Best Documentaries for Kids

Shila said:  This is a heartwarming and inspirational documentary following dogs that train to become prestigious seeing eye partners for the blind.

Shila said:  Under heavy pressure from parents, teachers, and hometown fans, get a glimpse behind Scripps' National Spelling Bee youth competitors. Watch how these young and incredibly hard-working children advance toward the Olympic championship of spelling competitions.

Shila said:  Turtles are one of the most ancient creatures on Earth. This documentary puts a spotlight on this 100 million year marine legend.

Shila said:  "March Of The Penguins" is a nature documentary by filmmaker Luc Jacquet and narrated by Morgan Freeman. Watch how Emperor Penguins in the South Pole triumph in the coldest continent on Earth. It is fascinating to watch how these penguins huddle with morality, delicately care for their young, and journey miles upon miles for food one waddle at a time.

Shila said:  Learn how professional surfer, Bethany Hamilton, still chases the strongest of waves after surviving a shark attack that left her with one arm at age 13.

Shila said:  Would you ever want to visit the moon? What mark you leave up there? What would you bring anything back? This documentary can open up a lot of conversation starters with kids! Astronaut Eugene Cernan shares his personal story with audiences in "The Last Man on the Moon."

Shila said:  This Disneynature film takes audiences to meet China's pandas, golden monkeys and snow leopards. Being as rare as they are, filmmakers have proudly captured up-close scenes that help showcase these magnificent wild animals to the world.

Lisa R said:  On Pointe follows a group of students studying at the American School of Ballet over the course of a year, from their first class until their final performance of the Nutcracker. The students range from 8 to teen and come from a variety of backgrounds.

Kelly R. said:  This is a truly amazing and kid-friendly Netflix documentary about a man who befriends an octopus off the coast of South Africa. It gives a whole new understanding of how incredible these creatures are...we were captivated!

Shila said:  Check out these amazing US attractions to visit with kids on the big screen! Go off-trail and soar over majestic canyons, mountain peaks and more. This adventurous expedition shines the light on legendary US national parks, including Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Yosemite, and Arches.

Shila said:  Pakistani teenager, Malala Yousafzai, is the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. Once shot for speaking up, she continues to never quit advocating for human rights.

Shila said:  Big Miracle is based on the true story, in 1988, when 3 gray whales were discovered dramatically stranded off the frozen coast of Barrow, Alaska. Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski depict actual real life characters most integral in this international news story.

It's produced as a fictional family film, but I found it to be a bit bigger than that! My kids asked many questions thereafter which convinced me that it was a good documentary-based movie to watch. I recommend it for older kids who can comprehend the gravity of risk, heroism, environmental activism, culture - and perhaps a little Cold War history, too!

Note: a few (tame) swear words are thrown out, and there is the deep, ongoing concern of loss throughout the entire movie.

Shila said:  How about a documentary on summer camp for girls (ages 8-18) who love rock and roll? Watch the transformation in these kids and appreciate the power of music.

Shila said:  This documentary takes Dancing With The Stars to a new level! It chronicles the lives of young and very talented kids in NYC training for a top competition in various dance styles: Latin, foxtrot, merengue, rumba.

Shila said:  Disneynature filmmakers traveled to the highest plateau on Earth to document the elusive life of snow leopards in the wild. And, they are not easy to find!