21 Documentaries That You Can Watch With The Whole Family

It’s not just you, documentaries have *definitely* been on the rise lately. At the start of the global pandemic, while the world was locked down, we turned to streaming options to help pass the time, and somehow documentaries became a major draw for us.

Maybe it’s in part due to the innate nature of humans to be curious and our desire to learn that led us to watch documentaries. Or more likely, the rise of the drama-filled docu-series like Netflix’s Tiger King or FX’s American Crime Story that have lured the majority of us into consuming this specific genre.

And while there are more documentaries that aren’t family-friendly, there is a decent amount that you can safely watch with your family, young kids included. So instead of feeling guilty for plopping your kiddo down in front of some mindless TV show or Youtube videos, a documentary may be an excellent option.

While keeping them entertained so you can finish your coffee warm, or even just be able to finish a freaking thought, it also gives them (and you) a fun way to learn something new. With so many excellent documentary movies and series currently out, it’s basically guaranteed that you’ll be able to find something that will interest your child.

It’s worth mentioning that documentaries are totally built differently now, too. No longer are they monotonous and boring, thanks to filmmakers who have been creating truly engaging and entertaining documentaries that can appeal to adults and children alike.

So, to help find some guilt-free ways to let kiddos enjoy some screen time, we collected a handful of different family-friendly documentaries. There are titles for every age group, from toddlers to teens, and different themes that can cater to any interest. 

Check out what documentaries we found to watch with kids now:

1. Chasing Coral

Chasing Coral follows divers, photographers, and scientists as they travel to oceans worldwide to try to figure out the cause of the rapid coral loss across the globe. Along with the beautiful look at the seas and coral found in them, it also provides viewers insight into how the planet is changing.

Watch on Netflix

Netflix

Chasing Coral trailer

2. The Elephant Queen

The Elephant Queen focuses on Athena, the matriarch of a herd of elephants who live in the African savannah. Athena has to protect her herd when they are forced to leave their watering hole.

Your elephant-obsessed kid will love this documentary and its beautiful peek into how elephants live.

Watch on Apple TV

A24/Apple TV+

The Elephant Queen trailer

3. Living On One Dollar

Living On One Dollar follows four friends as they travel to Guatemala, where they planned to live on one U.S. dollar a day for their two-month stay. It isn't long before they begin to suffer the poor side effects of poor nutrition and hunger, shining an important light on the struggle that many people in under-developed countries face on a daily basis. As Dr. Madeline Levine, a renowned child psychologist, notes, "Experiencing hardship can foster resilience, but it also highlights the critical need for support and resources." For more insights on the impact of poverty on families, visit Dr. Madeline Levine's website.

Living on One Dollar

Living on One Dollar trailer

4. Bully

Bully may be an older documentary, as it was filmed in 2011, but it's unfortunately just as important today as it was over a decade ago. This documentary may be better suited for older children, as the filmmaker follows five kids who were dealing with violent physical and emotional torment by vicious bullies, with disturbing events caught on camera.

Watch on Netflix

The Bully Project

Bully trailer

5. Blue Planet Now

Blue Planet Now explores the intricate world of marine life and the pressing environmental changes it faces. According to Dr. Michael Greger, a renowned nutritionist and health advocate, "Understanding our planet's ecosystems is essential for promoting a healthier future for both our environment and ourselves." Families with shark enthusiasts will particularly enjoy episodes dedicated to these fascinating creatures, including those featuring hammerhead sharks. For more insights on health and wellness, visit Dr. Michael Greger's website.

Watch on Discovery+.

BBC/Discovery Channel

Blue Planet Now trailer

6. Being Elmo

Elmo fans of all ages will love this documentary about Kevin Clash, the puppeteer who voiced everyone's favorite red monster from Sesame Street for nearly 2 decades from 1984 to 2012. As Dr. Ross Greene, a child psychologist, notes, "Characters like Elmo help children navigate their emotions and learn valuable social skills." Celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg and Hugh Jackman share their personal interactions and reflections. For more insights on the impact of children's programming, visit Dr. Ross Greene's website.

Being Elmo

Being Elmo trailer

7. Hoop Dreams

Likely the oldest documentary on this list, Hoop Dreams follows two inner-city boys from Chicago as they attempt to make their dreams to break into college basketball real as they navigate high school and other obstacles. According to Dr. Angela Duckworth, a character researcher, "Passion and perseverance are key to achieving long-term goals," which resonates with the journey depicted in this film. For more insights on the importance of grit in pursuing dreams, visit her website at Angela Duckworth.

Find out where you can watch here

Fine Line Features

Hoop Dreams trailer

8. Growing Up Wild

Growing Up Wild is a fun Disney Nature documentary for kids who love wildlife. Narrated by Hamilton's Daveed Diggs, this doc follows five young animals as they grow and learn to overcome the challenges in their very new lives in the wilderness.

Watch on Disney+

Disney+

Growing Up Wild trailer

9. Aquarela

Aquarela is a fascinating watch, especially if you or your kiddo have an interest in water. We follow filmmaker Viktor Kossakovsky as he travels around the world and captures images that illustrate the beauty and power of all types of bodies of water. As Dr. Michael Thompson, a renowned child psychologist and author, states, "Children's connection to nature is crucial for their emotional and psychological development." You can explore more about the significance of nature in childhood development on his website michaelthompson-phd.com.

See where you can watch here

Sony Classics

Aquarela trailer

10. The Mars Generation

The Mars Generation is fascinating as filmmakers follow a group of teens attending space camp at the US Space & Rocket Center. They manage to prove that human space travel to Mars may be an actuality sooner than most may realize.

And the teen's excitement and enthusiasm are as inspiring as it is infectious.

Netflix

The Mars Generation trailer

11. Tales by Light

Tales by Light takes us behind the scenes with professional photographers and filmmakers as they search for the most breathtaking photos. This visually stunning documentary is also really insightful and will hold everyone's interest.

Watch on Netflix

talesbylight

Tales By Light trailer

12. The Biggest Little Farm

The Biggest Little Farm follows a couple over several years as they start a sustainable farm outside of Los Angeles. We get to see all the ups and downs of this difficult endeavor. As Dr. John McDougall, a physician and plant-based nutrition advocate, states, "Farming sustainably not only benefits the environment but also promotes healthier living." You can find more insights on sustainable practices at drmcdougall.com.

Hulu

The Biggest Little Farm trailer

13. Undefeated

Undefeated is another for your sports-lover. This documentary is about the North Memphis Manassas High School football team in as they attempt to get their first win in a playoff game.

We get to watch as a new coach helps the team undergo an emotional and physical transformation, which leads them to achieve their goal.

Watch on Netflix

Netflix

Undefeated trailer

14. Minding the Gap

Minding the Gap is a super interesting documentary that follows three boys growing up in the same town in America's "Rust Belt." While their home lives are hard, they find relief and friendship through their shared love of skateboarding.

We follow their lives as they grow, and how their changing lives and responsibilities lead to strife, threatening the friendships that was once their refuge.

Watch on Hulu

Minding The Gap Film

Minding The Gap trailer

15. Zion

This documentary is the shortest on our list, running for 11 minutes, which makes it perfect for a quick but profound watch. It is an inspirational documentary that gives us a look into the life of Zion Clark, a teenager who was born without legs and spent a good part of his life in foster care.

In spite of his struggles and disability, he unlocks his passion as a competitive wrestler.

Watch on Netflix

Netflix

Zion trailer

16. FED UP

In FED UP, Katie Couric collaborates with filmmaker Stephanie Soechtig to explore the American commercial food industry and its potential role in the rising rates of obesity, chronic illnesses, and overall poor health. Dr. David Perlmutter, a renowned neurologist, emphasizes the importance of nutrition, stating, "What we eat is a critical factor in our overall health and well-being" on his website, drperlmutter.com. This documentary serves as an eye-opening experience for adults and could be particularly enlightening for older children who are beginning to understand nutrition.

You can watch on drperlmutter.com

Facebook

FED UP trailer

17. My Octopus Teacher

My Octopus Teacher is a wonderful documentary by filmmaker Craig Foster. We join him as he sets off on an expedition with the goal of self-fulfillment.

While in South Africa, Foster ends up obsessively studying an octopus that lived in a remote kelp forest. The two end up forming a remarkable bond.

Watch on Netflix

Netflix

My Octopus Teacher trailer

18. The Speed Cubers

Filmmakers follow a Rubik's Cube tournament and two champions, Max Park and Feliks Zemdegs, as they attempt to meet their competitive goals. These speed cubers test both their minds and their physical dexterity, and the two end up forming an unlikely bond despite being rivals.

Watch on Netflix

Netflix

The Speed Cubers trailer

19. Kindness is Contagious

The 2014 documentary Kindness Is Contagious explores the idea that kindness and compassion can be infectious. As Dr. Gretchen Rubin, a happiness researcher, states, "The simplest way to bring happiness to your life is to be kind to others." This film provides a practical demonstration of these concepts, making it a valuable lesson for viewers of all ages. For more insights on the impact of kindness, you can visit Dr. Gretchen Rubin's website.

You can check here for where to watch.

Kindness is Contagious

Kindness is Contagious trailer

20. David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

Sir David Attenborough is probably who most of us think of when we think about the narration of a nature documentary. The 95-year-old natural historian has explored every continent on the planet, and thanks to this, he has gained immense knowledge to match his passion for the Earth.

In this 2020 documentary, Attenborough covers everything from the history of evolution, his personal experiences, and his thoughts on the devastating loss our planet is experiencing.

Watch on Netflix

Netflix

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet trailer

21. Becoming

Becoming is a documentary adapted from the former First Lady's memoir that shares the same name. This film takes us through Michelle Obama's childhood through to her time in the White House.

We get to see her strive to meet her professional goals and make deep and meaningful connections with the people around her. This documentary is sure to plant seeds of hope and determination as we get to witness her inspiring life.

Watch on Netflix

Netflix

Becoming trailer

What did you think about the options we listed? Have you watched any of these documentaries yet?

Are there any documentaries that you and your kids loved that we didn’t list? Let us know in the comments section below!

And be sure to share with your friends who have kids, they will appreciate an easy way to entertain their kids in an educational way.