. Stand and Deliver

“Stand and Deliver” is based on the true story of a high school math teacher who inspires his underprivileged students to excel in calculus. This movie highlights the importance of education, determination, and believing in oneself. It’s a powerful film for high school students.

With its educational focus and inspiring true story, this movie is best recommended for ages 12+

11. The Great Debaters

“The Great Debaters” follows a college professor who inspires his students to form the school’s first debate team. This film teaches about the power of words, the importance of education, and the struggle for civil rights. It’s suitable for older kids and teens.

Recommended for ages 12+ due to its historical and social themes.

12. Spellbound

“Spellbound” is a documentary that follows eight children as they compete in the National Spelling Bee. This film offers insights into the dedication, hard work, and passion required to achieve academic success. It’s an inspiring and educational movie for kids of all ages.

With its engaging portrayal of the spelling bee competition, this movie is great for kids of around 8+

13. Life of Pi

Based on the novel by Yann Martel, “Life of Pi” tells the story of a young boy stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. This film explores themes of survival, faith, and the power of storytelling. It’s a visually stunning and thought-provoking movie for older kids and teens.

Recommended for ages 12+ due to its survival themes and philosophical questions.

14. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” is based on the true story of a Malawian boy who builds a windmill to save his village from famine. This film teaches about innovation, perseverance, and the importance of education. It’s a great movie for older kids and teens.

This inspiring true story of innovation is perfect for kids age 10+

15. The Man Who Knew Infinity

“The Man Who Knew Infinity” is a biographical film about the life of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. This movie teaches about the beauty of mathematics, the power of perseverance, and the impact of mentorship. It’s suitable for older kids and teens interested in STEM fields.

Recommended for ages 13+ due to its complex mathematical themes and biography.

16. The Book Thief

Based on the novel by Markus Zusak, “The Book Thief” tells the story of a young girl in Nazi Germany who finds solace in books. This film teaches about the power of literature, the impact of war, and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a powerful movie for older kids and teens.

Recommended for ages 12+ due to its historical context and emotional depth.

17. The Martian

“The Martian” follows an astronaut stranded on Mars who must use his ingenuity and knowledge of science to survive. This film is a great way to introduce kids to space exploration, problem-solving, and the importance of STEM education. It’s suitable for older kids and teens.

Recommended for ages 13+ due to its scientific themes and survival story.

18. A Beautiful Mind

“A Beautiful Mind” is a biographical film about the life of mathematician John Nash. This movie teaches about the power of the human mind, the struggles with mental illness, and the importance of perseverance. 

It’s an inspiring film for older teens. Recommended for ages 16+ due to mature themes and complexity of mental illness.

19. Temple Grandin

“Temple Grandin” is based on the true story of an autistic woman who becomes a leading animal behaviorist. This film teaches about the challenges and triumphs of living with autism, the importance of innovation, and the impact of determination. It’s a powerful movie for older kids and teens.

Recommended for ages 12+ with its biographical and inspirational story.

20. The Miracle Worker

“The Miracle Worker” tells the story of Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan. This film teaches about the power of education, the importance of perseverance, and the impact of a dedicated teacher. 

With its  historical significance and educational themes, i’s an inspiring movie for kids of all ages. Best recommended for ages 8+

21. Pay It Forward

“Pay It Forward” is the story of a young boy who creates a movement of kindness and generosity. This film teaches about the power of compassion, the importance of community, and the impact of individual actions. It’s a heartwarming and educational movie for older kids and teens.

With it’s powerful themes of kindness, this movie is best recommended for ages 12+ due to its emotional content.

22. Les Misérables

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, “Les Misérables” is a musical film that explores themes of justice, redemption, and the human spirit. This movie introduces kids to classic literature, history, and the power of music. It’s suitable for older kids and teens.

Recommended for ages 13+ due to its historical themes and mature content.

23. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” follows a man who embarks on a global adventure to find a missing photograph. This film teaches about the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, pursuing one’s dreams, and the power of imagination. It’s an inspiring movie for older kids and teens.

Recommended for ages 12+ due to its themes of adventure and self-discovery.

24. He Named Me Malala

“He Named Me Malala” is a documentary about Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani activist who advocates for girls’ education. This film teaches about courage, the importance of education, and the power of a single voice to create change. It’s a powerful movie for older kids and teens.

Recommended for ages 12+ due to its inspiring true story and social themes.

25. The Breadwinner

Based on the novel by Deborah Ellis, “The Breadwinner” is an animated film about a young girl in Afghanistan who disguises herself as a boy to support her family. This movie teaches about resilience, gender equality, and the importance of education. It’s suitable for older kids and teens.

Recommended for ages 11+ due to its themes of resilience and gender equality.

26. Lincoln

“Lincoln” is a biographical film about the final months of President Abraham Lincoln’s life and his efforts to pass the 13th Amendment. This film teaches about American history, leadership, and the power of determination. It’s a great movie for older kids and teens interested in history.

Recommended for ages 13+ due to its historical significance and complex themes.

27. Apollo 13

“Apollo 13” is based on the true story of the 1970 space mission that encountered severe difficulties. This film teaches about problem-solving, teamwork, and the importance of STEM education. It’s an inspiring movie for older kids and teens.

Recommended for ages 10+ due to its historical and scientific content.

28. To Kill a Mockingbird

Based on the novel by Harper Lee, “To Kill a Mockingbird” explores themes of racial injustice, morality, and compassion through the eyes of a young girl. This film is a great way to introduce kids to classic literature and important social issues. It’s suitable for older kids and teens.

Recommended for ages 12+ due to its social justice themes and historical context.

29. The Social Network

“The Social Network” tells the story of the creation of Facebook and the challenges faced by its founder, Mark Zuckerberg. This film teaches about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the impact of technology on society. It’s a thought-provoking movie for older teens.

Recommended for ages 16+ due to its mature themes and language.

30. Gattaca

“Gattaca” is a science fiction film that explores themes of genetic engineering, destiny, and the power of the human spirit. This movie is a great way to introduce kids to bioethics, the importance of determination, and the impact of scientific advancements. It’s suitable for older teens.

Recommended for ages 13+ due to its bioethical themes and science fiction elements.

31. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Join Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willie Wonka’s magical chocolate factory. This classic film based on the popular Roald Dahl book teaches kids about the value of honesty, the consequences of greed, and the rewards of hard work. It’s a timeless tale that entertains while imparting important life lessons, making it perfect for the whole family.

With its its whimsical fantasy and moral lessons, this movie is recommended for ages 7+ due to some mild peril.

32. A Little Princess

“A Little Princess” based on the classic book by Frances Hodgson Burnett tells the story of a young girl who, despite facing hardships, remains kind and optimistic. This movie is a great way to teach kids about resilience, compassion, and the power of imagination. It’s a powerful message wrapped in a heartwarming story, ideal for young minds.

This heartwarming and imaginative story is best recommended for ages 6+

33. The Sound of Music

Julie Andrews stars in “The Sound of Music,” a musical film that combines history, music, and the power of determination. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this movie introduces kids to historical events while showcasing musical talent and the importance of family. It’s suitable for older kids and offers a captivating blend of education and entertainment.

Recommended for ages 8+ due to its historical context

34. Charlotte’s Web

“Charlotte’s Web” is the story of a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte. This animated movie teaches kids about kindness, friendship, and the natural world. It’s a great film for young children, with a heartwarming story and valuable life lessons.

Recommended for ages 5+ due to its gentle story of friendship and kindness.

35. The Karate Kid

In “The Karate Kid,” a young boy learns karate to defend himself and gain confidence. This film is a great way to teach kids about discipline, respect, and perseverance. It’s an engaging story with important life lessons, suitable for older kids.

Recommended for ages 10+ due to its themes of discipline and perseverance.

36. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

This fantasy adventure takes kids to a new land where they learn about courage, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil. It’s a great movie for young minds, offering a mix of excitement and moral teachings.

Best recommended for ages 8+ due to its fantasy adventure and moral teachings.

37. March of the Penguins

This documentary follows the journey of emperor penguins in Antarctica. “March of the Penguins” teaches kids about the natural world, survival, and the power of determination. It’s an educational film that offers a fascinating look at wildlife, suitable for kids of all ages.

Best suited for ages 6+

38. Inside Out

“Inside Out” is an animated film that explores the emotions of a young girl. This movie helps kids understand their feelings, the importance of all emotions, and how to cope with change. It’s a powerful educational movie for young children and tweens.

Recommended for ages 6+ due to its exploration of emotions and psychological themes.

39. The Secret Garden

“The Secret Garden” tells the story of a young girl who discovers a hidden garden. This film teaches about healing, friendship, and the beauty of nature. It’s a captivating story for young minds, offering plenty of excitement and valuable life lessons.

This movie with themes of healing and nature is best for ages 7+

40. Cool Runnings

Based on a true story, “Cool Runnings” follows the Jamaican bobsled team’s journey to the Winter Olympics. This film teaches about the power of determination, teamwork, and overcoming obstacles. It’s an inspiring and entertaining movie for the whole family, best for kids of around 8+

“Coco” is an animated film that celebrates Mexican culture and the Day of the Dead. This movie teaches about the importance of family, following one’s passion, and respecting traditions. It’s a visually stunning and educational film for young children and tweens.

Recommended for ages 7+ due to mentions of death alongside its cultural celebration and themes of family.

42. Night at the Museum

“Night at the Museum” is an action movie where museum exhibits come to life. This film is a great way to spark interest in history, museums, and learning about different cultures. It’s fun and educational, perfect for young children and older kids alike.

With its its fun introduction to history and museums, this movie is best recommended for ages 8+

43. The Lion King

In “The Lion King,” kids follow the journey of a young lion cub named Simba as he learns about responsibility and the importance of family. This animated movie teaches children about the circle of life, the power of determination, and the significance of overcoming adversity. Perfect for young children, this film is both educational and heartwarming, making it ideal for family movie night.

​This animated movie does have some scenes of death, but often enjoyed by very young kids toto.

44. Toy Story

“Toy Story” takes kids on an animated adventure with Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and their friends. This fun educational movie emphasizes the importance of friendship, teamwork, and understanding different perspectives. Suitable for young children and elementary school-aged kids, it offers a great story with plenty of excitement.

These 44 educational movies offer a unique blend of entertainment and learning, making movie nights a valuable experience for kids of all ages. By selecting films that teach important life lessons and spark curiosity, you can turn screen time into a positive and enriching activity for your children. 

Including educational movies into your family routine is an amazing way to foster curiosity and critical thinking in your children. These films serve as great examples of how storytelling can be a powerful tool for learning, offering perspectives on different cultures, historical events, and complex scientific concepts. 

As you explore these movies, you’ll find that the discussions they spark can be just as valuable as the films themselves, providing an opportunity for deeper connection and understanding within your family. So, dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the journey of learning together

Happy watching!

More Movie Lists for Families

If you need more movie lists to keep your family entertained and educated, be sure to check out our other curated selections. From classic literature adaptations to films that delve into the natural world, we have plenty of recommendations to suit every interest and age group.

• 25 Best Superhero Movies For Kids

Bite-Sized Blockbusters: 50+ Kids Movies Under 90 Minutes

28 Best Sci-Fi Movies for Kids to Watch as a Family

• List of All Barbie Movies To Watch
• List of All Pokemon Movies: Every Release In Order
• 4 Movies Your Kids Should Watch to Prepare for the Real World
• Spiritual Movies for a thought provoking movie night
• Self love movies that will inspire you to be your best self .

22 Self Love Movies That Will Inspire You to Be Your Best Self

We hope you enjoyed this list of the best educational movies for kids !

If you found it helpful, please share this blog post with other parents and caregivers who are looking to make the most out of their movie nights. Your support helps us create more valuable content for families everywhere.

In The Playroom

Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables. Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.

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48 Educational Movies For Middle Schoolers: Documentaries, Sports, And Science

February 3, 2024 //  by  Carly Gerson

Turn down the lights and get your popcorn ready! Whether it’s exploring outer space, discovering the wonders of an underwater world, or taking a closer look at the past, there’s a quality movie out there for just about every topic! They can be a great tool to give your kiddos a whole new perspective on a topic and get them excited to learn more. 

We’ve vetted this robust list of amazing educational movies that will be sure to captivate your middle school learners! Read on to find one you can show during your next class topic!

1. My Octopus Teacher

My Octopus Teacher showcases the unusual underwater friendship forged between a South African filmmaker and an octopus. The intelligence of marine life in the animal kingdom, specifically the octopus is sure to amaze your kiddos This is a perfect choice for your class if you’re studying a marine biology topic!

Learn More: Netflix

2. Becoming

This documentary film for middle school students takes an in-depth look at the life of former First Lady, Michelle ObamaThe story will not only inspire greatness but will teach your kids the power of perseverance in the face of challenges.

3. Puff: Wonders of the Reef

Dive into the world of a coral reef through the eyes of the mighty pufferfish! This movie is a perfect addition to your 6th-grade marine life unit, but would be interesting for any age!  Your kiddos are sure to enjoy the underwater scenes of this incredible shape-shifting fish. They’re sure to love this fantastic film!

Learn More: Collider

4. David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet

David Attenborough is no stranger to being an enthusiastic champion for planet Earth! Having visited every continent on the globe over the course of his 93 years, he has emerged as one of the most trusted documentary narrators to date. This special movie and its powerful message of hope is not one to be missed.

Learn More: Earth.org

5. Dancing with the Birds

This delightful documentary is a great one for your middle schoolers because it is both fun and educational. Giggles will be aplenty as they learn about how these adorable birds interact with their environment in a very unusual way.

Learn More: Audubon

Step into the ring with this next pick! Zion is an inspiring movie that tells the story of a young wrestler who overcomes incredible physical and social challenges on his path to success. This unique American sports movie will not only interest your kids in sports but will also help them gain an important new perspective on the accomplishments of differently-abled people.

7. Spelling the Dream

This documentary is an amazing movie that highlights the dedication and determination re quired to compete in the National Spelling Bee. Your kiddies will learn about how the average person can do just about anything when they work hard and put their mind to it.

Learn More: New York Times

8. Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale

In this epic film, your kids will follow young animals as they grow to survive in harsh desert conditions. This is a great documentary for 7th-grade students when learning about the food chain and migration . They’ll also learn about perseverance, survival, instinct, and the circle of life.

Learn More: IMDB

9. Night on Earth: Shot in the Dark

Night on Earth: Shot in the Dark is a totally unique experience for your learners who rarely get the opportunity to witness the world under the cover of darkness. They’ll get a clear glance at nature after dark and learn about both challenging and rewarding aspects of the photography profession.

10. The Speed Cubers

Kids and teenagers race to be the best at the Rubik Cube in The Speed Cubers. Let your kiddies learn about this intense sport and watch as people just like them race to the finish. This is a great movie for all ages and will inspire students to follow their passions and find a community of like-minded individuals.

11. Explorer: The Last Tepui

Hold onto your seats! This exhilarating documentary embraces the heart of a challenge while celebrating nature. Your students will not only witness the amazing biodiversity of the Amazon jungle but they’ll also learn about the sport of professional climbing!

Learn More: Disney

12. Own the Room

Own the Room celebrates bravery and entrepreneurship as young people pitch their ideas for funding. Your class will be cheering on the participants as they learn about starting their own company from scratch. After the movie, you can follow up with a group project where they have to  “Own the Room” and pitch an idea to their fellow classmates!

Learn More: National Geographic Films

13. Apollo: Mission to the Moon

One small step for man, one giant leap for your students! Spark your kiddies’ passion for exploring the topic of space with this fascinating documentary about the Apollo Space Program. They’ll learn about the incredibly unique life of an astronaut in outer space. This movie pairs perfectly with an astronomy unit!

14. Buried Secrets of Keros

Inspire your future archaeologists with this next movie . This film follows the true story of an archeological team seeking out the truth buried within the Aegean Sea. This film is a great way to uncover historical mysteries while showing an example of modern-day explorers.

Learn More: Disney Plus

15. The Lost City of Machu Picchu

This engaging film showcases the beautiful and mysterious past of this famous historical sanctuary. Your kids will learn about ancient people and cities, and discover that history is not always what it seems. Be careful though, this pick could have them running to the principal to request a field trip to South America!

Learn More: Apple TV

16. Paris to Pittsburgh

Climate change is an incredibly relevant topic that can be very challenging to teach. This film is for everyone, not just your students! They’ll learn about ways climate change is impacting their lives and more importantly, the solutions that people are putting in place to save our planet. This film will inspire meaningful discussion, and might even inspire them to become climate change activists.

Learn More: Paris to Pittsburgh

17. Mission to the Sun

Your kiddos may rarely take the time to consider it, but the sun is an incredibly mysterious place! This documentary will give them a whole new perspective on the bright ball of light they wake up to each morning. Get ready to learn more about this fiery star and all of the ways that scientists have been examining it from afar.

18. Breaking 2

Could you run a marathon in under 2 hours? In the film Breaking 2, that is exactly what a group of professional athletes are trying to do! This inspirational film teaches students about the benefits of hard work, and what it takes to go the distance. This is a great addition to any PE class, or to get your cross-country team to watch at the start of the season.

19. Free Solo

Have your kiddies consider the concepts of risk, friendship, passion, and adventure, as people conquer the seemingly impossible.  They’ll be wide-eyed and on the edge of their seats as they follow Alex Honnold as he takes on the daring challenge to free-climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park! This film pairs perfectly with this goal-setting activity , showing them how to reach their desired objectives. 

Learn More: National Geographic

20. Hubble’s Cosmic Journey

Give your learners a lesson from world-renowned astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson in the film Hubble’s Cosmic Journey . Tyson’s out-of-this-world narration takes learning about stars to a whole new level. They’ll begin to understand the incredible feat of launching the Hubble telescope as well as its impressive findings.

21. We Feed People

Introduce your class to chef José Andrés and let them learn how he turned his culinary career into a humanitarian mission. They’ll see how a small group of volunteers can grow and evolve into a worldwide network working to solve some of the world’s toughest food shortages.

22. Buried Secrets of Cordoba

If you’re looking for a film that includes both factual information and engaging mystery, look no further than Buried Secrets of Cordoba . Watching this film, your kiddies will learn that there are still many mysteries from history yet to be solved! This fantastic watch would be great to pair with a unit on archaeology.

23. The Biggest Little Farm

Teach your students about farm life and how our food gets to our plates! They’ll learn about sustainability and how there are safe, environmentally friendly ways of farming. This wholesome film is great for all ages!

Learn More: Biggest Little Farm Movie

24. The Way of the Cheetah

This one’s for the animal-obsessed kids in your class! Your middle-schoolers will learn about this stealthy, dangerous, and incredibly quick feline, and how it uses instinct and skill to survive in the wild. This film makes a great addition to any unit on the food chain.

Anthony Fauci is one of the most celebrated and controversial doctors of our generation. This film gives your learners a relevant perspective on this doctor and his impact on the pandemic. This movie is perfect to watch while your class studies a unit on important figures or even a science unit on diseases.

Learn More: USA Today

26. Becoming Cousteau

Inspire the next generation of eco-warriors! This film highlights the life and achievements of explorer Jacques Cousteau. Your kiddos will learn all about becoming climate activists and the steps they can take to help save our planet.

Learn More: Roger Ebert

27. The Last Ice

 This documentary takes a closer look at the lives of Inuit people and how they are being impacted by both climate change and globalization. The Last Ice can be used as a way to show your kids the lives of indigenous peoples and how the consequences of global actions make an impact on many.

28. The New Air Force One: Flying Fortress

The New Air Force One: Flying Fortress highlights the unique invention of Air Force One. Not only is this plane a way for the US President to travel from place to place, but it is also a top-secret command center designed and built by top-notch engineers of the highest caliber. This film would pair well with learning about inventions, current events, national security, or even a unit on presidents of the United States.

29. Miracle Landing on the Hudson

While there have been several depictions of the landing on the Hudson River, this documentary shows real-life footage of that torturous yet jaw-dropping day. This film is a super way to open up discussions with your kiddies about modern-day heroes and how one person can make a big difference.

Learn More: History Vs. Hollywood

30. Notre-Dame: Race Against the Inferno

Sacré bleu! Show your learners the true story of the tragic fire that occurred in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. This film showcases incredible bravery and how a community can come together following a tragedy. Why not use this film to set the scene for a writing activity about courage or the importance of historical preservation?

Learn More: Letter Boxd

31. Expedition Amelia

So what really happened to Amelia Earhart? This film seeks to answer that question as well as cover the events that made her famous. Take your students along for this deep-sea exploration adventure that could just solve the century-old mystery of this legendary trailblazing aviator.

Learn More: BT

32. Jane: A Film By Brett Morgen

Introduce your class to legendary anthropologist Jane Goodall! This film incorporates hours of footage that showcase how Jane made important discoveries about chimpanzees in the wild, even without formal scientific training or a college degree. Use this film with your class to highlight women’s accomplishments or teach your students about the field of wildlife biology.

Learn More: Film Maker Magazine

33. King Richard

King Richard explores the life of Richard Williams, Venus, and Serena Williams’ father. This drama focuses on the power of a plan in the face of adversity as he forges a place in the world for his daughters. Stopping at nothing to make them successful, King Richard is a great catalyst for thought-provoking discussions about race and privilege.

Learn More: Town and Country

34. The Woman in Gold

Maria Altmann is on a mission to retrieve her familial possessions that were seized by the Nazis during World War II. In this historical movie, your middle schoolers will learn about restoring rights and property in the aftermath of war, and who really has the right to ownership. 

35. Turning Red

Turning Red is an animated film about 13-year-old Meilin Lee, who seeks independence from her mom. The only problem is, when she gets overwhelmed, she turns into a giant red panda! This movie explores becoming your own person during adolescence as well as the complex experiences many Asian Americans face 

Learn More: Rotten Tomatoes  

36. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Have your learners travel back to the 1950s! Mrs. Harris is a retired cleaning lady who decides that she must have a couture dress. She travels to Paris to get the dress, and in doing so, she ends up changing the face of the House of Dior. Watching this movie will teach your kids that anything is possible with a plan!

Learn More: Rotten Tomatoes

37. All That Breathes

This captivating documentary will enthrall your middle schoolers and young adolescents. They’ll follow a story that takes place in New Delhi, India, where two brothers attempt to save a species of bird inherent to the country’s ecosystem. But with the country in a state of unrest, this is no easy feat. 

Learn More: Variety

38. Fire of Love

Volcanoes are a fascinating natural phenomenon that all kids love to learn about. Let them follow the story of Kattia and Maurice Kraft, scientists who were devoted to studying these amazing geographical features. The movie follows and honors their work, lives, and relationship, in light of the tragic end that they met. 

39. Elemental

Your class will love the chance to watch this recent offering from Pixar! The movie is a lesson for them on how humans coexist, but are often separated by boundaries. In this case, Lewis and Athie are different elements, but they will discover that they have a lot in common. This movie is a great addition to an SEL curriculum. 

Learn More: Movie Web

40. Epic Tails

This fun movie pairs wonderfully with any lessons you plan on Greek mythology. Set in Iolcos, an ancient city of Greece, a mouse and a cat embark on an adventure to save the city from Poseidon. The movie is a super fun way for your kiddies to explore and learn about the Greek mythos.  

41. October Sky

The sky will be the limit for your learners after they watch this next pick! October Sky is a tale of two brothers growing up in a family with a dad who expects them to become miners. When one of the brothers, Homer, falls in love with rocket science, and he decides to build rockets with his friends. Why not show this movie during your next physics unit?  

Learn More: School Cues

42. Hoosiers

Hoosiers is more than just a sports movie! This story shows your kiddos how both success and failure are an integral part of life. It will inspire them, while also teaching them important lessons about judgment, perseverance, and adversity. 

43. Stand and Deliver

Give your middle schoolers a lesson on how they can succeed in education despite a negative environment. In this story, a math teacher has to find a way to reach his students with difficult backgrounds. He teaches them calculus and they have to prove everyone wrong twice!

Learn More: Ed Sys

44. Flatland

This is a mathematical movie that’s great for your pre-teens to learn about geometrical concepts! They’ll travel through the dimensions of this fictional geometric world where shapes come alive! What an exciting way to bring math to life!

Learn More: Amazon

45. The Man Who Knew Infinity

Have your kiddies dive into the true story of mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan. The story tells a tale of education and friendship. Ramanujan fails out of college but perseveres with the help of his friend, a professor at Trinity College. They’ll love this tale about not giving up in the face of adversity!

Learn More: Mashup Math

46. The Martian

Use this movie to explore the possibility of life on Mars with your class… The main character, Mark Watney, is accidentally left on Mars and forced to find a way to survive. Your kids will love the space exploration, the story of survival, and the display of the inner workings of NASA. 

47. Donald in Mathmagic Land

Donald in Mathmagic Land shows your students how and why mathematical concepts are relevant in our everyday lives. This movie helps you to head off the “when will we ever use this” questions and encourages them to think about why math is important.

Learn More: Mathnasium

48. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Get the tissues ready! Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is an emotional movie that you can use to learn about 9/11. It tells the story of Oskar, a 9-year-old boy who loses his father in the September 11 attacks. When he finds a key that he believes his father left him, he’s determined to find the key’s lock. 

Learn More: Learn In Color