12 Fascinating Documentaries for Kids

Parents, share your picks for the best documentaries for kids to watch! We're collecting a list of the best family documentary movies and series, perfect for kids who enjoy real-life true stories and amazing animal facts. Recommend and review your favorites below...

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    Pick of the Litter (2018)

    A warm and fuzzy family-friendly documentary following dogs that train to become prestigious seeing eye partners for the blind.

    March of the Penguins (2005)

    Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this classic nature documentary is a hit with kids and adults alike. Watch how Emperor Penguins in the South Pole fight for survival on the coldest continent on Earth.

    Born in China (2016)

    Kelly R:  My family has been watching all of the Disneynature documentaries recently, and this one is my kids' favorite so far. The stories told in these films generally circle around family dynamics and growing up, and the camerawork is always beautiful. You'll recognize well-known voices (this one is narrated by John Krasinski) placing theatrical human storylines on the animal interactions, which can be a little far-fetched for adults but makes them more engaging and relatable for the kids. And like many nature documentaries (and most Disney movies!) note that there are very real and sometimes scary moments that often include loss of a parent.

    Spellbound (2002)

    Shila:  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.

    The Last Man on the Moon (2016)

    Shila:  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."

    Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable (2019)

    Learn how professional surfer, Bethany Hamilton, still chases big waves after surviving a shark attack that left her with one arm at age 13.

    My Octopus Teacher (2020)

    Kelly R:  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!

    The Imagineering Story (2019)

    This documentary series for the whole family shares the history of Walt Disney Imagineering, the innovators who dream up the details of the Disney theme parks around the world.

    He Named Me Malala (2015)

    Shila:  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.

    I Am Bolt (2016)

    Kid-friendly sports documentary following Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt as he approaches competition in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

    Ghost of the Mountains (2017)

    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!

    Mad Hot Ballroom (2005)

    Family documentary chronicling the lives of 4th and 5th graders in NYC as they train in competitive ballroom dance.

Primary photo:   March of the Penguins, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.