Historical Movies For Children (ages 6-12)

DISCLAIMER: Not all of these movies are "historically accurate" as the majority are designed for children. However, if these movies were to be historically accurate, most would be very violent. My family watches a lot of historical movies (both true and fiction) and then we look up what really happened; what was true and what was added. If a fictional event in a historical movie encourages a child to look into what "really" happened and sparks an interest in a time period, then I would say it is a worthwhile movie. After all, a fictional book I read five years ago sparked a lifelong love for history in me. I hope this list encourages you to dig dipper into history!

Historical films for older children are pretty easy to find, but more often than not they contain things that are not appropriate for young children. Here is a list of great films, ideal for ages 6-12. All films are rated G unless otherwise noted. The films are somewhat listed by age range, the first films being for younger kids and the latter films for older ones. Titles with links are reviews that I especially like.

Liberty's Kids (animated)

Although I have never seen any of these, I know Liberty's Kids is an animated series designed for teaching young children early American history.

Mulan (Disney) (animated)

Mulan, female hero of China! Disney took the amazing true story of Mulan and added a few twists to make it appeal to children. Great, classic film!

Pocahontas (Disney) (animated)
The classic Disney movie Pocahontas is historical, although the movie has little in common to real-life. Pocahontas can lead into studies of Indian culture.

Valiant (animated)

Valiant is the first animated film I have seen with facts at the end. Set in 1944 before D-Day, this British Disney film is about Britain's messanger pigeons during World War II. In the end, we learn pigeons played a bigger role in the war than horses, dogs, or cats. Filled with adventure and some humor, it is a bit violent for a G-rated film, but it is definitely a great movie. There are a lot of WWII references that are used appropriately, but young kids will not understand it.

American Girl Movies

So far, the only American Girl historical movies are; Samantha, Kit, Molly, and Felicity. All are about courageous girls set in different time periods. They are filled with great lessons; both life and historical. These make great movie nights!

Felicity - 1774 (Revolutionary War)
Samantha - 1904 (Victorian Era)
Kit - 1934 (The Great Depression)
Molly - 1944 (World War II Homefront)

The Prince of Egypt (animated) (PG)

This classic animated movie tells the biblical story of Moses with a great soundtrack. The story follows Moses' life from being adopted to crossing the Red Sea.

Joseph: King of Dreams (animated)

From the creators of The Prince of Egypt comes the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors.

The Sound of Music 

How could I not include this film? It is a wonderful true story, musical, and family movie. Maria is a free-spirited nun in pre-WWII Austria who becomes the governess of seven children. 

American Legends (Disney) (animated)
This animated Disney film features 4 American legends: John Henry, Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, and Casey Jones. With catchy tunes and fun animations, this is a great film for the little ones and older ones alike!

Miracle of the White Stallions 

Made in 1963, this film is slow at times. But, it is a true story and completely clean. This Disney film is about the evacuation of Lippizaner horses from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna during WWII.

It's a Wonderful Life

This classic Christmas movie seems slow at times, but it is 100% clean and has very great lessons about contentment, family, and selflessness. George Bailey wants to know what life would be like if he had never existed - and an angel makes it happen. This film was originally in black and white, however there is also a color version available.

Newsies (Disney) (PG)

This Disney musical is a fictional version of the Newsie Strike in 1899. Although the actual strike really happened, a lot of events and main characters are fictionalized; although certain characters and events were real. (oddly, the main characters are fictionalized and the minor characters were real...weird) Themes include friendship, teamwork, never giving up, courage, and speaking up. Featuring an amazing cast and great musical numbers, Newsies is a great movie for the whole family. (PS Although the film portrays the strike a success, in real life, it was only a partial success.) (PPS this film has some violence and is a tad slow at times, but it will be OK for most!)

Fiddler on the Roof
Traditions!! I love Fiddler on the Roof! Tevye is a poor Jewish milkman with five daughters (and no sons). In a time of strict tradition, Tevye's three oldest daughters are free-spirited and break-away from "tradition" by refusing a matchmaker. Through classic songs and Tevye's humor, this film contains great lessons on traditions and is a great film for introductory to the Orthodox Jewish culture.
What I liked most about this film was the fact Tevye has five daughters, with an age gap between the first three and the last two; which is exactly like my family!

Leonardo: A Dream of Flight
I haven't seen this movie, but according to this article the age range is 8-11 and it's rated G. The story tells of Leonardo da Vinci and his famous flight.

Dolphin Tale (PG)

Dolphin Tale is the true story of how a dolphin gets a prosthetic tail! OK, not the most "historical" film, but it's a true story and I'm sure the dolphin will still be known to history in 10-20 years. :)

Remember the Titans (PG)
This classic, starring Denzel Washington, is the true story of how a black football coach broke barriers. You may want to preview this movie first, but AWESOME movie with AWESOME themes!

One Night With The King (PG)

This movie is best for ages 9+. The story of Esther, told in this wonderful movie. Esther, a young Jewish orphan, was chosen to become the king's bride. Haman, the king's right-hand man and the second in command, wants to kill the Jewish race. Esther bravely stands up to the king, and saves her people.

The first few minutes of the movie are somewhat violent, but violence is off-screen.

Secretariat and Dreamer (PG)
Secretariat and Dreamer are both true stories of race horses. Both films are rated PG.

I Am David (PG)
This movie is best for ages 9+. David is a 12 year-old boy growing up in a concebtration camp. He knows nothing of the outside world. When he gets the chance to escape with nothing but some bread, a letter, and mysterious directions to get to Denmark, he seizes his chance.
The story could get brutal. But it doesn't, instead making this a great family movie. The ending is a bit odd compared to the book (my favorite novel of all-time!) but the film definitely feels like a Hallmark film. The acting is great, and the film includes great messages about self-sacrifice, faith and courage. The Passion of the Christ stars Jim Caviezel, who plays Jesus and Histro Shoppov, who plays Pilate, star in here. In this movie, they play roles similar to their roles in The Passion. (Shoppov' character unwillingly kills Caviezel, and Caviezel dies for someone in both films)

For more movies, visit Teach With Movies.

This is all I could think of. What are some of your favorite films for children ages 6-12?

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