Believe it or not! The very first educational movies were the ones from the silent movie era.
Above all, the movies were even way before taking pictures was a thing. In the early 1900s, silent films were a popular way to teach audiences about a variety of topics, from science and history to current events.
Likewise, these educational movies were mostly based on title cards and visual storytelling to spread awareness about a topic. Soon these movies led to increased interest and there was a positive change in society.
In this blog, you will rethink education and explore how films have shaped society. These
movies encourage viewers to be mindful of the choices of the movies they wish to engage with because entertainment can also be educational.
Let’s Begin with the List of 10 Best Educational Movies
1. 12th Fail
- IMDb rating: 8.9/10
- Run Time: 146 minutes
- Year: 2023
- Genre: Biography, Drama
- Language: Hindi
- Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
- Actors: Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankar, Anant Joshi
As a matter of fact, “12th Fail” has to be on the list if we are talking about educational movies. The movie is a real-life story of IPS Officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and IRS Officer Shraddha Joshi. Surprisingly, the Film won 5 awards including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor (Critics) at the 69th Filmfare Awards. The film challenges the common idea that academic failure means personal failure.
Why you should watch it?
Consequently, the movie teaches students that hard work and honesty are key to success. Cheating might give you a temporary win but true achievement comes from dedication and perseverance. Even when everything around you seems difficult, you must always believe in yourself.
2. 3 Idiots
- IMDb rating: 8.4/10
- Run Time: 171 minutes
- Year: 2009
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Language: Hindi
- Director: Rajkumar Hirani
- Actors: Aamir Khan, Madhavan, Sharman Joshi
Interestingly, the movie 3 Idiots is loosely adapted from Chetan Bhagat’s novel “Five Point Someone.” Engineering students are the target audience of this movie. This film won 11 Filmfare Awards, 23 Awards from the International Indian Film Academy, and 1 National Film Award, in India.
Briefly, it is the story of two friends searching for their long-lost companion. Furthermore, they decide to revisit their college days and recall the memories of their friend who inspired them to think differently, even as the rest of the world called them “idiots.”
Why you should watch it?
Hence, 3 Idiots is one of the most time-worthy educational movies you should watch. It encourages students to follow their passion and not just run behind in getting good grades. The key takeaway for students is that we must not blindly memorize but focus on understanding the concept.
3. Taare Zameen Par (Like Stars on Earth)
- IMDb rating: 8.3/10
- Run Time: 164 minutes
- Year: 2007
- Genre: Drama, Family
- Language: Hindi
- Director: Aamir Khan, Amole Gupte
- Actors: Darsheel Safari, Aamir Khan, Tisca Chopra
In this case, the movie is about an eight-year-old boy who is thought to be a lazy troublemaker until the new art teacher has the patience and compassion to discover the real problem behind his struggles in school. It was one of the best educational movies which received 9 Filmfare Awards, 7 Zee Cine Awards, and 3 National Film Awards, in India.
Why you should watch it?
In short, this is one of the educational movies that reflects the idea that everyone learns differently. Interestingly, the fact that we all are unique from each other and we have different ways in which we must shine. Also, we must not get discouraged by the struggles.
4. A Beautiful Mind
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Run Time: 135 minutes
- Year: 200l
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Mystery
- Language: English (United States)
- Director: Ron Howard
- Actors: Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly
The movie is based on the true story of a teacher who inspires her troubled students through writing and literature. A mathematical genius, John Nash made a great discovery early in his career and became famous. But the handsome and arrogant Nash soon found himself on a disturbing journey of self-discovery.
As a result, it was an artistic treasure for the viewers. It was also critically acclaimed and went on to receive 4 Oscars, 8 Academy Awards, and 5 BAFTA Awards.
Why you should watch it?
In addition, A Beautiful Mind is among the rare educational movies that teach students that every challenge can be dissolved if we show perseverance. We should never stop believing in ourselves and our ideas. Every obstacle can be resolved by support and love from our well-wishers.
5. A Plastic Ocean
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Run Time: 102 minutes
- Year: 2016
- Genre: Documentary
- Language: English (United States)
- Director: Craig Leeson
- Actors: David Attenborough, Sylvia Earle, Ben Fogle
However, the movie is a retreat for nature lovers. There are very less educational movies based on nature. Journalist Craig Leeson teams up with diver Tanya Streeter and an international team of scientists and researchers. They travel to twenty locations worldwide over the next four years to explore the fragile state of our oceans.
Besides that, it has to receive a special place in the category of most creative educational movies. It received various awards in the nature category like an award at the Asia Pacific International Filmmaker Festival and one at the Blue Ocean Film Festival and Conservation Summit.
Why you should watch it?
It is one of the powerful educational movies that influence young minds to take active measures to save the ocean. Especially, our daily plastic use pollutes the ocean. The major aim of the film is to spread public awareness about oceans and promote reduce, reuse, and recycle to save our planet.
6. The Pursuit of Happyness
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Run Time: 117 minutes
- Year: 2006
- Genre: Biography, Drama
- Language: English (United States)
- Director: Gabriele Muccino
- Actors: Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith
Moreover, this is one of the educational movies about perseverance and grit. It is a story about a struggling salesman who takes custody of his son as he’s to begin a life-changing professional career. This story is inspired by true events.
Therefore, the movie was nominated at the Oscars and also received an Academy Award, an ASCAP Film and Television Music Award, 1 BET Award, and 2 Critics Choice Awards.
Why you should watch it?
The key takeaway from this movie is that we should never give up on our dreams, no matter how many obstacles we face on our path. Moreover, these type of educational movies reflects the idea that handwork and determination can help us overcome all our problems.
7. Life of Pi
- IMDb rating: 7.9/10
- Run Time: 127 minutes
- Year: 2012
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
- Language: English, Tamil, French
- Director: Ang Lee
- Actors: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain
It is a story about a young man who survives a disaster at sea. He is at the beginning of an epic journey of adventure and discovery. After some time, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor who is no one else but a Bengal tiger. It was a commercial success and also won 4 Oscars. Along with it 11 Academy Awards, 10 BAFTA Awards, and 9 Critics Choice Awards.
Why you should watch it?
For instance, this movie is completely based on the tagline “Don’t Lose Hope.” This movie forces young minds to think that imagination and belief can be used as tools for survival. Finding meaning and purpose in any difficult situation depends on our mindset. We must develop a winning mindset.
8. The Social Network
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
- Run Time: 120 minutes
- Year: 2010
- Genre: Biography, Drama
- Language: English
- Director: David Fincher
- Actors: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake
It is a story about Harvard Student Mark Zuckerberg who created the social networking site that became a well-known Startup called “Facebook”. He is sued by the twins who claimed he stole their idea. The movie won 3 Oscars with 8 Academy Awards, USA, 6 BAFTA Awards, and 9 Critics Choice Awards.
Why you should watch it?
The tagline of the movie is, “You don’t get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies.” The movie proposes the importance of building a strong team and considering the implications of their ideas on others’ lives. This is one of the educational movies that describes the relationship of the current generation with social media.
9. The Theory of Everything
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
- Run Time: 123 minutes
- Year: 2014
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance
- Language: English
- Director: James Marsh
- Actors: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior
Firstly, it is a biographical drama about the physicist Stephen Hawking and his contributions to science despite physical challenges. Stephen Hawking has had unusual success in the field of physics despite being diagnosed with motor neuron disease at the age of 21.
Secondly, the story shows how he defeats all the odds and achieves his dreams. The movie won an Oscar along with 5 Academy Awards, USA, 10 BAFTA Awards, and 5 Critics Choice Awards.
Why you should watch it?
The movie shows the relentless curiosity and determination of Stephen Hawking. No matter how bad your life may seem there is always something you can achieve success at. The movie is based on the idea of having an open mind. Also, it influences people to think from a different perspective.
10. Freedom Writers
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
- Run Time: 123 minutes
- Year: 2007Freedom
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Crime
- Language: English
- Director: Richard LaGravenese
- Actors: Hilary Swank, Imelda Staunton, Patrick Dempsey
The movie is based on the true story of a teacher who inspires her troubled students through writing and literature. The young teacher inspires her class of students to learn tolerance and pursue education beyond high school. It was awarded by various academies like Golden Camera, Germany, Humanitas Prize, and Image Award, (NAACP)
Why you should watch it?
In the same way, it focuses on the idea of how we can develop a positive approach towards goals to achieve success. Freedom Writers shows that education can be transformative just like educational movies when it connects to students’ lives. The movie emphasizes the power of empathy, courage, and the importance of fighting for what you believe in.
Conclusion
In summary, educational movies have come a long way since the silent era. Today movies are not only a reflection of society but also try to influence and inspire audiences globally. The storytelling and the themes spark a conversation among the people and force them to think about various topics.
In the end, we hope this collection of educational movies inspires you. It helps create a sense of need for change in you in a positive direction.
