40 Engaging Historical Movies for Kids That Are Both Fun and Educational

40 Historical Films Your Children Will Love

If your kids roll their eyes at the thought of watching anything based on real events, these captivating and informative films are sure to change their minds.

By Kelly Schremph
Updated by Julie Sprankles
Updated: Feb. 5, 2025
Originally Published: June 7, 2022

When you’re young, the concept of learning about history can often seem dull. Fortunately, there are plenty of historical films that can both entertain and educate your children about significant events. From the journeys of real-life inventors to the adventures of legendary heroes, Hollywood has a wealth of material to draw from. The challenge, however, is to find movies that are suitable for kids without exposing them to overly dark themes. After all, while learning about history is important, some parts of it need to be approached with care.

How can you tell which historical films are appropriate? Ultimately, the choice rests with each parent, but having a curated list of suggestions can make the experience enjoyable and enlightening for the whole family. Keep in mind that many films take creative liberties, so finding ones that are entirely accurate can be tricky. Nevertheless, there are plenty of valuable lessons to be gleaned from these cinematic experiences.

So, if you’re on the lookout for films that provide a fun and educational glimpse into the past, check out the following selections.

Family-Friendly Historical Films to Start With:

An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has To Win (2016)
This film tackles the topic of racial injustice during the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of Melody Ellison (Marsai Martin), a young African-American girl. It presents themes of hope and resilience within her community.
The Sound of Music (1965)
While it features a love story, this classic also addresses the Nazi takeover of Austria during World War II, highlighting the bravery of those who stood to resist.
The Prince of Egypt (1998)
A powerful retelling of Moses’s journey to free his people from slavery in Egypt, complete with an amazing soundtrack featuring artists like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.
Night at the Museum (2006)
While the premise of museum exhibits coming to life is fictional, it provides an entertaining way for kids to learn about historical figures.
Red Tails (2012)
This action-packed drama tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military pilots in the U.S., and is filled with themes of courage and camaraderie.
A League of Their Own (1992)
Starring Tom Hanks and Geena Davis, this film chronicles the true story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and what it represents in sports history.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Based on true events, this film follows three Black female mathematicians at NASA who played crucial roles in the U.S. space program during the 1960s.
The Diary of Anne Frank (1959)
This classic adaptation of Anne Frank’s story maintains the essence of her experience during WWII, making it a meaningful educational experience.

More Historical Films for Older Kids:

Ruby Bridges (1998) — PG, ages 10+
Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History (2019) — TV-PG, ages 10+
Apollo 13 (1995) — PG, ages 12+
Miracle (2004) — PG, ages 8+
McFarland, USA (2015) — PG, ages 10+

For additional engaging films, consider checking out more options on platforms like Make a Mom’s resource page. You might also find useful information on What to Expect When You Have Your First IUI.

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In summary, these films offer a mix of entertainment and education, making history approachable for kids. They cover various topics, ensuring that there’s something for every interest.

Keyphrase: Engaging Historical Movies for Kids
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