The vivid imagery presented in a documentary can engage children in a multitude of subjects that expand their horizons and quench their thirst for knowledge. With that in mind, here is our choice of six documentaries that the entire family can enjoy. From Antarctica to Florida, the wildlife featured show the harsh environments in which they strive to survive and the determination they inherently possess to make their way in the world. Children will be captivated with eyes wide and fingers crossed, hoping that the protagonists take them through to the closing scene.
African Cats (G)
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Narrated by the well-known Samuel L. Jackson, this Disneynature documentary is set against one of the wildest places on Earth and observes two cat families, cheetahs and lions, teaching their cubs the ways of the world. Living on opposite sides of a river, both families strive to preserve their homes in the African Savannah while facing a common threat to their daily survival. This epic journey will have audiences mesmerized by the stars of the film: Mara, an endearing lion cub and Sita, a fearless cheetah. With its stunning imagery and a moving soundtrack, this movie ensures all family members will relish in the story of these spirited animals. With an honest depiction of life in the wild and the struggles to survive, it does contain graphic hunt scenes that may not be suitable for younger children.
Bears (G)
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Filmed in Katmai National Park, Alaska, this film takes you through a year in the life of a mother bear and her two cubs. Bears is an excellent documentary for children of all ages. With no violence or harm coming to the animals, the entire family can sit back and immerse themselves in the majestic scenery and seamless narration by John C. Reilly. The documentary begins in the spring, with the family emerging from their den to partake in the annual salmon run. Over the months leading to winter, the young cubs Amber and Scout are excited and playful, but they must learn how to gather enough food to sustain the family during the next hibernation. This is a beautifully filmed account of life in the harsh Alaskan climate where predators abound. With exceptionally vivid scenery, children will enjoy the story about one mother's fierce determination to keep her cubs safe using nothing but her instincts.
IMAX Born to Be Wild (G)
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The voice of Morgan Freeman shines through in this heart-warming documentary about two wildlife sanctuaries where workers rescue and care for orphaned animals. First, you are taken to the biodiverse rainforests of Borneo to see orphaned orangutans, then you travel to Kenya to witness how orphaned baby elephants are nurtured. It's 40 minutes of pure joy that restores your faith in humanity and emphasizes the importance of protecting wildlife around the world. Children will be in awe at the relationship between these endangered species and those who rescue and care for them. There are no fights or violent scenes, so young children can sit with the family and enjoy the fantastic visuals and bright colors.
March of the Penguins (G)
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In the depths of Antarctica is where a penguin's annual quest to find the perfect breeding mate begins in this Academy Award-winning documentary. You will immediately become swept away by the voice of Morgan Freeman, an ideal choice to narrate this divine tale. Every March, thousands of male emperor penguins from the South Pole maintain formation and embark on a remarkable journey to find a female companion for breeding. The movie follows this instinct-driven pilgrimage that has them waddling through minus 50 degrees Celsius conditions, with no sustenance for the journey. With slightly sensitive content, school-aged children and above will enjoy this indepth view of the penguin's annual ritual.
Monkey Kingdom (G)
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Monkey Kingdom is a charming documentary about a mother's love for her newborn infant in the Sri Lankan jungle of Polonnaruwa. As Maya battles to ensure her son Kip's safety throughout their dangerous adventures, they must fight for survival within their competitive social hierarchy. The breathtaking footage and narration by Tina Fey describe the monkey troop's caste system, which determines where Maya and Kip sleep, what they eat and how they interact with others. This documentary is targeted towards young children and presents educational and entertaining content. There is one fight scene that may require parental assistance (or a quick fast forward), but otherwise, it's full steam ahead for young minds with big hearts to enjoy watching the monkeys keeping safe from harm.
Turtle: The Incredible Journey (G)
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Turtle: The Incredible Journey is an impressive documentary about a female loggerhead turtle as she embarks on a journey that will have viewers championing her survival. This pilgrimage, attempted by many of her ancestors, is not for the faint of heart, as only one in 10,000 turtles survives. Following her birth on the sands of a Florida beach, the little turtle sets off on the 25-year journey that has her ride the Gulf Stream, swim around the North Atlantic to Africa and return to her birthplace to lay her eggs. With a soothing soundtrack to accompany the brilliant visuals and a calm narration by Miranda Richardson, this is a must-see film for all children who love sea life. It's educational and appropriate for young children who will understand the simple but poignant message: never give up on your journey.
[Cover image via IMDb]
