11 Educational Movies for Kids Recommended by a Expert Montessori Teacher

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Donna Paul
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Are you looking for educational movies for kids that are available to stream right now?

 

As a Montessori elementary teacher and step-mom, I’m always searching for movies that provide not just entertainment but also valuable teachable moments for young minds. Over the years, I’ve collected various captivating titles that spark curiosity and foster learning. Now, I’m excited to share these movies with you.

 

Beyond the usual blockbuster hits, there’s a wealth of educational films waiting to be discovered by kids. Whether you’re streaming on Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, Disney+, Crave TV, or another platform, there are plenty of educational gems to explore.

 

Here are just a few!

1. Inside Out (2005)

Inside Out.
Image Credit: Disney/Pixar.

 

This is an excellent educational movie for kids because it delves into the complexities of emotions through relatable characters and vibrant animation.

 

By exploring the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley, the film teaches children valuable lessons about emotional intelligence, empathy, and critical thinking. It encourages kids to identify and cope with emotions healthily while providing insight into memory and personality development.

 

Inside Out offers both entertainment and important life lessons for young viewers.

 

Suitable for kids: 6+

 

Run time: 94 minutes

 

2. Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

Akeelah and the Bee (2006).
Image Credit: Out of the Blue… Entertainment.

 

Talk about an inspiring educational movie for kids! Viewers follow the journey of a determined young girl named Akeelah as she competes in a national spelling bee.

 

Through her perseverance and passion for learning, the film teaches valuable lessons about hard work, believing in oneself, and the importance of education. It encourages children to pursue their dreams and embrace their intellectual curiosity while highlighting the rewards of dedication and resilience.

 

Suitable for kids: 8+

 

Run time: 112 minutes

 

3. March Of The Penguins (2005)

Four King Penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) standing together on a beach. Volunteer Point, Falkland Islands.
Image Credit: fieldwork/Shutterstock.

 

Kids get to explore the incredible world of Emperor penguins in this captivating documentary, perfect for elementary-aged children. Through stunning visuals and exciting storytelling, this film reveals how these amazing flightless birds brave tough conditions to care for their babies.

 

As they watch, kids will learn about survival, family, and the wonders of nature. They’ll see how Emperor penguins protect their young with remarkable instincts. Plus, they’ll discover the beauty of Antarctica’s icy landscapes and the animals that call it home.

 

Suitable for kids: 6+

 

Run time: 80 minutes

 

4. What’s on Your Plate (2009)

Sadie at window garden in What’s on Your Plate.
Image Credit:
Planet Green.

 

This thought-provoking documentary follows the journey of two eleven-year-old city kids, Sadie and Safiyah, over a year, and provides insight into food systems in New York City and its surroundings.

 

Through their journey, children will learn about nutrition and sustainable farming practices. This documentary also emphasizes the importance of making informed food choices for their health and the environment.

 

Suitable for kids: 8+

 

Run time: 76 minutes

 

5. Hidden Figures (2016)

Hidden Figures.
Image Credit:
Fox 2000 Pictures.

 

An exceptional educational movie for kids, Hidden Figures showcases the remarkable true story of three African-American women whose contributions were crucial to America’s space missions in the 1950s and 1960s.

 

Beyond its portrayal of scientific achievements, the film addresses themes of gender and racial equality, offering valuable lessons in resilience, determination, and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams. Through their inspiring journey, children are encouraged to challenge stereotypes and embrace their potential

 

Suitable for kids: 10+

 

Run time: 127 minutes

 

6. Dr. Suess’ The Lorax (2012)

The Lorax.
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

 

Through its vibrant animation and compelling storyline, this film encourages children to be mindful of their impact on the natural world and inspires them to take action to protect it. With its advocacy for using resources responsibly and its illustration of the harmful effects of consumerism, kids will leave the film wanting to do more to help the environment.

 

This movie is not only delightful and entertaining for kids to stream but also imparts valuable environmental lessons.

 

Suitable for kids: 6+

 

Run time: 86 minutes

 

7. Wings of Life (2011)

Natural pastel background. Morpho butterfly and dandelion. Seeds of a dandelion flower in droplets of dew on a background of sunrise.
Image Credit: KRIACHKO OLEKSII/Shutterstock.

 

This is a fantastic educational movie for elementary-aged kids, highlighting the crucial role of pollinators like bees, birds, bats, and butterflies. With stunning visuals and narrated by Meryl Streep, it’s an engaging exploration of nature’s intricate web and the importance of biodiversity.

 

Kids in the second plane of development, intrigued by the wonders of the world, will get a kick out of this beautiful film as they learn about the fascinating lives of these essential creatures.

 

Suitable for kids: 6+

 

Run time: 81 minutes

 

8. Science Fair (2018)

Science Fair (2018).
Image Credit: Muck Media.

 

In this documentary about teen participants in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, young innovators take center stage. The film showcases an impressively diverse group of contestants from various economic and ethnic backgrounds, providing an engaging glimpse into their journeys.

 

Viewers are treated to a compelling watch that not only entertains but also inspires science-minded tweens and teens to pursue their STEM goals. As they witness the passion and dedication of these young innovators, viewers are encouraged to explore their own interests in science and engineering.

 

Suitable for kids: 8+

 

Run time: 90 minutes

 

9. Paper Clips (2004)

Paper Clips.
Image Credit: Sergej Borzov/Shutterstock.

 

A remarkable movie for elementary-aged kids to learn about empathy, history, and the power of small acts of kindness, this documentary is set in Whitwell Middle School, Tennessee. It chronicles the inspiring journey of students as they embark on a mission to understand the Holocaust by collecting six million paper clips.

 

Through heartfelt interviews with Holocaust survivors and their own experiences, the students gain profound insights into the atrocities of history and the importance of standing up against discrimination and injustice.

 

Suitable for kids: 8+

 

Run time: 82 minutes

 

10. October Sky (1999)

October Sky.
Image Credit:
Universal Pictures.

 

This captivating educational movie for kids tells the inspiring true story of Homer Hickam’s journey from a small mining town to an aspiring rocket scientist. Set in the 1950s, it follows Homer’s determination to build rockets after witnessing the launch of the Sputnik satellite.

 

With themes of perseverance, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams, this film encourages young viewers to embrace curiosity, overcome obstacles, and reach for the stars.

 

Suitable for kids: 10+

 

Run time: 108 minutes

 

11. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019).
Image Credit: Ilze Kitshoff / Netflix.

 

In this captivating film, viewers witness the incredible journey of a young boy in Malawi during a devastating drought. With nothing but his passion for physics and a determination to help his village, the 14-year-old boy embarks on a remarkable mission to build a wind generator.

 

Through his inspiring story, kids learn valuable lessons about resilience, innovation, and the impact of individual actions, making it a must-watch for budding young minds eager to explore the power of science and human ingenuity.

 

Suitable for kids: 12+

 

Run time: 113 minutes

 

These educational movies are entertaining and perfect for beating the summer brain drain, ideal for weekend viewings, or simply for some good old family bonding. They offer a wide range of educational themes, from nature and science to emotional intelligence and cultural diversity, ensuring that children learn something new while being thoroughly entertained.

 

As a Montessori teacher and step-parent, I’ve witnessed the positive impact educational movies for kids have on learning and development. With these options available to stream now, parents and educators can choose entertaining and educational content that engages young minds and sparks curiosity.

 

Grab some popcorn, settle on the couch, and press play on one of these fantastic films. You’ll be giving your child, and your inner child, a fun and educational viewing experience.

 

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Jim Carrey in The Truman Show (1998),
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

 

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Brid Box.
Image Credit: Netflix.

 

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BRIDGERTON (L to R) REGÉ-JEAN PAGE as SIMON BASSET in episode 108 of BRIDGERTON
Image Credit: LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX.

 

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Ariana Debose HBO Westworld Season 4 - Episode 8.
Image Credit: John Johnson/HBO.

 

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The End of The World.
Image Credit: Netflix.

 

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