85 Best Educational Netflix Shows for Kids & Teens To Watch Now

Videos are a great way to make concepts come alive, and to introduce students to new ideas or experiences they couldn’t access otherwise. And, for students who are used to accessing information through video (think: every student now), videos are a great way to engage them. As a teacher, I’ve used video to model everything from reading to science. And, when videos are done right, they can inject that level of engagement that every lesson needs. These 85 Netflix shows have the right balance of engagement and information for preschoolers through 12th grade.

Note to teachers: Some schools block Netflix, which requires you to use Netflix’s offline feature to download preferred shows and use them during class. When it comes to the legality of streaming Netflix in the classroom, the company notes which media are available for educational screenings. Also, 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.

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Preschool and Kindergarten Educational Netflix Shows
Elementary School Educational Netflix Shows
Middle and High School Educational Netflix Shows

Best Educational Netflix Shows for Preschool and Kindergarten

Storybot characters from the educational Netflix show — Netflix

Ask the StoryBots

If you have students who ask 1,000,000 questions a day, as I have, the Story Bots are a great resource. In each episode, five bots answer kids’ burning questions, like How do you make music? or, Where do planets come from?

Learn more: Ask the Story Bots

Beat Bugs

Beat Bugs is a great show for music class, or for units about music. In the show, five friendly bugs learn lessons about life while singing and dancing to Beatles tunes.

Learn more: Beat Bugs

blippi adventures netflix educational shows — Netflix

Blippi’s Adventure

Preschoolers and kindergarteners are constantly curious, but I don’t have the energy or budget to take them on every field trip. That’s where Blippi comes in. This show features a field trip per episode, taking kids to see everything from monster trucks to museums.

Learn more: Blippi’s Adventure

Blippi’s Job Show

A spinoff of Blippi’s Adventures, this show takes kids into various jobs, from chef to truck driver.

Learn more: Blippi’s Job Show

Buddi

This show is all about friendship, with a bunch of buddies who bounce and spin their way through friendships. A great one for morning meeting!

Learn more: Buddi

Charlie’s Colorform City

Remember colorforms? The dynamic shapes are back in a show about storytelling with Charlie and his colorform friends. I love this show for introducing and reinforcing story elements, and sparking kids’ imaginations.

Learn more: Charlie’s Colorform City

Chico Bon Bon

An early STEM show, an engineering monkey and his fix-it force help the people of Blunderberg solve their problems. Stop the show after the problem is introduced and inspire your students to come up with their own way to solve it.

Learn more: Chico Bon Bon

The Creature Cases

A show that weaves together geography knowledge and problem-solving, count me in! In each case, animal sleuths solve a problem in another region of the world.

Learn more: The Creature Cases

Deepa and Anoop

This show is pure fun, just like preschoolers. Deepa and her color-changing elephant make mischief and music at the family’s hotel. Watch it and talk about how the character develops, and the various situations they get into.

Learn more: Deepa and Anoop

Go Dog Go

The dogs from the iconic book, Go Dog Go by P.D. Eastman, have their own show. I love it because of the problem solving in each episode, and the many characters that kids can talk about.

Learn more: Go Dog Go

Llama Llama

Another book-to-show adaptation, Anna Dewdney’s lovable llama comes to live in this series of adventure. Kids can join Llama and his friends as they solve common childhood problems.

Learn more: Llama Llama

Meekah

Meekah and Blippi have educational adventures. I use this show with kids who already love Blippi, and are ready to learn more about science topics.

Learn more: Meekah

Ms. Rachel

For all things nursery rhymes and preschool songs, look no further than Ms. Rachel. Ms. Rachel’s show has nursery rhymes and early learning games all cued up for kids.

Learn more: Ms. Rachel

One Numberblock pushing another on a swing, from the Netflix show — Netflix

Numberblocks

This early math show teaches core math concepts–counting, number recognition, shapes, etc–in a fun, whimsical way. It’s a great show to bring in when I’ve already taught a concept and need to reinforce it with a quick video.

Learn more: Numberblocks

Octonauts

I admit, my kids learned a lot about the ocean and ecosystems from the band of Octonauts. (And they can still recite the theme song.) Choose episodes about the barrier reef, Arctic, and other ecosystems to learn more about specific animals and where they live.

Learn more: Octonauts

Pocoyo

Pocoyo is a typical curious, energetic toddler in this series for preschoolers. Kids can join Pocoyo to explore and discover everyday locations, like the zoo, backyard, and more.

Learn more: Pocoyo

Puffin Rock

In this sweet show, students learn about nature and the bonds of friendship and family with a family of puffins.

Learn more: Puffin Rock

Rhyme Time Town

Daisy and Cole solve problems and have adventures in a town where every character is from a nursery rhyme! I love this show for preschoolers who are familiar with Mother Goose and can get the “jokes” of each character that comes into hte show.

Learn more: Rhyme Time Town

Ridley Jones

This show starts in a museum and then goes anywhere in the world, past or present. The episodes are longer, 45 minutes, so they’re best for kindergarten.

Learn more: Ridley Jones

Story-Time Book: Read Along

In this show, books are read aloud to kids so they can follow along. Choose an episode based on the theme you want to read about: animals, colors and shapes, and more.

Learn more: Story Time Book: Read Along

Team Zenk Go

In this SEL show, a team of kids do good deeds around their hometown. I love to bring this show into morning meeting to talk about the problem and how the team solved it with kindness.

Learn more: Team Zenk Go

Word Party

Four baby animals invite preschoolers to learn new words through conversation, play, and adventure. When kids are in the language-learning preschool years, this is a great show to get them hooked on words.

Learn more: Word Party

Best Educational Netflix Shows for Elementary School

Absurd Planet

Facts about animals, told in a way that elementary schoolers find hilarious. Absurd Planet is a great show to bring into life science lessons for kids in grades 4-6.

Learn more: Absurd Planet

Ada Twist Scientist

I loved the Ada Twist books, so the show, that shows the Imagineers solving a variety of problems, was a must-see. The show is as lively as the books with characters that are invested in STEM topics and learning.

Learn more: Ada Twist Scientist

Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices

Celebrity readers share books by Black authors. Students can watch I am Enough read by Grace Byers, I Love my Hair read by Tiffany Haddish, and many more.

Learn more: Bookmarks

Brainchild

This Q&A style show is all about answering the questions that elementary schoolers have, like How real is the five-second rule? And, Why is social media so addictive?

Learn more: Brainchild

Carmen Sandiego

Carmen Sandiego solves mysteries all around the world. It’s a high-energy adventure that reinforces geography knowledge.

Learn more: Carmen Sandiego

Earth to Luna

Elementary-schooler Luna is interested about everything science, so she and her brother, Jupiter, set out to learn all there is to know.

Learn more: Earth to Luna

Emily’s Wonderlab

Energetic Emily Calandrelli, now well known for being the 100th woman in space, showcases fun experiments and science topics in her Wonderlab.

Learn more: Emily’s Wonderlab

Hidden Lives of Pets

This docuseries is great for teaching science and inquiry topics through the lens of pets and pet care. I know I always have at least one student who is pet-crazy.

Learn more: Hidden Lives of Pets

Sea wolf standing on the beach on Vancouver Island — Netflix

Island of the Sea Wolves

In this real-life documentary, students can learn about animal survival and how it changes across the seasons through the experiences of a set of sea wolves.

Learn more: Island of the Sea Wolves

Izzy’s Koala World

Izzy and her family rescue animals and nurse them back to health. The show is full of fun Australian animals, and the message about taking care of animals and the environment.

Learn more: Izzy’s Koala World

Julie’s Greenroom

Julie Andrews and a cast of muppets learn all about show business from the people who write, direct, and star in shows. This is a great show to get kids who love theatre involved, or for drama class.

Learn more: Julie’s Greenroom

Justin Time

In Justin’s dreams, he travels around the world to learn more about other places and cultures. It’s a fun way to introduce a new unit and build background knowledge.

Learn more: Justin Time

Magic School Bus

What list would be complete without Miss Frizzle and the Magic School Bus. These shows are packed with facts that students can use if they are researching a topic, or learning about something as a class.

Learn more: Magic School Bus

Old Enough

This show about young children taking on responsibility in Japan is a great way to talk about responsibility and what students are ready for, and to talk about the differences between cultures.

Learn more: Old Enough

Puff: Wonders of the Reef

Coral reefs are always a topic of interest among elementary schoolers, and Puff, the pufferfish, travels through the reef, teaching students all about his home.

Learn more: Puff: Wonders of the Reef

Main characters from Waffles + Moshi Netflix show — Netflix

Waffles + Mochi

Two puppets travel the world learning how to cook and tasting all kinds of food. I use this video in math to reinforce measurements, and in social studies to teach about different cultures and places.

Learn more: Waffles + Mochi

We the People

Schoolhouse Rock for today’s students! In this show, modern artists sing songs about rights and citizenship. Add these to social studies lessons either as a warm up or ending song.

Learn more: We the People

The Who Was? Show

Based on the biography Who Was? books, this show profiles different historical figures in a way that elementary schoolers, particularly 4th through 6th graders can understand.

Learn more: The Who Was? Show

Best Educational Netflix Shows for Middle School and High School

72 Cutest Animals

(PG) Ever wonder why baby animals are so cute? There’s science behind it. This series is a great way to introduce students to the concept of survival of the fittest (or cutest) and adaptations in life science.

Learn more: 72 Cutest Animals

72 Dangerous Animals

(TV 14) In this informative series, students can learn all about the dangerous adaptations the keep animals protected or predators.

Learn more: 72 Dangerous Animals Asia or 72 Dangerous Animals Latin America

100 Humans

(TV 14) In this innovative series, 100 humans participate in experiments about what it means to be human. Use this as a way to talk about research and the various topics, like how to be happy, are we biased, or can we trust our senses?

Learn more: 100 Humans

A Life on Our Planet

(PG) David Attenborough gives a master class in all things related to living on planet Earth through the story of his own life. It’s a great entry point into conversations about evolution, climate change, and other life science topics.

Learn more: A Life on Our Planet

Abstract: The Art of Design

(TV 14) Students learn from innovative designers who have to tackle various design problems. A great way to talk about the innovation process, and creativity. Also a good show to use in art class.

Learn more: Abstract: The Art of Design

Alien Worlds

(PG) When students are learning about the qualities of life on our planet, this show applies those principles to life on other planets.

Learn more: Alien Worlds

Animal

(PG) Netflix has no shortage of animal documentaries, this one is great for teaching about one specific animal. Each episode provides an immersive experience of the animal’s life. There are episodes about marsupials, big cats, dogs, and more.

Learn more: Animal

Attack on Pearl Harbor: Minute by Minute

(TV 14) This show is a must-see for a World War II unit in history class. All the information students need to know about Pearl Harbor.

Learn more: Attack on Pearl Harbor

Bill Nye Saves the World

(TV 14) Scientist extraordinaire explains science topics from climate change to artificial intelligence. Bill Nye is known for his ability to explain any science topic, so it’s helpful to have a video built into a lesson about a complex topic.

Learn more: Bill Nye Saves the World

Screen shot from Black Holes: The Edge of All We Know — Netflix

Black Holes: Edge of All we Know

(TV 14) Students can follow along as scientists seek to learn all they can about black holes. This is a great documentary for physics, or for students who are researching black holes.

Learn more: Black Holes

The Boy who Harnessed the Wind

(PG) In this biographical film, 13-year-old William Kamkwamba builds a windmill to create electricity in his Malawian town. If students have read the book, or even if they haven’t, it’s a good story to teach persistence and how science can change the world.

Learn more: The Boy who Harnessed the Wind

Challenger

(TV 14) This documentary about the 1986 Challenger disaster is a great one to watch with students when this topic comes up in history class.

Learn more: Challenger

Chasing Coral

(PG) Whether you watch Chasing Coral to teach students about the coral reef ecosystem, climate change, or how people can have a positive impact on the Earth, this is a story that will stick with students.

Learn more: Chasing Coral

Chimp Empire

(PG) Students will really understand the drama that can happen in the animal kingdom after watching this show about the largest chimpanzee community.

Learn more: Chimp Empire

Connected: The Science of Everything

(TV 14) This series explains the various ways we are connected, from everything from surveillance cameras to poop. It’s a great option for science, or advisory.

Learn more: Connected: The Science of Everything

Down to Earth

(PG) Zac Efron explores healthy, sustainable ways to live around the world. It’s an unexpected option for life sciences class, and brings some geography into lessons too.

Learn more: Down to Earth

Explained

(TV MA for certain topics covered.) If you need a video to engage students in understanding anything from the world’s water crisis, pay inequity, tattoos, or whether or not we can live forever, Explained has an episode for you. Note: There are topics that are not school appropriate, so make sure you choose just the episodes you need.

Learn more: Explained

Two men in a colorful boat, from the Netflix show High on the Hog — Netflix

High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America

(TV 14) Put African American history into a new context with this documentary about African American cuisine.

Learn more: High on the Hog

A variety of video game system controllers against a bright green background — Netflix

High Score

(TV 14) If you have students who are reluctant to engage in history, High School, a docuseries about the history of videogames, might be the ticket to get them interested. Or, use the docuseries to show students another aspect of history.

Learn more: High Score

Netflix

History 101

(TV 14) This history series tackles topics from the rise of GPS to how credit cards impacted the global economy. A good show to reinforce the concepts that students are learning in high school economics and history courses.

Learn more: History 101

Split screen image of a human embryo in the womb and the Earth in space — Netflix

Human: The World Within

(PG) This series takes students inside the body to explore how all the parts we can’t see–the brain, immune system, and more-impact our daily life.

Learn more: Human: The World Within

Inside Bill’s Brain

(TV 14) This documentary about Bill Gates teaches students about the development of computers, and the perspective of one influential man.

Learn more: Inside Bill’s Brain

Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History

(Rated PG for language and violence). This comedy special explores topics in Black history through the comedy of Kevin Hart.

Learn more: Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History

Life in Color

(PG) David Attenborough explains how animals use color to survive by hiding or flashing their shades.

Learn more: Life In Color

Life on Our Planet

(PG) An entire course could be built around this docuseries that explores how life developed on planet Earth.

Learn more: Life on Our Planet

The Mars Generation

(PG) The history and future of NASA, and our current aspirations of going to Mars combine in this show. It provides an interesting take on how we approach space, and how that’s changed over time.

Learn more: The Mars Generation

The Mind Explained

(TV 14) For middle and high schoolers, whose brains are still developing, this show can provide insight into their own minds, with episodes about anxiety, personality, and the teenage brain. Watch it in life science, psychology, or advisory.

Learn more: The Mind Explained

My Octopus Teacher

(PG) Just how much can we learn from animals? This documentary explores that question as a filmmaker befriends an octopus.

Learn more: My Octopus Teacher

Mystery Lab

(PG) This is the show to come to to help explain mysteries; the Bermuda triangle, the great plague, time travel.

Learn more: Mystery Lab

A pride of lions against a twilight sky — Netflix

Night On Earth

(PG) What happens in the animal kingdom after the sun goes down? This documentary shows how animal behavior changes at night.

Learn more: Night on Earth

Our Great National Parks

(PG) Barack Obama narrates this docuseries about national parks. It’s a combination life science and geography lesson.

Learn more: Our Great National Parks

Our Planet II

(PG) David Attenborough does it again in this documentary all about animals and wildlife around the planet. Watch this to reinforce life science topics, or to inspire students as they plan writing or research projects.

Learn more: Our Planet

A group of African penguins standing around while tourists take their picture — Netflix

Penguin Town

(PG) In a South African town, a group of penguins moves in. Watch to see how animals and humans live together.

Learn more: Penguin Town

Fishing net full of fish, with a model of planet Earth on top — Netflix

Seaspiracy

(TV-14) This documentary about what happens in the global fishing trade, and how harmful it can be, is eye-opening. It’s a good one to assign for either biology or an economics class.

Learn more: Seaspiracy

Secrets of the Neanderthals

(PG) Learn more about the Neanderthals and what we know about the fossil record they have left.

Learn more: Secrets of the Neanderthals

A collage of Egyptian images, including pyramids and hieroglyphs — Netflix

Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb

(PG) Archaeologists unearthed an Egyptian tomb. Bring this documentary into ancient history to show students how we are still making discoveries about ancient history.

Learn more: Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb

Secret World of Sound

(PG) In this David Attenborough series, explore the impact of sound on our world. This documentary makes the invisible visible and would make an interesting addition to units about animal behavior.

Learn more: Secret World of Sound

Teen lying in bed looking at a phone, with a collage of images above their head — Netflix

(TV 13) Students already know about social media, and they’re likely using it. So, bring this documentary into class to help students understand and think critically about social media’s impact.

Learn more: The Social Dilemma

Somebody Feed Phil

(TV-14) Phil Rosenthal travels the world to try local cuisine. It’s a good way to introduce a new place or to simply enjoy a lighthearted clip.

Learn more: Somebody Feed Phil

Max Park and Feliks Zemdegs, speed cubers — Netflix

The Speed Cubers

(PG) This documentary shows how speed cubers solve rubics cubes so quickly, and the community that is built around speed cubing. This is a wonderful documentary to show to high schoolers who are trying to find their place in the world.

Learn more: The Speed Cubers

Spelling the Dream

(G) A documentary about the competitive National Spelling Bee is a lesson in goal setting, perseverance, and, of course, spelling.

Learn more: Spelling the Dream

Thai Cave Rescue

(PG) The story of the international efforts to rescue a soccer team trapped in a cave in Thailand is absolutely riveting. It’s a story that students will not stop talking about and is a great show to bring into an ethics conversation.

Learn more: Thai Cave Rescue

Small mouse hiding in a hole as a bird swoops in from above and a person rides past on a dirt bike — Netflix

Tiny Creatures

(PG) Learn how the smallest animals survive and thrive. Use this documentary to introduce life sciences topics.

Learn more: Tiny Creatures

Wild Babies

(PG) Learn how animals take care of their babies. It’s a show to start conversation about how animals have adapted to take care of their young, and ensure their species survives.

Learn more: Wild Babies

Won’t You be my Neighbor?

(PG 13) This documentary about Mr. Rogers reinforces the needs for community and kindness. Today’s students may have seen Mr. Rogers as a child, or they may have seen the cartoon spin-off Daniel Tiger, to connect with this documentary.

Learn more: Won’t you be my Neighbor?