15 Fascinating Documentaries That Are Family Friendly
Looking for family-friendly documentaries that are entertaining and inspiring?
Watching these stories with your kids can spark curiosity, teach resilience, and offer a glimpse into some of the most fascinating parts of our world.
From adorable animals and space adventures to brave young heroes and daring explorers, these picks are perfect for family movie nights. Dive in and enjoy learning together!
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Awesome Family-Friendly Documentaries To Watch With Kids
1. The Dinosaurs (2026, TV-PG, 4 Episodes)
Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this epic series takes you through the dinosaurs’ 165 million years on Earth and the forces that shaped how they evolved.
Why kids will love it: Dinosaurs! Gigantic, fierce, and fascinating, and perfect for dino enthusiasts.
Where to watch: Netflix
2. Our Universe (2022, TV-PG, Limited Series)
Join an incredible journey through billions of years of our universe’s story and see how it’s all connected to life here on Earth in this epic documentary series.
Why kids will love it: Stunning visuals of planets, stars, and animals that make science feel like an adventure.
Where to watch: Netflix
3. Secrets of the Whales (2021, TV-PG, 1 Season)
Shot over three years in 24 different locations, this journey dives into the world of whales, showing life and love through their eyes while exploring the fascinating cultures of orcas, belugas, narwhals, sperm whales, and humpbacks.
Why kids will love it: Amazing whale behaviors, family bonds, and underwater adventures.
Where to watch: Disney+
4. The Speed Cubers (2020, Not Rated, 40 mins)
The Speed Cubers follows the inspiring story of two world-class Rubik’s Cube champions, Max and Feliks, whose rivalry turns into a deep friendship. This short documentary explores their journeys, the intense world of competitive cubing, and how they push each other to be their best both on and off the stage.
Why kids will love it: Mind-blowing cubing tricks and a story about friendship and teamwork.
Where to watch: Netflix
5. Chimpanzee (2012, G, 1hr 8min)
This captivating documentary reveals the remarkable journey of a baby chimpanzee, Oscar. He is left to fend for himself until a surprising ally steps in to change his life.
Where to Watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV
6. Back to The Titanic (2020, TV-PG, 44min)
Back to the Titanic chronicles the first manned dives to the Titanic in almost 15 years.
A team of experts uses a specially designed sub to capture stunning 4K footage of the Titanic, letting them study how it’s decaying. They build the most detailed model of the wreck ever made to bring Titanic’s stories to life. They also set up a platform on the seafloor to predict the ship’s future.
Where to Watch: Disney+
7. Apollo: Missions To The Moon (2019, TV-PG, 1hr 35min)
In the late 1960s, the United States space program was on the brink of achieving its dream of landing a man on the Moon. A journey that began years earlier.
This documentary tells the story of Project Apollo—12 years, 12 manned missions, and one large goal. Featuring rare archival footage and audio, it provides a fresh perspective on this extraordinary chapter in human history.
Where To Watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV
8. The Elephant Queen (2018, PG, 1hr 36 min)
Journey with Athena as she leads her elephant herd across Africa. They must leave their home to find safety.
Where to Watch: Apple TV and Amazon Prime
9. Epic Adventures With Bertie Gregory (2022, 1 season)
Bertie Gregory embarks on an adventurous journey around the world showcasing the natural world.
Why kids will love it: It’s full of energy and fun facts.
Where to Watch: Disney+
10. My Octopus Teacher (2020, TV-PG, 1hr 30min)
A filmmaker makes an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest. Throughout the friendship, he learns about the mysteries of her world.
Where to Watch: Netflix
11. Weird But True! (2016, 3 Seasons)
Explore weird but true topics in each episode to try and discover answers about the world. From extreme weather to animals, kids love discovering these weird but true facts.
Why kids will love it: Fun facts, weird science, and lots of “wow, really?!” moments.
Where To Watch: Disney+
12. Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight (2024, TV-14, 1 Season)
This is the story of Columbia’s final mission, told in gripping detail. From the months leading up to the troubled launch, through the sixteen days in orbit, to the investigation after the tragic loss of all seven astronauts.
Where to watch: HBO Max, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime with subscription
13. Limitless With Chris Hemsworth (2022, TV-14, 6 epsidoes)
Join Chris Hemsworth on an extraordinary journey to uncover the secrets to living healthier and longer.
With guidance from top-notch experts, he’s challenging himself to break new boundaries in an effort to prevent the ailments of aging.
Why older kids & teens will love it: Fun experiments, challenges, and seeing a superhero actor try crazy things.
Where to Watch: Disney+
14. He Named Me Malala (2015, PG-13, 1hr 28min)
This documentary follows an assassination attempt by the Taliban on Pakistani teenager Malala Yousafzai for her advocacy of girls’ education. She rises as a prominent champion for children’s rights and becomes the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Where to Watch: YouTube or Apple TV
15. Free Solo (2018, PG-13, 1hr 40 min)
Professional rock climber Alex Honnold attempts to conquer the first free solo climb of El Capitan’s 900-meter vertical rock face at Yosemite National Park.
Why older kids & teens will love it: Thrilling climbing, bravery, and jaw-dropping feats of human skill.
Where to Watch: Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
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