7 Fascinating Documentaries for Grandparents to Watch with Grandkids
Bridging Generations Through Educational Films
Documentaries offer a unique opportunity for grandparents and grandchildren to explore the world together. These educational films can spark curiosity, foster discussions, and create lasting memories across generations. They provide a window into different cultures, historical events, and scientific discoveries that can captivate viewers of all ages.
Watching documentaries together allows grandparents to share their knowledge and experiences while learning alongside their grandchildren. This shared activity can strengthen family bonds and encourage a love of learning in younger viewers. From nature and wildlife to space exploration and human history, there's a wide range of fascinating subjects to discover through carefully selected documentaries suitable for both older and younger audiences.
1) 'Our Planet' by David Attenborough (2019)
'Our Planet' is a stunning nature documentary series narrated by the renowned David Attenborough. It showcases the Earth's diverse ecosystems and wildlife in breathtaking detail.
The series explores eight different world regions, from lush rainforests to vast oceans. It captures rare and remarkable moments in nature, giving viewers an intimate look at the lives of various animal species.
'Our Planet' stands out for its focus on climate change and human impact. It illustrates how these factors affect the natural world, encouraging viewers to consider their role in environmental conservation.
The show's cinematography is exceptional, utilizing cutting-edge technology to capture previously unseen animal behaviors. This makes it an engaging watch for both grandparents and grandchildren alike.
With its mix of awe-inspiring visuals and educational content, 'Our Planet' offers a perfect opportunity for intergenerational bonding over the wonders of nature.
More information on 'Our Planet'
2) 'March of the Penguins' by Luc Jacquet (2005)
'March of the Penguins' takes viewers on an incredible journey through Antarctica. This French documentary, directed by Luc Jacquet, follows the annual migration of emperor penguins.
The film captures the penguins' arduous trek across frozen landscapes to reach their breeding grounds. It showcases their remarkable mating rituals and the challenges they face in raising their young.
Cinematographers Laurent Chalet and Jerome Maison spent a year in isolation to capture stunning footage of these resilient creatures. Their work provides an intimate look at the penguins' lives in one of Earth's harshest environments.
The documentary resonates with audiences of all ages. Its universal themes of love, perseverance, and family make it particularly appealing for grandparents and grandchildren to watch together.
Morgan Freeman narrates the English version, adding depth to the already captivating visuals. The film's success led to numerous awards, including an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
3) 'Won't You Be My Neighbor?' about Mister Rogers (2018)
'Won't You Be My Neighbor?' is a heartwarming documentary that explores the life and legacy of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood'. The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at Rogers' groundbreaking children's television program.
Director Morgan Neville skillfully weaves together archival footage and interviews with Rogers' family, friends, and colleagues. These personal accounts provide insight into the man behind the cardigan sweaters and gentle demeanor.
The documentary highlights Rogers' unwavering commitment to addressing complex topics with young viewers. It showcases his ability to discuss difficult subjects like death, divorce, and racism in a way children could understand.
One memorable scene depicts Rogers testifying before the U.S. Senate in 1969 to secure funding for public television. His sincere and passionate plea effectively demonstrates his dedication to children's education and development.
'Won't You Be My Neighbor?' celebrates Rogers' enduring impact on generations of children and adults alike. It serves as a poignant reminder of the power of kindness, empathy, and unconditional acceptance.
4) 'Apollo 11' featuring NASA's moon mission
'Apollo 11' (2019) offers a captivating glimpse into NASA's historic mission that first landed humans on the moon. This documentary presents a treasure trove of previously unseen 70mm footage and over 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio recordings.
The film takes viewers on a thrilling journey alongside astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. It chronicles the entire mission, from launch preparations to the triumphant return to Earth.
Director Todd Douglas Miller masterfully assembles the archival material without using narration or modern interviews. This approach immerses audiences in the events as they unfolded, creating a sense of being present during this monumental achievement.
'Apollo 11' showcases the ingenuity, bravery, and teamwork that made the moon landing possible. It highlights the contributions of the thousands of individuals working behind the scenes to ensure the mission's success.
This documentary serves as an excellent educational tool for grandparents to share with their grandchildren, offering a vivid portrayal of one of humanity's greatest accomplishments.
More information on 'Apollo 11' (IMDb)
5) 'My Octopus Teacher' with Craig Foster (2020)
'My Octopus Teacher' is a captivating documentary that follows filmmaker Craig Foster's underwater journey in a South African kelp forest. Foster forms an unexpected bond with a wild octopus, visiting her daily for nearly a year.
The film showcases the octopus's remarkable intelligence and adaptability. Viewers witness her ingenious methods of hunting and evading predators. Foster's observations reveal the complexity of octopus behavior and the rich biodiversity of the kelp forest ecosystem.
This documentary offers a unique perspective on human-animal relationships. It demonstrates how connecting with nature can be a profound and transformative experience. Foster's daily swims become a form of healing, helping him overcome personal challenges.
'My Octopus Teacher' won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2021. Its stunning underwater cinematography and emotional narrative make it an engaging watch for both grandparents and grandchildren.
The film encourages viewers to appreciate the wonders of the natural world and the unexpected lessons it can teach us.
More information on 'My Octopus Teacher'
6) 'Jane' about Jane Goodall's life (2017)
'Jane' is a captivating documentary that chronicles the life and work of renowned primatologist Jane Goodall. The film uses over 100 hours of previously unseen footage shot in Tanzania's Gombe Stream National Park during the 1960s.
Director Brett Morgen weaves together archival material and contemporary interviews to create a compelling narrative. The documentary showcases Goodall's groundbreaking observations of chimpanzees and her innovative research methods.
Viewers gain insight into Goodall's passion for Africa and her lifelong fascination with animals. The film highlights her discoveries about chimpanzee behavior, including their ability to make and use tools.
'Jane' offers an intimate portrait of Goodall's personal life and professional achievements. It explores the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field and her dedication to conservation.
This documentary is an inspiring choice for grandparents to watch with their grandchildren. It provides valuable lessons about perseverance, scientific inquiry, and environmental stewardship.
More information about 'Jane' (2017)
7) 'Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates' (2019)
This three-part documentary series offers a unique glimpse into the mind of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Directed by Davis Guggenheim, the series explores Gates' life story and his current philanthropic endeavors.
Each episode focuses on a different global challenge that Gates is working to solve through his foundation. These include improving sanitation in developing countries, eradicating polio, and developing clean energy solutions.
The documentary alternates between Gates' past and present, providing insights into his childhood, rise at Microsoft, and transition to full-time philanthropy. Interviews with Gates, his family, and colleagues offer personal perspectives on his life and work.
Viewers will learn about Gates' problem-solving approach and his dedication to tackling some of the world's most complex issues. The series showcases his analytical thinking and passion for using technology to improve lives globally.
Understanding the Impact of Documentaries
Documentaries offer a unique opportunity for grandparents and grandchildren to learn together and engage in meaningful discussions. These films can broaden perspectives, foster empathy, and encourage critical thinking across generations.
Encouraging Intergenerational Conversations
Documentaries serve as excellent conversation starters between grandparents and grandchildren. They provide shared experiences and common ground for discussion. After watching, both generations can share their thoughts, ask questions, and relate the content to their own lives.
This exchange of ideas helps bridge generational gaps and strengthens family bonds. Grandparents can offer historical context and personal experiences, while grandchildren can provide fresh perspectives on current issues.
Documentaries covering topics like nature, history, or social issues can spark curiosity in young minds. These films may inspire further research or lead to new interests shared by both generations.
Promoting Critical Thinking and Empathy
Documentaries challenge viewers to analyze information, question assumptions, and form their own opinions. This process enhances critical thinking skills for both grandparents and grandchildren.
Watching documentaries together allows for real-time discussions about the presented information. Grandparents can guide their grandchildren in evaluating sources, recognizing bias, and considering multiple viewpoints.
These films often present personal stories and experiences, fostering empathy in viewers. Documentaries about different cultures, social issues, or historical events can help grandchildren develop a broader understanding of the world.
By experiencing these stories together, grandparents and grandchildren can engage in meaningful conversations about complex topics. This shared learning experience strengthens their relationship while expanding their knowledge and emotional intelligence.
Selecting Age-Appropriate Content
Choosing suitable documentaries for grandparents and grandchildren to watch together requires careful consideration. The selected films should strike a balance between educational value and entertainment while being mindful of sensitive topics.
Balancing Educational and Entertaining Elements
Documentaries that blend learning with enjoyment are ideal for intergenerational viewing. Look for films with engaging narratives and visually appealing footage. Nature documentaries like "Planet Earth" often captivate viewers of all ages with stunning imagery and fascinating animal behaviors.
Historical documentaries can spark curiosity about the past. "Apollo 11" uses archival footage to bring the moon landing to life, appealing to both older viewers who remember the event and younger ones fascinated by space exploration.
For a mix of education and creativity, consider "The Pixar Story," which explores the animation studio's history and artistic process.
Considering Sensitivity to Certain Topics
When selecting documentaries, be aware of content that might be too complex or unsettling for younger viewers. Avoid films with graphic violence, intense emotional themes, or advanced political concepts that could be difficult to process.
"March of the Penguins" is a safe choice, focusing on the life cycle of emperor penguins without delving into controversial subjects. For a cultural experience, "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" offers a gentle look at dedication and craftsmanship.
If addressing more serious topics, choose documentaries that present information in an age-appropriate manner. "He Named Me Malala" tells an inspiring story of education advocacy without graphic depictions of violence.
