We love Disney+ for The Mandalorian, Marvel Universe, and Doc McStuffins on repeat. But there’s so much more—and a lot of it is educational. And you don’t have to scroll to find the best educational Disney+ shows. Just check out our suggestions below! We’ve compiled a list of 50 series, movies, and documentaries so you can share enriching content with kids of all ages.
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Best Educational Disney+ Shows for Elementary School
African Cats
Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, this Disneynature documentary unfolds in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Follow two families of big cats—cheetahs and lions—as they navigate the African landscape.
Bears
Set in Alaska, this documentary follows a sweet bear family. Watch the mother guide her cubs through life’s lessons as they emerge into the outside world. It won’t take long for you to understand why this is one of the best educational Disney+ shows!
Born in China
Marvel at the incredible cinematography as students embark on a journey with four different animal families. Follow snow leopards, pandas, Tibetan antelopes, and golden snub-nosed monkeys in this documentary narrated by John Krasinski.
Chimpanzee
Follow the life of Oscar, a chimpanzee whose life is turned upside down after a violent attack separates his mother from the squad. This harrowing tale of survival is incredible, but best for older kids.
Holes
Try reading the beloved Holes book by Louis Sachar and then comparing it to the film version.
Journey to Shark Eden
Follow scientists to the islands of Tahiti as they explore coral reefs and the shark population that inhabit them!
Meet the Chimps
Visit a 200-acre chimp refuge in Louisiana and follow the lives of chimps!
Mission to the Sun
Follow the Parker Solar Probe as it hurtles toward the sun at dizzying speed, defying the extreme heat and radiation of our star.
Monkey Kingdom
In the ancient ruins deep in the jungle, a young monkey and her son live a life of adventure—until everything changes. After being forced from their home, they find new ways to stay safe in unfamiliar surroundings.
Petra: Secrets of the Ancient Builders
Built over 2,000 years ago in southern Jordan, Petra contains many archeological wonders. Learn all about it in this 44 minute historical documentary.
The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe
Avid readers will love the Chronicles of Narnia book set, which includes seven titles. What better way to reward fans of the C.S. Lewis series than to watch this film adaptation?
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
As a follow-up to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, cue up Prince Caspian. These two films will fit together nicely—we just wish the other five books had been adapted, too!
The Sound of Music
This classic is about more than catchy songs and the challenges of blended families. The hills are also alive with the story of life in 1930s Austria in the months leading up to World War II.
Weird But True
This series teaches kids all about facts they thought they knew but might be wrong! Ladybugs aren’t bugs. Astronauts shrink in space. And so much more!
What is a Friend
A five-minute short where Forky wonders what a friend is!
What is Time
Another short that follows Forky as he learns about time in the age of dinosaurs.
Wings of Life
Meryl Streep narrates this intimate look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats, and even flowers. This film gives us unprecedented access into their world, showing us how much the world’s food supply depends on them and the increasing threats they continue to face.
Zenimation
Quick Disney moments of zen! These video clips are only 6-7 minutes each and immerse you in a visual and aural experience of calm.
Best Educational Disney+ Shows for Middle School
Brain Games
Students will have their minds blown and learn how their brain works with this series of interactive games and experiments. They will gain insight into the science of perception, memory, attention, illusion, stress, morality, and more.
Continent 7: Antarctica
In a land with -100 degree F temperatures, survival depends on cooperation. Continent 7: Antarctica highlights the International communities of scientists, engineers, and Antarctic veterans that must work together to fight brutal conditions and conduct essential research on some of Earth’s least hospitable terrain.
Expedition Mars: Spirit and Opportunity
One of the greatest adventures of the modern space age, Expedition Mars explores the epic trials and tribulations of Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity. With an expected lifespan of months, these rovers lasted for years on the frigid, dusty, craterous landscape of Mars. Students will be in awe of these pioneering explorers that brought new life to NASA’s Mars program. And now, Mars is a little less alien to all of us.
The Flood
To many, imagining Africa conjures up images of barren deserts or dry terrain. But, in the heart of southern Africa’s largest desert, the Okavango Delta transforms into a wet oasis once a year. Explore the annual floodwaters that bring both life and danger to the residents of the Okavango Delta in this exquisite 92-minute documentary.
Gordon Ramsey: Uncharted
Watch and discover as famous chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay embarks on a globe-spanning mission to discover new and unique cultures, dishes, and flavors. This quest for culinary and cultural adventure finds Ramsay hiking valleys, plunging into oceans, traversing rainforests, and trekking up mountains in this 6-part culinary travel adventure.
Great Migrations
Filmed over three years, this series follows the great migrations of a variety of animal species on our planet.
Into the Grand Canyon
One of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is considered by many to be one of America’s, and Earth’s, most sacred places. Explore this amazing monument with a pair of hikers who set out to walk the 750-mile canyon end to end with the hopes of gaining a better understanding of this unique landscape and the developments poised to alter it forever.
Jane
This biographical documentary is an intimate look into the life of Jane Goodall
John Carter
A great adventure epic for middle schoolers, this film based on the 7 novel series highlights the travails of a military captain mysteriously transported to the planet Barsoom (Mars). Finding himself in the middle of a conflicted world on the brink of collapse, John Carter rediscovers himself while fighting for the survival of the people and planet of Barsoom.
One Day at Disney
Behind the wonderful magic of Disney are regular, yet extraordinary, people. One Day at Disney highlights 10 of these individuals that help bring the magic and imagination of Disney to life with a series of stories that provide an intimate glimpse into their unique journey and inspiration. With narration by This Is Us and Black Panther star Sterling K. Brown, follow the story of One Day at Disney as envisioned by CEO Bob Iger in this 61-minute documentary Disney fans of all ages are sure to enjoy.
The Real Right Stuff
This documentary tells the remarkable true story of the nation’s first astronauts, the original Mercury 7, and pulls from hundreds of hours of archival film and radio reports.
Shop Class
A competition series that follows teams of young builders as they develop unique creations!
Wild Hawaii
Explore the fiery heart of Hawaii—from volcanic eruptions spewing rivers of molten lava to spiders that smile, fish that climb, and turtles that bury secrets!
Wild Yellowstone
Both you and your students will be fascinated by this amazing two-part series focusing on one of America’s most treasured natural sites, Yellowstone. A National Park paradise, the challenges of life for the fauna here are numerous, and this documentary series chronicles them across the summer and winter with amazing close-range footage and beautiful scenic backdrops you can’t find anywhere else.
Women of Impact
Women are reshaping our world! In this 44 minute documentary, follow women in a variety of industries as they work to change the world.
The World According to Jeff Goldblum
Through fascinating science, history, and amazing people, Jeff Goldblum provides an interesting take on the world. Each episode is centered around something we all love—from sneakers to ice cream!
X-Ray Earth
A reality TV show that follows scientists as they use x-ray technology to reveal the dangers locked within our planet. Earthquakes, tsunamis, super volcanoes and more.
Best Educational Disney+ Shows for High School
America’s National Parks
Prepare to be dazzled by the beautiful filmmaking as you take part in celebrating the 100th birthday of “America’s best idea.” Students will feel like they’ve walked through the gateway to eight of the country’s most beloved national parks including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Everglades.
Apollo: Missions To The Moon
With the goal of landing a man on the Moon, the United States launched a space program in the late 1960s. There are plenty of cinematic films about specific moments during this time, but this documentary covers the 12 years and 12 manned-missions of Project Apollo’s unlikely goal.
Atlantis Rising
Follow James Cameron again as he works with a dedicated crew to search for the lost city of Atlantis. Students will see some cool artifacts and items from the Bronze Age in this enthusiastic underwater expedition.
Cosmos
A 13-part adventure across space and time, led by renowned astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson!
Drain The Oceans
What would happen if we could just pull the plug on the oceans and see all of the hidden secrets and lost worlds lurking beneath? Okay, it’s a little bit scary to imagine what might be down there, but it’s also incredibly fascinating.
Easter Island Unsolved
We’ve all seen those giant carved statues, but what does the average person really know about Easter Island? Largely isolated and mysterious, this incredible documentary gives us an up-close look at this remarkable society.
Hidden Figures
Three brilliant African-American women at NASA serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit!
Hostile Planet
How does the animal kingdom survive in the world’s most extreme environments? Hostile Planet is one of the best educational Disney+ shows and gives us an inside look at some of the most epic stories of resilience.
Lost Cities with Albert Lin
There’s no doubt about it—this show is ambitious. By applying 3D scanning to some of the most extraordinary ancient sites, Lost Cities somehow combines outstanding visuals and hi-tech archeology to create one unforgettable experience.
Lost Treasures of the Maya
National Geographic Explorer Albert Lin ventures into the Guatemalan jungle to explore ancient ruins with a high-tech treasure map!
Origins: The Journey of Humankind
This time-travel adventure is one of the best educational Disney+ shows and explores how humankind became what we see in modern culture today. It’s a very thought-provoking and educational trek through the major developments that have shaped our lives.
Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue
Set against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains, watch the incredible stories of nature, animals, and the unwavering perseverance of the officers and veterinarians of Pikes Peak Patrol.
Science Fair
Follow nine high school students as they navigate the world of the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair.
Titanic: 20 Years Later
It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than 20 years since James Cameron released Titanic, but here we are. This documentary follows as the director returns to the wreckage armed with the latest technology. Will he find answers to some lingering questions?
Waking Sleeping Beauty
Disney went through a bit of a slump some decades ago, but this documentary takes an interesting look at the Disney Renaissance of the late 80s and 90s that was largely led by the release of blockbusters including The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast.
Note: Grade recommendations were made by our editorial team, but of course you are always the best judge of the appropriateness for your own children and students.
What Disney+ educational shows, movies, or documentaries do you use in your classroom? Come share in ourWeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, the best TED Talks to spark student discussion.
