Best History Documentaries

Epic battles, daring heroes, ordinary people changing the world -- and the best part is, it's all true! These engaging history documentaries will have kids thinking about the past in a whole new way. Many of these films also shine a light on historical figures you don't always hear about in class, like the women who shaped America or civil rights activists. For more interesting documentaries that you can stream at home try our Best Documentaries, while our History TV list also provides plenty of educational viewing to feast your eyes on.

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King: Man of Peace in a Time of War Poster Image
MOVIE

King: Man of Peace in a Time of War

age 8+

Inspiring documentary about iconic civil rights activist.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2007)
Paper Clips Poster Image
MOVIE

Paper Clips

age 8+

Docu is the best introduction to the Holocaust for tweens.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2004)
Anne Frank Remembered Poster Image
MOVIE

Anne Frank Remembered

age 9+

Powerful look at the Holocaust through teen eyes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1995)
Cave of Forgotten Dreams Poster Image
MOVIE

Cave of Forgotten Dreams

age 9+

Docu about ancient cave art is tame but aimed at adults.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)
Red Army Poster Image
MOVIE

Red Army

age 9+

Fascinating documentary about legendary Soviet hockey team.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Camp Courage: Short documentary addresses victims of war.
MOVIE

Camp Courage

age 10+

Uplifting docu tackles trauma of war and its impact on kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
Hell of a Cruise Movie: Title Image
MOVIE

Hell of a Cruise

age 10+

Docu showcases cruise line's failures; some violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President Poster Image
MOVIE

Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President

age 10+

Rockers reveal Jimmy Carter was cool in campaign docu.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Mercury 13 Poster Image
MOVIE

Mercury 13

age 10+

Inspiring docu about '60s female pilots who faced sexism.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
A Ripple of Hope Poster Image
MOVIE

A Ripple of Hope

age 10+

Unforgettable docu about RFK speech post-MLK assassination.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2010)
Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer Poster Image
MOVIE

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer

age 10+

Essential viewing on horrific chapter in American history.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Secrets of the Neanderthals movie poster: Silhouette of two Neanderthals looking out at sun and sky
MOVIE

Secrets of the Neanderthals

age 10+

Fascinating hands-on look at Neanderthal culture; violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2024)
The Diary of Anne Frank (2009) Poster Image
MOVIE

The Diary of Anne Frank (2009)

age 11+

BBC's 5-part series shows a feisty, moody, realistic Anne.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
Dolores Poster Image
MOVIE

Dolores

age 11+

Activist combats racism, sexism, and powerful enemies.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
Above and Beyond Poster Image
MOVIE

Above and Beyond

age 13+

Stirring docu about heroic WWII pilots who aided Israel.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Anita: Speaking Truth to Power Poster Image
MOVIE

Anita: Speaking Truth to Power

age 13+

Riveting docu may inspire discussion of sexual harassment.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
#AnneFrank - Parallel Stories Poster Image
MOVIE

#AnneFrank - Parallel Stories

age 13+

Moving Holocaust docu helps viewers connect to the past.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
The Anthrax Attacks: In the Shadow of 9/11 movie poster image.
MOVIE

The Anthrax Attacks: In the Shadow of 9/11

age 13+

Docu details historic bioterror assault; language, violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
Camp Confidential: America's Secret Nazis Poster Image
MOVIE

Camp Confidential: America's Secret Nazis

age 13+

Animated docu about secret WWII program; language, violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Final Account Poster Image
MOVIE

Final Account

age 13+

Powerful docu reveals impact of Nazi complicity.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)