50 Educational Movies Perfect for Your Homeschool

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Not all learning has to come from textbooks! Educational movies and documentaries are a fantastic way to reinforce concepts, encourage curiosity, and introduce new ideas in an engaging way.

Whether you’re studying history, science, literature, or the arts, there are plenty of great films to incorporate into your homeschool routine.

And let’s be honest…there are some days when sickness is hanging on, or you just need a break.

On those days, putting one of these movies on is the perfect compromise.

Why Use Educational Movies in Homeschooling?

Movies bring subjects to life in a way that books and lectures sometimes can’t.

They allow students to visualize historical events, explore scientific concepts through animation, and engage with classic literature in a new way. Here are some benefits of using movies in homeschooling:

• Enhances Visual Learning: Some kids retain information better when they can see it in action.
• Encourages Discussion: Movies can prompt meaningful conversations and debates about themes, characters, and real-world applications.
• Breaks Up the Routine: A well-placed movie day can provide a much-needed break from traditional lessons.
• Connects to Other Learning Methods: You can pair a film with related reading, writing assignments, or hands-on projects.

The Best Educational Movies by Subject

Before jumping into the list, I want to strongly suggest you use your own parental discretion when choosing what to watch with your kids.

We all have different standards and tolerances, so please don’t just go into this list and blindly choose a title.

History

History movies help bring the past to life. Whether it’s through dramatizations of real events or documentaries that provide in-depth analysis, these films make history more accessible and memorable.

• Liberty’s Kids (Animated series on the American Revolution)
• The Prince of Egypt (Ancient history, biblical story of Moses)
• Hidden Figures (The story of African American women in NASA)
• Lincoln (The life of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War)
• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (Holocaust education) – *for older children*
• Selma (Civil rights movement and Martin Luther King Jr.)
• Night at the Museum (Fun way to introduce historical figures and events)
• The Greatest Showman (Historical fiction about P.T. Barnum and the circus)
• Gandhi (The story of India’s fight for independence)
• Schindler’s List (Holocaust history for older students)

Science

Science-based movies and documentaries help explain complex topics in a visually engaging way.

• The Magic School Bus (Classic animated series covering various science topics)
• Planet Earth (A breathtaking documentary series about the natural world)
• October Sky (The true story of a boy inspired by space travel)
• Bill Nye the Science Guy (Fun, engaging science lessons for all ages)
• Our Planet (Netflix documentary on environmental science and conservation)
• Apollo 13 (A dramatized account of the NASA space mission)
• Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (Hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, covering the wonders of the universe)
• Wall-E (A creative take on environmental science and sustainability)
• The Lorax (Animated movie with a strong environmental message)
• The Martian (A survival story incorporating real scientific principles)

Literature

Many classic books have been adapted into movies, allowing kids to experience literature in a different way.

• Anne of Green Gables (Based on the classic novel by L.M. Montgomery)
• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis’s fantasy adventure)
• Little Women (A timeless story about family and perseverance)
• The Secret Garden (A beautiful story about healing and friendship)
• To Kill a Mockingbird (A powerful film on justice and morality)
• Harry Potter series (Fantasy literature that sparks imagination and discussion)
• The Hobbit (A visually stunning adaptation of Tolkien’s novel)
• A Wrinkle in Time (A sci-fi adventure with deep themes)
• Bridge to Terabithia (A touching coming-of-age story)
• Matilda (A fun adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book)

Geography & World Cultures

Movies can be a window into different cultures, landscapes, and traditions around the world.

• Coco (Explores Mexican culture and the Day of the Dead)
• Around the World in 80 Days (Classic adventure story featuring global destinations)
• Moana (Teaches about Polynesian navigation and culture)
• The Sound of Music (Set in Austria, highlighting historical and cultural elements)
• National Geographic Documentaries (Various topics on geography and culture)
• The Jungle Book (A fictional but immersive setting based on India’s wildlife)
• Mulan (Based on the legend of the Chinese warrior)
• Ratatouille (A fun introduction to French culture and cuisine)
• Kubo and the Two Strings (A beautifully animated journey into Japanese culture)
• Queen of Katwe (Based on the true story of a young chess prodigy from Uganda)

Art & Music

Expose kids to famous artists, composers, and creative processes through these films.

• Fantasia (A stunning combination of classical music and animation)
• Loving Vincent (A unique animated film about Vincent van Gogh)
• Amadeus (A historical drama about Mozart’s life and music)
• Mr. Holland’s Opus (The impact of music education over a lifetime)
• The Red Balloon (A French short film with artistic storytelling)
• Singin’ in the Rain (Classic musical about Hollywood’s golden age)
• Whiplash (A gripping drama about jazz drumming and dedication)
• The Beatles: Eight Days a Week (A documentary on the legendary band)
• The Sound of Music (Musical and cultural study)
• School of Rock (A fun, music-driven comedy about creativity and passion)

Making the Most of Educational Movies

To get the most out of educational films, try the following ideas:

• Pair with Activities: Have kids write a summary, create artwork, or act out a scene from the movie.
• Discuss Themes: Ask thought-provoking questions about the film’s message, historical accuracy, or scientific concepts.
• Compare to Books: If a movie is based on a book, compare the differences and similarities between the two.
• Use as a Research Starter: Encourage kids to look up more information about the topics presented in the film.

Or…pop some popcorn and just watch them. Sometimes making the most of a movie means being able to rest while you watch it.

Final Thoughts

Educational movies can be a powerful tool in homeschooling when used intentionally. We often paint screen use as all bad when it can actually be used for a lot of good.

In our home, we like to read a family read aloud and once we’ve finished, we see if there’s a movie of it. It’s great fun to compare the book and the movie. Everyone loves to share their thoughts and opinions!