10 Best Documentaries for Children

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Documentaries serve as an amazing tool to educate your kids. The right kid’s documentary will not only entertain your kid but also leave them with some valuable lessons and knowledge.

Best Documentaries for Children

We bring to you some of the best documentaries for children that cover nature, passion, science, and more. Read on! 

1. A Beautiful Planet

Duration:45 Minutes
Directed by:Toni Myers
Best Documentaries for Children

The first on our list of best documentaries for kids is ‘A Beautiful Planet’. This is the perfect documentary for kids who love space and everything related to it. Narrated by Jennifer Lawrence. The documentary consists of footage of earth over 15 months captured by Astronauts aboard the International Space Station. 

Kids get to look at the magnetic beauty of the earth and also get an insight into the everyday lives of astronauts. The documentary is suitable for ages 5 and above.

2. Born to be Wild

Duration:40 Minutes
Directed by:Drew Fellman
Best Documentaries for Children

The next on our list of best documentaries for kids is ‘Born to be Wild’. Narrated by none other than Morgan Freeman, Born to be Wild is a documentary every child and adult should watch. This family-friendly documentary is about two conservationists who adopt and raise displaced animals in Kenya and Borneo. 

This documentary is compelling, poignant, and educational. This documentary teaches kids about empathy, compassion, and the importance of taking care of our nature. This short documentary has many aww-worthy moments and is suitable for any child above 5 years of age.

3. March of the Penguins

Duration:85 Minutes
Directed by:Luc Jacquet
Best Documentaries for Children

This documentary is about one of the most adored birds on the planet- penguins. March of the penguins follows the story of a flock of Emperor penguins marching from their habitat toward the Arctic region. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the documentary is captivating and keeps you engaged.

 This breathtaking piece is a must-watch for kids as it teaches them about animal behaviour and even brushes the topic of mortality. The documentary is suitable for kids above 7 years.

4. A Life on Our Planet

Duration:83 Minutes
Directed by:David Attenborough
Best Documentaries for Children

The next on our list of best educational documentaries for kids is ‘A Life on Our Planet’. It is more than a simple documentary. It is a wake-up call we all needed. Who better to talk about our planet than a man who has visited every continent, and wildlife place, and has watched nature transform for over 50 years? This documentary details Sir David Attenborough’s findings and research on how our planet and wildlife have changed over the years. 

This somber yet hopeful documentary is a must-watch for kids as it teaches them about the importance of preserving nature and educates them on the topic of climate change. This riveting documentary is suitable for kids above 10 years.

5. Imba Means Sing

Duration:75 Minutes
Directed by:Danielle Bernstein
Best Documentaries for Children

This uplifting documentary about Africa’s choir children will have you smiling. This documentary explores the life of 20 members of the African Children’s Choir on their tour to the United States. The audience gets to watch as the kids sing, dance, and indulge in the kid-friendly sports and activities of the Western world.

The documentary also touches upon homesickness and the grim living condition of the kids back home. This piece is suitable for kids above the age of 7 years.

6. Beary Tales

Duration:51 Minutes
Directed by:Lionel Richardson
Best Documentaries for Children

The next on our list of best kids documentaries is ‘Beary Tales’. This absolutely adorable documentary gives you a look into the lives of two bear cubs who were destined to starve had they not been adopted. A man adopts two orphaned bear cubs and acts as their surrogate mom. The kid’s documentary is filled with some adorable and funny moments that will put a smile on your kid’s face. The documentary is suitable for ages above 5 years.

7. Dream Big: Engineering Our World

Duration:42 Minutes
Directed by:Greg MacGillivray
Best Documentaries for Children

Dream Big: Engineering Our World is unlike any other kid’s documentary. This riveting piece introduces young children to the world of engineering and its importance to the world. If your kid has a keen interest in engineering, this is the perfect documentary for them. This STEM theme movie inspires and motivates kids to explore the world of engineering. The documentary is suitable for kids above 8 years.

8. Legends of The Knight

Duration:76 Minutes
Directed by:Brett Culp
Best Documentaries for Children

The next on our list of best documentaries for kids is ‘Legends of the Knight’. It proves that there is great power in storytelling. This stirring documentary is about the lives of men, women, and children who have embraced their inner superheroes just like Batman. The documentary takes you on a journey into the lives of these strong individuals who overcome life’s obstacles and try their best to spread joy.

This piece encourages kids to be their own superheroes, fight their problems, and help others. The documentary is suitable for kids above 6 years.

9. A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story

Duration:78 Minutes
Directed by:Sara Hirsh Bordo
Best Documentaries for Children

This is one of the best inspirational documentaries for kids. This documentary follows the life of Lizzie Velasquez, a charming woman with a rare medical condition. Lizzie suffers from a medical condition that renders her unable to gain weight. A Braveheart gives you an insight into Lizzie’s condition, her struggles against bullying, and her pursuit to become an anti-bullying lobbyist and motivational speaker.

The documentary about this compelling woman teaches kids about self-love and standing up to their bullies. This piece is suitable for kids above the age of 11 years.

 

10. He Named Me Malala

Duration:88 Minutes
Directed by:Davis Guggenheim
CodingHero - 10 Best Documentaries for Children He Named Me Malala

The last on our list of the best documentaries for kids is truly an inspiring one. This documentary gives you a peek into the life of the teen icon Malala Yousafzai. This piece details the events that led up to the Taliban attack on Pakistan teenager Malala for standing up for girls’ education.

It also follows the aftermath of the events and Malal’s impact on the world as she continues to strive for her beliefs. This documentary is suitable for kids above 13 years as it deals with more mature topics.

FAQs

What is considered the best documentary for kids?

Some of the best documentary movies for kids are A Beautiful Planet, Born to be Wild, March of the Penguins, A Life on Our Planet, and Beary Tales.

What are the best inspirational documentaries for kids?

Some of the best inspirational documentary movies for kids are He Named Me Malala, A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story, Dream Big: Engineering Our World, and Imba Means Sing.

Conclusion

These are some of our must-watch documentaries for kids. Do you know of an educational and entertaining documentary that didn’t make our list? Let us know in the comments below!

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