14 Best Documentaries to Watch With Kids
My seven-year-old is obsessed with all things non-fiction, whether it’s reality TV shows about building things with LEGOs or books about shark attacks. To keep him interested in real life, I started looking for documentaries that would show him the world around us and keep his attention. Luckily, there are plenty to choose from—here are some of my favorites.
Ghosts of the Abyss (2003)
Given its content, you might be hesitant about letting your kids watch the 1997 film Titany . However, James Cameron will still help you. He and one of the film’s stars, Bill Paxton, filmed a dive to see the wreckage of the ill-fated ship, giving viewers an impressive look at what was left in the ocean.
Where to watch: digital rental
LEGO: The Documentary (2014)
Fans of the reality show LEGO Masters may recognize one of the show’s judges, Jamie Berard, in this film that chronicles the humble beginnings and continuing appeal of the beloved building toy.
Where to watch: Roku Channel, Kanopy, digital rental.
Camp Courage (2023)
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has traumatized not only the soldiers, but also the families living there. This doc follows a young girl and her grandmother from a war-torn country at a summer camp in the Alps. The war veterans in charge of the camp help the duo heal from the pain they have witnessed and gain resilience so they can move on with their lives.
Where to watch: Netflix
Apollo 11 (2019)
Using never-before-seen NASA footage, the mission that brought Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the surface of the moon brings all the gravitas of a summer blockbuster, filled with thrilling scenes that rival anything Marvel has to offer.
Where to watch: Tubi, Roku Channel, digital rental.
Paperclips (2004)
In a small town in Tennessee, three high school teachers wanted to teach their students the meaning of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis during the Holocaust, so they asked their students to collect paper clips representing a life lost. The project grew with survivors, celebrities and even politicians contributing to the inspiring and educational cause.
Where to watch: digital rental
March of the Penguins (2005)
This French documentary is so popular that even my kids know about it, and it’s easy to see why. Two filmmakers filmed the annual courtship and breeding of emperor penguins in Antarctica, who must endure arduous journeys in freezing temperatures to give their young the food they need to grow. This footage served as inspiration for the animated film Happy Feet .
Where to watch: digital rental
Crazy Hot Ballroom (2005)
Fifth-graders in a New York City Department of Education ballroom dance class talk about their lives, loves, and whether boys or girls are better dancers in this charming story told from the students’ point of view. The culmination of all this is a competition from which some emerge victorious and others in tears.
Where to watch: Kanopy, digital rental
The Last Repair Shop (2023)
This short documentary, nominated for an Oscar this year, follows warehouse workers in Los Angeles as they keep student instruments in good working order. Even if your child is not into music, seeing the dedication of these craftsmen working to maintain the instruments will help them see how much care goes into the process.
Where to watch: YouTube , Hulu, Disney+.
Queen of the Elephants (2019)
Life on the African savanna literally happens around watering holes, and everything from dung beetles to lizards make these places their home. When drought dries up this meeting place, a mother elephant packs up her family to travel 200 dangerous miles to find another in this thrilling tale.
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Enchanted (2002)
More suspenseful than any Hollywood film, the eight Scripps National Spelling Bee contestants face pressure, unrealistic expectations, drama and very long words that no one uses in this smart and entertaining doc.
Where to watch: Kanopy, Freevee, digital rental
The Pixar Story (2007)
The origin story of the legendary animation studio may seem a little corporate, but at its core it is a story about the extraordinary journeys we all must take to find what we are called to do.
Where to watch: Disney+, digital rental.
Chimpanzee (2012)
Part of Disney’s nature series, this documentary follows Oscar, a young, rambunctious chimpanzee separated from his family. He eventually becomes partners with an older chimpanzee named Freddy, who cares for the young animal as if he were his own.
Where to watch: Disney+, digital rental.
Bully (2012)
It may be difficult to watch this film and not feel sympathy for the victims of school bullying that are featured in the film, but it shows parents and children that their voices can make a difference in the lives of those who cannot protect themselves.
Where to watch: Kanopy, digital rental
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
It seemed like this Oscar-winning film was the only thing being watched during the pandemic, and it’s still relevant now that everything is (sort of) back to normal. When a freediver befriends an octopus in a kelp forest, he learns about her home in the ocean and what we must do to survive and care for our family.
Where to watch: Netflix