The 15 Best Documentaries For Kids, Ranked By Parents And Teachers
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It's a great big world out there, and even bigger for the little ones still learning about it. From the aww-inspiring tales of baby animals navigating their first years of life in Growing Up Wild, to the inspirational journey of a youth choir following their musical dreams in Choir, these family-friendly documentaries are great for entertaining and educating kids of all ages. And for kids whose minds are prone to wander, this list has plenty of films that are as short as they are sweet.
- 114 VOTES
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What It Covers: This self-proclaimed “dog-umentary,” follows the lives of five Labrador puppies in their pursuit of becoming service animals for the blind. An extensive two-year training program puts these pups to the test. However - cue: sad, puppy-dog eyes - not all of the litter makes the cut.
Why It's Great For Kids: Cute puppies (obviously)! Yet beyond the adorable camera-licking, prancing-puppy shenanigans, this film delves into the real lives of the visually impaired, and their emotional journeys to find their guide dog companions. Although the overall tone is upbeat, the film doesn't shy away from revealing the rigors of moving from puppy to protector. There are a few tear-jerking moments, like when the trainers hand over their four-legged trainees to their new owners, but nothing violent or inappropriate in this tail-wagging tale.
- 222 VOTES
Kindness Is Contagious
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What It Covers: “Nice guys finish first” touts his uplifting documentary. Narrated by Pay It Forward author Catherine Ryan Hyde, it features stories from artists, athletes, and various everyday people who explore the existence of karma, not only conceptually, but also in a scientific sense.
Why It's Great For Kids: While the statistic-heavy content might be easier to grasp for older kids, the overarching message is simple and universal: kindness is, in fact, contagious. It teaches kids the power of compassion, echoing the age-old credo “treat others the way you want to be treated.” (A good reminder for parents, too.)
Released: 2014
Directed by: Bay Dariz, Phil Earnest - 324 VOTES
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What It Covers: In what feels a lot like a modern-day episode of Green Acres, a young married couple trade their bustling city life in Los Angeles for rural farm life north of LA in Ventura County. Over eight years, they work tirelessly to regenerate 200 acres of land, navigating the complexities of both nature and life.
Why It's Great For Kids: There are plenty of cute critters on this big little farm. From a lovable pig named Emma to her rooster pal, Greasy, young animals lovers are sure to be entertained. Just beware with kids who are sensitive to animal deaths. There is a scene showing coyote-slain chickens, followed by the implied death of the coyote in question, but nothing graphic beyond that. A review by Kirsten Hawkins of Parent Previews highlights the important themes kids can learn from in the film, including “respecting the earth” and “perseverance in the face of seemingly impossible challenges.”
- 413 VOTES
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What It Covers: Burnt out on life above the sea, filmmaker Craig Foster embarks on a journey of underwater (and self-) exploration off the coast of South Africa. An unchartered emotional deep dive, this Netflix original explores the miraculous friendship he forges with the unlikeliest of creatures: an octopus.
Why It's Great For Kids: The beautiful underwater footage, enhanced by the graceful sea-dance of Foster's “octopus teacher,” is mesmerizing for all ages. Just beware that the harsh realities of the deep (and sharks) may upset smaller children. Spoiler: the octopus dies, but in her wake she leaves behind lessons on life, self-discovery, and human connection to the natural world.
- 512 VOTES
Wonders of the Sea
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What It Covers: Jean-Michel Cousteau (son of Jaques Cousteau) and his children take a deep dive into wondrous waters around the globe, exploring the environmental dangers that threaten the beauty beneath the sea.
Why It's Great For Kids: With underwater footage of candy-colored coral, blue-green water, and flourishing sea- ife, both the 2D and 3D versions are visually stunning and sure to dazzle young viewers. More important, at the heart of this ocean documentary is a message that the narrator - Arnold Schwarzenegger - sums up perfectly: “We must protect what we love.”
Released: 2017
Directed by: Jean-Michel Cousteau, Jean-Jacques Mantello - 610 VOTES
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What It Covers: There are plenty of high notes - and a few lows - in this six-part documentary series that chronicles the Detroit Youth Choir's journey to the America's Got Talent stage as they balance schoolwork, family, and personal relationships.
Why It's Great For Kids: It's a shining example of how hard work and dedication pays off - and that dreams really do come true. Especially inspiring to kids who are musically inclined, it's a heartfelt docuseries that highlights the power of working together - this case in four-part vocal harmony - to overcome obstacles and achieve goals.
- 79 VOTES
A Beautiful Planet
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What It Covers: Astronauts capture astounding footage of Earth from outer space in this IMAX documentary narrated by Jennifer Lawerence. Revealing never-before-seen footage from a distant perspective - from the sparkling city lights of Paris, to the drought-ridden expanse of California - it is a simultaneously beautiful and sobering view of the planet we call home.
Why It's Great For Kids: Clocking in at 45 minutes, the length is suitable for kids. Although the images are stunning, the key takeaway is the dangerous impact humans have on Earth. It opens the door to hard conversations about climate change, deforestation, and other environmental topics, and the opportunity to teach kids how they can take care of our planet. In a review by Dave Calhoun for Time Out, he hails the documentary as “thoughtful escapism for adults" and "essential viewing for kids.”
Released: 2016
Directed by: Toni Myers - 89 VOTES
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What It Covers: This Academy Award-winning documentary chronicles the extraordinary mating ritual of Emperor penguins in Antarctica. Each March, they find their soulmate and begin the breeding process. Once the eggs are hatched, the mothers embark on a harrowing four-month journey to hunt and gather, entrusting the fathers to safeguard the chicks through the cold, harsh winter.
Why It's Great For Kids: Along with plenty of cute penguins waddling around to keep kids entertained, the film offers a heartwarming message at its ice-covered core about the importance of family. Through their remarkable rituals, the penguins show the value of perseverance, protection, and love (also, that females can provide, and stay-at-home dads are cool). For younger or sensitive tykes, there are a couple mildly graphic scenes to be aware of, including a female penguin fight and a leopard seal capturing its penguin prey, but it's nothing that the deep, dulcet tones of Morgan Freeman's narration can't soothe away.
- 96 VOTES
Pencils Vs. Pixels
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What It Covers: Drawing on kids' film classics - from Snow White to Shrek - this documentary traces the evolution across the generations from hand-drawn to computer-generated animation. Featuring interviews from various artists and voice actors, it's a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how technology has impacted the world of animation.
Why It's Great For Kids: No violence or suggestive themes here, it's 100% kid-friendly, and a fun watch for parents, too, who are invited on a trip down memory lane to their own childhood favorites. Budding young artists can appreciate - and draw inspiration from - this colorful journey through animation history.
Released: 2023
Directed by: Bay Dariz, Phil Earnest - 101 VOTES
What It Covers: Lions (and cheetahs, and monkeys), and bears - oh my! This Disneynature documentary tells the stories of five baby animals from different regions of the world. From the Alaskan brown bear's perilous post-hibernation hunt for food, to the macaque family's harsh hierarchical structures, the challenges they face in their first years of life are tough to navigate - but they sure look cute doing it.
Why It's Great For Kids: The baby animals are adorable! There is no shortage of “awww” moments, but be prepared for some “oh no” moments, too. While there isn't anything too graphic, there are a few animal deaths (thanks to a cackle of hyenas), but thus is the circle of life.
- 110 VOTES
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What It Covers: This coming-of-age documentary charts a teenage Dutch girl's two-year sailing expedition around the world - solo - as she navigating life and international waters.
Why It's Great For Kids: It's an inspiring tale for adults and kids alike. During her record-breaking journey, 14-year-old Laura Dekker defies societal constructs and age norms. Her self-documented tale is a testament to strength, inner peace, and self-sufficiency. Though the slow-paced 82 minutes might be a long voyage for younger kids to sit through, its universal message of finding freedom in following dreams reverberates across all ages.
- 120 VOTES
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What It Covers: Athena, a 50-year-old matriarchal elephant, leads her calves, Mimi and WeeWee, in the epic pursuit of food and water across Africa during the dry season. Their journey is challenged by the unyielding climate, which threatens much of the savannah's wildlife, but strengthens their bond as a family.
Why It's Great For Kids: It's an emotional watch for all ages, highlighting the cruel realities of nature and wildlife's struggle to survive against the elements, but there are heartwarming and educational messages, too. The elephant herd's journey emphasizes the importance of family and perseverance, while their contribution to the lives of other creatures - like the dung beetle who feeds off the elephant's dung for nourishment - teaches kids how the animal kingdom sustains itself as a collective. The sweeping landscape footage, majestic music, and cute baby elephants add layers of warmth to an intense tale.
- 130 VOTES
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What It Covers: The quiet life of a solitary Macedonian beekeeper is disturbed by her noisy new neighbors who can't seem to “mind their own beeswax.” The documentary explores the delicate dance between human life and natural ecosystems, highlighting the beauty to be found when both are in balance.
Why It's Great For Kids: This one is probably better suited for more mature children (bee-ware of bee stings, and language that isn't always sweet as honey). However, if they aren't terrified by the sight of bees - and can handle some choice words - this films tells a poignant story of a poverty-stricken woman who lives off the land, saving the bees as they save her in return. It's a valuable lesson in harmony, sustainability, and “loving thy neighbor" (in this case, the bees).
- 140 VOTES
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What It Covers: Babies from four corners of the world crawl through their first years of life. From solving puzzles to peeling bananas by themselves, the infants learn the little walks of life as the documentary explores the impact of different cultural backgrounds on their development.
Why It's Great For Kids: Not only is it a total cute-fest, it's educational, too. Even if it's too soon for the “birds and the bees" talk, it's never too early for baby talk. It's especially great for kids who are expecting little brothers or sisters, preparing them for the miracle of childbirth, and the lives that follow.
- 153 VOTES
What It Covers: This Disneynature documentary follows the paw-printed trail of a family of Alaskan brown bears.Their post-hibernation trek from mountain to salmon-filled stream is met with obstacles such as avalanches, wolves, and territorial bears.
Why It's Great For Kids: While it's ultimately the heartwarming tale of a mama bear caring for her two (unbearably cute) cubs, the film depicts the real-life dangers of life in the wild. A Washington Post review by Sandie Angulo Chen warns that despite the G rating, “there could be tears, protests and loud questions from sensitive young animal lovers.” Luckily, the comical and lighthearted narration of actor John C. Reilly helps relieve the pressure in some of the more intense scenes.
