In this post: 18 of the best documentaries for teens and tweens that will expand their worldview without leaving your couch.
What are we going to watch tonight?
In our home, screen time has become somewhat of a family fun activity. Our goal is to try to get our teen and tween off of mindless scrolling and trying to use their tech with some purpose.
Watching a documentary with your teens can be a great way to change up your traditional movie night and make things a little educational without being boring. Documentaries can be just as fun as a regular movie, and get your teenagers thinking about the world around them.
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Here are 18 of our favorite documentaries to watch with our teens and tweens:
Facing Nolan
Facing Nolan is told from the viewpoint of the batters who had to face legendary MLB pitcher Nolan Ryan on the mound. It highlights a career of record breaking achievements including most career no-hitters and career strikeouts while acknowledging the challenges and extremes of his career including his record for most walks and wild pitches.
Blackfish
Blackfish is a compelling story about the mistreatment of orca whales at SeaWorld. This documentary follows the story of Tilikum, an orca whale living in SeaWorld.
Imagine a world where you were constantly told you could not play sports? For Deepika Kumari, a young girl from a small village in India desperately seeking a way out of poverty, this was her life. In Ladies First, her journey from barely surviving to a world-class archery champion will both break your heart and inspire your entire family.
The Social Dilemma
The Social Dilemma is a docu-drama that explores the negative societal impacts of social media, focusing on how algorithms and data mining manipulate users and contribute to addiction, polarization, and mental health issues.
Living on One Dollar
In Living on One Dollar, a group of college students travel to rural Guatemala trying to survive on one dollar a day, the typical field worker’s income. This eye-opening documentary challenges viewers to re-think the way they spend money and view the “things” in their life that they value.
For the Love of Spock
If your family is a Star Trek fan, they will love For the Love of Spock! This documentary follows the famous character Spock and the man who played him. If you are a lover of Star Trek or even space, then you will love this documentary!
Cowspiracy
If your kids liked watching Blackfish, they might also find Cowspiracy just as moving. This documentary focuses on the journey of environmentalists and what it could take to save our planet.
From One Second to the Next
If you are looking for a compelling documentary, From One Second to the Next is one worth watching! This documentary follows the lives of people who were affected by texting and driving and is great to watch with your new drivers. The cinematography is powerful and you won’t stop thinking about the characters.
Bully
This is a hard watch and will stay with you for a long time, but it’s so important. Bully originally received an R rating, but the content was so important they changed it to PG-13. It follows five bullying victims and offers an intimate glance at how this behavior impacts entire families.
My Octopus Teacher
Filmmaker Craig Foster documented his year-long relationship with a wild octopus in a South African kelp forest. My Octopus Teacher captures their unusual bond as Foster learns about the octopus’s world and finds personal healing through his immersion in nature.
42 Grams
42 Grams shares the story of Chef Jake Bickelhaupt and how he turns his life around by going from running an illegal restaurant in his home to becoming a culinary celebrity. This story is perfect for showing that anyone can turn their life around and make a name for themselves.
The Ivory Game
The Ivory Game is a documentary that sheds light on the struggle to stop poachers from killing animals for their tusks. This documentary shares footage on the ivory trade and how animals are losing their lives for the sake of money.
He Named Me Malala
A look at the events leading up to the Taliban’s attack on Pakistani schoolgirl, Malala Yousafzai, for speaking out on girls’ education followed by the aftermath, including her coming to American and her speech to the United Nations. Your kids may have read the book, but this extraordinary tale is worth watching.
The Bad Kids
The Bad Kids takes place in Black Rock Continuation High School and follows the story of one principal’s mission to help realize the potential of his at-risk students. This story is an amazing rags to riches story like you’ve never seen before!
Minimalism
Minimalism is a documentary about finding the important things in life. How might your life be better with less? Minimalism examines the many flavors of minimalism by taking the audience inside the lives of minimalists from all walks of life — families, entrepreneurs, architects, artists, journalists, scientists, and even a former Wall Street broker — all of whom are striving to live a meaningful life with less.
Fire at Sea
Fire at Sea tells the story of a group of Europe’s migrant crisis on the island of Lampedusa. This fantastic film takes an entirely different approach to covering this topic in an enlightening and unique perspective. The filmakers do a great job of telling all sides of the story.
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower can teach your kids about the power of one person being able to make a difference! This documentary shares the story of a teenager named Joshua as he tries to fight against the Chinese Communist Party.
Where and How to Watch the Best Documentaries for Teens and Tweens
There are so many good documentaries on Netflix, Amazon Prime or YouTube to watch while you’re at home! Your teenagers will love watching these documentaries, and it can be something fun and relaxing to do while you’re at home.
Just remember that documentaries are a great launch pad for important discussions with your teens and tweens. Keep an open mind and let your big kids express their opinions openly and without judgment.
If you are looking for more show ideas to watch with your teens, I have a whole post here to help you find a great TV series.
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42 grams is about a restaurant that closed because of domestic violence enacted by the chef on his wife and business partner. Moreover you see his temper flare throughout. Do not recommend.