From Walk the Line to Oppenheimer, biopics can introduce audiences to inspirational and complicated individuals who achieved greatness through innovative thinking or sheer determination. However, these two films, and many others in the genre, aren’t really for family viewing. To help kids learn about important people throughout history—and maybe find their own inspiration to shake things up—we’ve selected several movies that you can share with them about people who changed the world in ways big and small.
Apollo 13 (1995)
Astronaut Jim Lovell was supposed to walk on the moon in 1970, but an explosion on his spacecraft caused the oxygen supply on the ship to leak, leading to his moon landing being abandoned and a rescue mission to get them home. Based on his autobiography Lost Moon, the compelling story of how Lovell and his crew worked with a team of NASA scientists in Houston to return to Earth is one of the most technically accurate films about space flight. Plus, the stunning visuals and edge-of-your-seat story will keep kids riveted, even if they already know the ending.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Hidden Figures (2016)
When watching Apollo 13, you may notice that the film’s cast consists primarily of white men. What you may not know is that three female African-American mathematicians played a vital role in America getting into space in the first place. The once-unknown story of how Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Johnson, and Mary Jackson helped NASA win the Space Race may feel routine, but you and your kids will still be cheering at the end.
Where to stream: Digital rental, Disney+
Ruby Bridges (1998)
The made-for-television film depicts how the titular student helped integrate a formerly all-white public school in New Orleans with the NAACP, her parents, and a teacher who saw Bridges’ potential. Despite the complaint filed by a Florida parent last year that claims the movie might teach children that “white people hate Black people,” this award-winning biopic has quite the opposite effect, making it an excellent choice for family viewing.
Where to stream: Digital rental, Disney+
Lincoln (2012)
This Steven Spielberg-directed biopic focuses on the political maneuvering used by the 16th President of the United States and his allies that ultimately led to the passing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished the practice of slavery. While the film might be tedious and complicated for younger kids, positive messages about leadership, freedom, and the importance of doing the right thing make it an essential watch for families. Younger viewers might lean more towards John Ford’s 1939 classic Young Mr. Lincoln.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Miracle Worker (1962)
The film’s title refers to Anne Sullivan, who, through persistence and seemingly sheer will, teaches the blind and deaf Helen Keller to communicate with others. Keller would become the first person with her condition to earn a Bachelor’s Degree and become a founding member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Featuring intense performances by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, the film dramatically displays how anyone can overcome seemingly impossible challenges.
Where to stream: Digital rental, Tubi, Pluto TV, Hoopla
The Elephant Man (1980)
Speaking of Anne Bancroft, she also appears in David Lynch’s film about the life of Joseph (John) Merrick, the Londoner whose appearance makes it difficult for society to relate to him. Possibly the most straightforward of all of Lynch’s films, families will get enveloped in this beautifully photographed story of compassion and the human condition, capped with outstanding performances by John Hurt (as Merrick) and Anthony Hopkins.
Where to stream: Digital rental, Hoopla, Crackle, Kanopy, Pluto TV
Stand and Deliver (1988)
When the other teachers in an East Los Angeles high school had given up on their working-class students, math teacher Jaime Escalante saw their potential and instilled in them the desire to learn calculus. This inspiring movie shows that regardless of background, anyone can surpass what is expected of them and that hard work and practice will lead to success.
Where to stream: Digital rental, The Roku Channel
The Walk (2015)
Yes, the documentary Man on Wire, which also tells the story of Philippe Petit’s high-wire walk between the towers of the World Trade Center in 1974, is superior to this special-effects-filled retelling. However, it’s not entirely appropriate for younger kids. If you’re okay with some mild swear words and a glimpse of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s butt, this story of one man going to impossible lengths to make his dreams come true is a good substitute. Just don’t look down when Petit starts walking across the wire.
Where to stream: Digital rental, Starz
A Million Miles Away (2023)
Much like Petit in The Walk, there is a scene in this movie where migrant farm worker Jose Hernandez (Michael Peña), who would become the first Mexican-American astronaut, tells someone his dream is to travel to space, only to have her laugh at him. This moving film depicts his unusual journey to achieve his lofty goal, despite those who doubted his drive, acquiring the skills to become an engineer and ultimately traveling to the International Space Station.
Where to stream: Prime Video
October Sky (1999)
Jake Gyllenhaal plays Homer Hickam Jr., a teenager so fascinated with the launch of Sputnik that he and his three friends build rockets and study the science behind them despite the lack of support from his coal miner father. This film shows what can happen when people work together to achieve a common goal.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Miss Potter (2006)
Though likely better suited for pre-teens than kids who are currently reading the titular author’s books, this charming period biopic about Peter Rabbit writer Beatrix Potter (Renée Zellweger) and the genesis of her most famous creation features romance, some period class drama, and cute animated sequences featuring her characters. What makes the story worthy of family viewing is that Potter’s parents disapprove of her creative activities, yet she carries on, despite their protests, to great success.
Where to stream: Digital rental, Peacock, Tubi, Freevee, Plex, YouTube, Pluto TV
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