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.
3. Matilda
“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+
41. Coco
“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.
We hope you enjoyed this list of the best educational movies for kids!
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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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