11 Biopics Worth Watching With Your Kids
From Walk the Line to Oppenheimer, biopics can introduce audiences to inspiring and complex individuals who achieved greatness through innovative thinking or sheer determination. However, these two films, like many others in the genre, are not really intended for family viewing. To help kids learn about important people throughout history and perhaps find their own inspiration to shake up the world, we’ve selected a few films you can share with them about people who changed the world in many ways.
Apollo 13 (1995)
Astronaut Jim Lovell was scheduled to go to the Moon in 1970, but an explosion on his spacecraft caused an oxygen leak in the ship, aborting his lunar landing and the rescue mission to bring them home. Based on his autobiography Lost Moon , the gripping story of how Lovell and his team worked with a team of NASA scientists in Houston to return to Earth is one of the most technically accurate films about space flight. In addition, stunning graphics and an exciting plot will not leave children indifferent, even if they already know the ending.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Hidden Figures (2016)
When watching Apollo 13, you will notice that the film’s cast is predominantly white men. What you may not know is that three African-American female mathematicians played a vital role in America getting into space in the first place. The once-unknown story of how Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Johnson and Mary Jackson helped NASA win the space race may seem mundane, but you and your kids will still applaud at the end.
Where to watch: digital rental , Disney+.
Ruby Bridges (1998)
The made-for-TV movie shows how the titular student helped integrate a formerly white New Orleans public school with the NAACP, her parents and a teacher who saw Bridges’ potential. Despite a complaint filed last year by a Florida parent claiming the film could teach children that “white people hate black people,” this award-winning biopic has the exact opposite effect, making it a great choice for family viewing.
Where to watch: digital rental , Disney+.
Lincoln (2012)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this biographical film explores the political maneuvers used by the 16th President of the United States and his allies that ultimately led to the passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished the practice of slavery. While the film may be tedious and challenging for younger children, its positive messages about leadership, freedom and the importance of doing the right thing make it a must-watch for families. Younger viewers may gravitate toward John Ford’s 1939 classic Young Mister Lincoln.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Miracle Worker (1962)
The film’s title refers to Anne Sullivan, who, through persistence and seemingly sheer will, teaches blind and deaf Helen Keller to communicate with others. Keller would become the first person with her condition to receive a bachelor’s degree and one of the founders of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Featuring powerful performances from Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, the film dramatically shows how anyone can overcome seemingly impossible challenges.
Where to watch: Digital rental , Tubi, Pluto TV, Hoopla.
The Elephant Man (1980)
Speaking of Anne Bancroft, she also appears in David Lynch’s film about the life of Joseph (John) Merrick, a Londoner whose appearance makes it difficult for society to relate to him. Perhaps the most straightforward of all Lynch’s films, families will be immersed in this beautifully shot tale of compassion and the human condition, capped by outstanding performances from John Hurt (as Merrick) and Anthony Hopkins.
Where to watch: Digital rental , Hoopla, Crackle, Kanopy, Pluto TV.
Stand and Deliver (1988)
When other teachers at East Los Angeles High School abandoned their working-class students, math teacher Jaime Escalante saw potential in them and instilled in them a desire to study calculus. This inspiring film shows that regardless of background, anyone can exceed what is expected of them and that hard work and practice will lead to success.
Where to watch: Digital rental , Roku channel.
Walk (2015)
Yes, the documentary Man on Wire , which also tells the story of Philippe Petit’s tightrope walk between the World Trade Center towers in 1974, is superior to this special effects-laden retelling. However, this is not entirely suitable for younger children. If you’re okay with Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s mild swearing and ass-watching, this story of one man who took an impossible path to make his dreams come true is a good substitute. Just don’t look down when Petit starts walking along the wire.
Where to watch: Digital rental , Starz
A Million Miles Away (2023)
As with Petit in The Walk , there is a scene in this film where migrant farm worker Jose Hernandez (Michael Peña), who will become the first Mexican-American astronaut, tells someone that his dream is to fly into space. , just so she could make him laugh. into it. This moving film chronicles his extraordinary journey to achieve his lofty goal despite those who doubted his ambition, acquiring the skills needed to become an engineer, and ultimately traveling to the International Space Station.
Where to watch: Prime Video
October Sky (1999)
Jake Gyllenhaal plays Homer Hickam Jr., a teenager so obsessed with launching Sputnik that he and three of his friends build rockets and study the science behind them, despite the lack of support from his miner father. This film shows what can happen when people work together to achieve a common goal.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Miss Potter (2006)
While this charming historical biopic about Peter Rabbit writer Beatrix Potter (Renée Zellweger) and the genesis of her most famous creation is likely more suitable for teenagers than for the children currently reading the titular author’s books, it contains romance, some period class drama and cute animated cameos featuring its characters. What makes this story worthy of family viewing is that Potter’s parents do not approve of her creative work, but despite their protests, she continues to achieve great success.
Where to watch: Digital rental , Peacock, Tubi, Freevee, Plex, YouTube, Pluto TV.