For years, I have struggled with the common parental dilemma of making screen time productive for my kids. It’s a balancing act between allowing them the joy and relaxation of watching movies and ensuring that this time is not just a passive experience but a constructive one as well. That’s why I’ve turned to fun educational movies for kids.
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These movies are more than just fun. They can tell stories about animals, space, history, etc. And the best part? Kids learn without realizing it because they’re having so much fun watching.
I will share a list of super educational movies kids will love in this blog. I picked these movies because they’re just right for kids – they’re fun, interesting, and full of great stuff to learn. So, whether you’re a mom, dad, teacher, or anyone who looks after kids, this list is for you. Let’s make movie time a great time to learn!
1. “Wall-E” (2008)
Sci-fi/Family | 1h 38m |IMDb- 8.4/10 | Disney Hotstar
“Wall-E” is one of the most heartwarming animated educational movies for kids. It is set in a future where Earth has been overrun by trash. The story follows a small waste-collecting robot named Wall-E who embarks on a space journey that ultimately decides the fate of mankind. This movie beautifully combines entertainment with a powerful message about environmental stewardship and our responsibility toward Earth. It’s a visually stunning film that encourages kids to think about sustainability and the impact of their actions on the planet.
Educational Value: Teaches about environmental conservation, the importance of taking care of our planet, and the consequences of waste and consumerism.
Related Reading: Best Educational Kids Shows
2. “Meet the Robinsons” (2007)
Comedy/Family | 1h 35m | IMDb- 6.8/10 |Disney Hotstar
“Meet the Robinsons” is a delightful and imaginative story about a young boy with a passion for inventing. He embarks on a thrilling time-travel adventure, meeting a future family full of eccentric characters and futuristic gadgets. This movie celebrates creativity and innovation, inspiring kids to dream big and think outside the box.
Educational Value: Encourages creativity and scientific thinking through a story about a young inventor.
3. “Hidden Figures” (2016)
Thriller/Drama | 2h 7m | IMDb- 7.8/10 |Disney Hotstar
“Hidden Figures” brings to life the inspiring true story of three brilliant African-American women at NASA who were instrumental in one of history’s greatest operations. The movie beautifully portrays their struggle for recognition and respect in a time of racial and gender discrimination. It’s a powerful and uplifting tale that showcases the impact of intelligence, courage, and determination.
Educational Value: Tells the true story of African-American female mathematicians at NASA, highlighting the importance of math and perseverance.
Related Reading: Best Math Movies for Kids: From Numbers to Narrative
4. “Pele: Birth of a Legend” (2016)
Sport/Thriller | 1h 47m | IMDb- 7.1/10 |Amazon
“Pele: Birth of a Legend” is an inspiring movie that tells the story of Pelé, one of the greatest soccer players ever. From his humble beginnings to becoming a world-famous sports star, this film is a thrilling journey through Pelé’s life. It’s a great example of educational movies for 10 year olds, showing how dedication and hard work can lead to achieving big dreams.
Educational Value: Based on the life of the legendary soccer player Pelé, this film teaches about sportsmanship and history.
5. “The Imitation Game” (2014)
Thriller/War | 1h 54m | IMDb- 8/10 |Amazon
“The Imitation Game” is a fascinating movie about Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who played a key role in World War II. The film dives into his challenges while developing a machine to crack the Enigma code. It’s an excellent choice for educational movies for school, especially for students interested in history and computer science.
Educational Value: While more suitable for older kids, it tells the story of Alan Turing and his role in cracking the Enigma code during World War II.
6. “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” (2014)
Adventure/Comedy | 1h 32m | IMDb- 6.8/10 |Amazon
“Mr. Peabody & Sherman” is a delightful animated movie that takes kids on a time-traveling adventure. Mr. Peabody, a smart dog, and his adopted boy, Sherman, visit different times in history, meeting famous figures and witnessing key events. This movie is perfect if you are looking for educational movies for 5th graders that learning about history exciting and fun.
Educational Value: A fun, animated adventure through various historical events and figures.
7. “Big Hero 6” (2014)
Action/Comedy | 1h 42m | IMDb- 7.8/10 |Disney Hotstar
“Big Hero 6” is an action-packed animated movie about a young boy named Hiro who is a genius in robotics. Along with his lovable robot Baymax and a group of friends, Hiro becomes a superhero to save his city. This film is a fantastic example of a fun educational movie, inspiring kids to explore science and technology in exciting ways.
Educational Value: Focuses on a young robotics prodigy and his adventures, promoting interest in science and technology.
8. “October Sky” (1999)
Thriller/Drama | 1h 47m | IMDb- 7.8/10 |Amazon
“October Sky” is an inspiring movie based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner’s son who dreams of building rockets. Despite many challenges, Homer and his friends work tirelessly to pursue their passion for rocketry. This film is a great educational film that encourages kids to chase their dreams and never give up.
Educational Value: Based on a true story, it inspires interest in rocket science and following one’s dreams despite obstacles.
9. “Spellbound” (2002)
Documentary/Thriller | 1h 35m | IMDb- 7.6/10 |Amazon
“Spellbound” is a fun documentary that follows eight young spellers competing in the National Spelling Bee. This film takes viewers into the intense world of spelling competitions, showing these kids’ hard work and dedication. It’s a great way to show the excitement of learning and the beauty of language.
Educational Value: A documentary following participants in the National Spelling Bee, emphasizing the importance of language and education.
10. “Akeelah and the Bee” (2006)
Documentary/Thriller | 1h 52m | IMDb- 7.4/10 |Amazon
“Akeelah and the Bee” is an uplifting story about Akeelah, a young girl from a tough neighborhood who discovers her talent for spelling. With the help of her coach, she overcame numerous challenges to compete in the National Spelling Bee. This movie is a heartwarming example of how education and perseverance can lead to success.
Educational Value: Tells the story of a young girl’s journey to the National Spelling Bee, highlighting the power of determination and education.
Related Reading: Best Educational Cartoons for Kids
How To Choose The Right Educational Movie For Kids- 7 Things to Look for
Picking the right movie for kids to watch and learn from can be tricky. Here are some simple tips to help you choose the best educational movies for them:
- Think About Their Age: It’s important to pick movies that are right for your child’s age. Little kids enjoy colorful and simple stories, while older kids can handle more complex ideas and plots.
- Look at the Topics: Choose educational films about things your child is interested in. If they love animals, find a movie about nature. A movie about engineering or inventions would be great if they like building things.
- Check the Fun Factor: Learning should be fun! Make sure the movie is not just educational but also entertaining. Kids learn better when they’re enjoying themselves.
- Read Reviews: Look up what other parents or teachers say about the movie. Reviews can tell if a movie is good for learning and if kids like it.
- Balance Entertainment and Learning: The best educational movies mix fun with learning. They should have a good story and teach something new.
- Watch with Them: If you can, watch the movie with your kids. This way, you can talk about what they learned and answer any questions they have.
- Look for Positive Messages: Choose movies that have good lessons about life, like working hard, being kind, or helping others.
By following these simple steps, you can find great movies that are fun and educational for your kids!
We hope this list of best educational movies for kids helps you find the perfect mix of fun and learning for your little ones. Remember, the right movie can turn movie time into a great opportunity for learning and creating lasting memories!
Related Reading: Best Summer Movies for Kids
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What age group are these educational movies suitable for?
These movies are great for a range of ages. Films like “The Great Math Mystery” are perfect for younger kids, while “The Imitation Game” is better for older children. Always check the movie’s rating and content to be sure it’s right for your child.
Can educational movies for kids really help in learning?
Absolutely! Educational movies for kids can make learning fun and engaging. They present information in a story format, which can help kids understand and remember better. Plus, they often inspire curiosity and further exploration of the topics.
How often should I let my kids watch educational movies?
Balance is key. While educational movies are beneficial, it’s also important to limit screen time. Mixing movie watching with other activities like reading, outdoor play, and hands-on learning is a good approach.
What are some good educational movies for kindergarten kids?
For kindergarten kids, movies that are colorful, fun, and simple are best. “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” and “The Great Math Mystery” are great choices. They teach about history and math in a way that’s easy for little ones to understand and enjoy.
What are the best educational movies for 3rd graders?
Third graders will love movies that are a bit more challenging and story-driven. “Big Hero 6” is excellent for introducing concepts of science and technology, while “Akeelah and the Bee” is perfect for language and spelling, all in a fun and engaging way.
