20 Educational Movies for Kids: Best Learning Movies for Children

Are you looking for movies that can help your child learn something new?

Then, educational movies for kids can be a great addition to your child's cognitive and vocabulary development.

Learning movies for kids and documentaries introduce new ideas, spark curiosity, and help to gain knowledge in an engaging way.

So let us explore age-appropriate movies for children combined with fun learning and lessons to take away from each movie.

What are educational movies for kids?

Educational movies for kids are a combination of entertaining and meaningful learning experiences. While keeping children engaged throughout the storyline, characters and advantages of these movies introduce children to valuable concepts, skills, and life lessons.

Unlike in other movies, in educational movies, children learn through narrating a story and learning through the use of imagery. They assist young learners in investigating science, technology, nature, history, culture, feelings, and social relations in a well-informed and participatory manner, instead of a strict manner.

The films assist the kids in developing their imagination, compassion, intellect and problem-solving skills.

The technology, engineering and math stories of children make them closer to the disciplines with characters that the kids can relate to. Emotional intelligence and strength are developed in children through themes and documentaries on the environment.

By making educational films for children, one of the most effective and enjoyable ways of promoting lifelong learning with love is achieved.

20 educational movies for kids by age

The top twenty educational movies for kids across all ages are mentioned below:

1. Ages 3-5 (Preschool)

Children from the age of 3 to 5 years begin to learn through content which has engaging stories, colourful animation, memorable characters, and simple lessons. Learning movies help children develop emotional awareness, curiosity, empathy, and early problem-solving skills while keeping them entertained and engaged.

Let us look at educational movies for children.

1.1 Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird (1985) – G

One-line plot: When Big Bird runs away with Dodos in a foster family far away from Sesame Street, he experiences a journey that is a nationwide trip to see the people that call him home.

What kids learn: This film gives children an idea of what a real family is, what it is like to be a part of it, and the value of diversity.

Best for: This movie is considered best for families with young children and preschoolers.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video will be one of the most suitable streaming platforms to view the film.

Conversation starter:

This movie discusses what makes an individual feel comfortable and what happens to the individual who is not compatible with the other people. It also speaks about inclusion amongst the children.

1.2 The Lorax (2012) – PG

One-line plot: A young boy sets out to find a real tree to impress his dream girl, Audrey and uncovers the story of a once-beautiful forest that disappeared because of human greed.

What kids learn: This animated movie teaches children about the importance of protecting the environment, corporate greed, and promotes sustainable lives.

Best for: This movie is best to watch as a fun family movie night and for young viewers who enjoy watching nature and are curious about the environment.

Where to watch: The movie is available on JioCinema. Based on the region, you can rent it on Apple TV.

Conversation starter: What is that one thing we can do today to help protect our environment?

1.3 Finding Nemo (2003) – G

One-line plot: This family adventure follows an overprotective father’s epic journey to rescue his son. It is a family adventure that can be characterised by a fantastic voyage of an overprotective father, who desires to save his son and who can also address his own phobias.

What kids learn: This film demonstrates how to deal with fear and find resilience and perseverance.

Best for: This is a film that is best watched when it is presented to animal lovers of all ages who would enjoy an animal adventure story.

Where to watch: The movie is available on JioHotstar and also available on Disney+, Hulu, and fuboTV.

Conversation starter: How did Nemo and Marlin show courage during their journey? It speaks about resilience, confronting their fears and living with the unknown.

1.4 Inside Out (2015) – PG

One-line plot: The emotions inside a young girl’s mind work together to help her cope with a major change in her life.

What kids learn: Inside Out teaches that all sorts of emotions are equally important for the healthy expression of feelings.

Best for: This movie is best for young viewers who are beginning to understand different emotions and social situations.

Where to watch: JioHotstar is one of the streaming platforms to watch this animated movie.

Conversation starter: How do you identify and perceive emotions, like sadness, and why is it important to acknowledge these emotions?

2. Ages 6 – 8 (Early elementary)

Children begin to develop critical thinking, communication skills and social-emotional abilities at the age of 6-8. Through films, this age group receives a good life education, culture and environmentalism.

We will take into account some of the film themes relevant to early elementary students.

2.1 WALL-E (2008) – G

One-line plot: Autonomous robot AUTO is dispatched to decontaminate a planet, Earth, which is already polluted and has a new purpose in life as he is provided with a probe searching for plant life.

What kids learn: This movie captures children’s attention on the need to conserve the environment, recycle and be green.

Best for: This movie can be watched by young children and adults.

Where to watch: JioCinema, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video are some of the platforms to watch it.

Conversation starter: What would be the difference if you started to use recycled products?

2.2 Ratatouille (2007) – G

One-line plot: Remy attempts to complete a dream of becoming a world-renowned celebrity chef who works in the kitchen of a restaurant in Paris; however, when he is alone, he is shown in the kitchen of Auguste Gusteau, where he goes into partnership with him to prepare foods that will impress the critics and ultimately save the restaurant.

What kids learn: The movie will educate kids about the importance of working in a team and inspire kids to do things that they love.

Best for: School-aged children, teens and adults will all have a great time viewing this movie.

Where to watch: JioCinema, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play Movies are some of the most popular streaming platforms to watch the movie.

Conversation starter: What did Remy teach about following our dreams?

2.3 Coco (2017) – PG

One-line plot: Miguel accidentally comes to the Land of the Dead and meets his grandfather, one of the greatest singers, who has to unravel the curse to be able to find his way back to the world.

What kids learn: This movie provides children with a lesson on cultural literacy, family history and how communities can preserve the memory of the events of the past.

Best for: This heartwarming family story can be watched by children and adults.

Where to watch: One of the best OTT sites to watch this animated film is JioHotstar.

Conversation starter: Which family tradition of your family would you like to pass on to future generations?

2.4 Up (2009) – PG

One-line plot: As they get to know each other, an old man and a young scout have the idea of going on a trip to South America in a house that runs on balloons.

What kids learn: The film can show children how to handle their feelings, be tough and assist others.

Best for: This film can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Where to watch: The movie can now be watched on JioHotstar.

Conversation starter: What did Carl learn from his adventure?

2.5 Zootopia (2016) – PG

One-line plot: A new rabbit and a fox con artist partner are a police officer who has to solve a mystery.

What kids learn: Kids can gain knowledge about the art of critical thinking, cooperation, diversity, inclusion and a sense of insensitivity to unjust stereotypes and biases.

Best for: Children developing social awareness and analytical thinking skills.

Where to watch: You will be able to watch this animated film on JioHotstar.

Conversation starter: Do not assume something with which you are not familiar.

3. Ages 9 – 11 (Upper elementary)

At 9-11 years, the children are prepared to read stories dealing with real-world problems and problem-solving, scientific breakthroughs, historical events and personal development.

Such movies cause individuals to think critically, sympathise, stay strong and achieve more success in spheres of how science can be implemented in educational and social lives.

Let us look at some of the popular movies for kids.

3.1 Hidden Figures (2016) – PG

One-line plot: Three African American genius mathematicians at NASA are called to the rescue so that they can make one of the first crewed space missions in America possible amidst the Space Race.

What kids learn: The film will open the eyes of children to the need to work as a team, persevere and be diverse in science and innovation.

Best for: This film could be watched by children who are interested in mathematics, space exploration and science.

Where to watch: HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video are among the OTT platforms to watch this movie.

Conversation starter: How did Katherine Johnson use maths to help astronauts travel safely into space?

3.2 October Sky (1999) – PG

One-line plot: A teenager pursues his dream of being a rocket designer, becomes an engineer, and it turns out successfully; yet he had many failures on his way when the Sputnik was launched, he became aware of the possibility of achieving his goal.

What kids learn: This film educates children on the ability to go against the odds and the importance of going on with passion.

Best for: The film can be suitable for young children who love to read about innovation and young would-be scientists.

Where to watch: The movie is available now on JioHotstar. It can also be rented on Amazon Prime Video.

Conversation starter: How we can learn from our own mistakes.

3.3 The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019) – PG

One-line plot: A brilliant young man in Malawi applies science and engineering to create a windmill which will assist in combating a crippling drought in his village.

What kids learn: This movie teaches kids about perseverance, the value of STEM education, and how applying knowledge can solve practical problems.

Best for: The movie can be enjoyed by children interested in science and engineering.

Where to watch: Netflix will be one of the most suitable OTTs to view this movie.

Conversation starter: How does education help solve problems in a community?

3.4 Wonder (2017) – PG

One-line plot: A boy with a different face comes to school for the first time, visits his school, and learns to live with disabilities, friendship and acceptance.

What kids learn: This film will educate children to be diverse, inclusive and kind.

Best for: Children learning to correlate and be conscious of their feelings.

Where to watch: It is featured on some of the OTT platforms, like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV, and Vudu.

Conversation starter: How a small act of kindness makes a difference.

3.5 March of the Penguins (2005) – G

One-line plot: This is a nature documentary on the life of the emperor penguins in Antarctica who survive under those harsh conditions so as to mate and feed their children.

What kids learn: This documentary teaches kids about the need to be committed to something, collaborating and making sacrifices as parents.

Best for: Children interested in wildlife and nature documentaries.

Where to watch: Amazon Video and Google Play Movies are some of the digital platforms to watch this movie.

Conversation starter: What surprised you the most when a penguin was caring for his family?

4. Ages 12+ (Tween/early teen)

The teens and tweens who are older are able to explore more serious ideas, such as history, social justice, world issues and how science has advanced. These films will make young girls understand that there is a possibility that people can make the world a better place.

Let us talk about some of the popular teen movies.

4.1 Apollo 13 (1995) – PG

One-line plot: NASA astronauts and engineers pool their resources in a rescue operation to save the lives of those on board when they are heading back home to Earth after an explosion in an oxygen tank has threatened to ground a mission trip to the moon.

What kids learn: Kids can acquire the importance of teamwork, problem-solving and resilience.

Best for: Students who would like to travel into the world of space and history.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and JioHotstar are some of the platforms where you can stream the movie.

Conversation starter: What do you think helped the astronauts stay calm during difficult situations?

4.2 October Sky (1999) – PG

One-line plot: A teenager follows his dream of designing rockets, becoming an engineer, and it works, but he has numerous failures on his way, as when the Sputnik was launched, he realised that it was possible to achieve his goal.

What kids learn: The lesson that this film imparts is that nothing can defeat hard work and perseverance.

Best for: Aspiring scientists, engineers, and students interested in innovation can watch this movie.

Where to watch: JioHotstar, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video are some of the OTT platforms where you can watch the movie.

Conversation starter: How can being persistent help accomplish a long-term objective?

4.3 Selma (2014) – PG-13

One-line plot: This historical drama follows the 1965 voting rights marches led by Dr Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

What kids learn: The movie is a historical-based movie, which discusses the issue of the civil rights movement, voting rights and equal rights.

Best for: This movie can be viewed by mature tweens and teens who are acquainted with issues related to social justice and history.

Where to watch: Paramount+, Kanopy, Hoopla and on Netflix in international regions. You can rent the movie on Amazon Prime Video.

Conversation starter: What is the way that a good deed can lead to a social change?

4.4 He Named Me Malala (2015) – PG-13

One-line plot: This documentary narrates a tale of Malala Yousafzai and her case in point supporting the rights of girls to have an education in school following her being assaulted by the Taliban.

What kids learn: The documentary teaches children that they can change the world with their voice and pen. It emphasises the role of education, bravery, adaptability and leadership of females.

Best for: Students intrigued by issues of the world, human rights and true-to-life stories.

Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Google Play are some of the digital platforms to watch this movie.

Conversation starter: What do you think is significant about access to education for individual people and communities?

4.5 Won’t You Be My Neighbour? (2018) – PG-13

One-line plot: This documentary discusses both the life and the legacy of Fred Rogers, the man who invented and hosted the children’s TV program called Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood.

What kids learn: The film illuminates how every feeling is right and discusses some of the coping mechanisms for challenging experiences such as grief and anger.

Best for: This movie helps students develop social skills and emotional awareness.

Where to watch: The movie can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, among others.

Conversation starter: How does showing empathy and kindness improve relationships?

Conclusion

Children’s educational films are an ideal blend of educating and entertaining children. Small children are interested in the questions of endurance, compassion, and friendship in movies and documentaries. Some of the themes that promote early childhood development are science and technology.

Thus, it is important to select the appropriate movies to assist in developing critical thinking among children.

Whether your child is interested in science, the environment, or personal growth, the movies featured in this guide help in your child's overall academic and social development.

Frequently asked questions