Educational and Inspiring Documentaries for Middle and High School
Visual media is a powerful tool for communicating ideas. Whether you’re learning about a historical figure, a geographical area, or a type of creature, there’s probably a documentary that will engage your child’s interest and accelerate their learning of the topic. Here’s a list of 24 quality documentaries to use in your homeschool.
I’ve included links to watch the documentaries on the applicable streaming service at the time of publication. However, before you pay for movies on a platform you aren’t currently subscribed to, check your local library system. Many of these titles are available to check out from your library, and some can be found on the free Kanopy streaming platform.
The documentaries I’ve listed here are generally family friendly, but as each family has different guidelines, you should use your own discretion regarding these films.
BONUS: Grab a free download with all 24 titles listed for your easy reference! You’ll find the freebie in my printables library.
(Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I use and love or would love to use! For full disclosure details, click here.)
1. Apollo 11
Documentary using archival footage to present the Apollo 11 mission to land on the moon.
Watch Apollo 11 on Amazon Prime Video
2. Chasing Coral
Scientists and underwater photographers seek to document coral reefs and discover why they are disappearing.
Watch Chasing Coral on Netflix
3. The Elephant Queen
Follow an elephant herd on an epic journey across the African savannah.
Watch The Elephant Queen on Apple TV+
4. First Position
Six talented young dancers between 9 and 19 prepare for the Youth American Grand Prix ballet competition.
Watch First Position on Amazon Prime Video
5. Fly Like a Girl
Inspirational stories about historical and contemporary female pioneers in aviation.
Watch Fly Like a Girl on Amazon Prime Video
6. He Named Me Malala
Inspiring story of a teenage girl who famously survived a Taliban attack in Pakistan and subsequently became a voice for the education of girls worldwide.
Watch He Named Me Malala on Amazon Prime Video
7. Jane
Biographical documentary about renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, detailing her story of moving to Africa to study chimpanzees.
8. Jiro Dreams of Sushi
Documentary about Japanese sushi master Jiro Ono and his dedication to excellence.
Watch Jiro Dreams of Sushi on Amazon Prime Video
9. Keep on Keepin’ On
The story of jazz legend Clark Terry (mentor to Miles Davis), and his mentorship of a blind piano prodigy.
Watch Keep on Keepin’ On on Amazon Prime Video
10. The Last Man on the Moon
This documentary focuses on Eugene Cernan, the third and final man to walk on the moon.
Watch The Last Man on the Moon on Amazon Prime Video
11. Let It Snow!
Experience snow like never before with this dive into how snow is formed and the many varieties experienced by people and animals who live in the snowiest places.
Watch Let It Snow! on Amazon Prime Video
12. Life According to Sam
A look at one family’s passionate devotion to find treatments for the rare premature-aging disease progeria.
Watch Life According to Sam on Amazon Prime Video
13. Lost Treasures of the Silk Road
Explore the historical contact between east and west based on recent archaeological findings.
Watch Lost Treasures of the Silk Road on Amazon Prime Video
14. Maidentrip
A 14-year-old girl sets out to become the youngest person ever to sail around the world alone.
15. Miracle Landing on the Hudson
The true story of the dramatic landing by Captain “Sully” Sullenberger of Flight 1549 in New York’s Hudson River.
Watch Miracle Landing on the Hudson on Disney+
16. Mully
An inspiring story of Kenyan Charles Mully, who went from homeless orphan to wealthy businessman, then used his wealth to establish an orphanage and found a nonprofit children’s rescue organization.
Watch Mully on Amazon Prime Video
17. The Social Dilemma
Exploration of the potential dangers of social media usage in our modern society, especially for teens.
Watch The Social Dilemma on Netflix
18. The Speed Cubers
A peek into the unusual world of high-speed Rubik’s-cube type puzzle solving, this story follows the sweet friendship between two champion cubers.
Watch The Speed Cubers on Netflix
19. Spellbound
Academy Award-winning documentary following a group of teens from around the country as they prepare for the National Spelling Bee.
Watch Spellbound on Amazon Prime Video
20. Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale
Nature documentary covering a variety of family packs and herds attempting to survive the dry season in the Kalahari Desert.
Watch Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale on Netflix
21. Under the Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story
A look at the classic board game, Monopoly, and the unique people who are passionate players and collectors of the game.
Watch Under the Boardwalk on Amazon Prime Video
22. Waste Land
Brazilian born artist produces portraits of garbage pickers at the world’s largest landfill in Rio de Janeiro.
Watch Waste Land on Amazon Prime Video
23. Wings of Life
Fascinating look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats, and flowers and their necessity in producing much of the world’s food supply.
Watch Wings of Life on Disney+
24. Young @ Heart
Follow the New England Young @ Heart senior citizens vocal chorus as they cover popular music to the delight of audiences worldwide.
Watch Young @ Heart on Amazon Prime Video
Documentaries for Homeschool Learning
Whether you supplement curriculum with documentaries, let your kids watch them when they’re feeling under the weather, or incorporate them into your weekly or monthly routine, your kids are learning about the world around them while they watch.
If you like the idea of making a documentary part of your regular routine, here are a few ideas:
- turn on a documentary while you eat lunch
- have a Movie (Doumentary) Monday once a month
- try a monthly or weekly Watch It Wednesday
- find documentaries that correspond to whatever topic you’re studying and substitute a documentary for a chapter in a textbook
For more documentary suggestions: 36 Documentaries to Watch with Your Kids
Visit my homeschool resources page for monthly unit study ideas, projects, and homeschool planning help!
Join my mailing list to receive updates when new printable resources are added to the library, plus tips and encouragement for your organized homeschool journey.
You May Also Like…
24 Documentaries to Include in Your Homeschool
