Documentaries for kids

by abasicdrive | created - 15 Jun 2015 | updated - 19 Jun 2015 | Public
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1. A Place at the Table (2012)

PG | 84 min | Documentary

68 Metascore

A documentary that investigates incidents of hunger experienced by millions of Americans, and proposed solutions to the problem.

Directors: Kristi Jacobson, Lori Silverbush | Stars: Jeff Bridges, Tom Colicchio, Ken Cook, Mariana Chilton

Votes: 1,236 | Gross: $0.23M

2. Walking with Dinosaurs 3D (2013)

PG | 87 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy

37 Metascore

See and feel what it was like when dinosaurs ruled the Earth, in a story where an underdog dino triumphs to become a hero for the ages.

Directors: Barry Cook, Neil Nightingale | Stars: Charlie Rowe, Karl Urban, Angourie Rice, John Leguizamo

Votes: 11,882 | Gross: $36.08M

3. Batkid Begins: The Wish Heard Around the World (2015)

PG | 87 min | Documentary, Biography, Family

63 Metascore

On one day, in one city, the world comes together to grant one 5 year old cancer patient his wish. Batkid Begins looks at the 'why' of this flash phenomenon.

Director: Dana Nachman | Stars: Miles Scott, Eric Johnston, Nick Scott, Natalie Scott

Votes: 1,785 | Gross: $0.07M

4. The Dream Is Now (2013)

31 min | Documentary, Short

Both moving and thought-provoking, The Dream is Now brings this pressing issue to America's attention, where we can all debate, discuss, and decide for ourselves what is right, what is fair, and what is best for our nation.

Director: Davis Guggenheim

Votes: 26

5. Blackfish (2013)

PG-13 | 83 min | Documentary

83 Metascore

A documentary following the controversial captivity of killer whales, and its dangers for both humans and whales.

Director: Gabriela Cowperthwaite | Stars: Tilikum, Dave Duffus, Samantha Berg, Dean Gomersall

Votes: 72,485 | Gross: $2.07M

6. Bully (I) (2011)

PG-13 | 98 min | Documentary

74 Metascore

A documentary on peer-to-peer bullying in schools across America.

Director: Lee Hirsch | Stars: Alex Libby, Lona Johnson, Kelby Johnson, Bob Johnson

Votes: 10,543 | Gross: $4.04M

7. Chasing Ice (2012)

PG-13 | 75 min | Documentary, Biography

75 Metascore

Follow National Geographic photographer James Balog across the Arctic as he deploys time-lapse cameras designed for one purpose: to capture a multi-year record of the world's changing glaciers.

Director: Jeff Orlowski-Yang | Stars: James Balog, Svavar Jónatansson, Louie Psihoyos, Kitty Boone

Votes: 8,866 | Gross: $1.33M

8. Food, Inc. (2008)

PG | 94 min | Documentary, News

80 Metascore

An unflattering look inside America's corporate controlled food industry.

Director: Robert Kenner | Stars: Michael Pollan, Eric Schlosser, Richard Lobb, Vince Edwards

Votes: 52,229 | Gross: $4.42M

9. Miss Representation (2011)

Not Rated | 85 min | Documentary

Explores the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America, and challenges the media's limited portrayal of what it means to be a powerful woman.

Director: Jennifer Siebel Newsom | Stars: Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Jean Kilbourne, Jim Steyer, Katie Couric

Votes: 3,866

10. Waste Land (2010)

Not Rated | 99 min | Documentary

78 Metascore

On the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro is Jardim Gramacho, the world's largest landfill, where men and women sift through garbage for a living. Artist Vik Muniz produces portraits of the workers and learns about their lives.

Directors: Lucy Walker, Karen Harley, João Jardim | Star: Vik Muniz

Votes: 9,362 | Gross: $0.19M

11. The Square (2013)

Not Rated | 95 min | Documentary, Drama, History

84 Metascore

A group of Egyptian revolutionaries battle leaders and regimes, risking their lives to build a new society of conscience.

Director: Jehane Noujaim | Stars: Ahmed Hassan, Khalid Abdalla, Magdy Ashour, Ramy Essam

Votes: 9,405 | Gross: $0.12M

12. American Genius (2015– )

Documentary, History

Documentaries about great American thinkers, and how their ideas have changed the world.

Stars: Jeff Wilburn, Benjamin Loeh, John S. Howell Sr., Nicholas Augusta

Votes: 617

13. Time Traveling with Brian Unger (2015– )

Learn the history of America's famous landmarks on this tour through time.

Stars: Brian Unger, Tara Levine, Christopher Kurzer, Susan White

Votes: 35

14. StarTalk (2015– )

47 min | Talk-Show

Famed astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses science and pop culture with notable guests.

Stars: Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye, Chuck Nice, Charles Liu

Votes: 797

15. The Big Picture with Kal Penn (2015– )

Documentary

A variety of topics are analyzed using interviews and data collection to create information maps with statistics.

Stars: Kal Penn, Gilbert Soto, Eric Cahill, Shane Reinneck

Votes: 178

16. Ruby's Studio: The Siblings Show (2015 Video)

TV-Y | 44 min | Short, Family

'Ruby's Studio: The Siblings Show' is a fun, engaging way to help siblings find the love. Sibs will sharpen their skills and learn new tools to resolve conflict, tame jealousy and boost ... See full summary »

Director: Samantha Counter | Stars: Kelsey Collins Keener, Chance Falcon, Charlie Gordonson, Marc Gordonson

17. Ruby's Studio: The Feelings Show (2010 Video)

TV-Y | 46 min | Family

In the award-winning "Ruby's Studio: The Feelings Show," lovable host Ruby guides viewers on a magical, fun adventure through art activities, beautiful old-school animation, original songs,... See full summary »

Directors: Jason Docter, Matt Docter | Stars: Kelsey Collins Keener, Stevie P. Yurochko, Haley Brooke Walker, Mikayla Hwee

Votes: 14

18. Ruby's Studio: The Friendship Show (2012 Video)

TV-Y | 43 min | Short, Family

From the award-winning "Ruby's Studio" series, "The Friendship Show" offers kids invaluable tools to help them make and nurture lasting friendships. Lovable host Ruby guides kids through ... See full summary »

Directors: Samantha Counter, Musa Brooker | Stars: Kelsey Collins Keener, Skylar Cano, Levi James, Armani Pickett

19. What Could Possibly Go Wrong? (2015– )

Documentary, Reality-TV

Two men attempt some of the craziest acts in science to determine if they are possible or not.

Stars: Kevin T. Moore, Grant Reynolds

Votes: 217

21. Bill Nye the Science Guy Tackles DeflateGate (2015)

TV-14 | 2 min | Short, Comedy

Bill Nye the Science Guy explains the science behind DeflateGate and whether or not Tom Brady's footballs could have naturally deflated during the game. You won't believe what he has to say.

Director: Alex Richanbach | Star: Bill Nye

Votes: 146

22. Bill Nye the Science Guy (1993–1998)

TV-Y | 30 min | Documentary, Comedy, Family

Scientist/comedian Bill Nye explores various aspects of science for young viewers.

Stars: Bill Nye, Pat Cashman, Michaela Leslie-Rule, Jaffar Smith

Votes: 8,383

28. Crowd Control (2014– )

Documentary

Crowd Control is a show presented by behavior expert Daniel Pink, and aims to make people think twice about their actions.

Stars: Daniel Pink, George Henry Horton, Frazer Brown, Ken Anthony II

Votes: 87

29. Xploration Animal Science (2012– )

TV-G | 30 min | Family

The science of animal behavior using animation, graphics and animal experts.

Stars: Ami Dobelle, Brent Askari, Stuart Pimm, Michael Balsai

Votes: 14

30. Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan (2004–2016)

TV-G | 110 min | Family, Reality-TV

Dog lover Cesar Millan has an uncanny ability to rehabilitate problem dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Stars: Cesar Millan, Daddy, Paul Dini, Ilusion Millan

Votes: 2,843

31. Hidden Animals (2008)

12 min | Short, Horror

In the cut throat world of burger van vending, it doesn't always pay to question where the meat is from.

Director: Ryan Andrew Hooper | Stars: Alexei Akinfiev, Gavin Dando, Kirsty Cooper, Madeleine Havell

Votes: 14

32. Xploration Outer Space (2014– )

30 min | Documentary, Family

Host Emily Calandrelli, Harvard scholar and former Nasa employee, takes viewers on incredible journeys through space. She visits various NASA facilities as we search for answers about our universe.

Stars: Emily Calandrelli, Robert Zubrin, Marc D. Rayman, Story Musgrave

Votes: 63

33. How We Got to Now (2014– )

TV-PG | 360 min | Documentary, History

Explores the power and the legacy of great ideas.

Stars: Steven Johnson, Gene Chruszcz, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Terri Adams

Votes: 411

34. Wild About Animals (1995– )

30 min | Documentary, Family

Traveling the globe to deliver young viewers fascinating stories about animals around the world.

Star: Mariette Hartley

Votes: 35

35. What Matters? (2011)

Not Rated | 87 min | Documentary, Adventure, Comedy

Three friends, two idealistic activists and one skeptic, attempt to live in extreme poverty (on $1.25 a day) across 3 continents. When two of them survive a deadly plane crash in Africa, all three must fight to finish what they started.

Director: Dan Parris | Star: Richard Carrier

Votes: 29

36. Awesome Adventures (1998–2015)

30 min | Documentary

An adventure series for children. The hosts travel to various places in the world and, with local children, embark on many adventures in beautiful places in nature.

Stars: Mystro Clark, Anthony Montgomery, Christopher Grimaldi, J. August Richards

Votes: 30

37. Whaddyado (2005– )

TV-Y | 29 min | Family

An educational series chronicling the lives of teens who are faced with challenging situations

Stars: Matthew Flynn, Freddie Minahan

38. A Place of Our Own (2004)

Not Rated | 54 min | Documentary

Filmmaker Stanley Nelson's look back at the 40 years he spent summering at Oak Bluffs, a black-oriented resort community on Martha's Vineyard.

Director: Stanley Nelson | Stars: Cecelia Antoinette, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Lani Guinier, Manning Marable

Votes: 63

39. The Crocodile Hunter (1996–2004)

TV-G | 60 min | Documentary, Action, Adventure

Steve and wife Terri educate and entertain on the subject of Australia's all too often dangerous wildlife.

Stars: Steve Irwin, Terri Irwin, Wes Mannion, Conan O'Brien

Votes: 3,165

40. The Jeff Corwin Experience (2001– )

60 min | Adventure, Documentary

A documentary series about the adventures of Jeff Corwin, who entertains and educates people on all types of wildlife around the world.

Stars: Jeff Corwin, Carey Harmer

Votes: 388

42. Naked Science (2004– )

60 min | Documentary, Adventure

Documentary series featuring various subjects related to science and technology.

Stars: Eric Meyers, Michael Izquierdo, Rushmore DeNooyer, Roger Tilling

Votes: 349

43. Ancient Impossible (2014– )
Episode: Extreme Engineering (2014)

TV-PG | 42 min | Documentary, History

When faced with impossible situations, the ancients didn't simply give up, they pursued the impossible. How did they get troops across a nearly 4,000 foot river? How do you get oil from the... See full summary »

Director: Bo Channon | Stars: Darius Arya, Peter Brooks, James Dean, Graeme Earl

Votes: 18

44. Extreme Engineering (2003– )

50 min | Documentary

Each episode of Extreme Engineering features a major construction and engineering project. Some projects are completed ones, like the new Hong Kong airport. Other projects are those under ... See full summary »

Stars: Danny Forster, Joseph Giotta, Larc Spies, John Littlefield

Votes: 1,119

45. Nova ScienceNow (2005– )

60 min | Documentary

Uncover the complicated truth behind our sense of taste.

Stars: Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chad Cohen, Ziya Tong, David Pogue

Votes: 528

48. Crashbox (1999–2000)

TV-Y7 | 25 min | Animation, Family, Game-Show

Educational games show for kids.

Stars: Dee Bradley Baker, Maggie Baird, Jerry Stiller, Michael McShane

Votes: 419

49. Corwin's Quest (2005– )

TV-Y7 | Adventure

Add a Plot

Star: Jeff Corwin

Votes: 68

51. History Detectives (2003– )

TV-14 | 60 min | Documentary, History, Mystery

Researchers identify how historical significance gathered them into wondering how past events occurred.

Stars: Elyse Luray, Tukufu Zuberi, Gwendolyn Wright, Wes Cowan

Votes: 270

52. National Geographic Ultimate Explorer (2003– )

57 min | Documentary

National Geographic did a mini news-journal series of 8 shows. The shows, commissioned by MSNBC, were 3 segment shows. One segment was original, the other two were re-edits of Ultimate Explorer segments.

Stars: Yuval David, Jason Grabill, Lisa Ling, Tim L. Smith

Votes: 19

53. How It's Made (2001–2019)

TV-G | 24 min | Documentary

Television series that documents how various everyday products are made.

Stars: Brooks Moore, Tony Hirst, Lynne Adams, Lynn Herzeg

Votes: 8,207

55. History's Mysteries (1998–2011)

TV-PG | Documentary, History, Mystery

Explore the stories, events, legends and myths that have incited debate throughout the ages.

Stars: David Ackroyd, Arthur Kent, Christopher Chacon, William L. MacDonald

Votes: 237

56. Mysteries of the Deep (1959)

Approved | 24 min | Family, Documentary, Short

In this Oscar®-nominated short, a submerged reef is the home of many strange creatures. We see mating, birth, and development of the young into adults, with the laws of nature being fulfilled as the battle for survival goes continually on.

Star: Winston Hibler

Votes: 90

57. American Experience (1987– )

TV-PG | 120 min | Documentary, Biography, History

A series showcasing documentaries on American history.

Stars: David McCullough, David Ogden Stiers, Michael Murphy, Oliver Platt

Votes: 2,207

58. History's Lost & Found (1999–2005)

150 min | Documentary, History, War

The Shroud of Turin. The Wright Brothers' plane. The treasures of King Tut. This is a captivating examination of some of the most famous objects and artifacts in human history. Some are ... See full summary »

Star: Edward Herrmann

Votes: 58

59. Beakman's World (1992–1997)

TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Family

A wacky scientist and his companions answer viewer questions about science.

Stars: Paul Zaloom, Mark Ritts, Eliza Schneider, Alanna Ubach

Votes: 2,980

60. Is It Real? (2005– )

Documentary, History

Pre-Monster Quest, this series attempts to debunk some of histories greatest legends. Ranging from mysterious crop circles to the infamous legend of The Russian Bigfoot, are these myths escalated from legendary folklore - Or are they real?

Stars: Will Lyman, Ian Gregory, Joe Nickell, Benjamin Radford

Votes: 301

61. The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents (2013)

Documentary, History

A detailed, and unbiased, look at the 43 men who have been the presidents of the United States of America.

Stars: Bruce McGill, H.W. Brands, Richard Norton Smith, Donald Ritchie

Votes: 212

63. Ultimate Guide: The Human Body (2000 TV Movie)

50 min | Documentary

Add a Plot

Director: Luke Campbell

Votes: 25

64. Shark Week (1987– )
Episode: The Ultimate Guide: Sharks (1996)

TV-14 | 53 min | Documentary

A Discovery Channel documentary about sharks, from small bottom dwellers to massive man eaters. Details the shark's physiology, communication, and vital roles.

Directors: Clarita Berger, Nick Caloyianis | Star: Stephen M. Kajiura

Votes: 22

65. Doctor Who: The Ultimate Guide (2013 TV Movie)

118 min | Documentary

A guide to 50 years of Doctor Who.

Director: Tom Cohen | Stars: Jenna Coleman, Joel Dommett, Sarah Louise Madison, Sylvester McCoy

Votes: 67

69. Ultimate Guide: Dolphins (2001)

TV-G | 45 min | Documentary

Conveying a sense of freedom, fun, grace, compassion, peace and beauty, the charismatic dolphin appears to defy the laws of physics with its speed and maneuverability. Dolphins may possess a seventh sense humans barely understand.

Director: Nigel Ashcroft | Star: Will Lyman

Votes: 21

70. The Ultimate Guide: Snakes (1997 TV Movie)

52 min | Documentary

Discovery Channel documentary about snakes.

Director: Mitch Turnbull

Votes: 17

72. The Revelation of the Pyramids (2010)

PG | 106 min | Documentary

A view of Jacques Grimault's controversial, unpublished and unscientific works about the construction of Egyptian pyramids and other ancient archaeological sites around the world.

Director: Patrice Pooyard | Stars: Alika Del Sol, Jean-Pierre Adam, Guillemette Andreu, Arlan Andrews

Votes: 1,769

73. Time Scanners (2014– )
Episode: Egyptian Pyramids (2014)

TV-PG | 54 min | Documentary, History

From PBS: The team travels to Egypt to scan the pyramids -- the tombs of the mighty pharaohs -- to find out how the necropolis evolved from simple mud-brick structures to the most ... See full summary »

Director: Tom Stubberfield | Stars: Dallas Campbell, Steve Burrows, Caitlin Stevens, Chris Naunton

Votes: 21

74. Engineering an Empire (2005–2007)

TV-PG | 44 min | Documentary, History

A series of documentaries that go over the world's history and it's many accomplishments.

Stars: Michael Carroll, Peter Weller, J.J. Huckin, Sam Kalidi

Votes: 700

75. Discovery Atlas (2006–2008)

Documentary

Discovery Channel presents DISCOVERY ATLAS, the global television event that shows you the world as you've never seen it, through the fascinating stories of its people. DISCOVERY ATLAS ... See full summary »

Stars: James Spader, Russell Crowe, Andre Braugher, Edward James Olmos

Votes: 215

76. Crash Science (2005– )

60 min | Documentary

They combine innovative design and massive horsepower to generate unparalleled speed. But with tremendous strength comes tremendous danger. One wrong move could send a driver into disaster.... See full summary »

Stars: Marlon Singleton, Jonathan Gilmore, Lew Bracker, Joe Playan

Votes: 18

77. Mega Builders (2005– )

60 min | Reality-TV

Capturing the biggest, most complex, most stressful and most dangerous engineering projects around the world, Megabuilders chronicles the most awe-inspiring construction projects in modern engineering.

Stars: Guy Grison, Bill E. Cunningham, Alberto Ruiz Gallardón

Votes: 113

78. Fight Science (2006– )

Documentary

Infrared cameras, sensors and computerized test dummies allow engineers to exactly calculate the incredible physics and physiology that produce martial arts' devastating force-at last, separating myth from reality.

Stars: Robert Leigh, Bren Foster, Cynthia Bir, David Sandler

Votes: 396

81. Lost Worlds (2005–2007)

Documentary, History

Teaming with archaeologists and using cutting edge visual technology, Lost Worlds brings back to life lost civilizations and cultures. Join us on the quest to rebuild what was lost and is now found.

Stars: Corey Lawson, Tessa Dunlop, Corey Johnson, Ronald Hutton

Votes: 164

82. Unsolved History (2002–2005)

60 min | Documentary, History, Mystery

Historical mysteries are scientifically investigated.

Stars: J.V. Martin, Daniel Martinez, Dakota Michaels, Mike Sode

Votes: 118

84. Perfect Disaster (2006)

60 min | Documentary

Tornadoes destroying entire stadiums, solar storms causing a worldwide blackout, typhoons with 200 mph winds, flood that could overflow the Thames Barrier, fire that can burn down entire ... See full summary »

Stars: Alistair Petrie, Ben Lawson, Roger Clark, Jackson Hurst

Votes: 111

85. Hollywood Science (2006– )

50 min | Documentary

Find out how Hollywood brings the impossible to the screen. And see what science goes into making that impossible happen.

Stars: Dave Hoffman, James Cameron, Kurt Russell, Tom Mankiewicz

Votes: 30

86. MacIntyre: Edge of Existence (2007– )

60 min | Documentary

How do humans thrive, day after day, in nature's most extreme environments? Award-winning journalist Donal MacIntyre experiences their harsh struggles firsthand in four engrossing ... See full summary »

Star: Donal MacIntyre

Votes: 12

87. The Universe (2007–2015)

TV-14 | 45 min | Documentary, History

This educational show explores many scientific questions and topics about the universe (Big Bang, the Sun, the planets, black holes, other galaxies, astrobiology etc.) through latest CGI, data and interviews with scientists.

Stars: Erik Thompson, Alex Filippenko, Laura Danly, Clifford V. Johnson

Votes: 5,932

88. Cities of the Underworld (2007– )

TV-PG | 43 min | Documentary, History

As we descend beneath our modern day cities, we are met with ancient and hidden secrets. Journey with us back through history and rediscover cities of the underworld.

Stars: Don Wildman, Eric Geller, Sirin Akinci, Ashraf El-Maghrabi

Votes: 895

89. The States (2007– )

60 min | Documentary

The States takes a detailed look at what makes each of the 50 states special. Each episode features five states each and has interviews with native celebrities talking about their home state.

Stars: Edward Herrmann, James Earl Jones, Cybill Shepherd, Neil Patrick Harris

Votes: 63

90. Big Ideas for a Small Planet (2007– )

25 min | Documentary

This documentary series focuses on important environmental topics and features interviews with forward-thinking designers discussing alternative ideas that could save the planet.

Stars: Michael Mcdonough, Louisa Chu, Monica Ramone, Subhankar Benerjee

Votes: 41

92. Impossible Moves (2005– )

TV-PG | Documentary

A team of experts must deliver an oversized object from point A to point B within the given timelimit.

Stars: John Michie, Mark Keller, Qarie Marshall

Votes: 42

93. Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern (2006– )

60 min | Reality-TV

Host Andrew Zimmern explores various cultures through their cuisines.

Stars: Andrew Zimmern, Tim Mikeska, Bill Esparza, Arturo Feliz-Camilo

Votes: 2,574

95. Ancient Discoveries (2003–2009)

TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary, History

The remarkable story of Ancient inventions.

Stars: Phil Crowley, Richard Windley, Christopher Kelly, Sean Barrett

Votes: 266

96. Best Evidence (2007– )

60 min | Documentary

A series that mixes conspiracy theories with science.

Stars: Shawn Devlin, John Bindernagel, Tim Martindale, Jeffrey Meldrum

Votes: 34

97. Made in America (2003–2008)

22 min | Documentary

John Ratzenberger celebrates American manufacturing and the skill of American workers as he travels to factories in towns throughout the country.

Stars: Diane Charles, John Ratzenberger, Chase White, Darin Ferraro

Votes: 88

98. Nature Tech (2003– )

Not Rated | 43 min | Documentary

Biomimetics uses nature as a starting point for ideas ranging from different ways of exploring Mars to how to design a city of the future.

Stars: Will Lyman, Harold Brooks, Howard Bluestein, David Andra

Votes: 50

99. Megafactories (2006–2013)

TV-G | 60 min | Documentary

Ever wonder how products in your everyday life are made? Ultimate Factories takes you behind the scenes and around the world at hightech factories to see how companies produce your favorite products.

Stars: Christopher Cook, Pete Gold, Kevin T. Moore, Mark Keller

Votes: 271

100. Secrets of the Dead (2000– )

TV-PG | 56 min | Documentary, History, War

Mysteries involving notable historical events, people and locations are scientifically examined.

Stars: Liev Schreiber, Jay O. Sanders, Salima Ikram, Andrew Lambert

Votes: 653



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