Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” During this difficult and historical time in our world’s history, it’s important to keep the mind active, alive, and learning amid the temporary school closures. Instead of letting worry or fear fill your household, take the time to appreciate having family around you. And take advantage of all the wonderful content out there available to stream!
We’ve curated a list of some of the best family-friendly and educational films that you and your loved ones can enjoy during this time. Happy streaming!
America’s Musical Journey
A cross-country journey celebrating the unique diversity of America’s musical heritage.
- Available for streaming on: YouTube (free) (as well as Apple TV and GoUSA TV via Roku).
- An educator guide is also available.
Coral Reef Adventure
Two filmmakers travel the world documenting the planet’s coral reefs and the creatures that call them home.
- Available for streaming on: Amazon Prime
- An educator guide is also available.
Dolphins
A playful, up-close look at the dolphins of Alaska, Patagonia and the Bahamas.
- Available for streaming on: Amazon Prime
- An educator guide is also available.
Dream Big
This inspiring celebration of innovations big and small and the amazing engineers behind them will change how you think about engineering.
- Available for streaming on: Vimeo on Demand
- An educator guide and educational videos are also available.
Humpback Whales
A journey into the mysterious world of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring marine mammals.
- Available for streaming on: Vimeo on Demand
- An educator guide and educational videos are also available.
National Parks Adventure
The ultimate off-trail adventure into the nation’s untamed wilderness in places like Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and many more.
- Available for streaming on: Vimeo on Demand
- An educator guide and educational videos are also available.
The Living Sea
Celebrates the beauty and wonder of the ocean as it explores our relationship with this complex and fragile environment.
- Available for streaming on: Amazon Prime
Van Gogh: Brush with Genius
A moving look at the artist’s journey from the time of his first canvases at age 27 to his death 9 years later—a period during which he painted more than 900 paintings.
- Available for streaming on: Amazon Prime
Poster JPG art for each film is available to download for your use here. Feel free to download the art to use on your own social channels if you’d like to share the film links.
We’d also like to recommend the following educational films for Netflix and Disney+ subscribers.
Growing Up Wild
Five baby animals from different parts of the world grow up learning to survive in the wild, nurtured by the love and guidance of their families.
- Available for streaming on: Netflix
Waterschool
Six young women, who each live near one of Earth’s major rivers, share how the Waterschool environmental education program has impacted their lives.
- Available for streaming on: Netflix
The Imagineering Story
Given unprecedented access, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker, Leslie Iwerks, leads the viewer on a journey behind the curtains of Walt Disney Imagineering, the little-known design and development center of The Walt Disney Company, to discover what it takes to create and build Disney theme parks around the world.
- Available for streaming on: Disney+
Brain Games
The Emmy® Award nominated Brain Games features interactive games and experiments designed to mess with your mind and reveal the inner-workings of our brain, exploring the science of perception, memory, attention, illusion, stress, morality, and much more.
- Available for streaming on: Disney+
Science Fair
Nine high school students from around the globe navigate rivalries, setbacks, and hormones on their quest to compete at the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair.
- Available for streaming on: Disney+
Do you have a favorite family-friendly or educational film that didn’t make the list? Tell us about it in the comments below.