Buzz
My seven-year-old is fascinated by all things non-fiction, from reality shows about building with LEGO to books detailing shark attacks. To further fuel his curiosity about the real world, I’ve been searching for documentaries that will keep him engaged. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of great options. Here are a few of my top recommendations.
Ghosts of the Abyss (2003)
While you might hesitate to show your children the 1997 film Titanic due to some of its intense content, James Cameron has you covered. Together with Bill Paxton, one of the movie's stars, they filmed a dive to explore the wreck of the doomed ship, offering viewers a stunning look at its haunting remains beneath the ocean.
Where to Watch: Available for digital rental
LEGO: A Brickumentary (2014)
Fans of the reality competition show LEGO Masters might recognize Jamie Berard, one of the show’s judges, in this documentary that explores the origins and enduring popularity of the iconic building toy.
Where to Watch: Roku Channel, Kanopy, Digital rental
Camp Courage (2023)
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has caused deep trauma, not only for the soldiers but also for the families living in the conflict zones. This documentary centers on a young girl and her grandmother from the war-torn region, who find refuge at a summer camp in the Alps. With the help of war veterans leading the camp, they begin to heal from their harrowing experiences and build the strength to move forward with their lives.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Apollo 11 (2019)
Featuring previously unseen NASA footage, this documentary offers an epic, larger-than-life portrayal of the mission that took Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the moon. The stunning visuals and gripping scenes could rival any Marvel blockbuster.
Where to Watch: Tubi, Roku Channel, Digital rental
Paper Clips (2004)
In a small town in Tennessee, three middle school teachers wanted to help their students grasp the enormity of the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust. To do so, they asked their students to collect paper clips, each one representing a life. The project quickly expanded, with survivors, celebrities, and politicians joining in to support this powerful educational initiative.
Where to Watch: Digital rental
March of the Penguins (2005)
This French documentary became so well-known that even my kids are familiar with it—and it’s easy to understand why. Two cinematographers captured the incredible annual journey of emperor penguins in Antarctica as they endure harsh conditions to find food for their young. The stunning visuals of their journey even inspired the animated movie Happy Feet.
Where to Watch: Digital rental
Mad Hot Ballroom (2005)
Fifth-grade students in a ballroom dance class at the New York Department of Education share their candid thoughts on their lives, relationships, and the eternal debate of whether boys or girls are the better dancers. This delightful story is told from the students' perspective and builds up to a dance competition where emotions run high, with some leaving victorious and others heartbroken.
Where to Watch: Kanopy, Digital rental
The Last Repair Shop (2023)
Nominated for an Oscar this year, this short documentary takes us behind the scenes at a Los Angeles warehouse where a dedicated team works tirelessly to maintain student instruments. Even if your child isn't passionate about music, watching these skilled craftsmen in action will show them the care and commitment that goes into preserving the instruments.
Where to Watch: YouTube, Hulu, Disney+
The Elephant Queen (2019)
In the African savannah, life revolves around the waterhole, home to everything from dung beetles to lizards. When a drought depletes this crucial resource, a mother elephant leads her family on a perilous 200-mile journey to find another waterhole, in this moving and unforgettable story.
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
Spellbound (2002)
More thrilling than most Hollywood blockbusters, this documentary follows eight contestants in the Scripps National Spelling Bee as they navigate intense pressure, sky-high expectations, drama, and words so long that no one ever uses them. It’s a fascinating and highly entertaining look at the world of competitive spelling.
Where to Watch: Kanopy, Freevee, Digital rental
The Pixar Story (2007)
The backstory of the legendary animation studio may come across as a bit corporate, but at its core, it’s a tale of the unconventional paths we all take to discover our true calling.
Where to Watch: Disney+, Digital rental
Chimpanzee (2012)
As part of Disney’s nature documentary series, this film follows Oscar, a playful young chimpanzee who gets separated from his family. He soon forms a bond with an older chimp named Freddy, who takes Oscar under his wing and cares for him as if he were his own child.
Where to Watch: Disney+, Digital rental
Bully (2012)
It’s hard to watch this film without feeling a deep sense of empathy for the victims of school bullying it follows. However, the documentary also shows parents and children that their voices can bring about real change for those who cannot speak up for themselves.
Where to Watch: Kanopy, Digital rental
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
This Oscar-winning film became a pandemic favorite, and its magic still holds strong even as things (sort of) return to normal. A free diver forms an unexpected bond with an octopus in a kelp forest, learning about her underwater world and the life lessons about survival and family that we all need.
Where to Watch: Netflix
