20 Educational Geography Movies & Shows for Kids

We are continuing on with our educational movies series today and focusing on educational geography movies. Movies and shows are a great way to engage your children and help them learn.

Educational Geography Movies and Shows for Kids

Geography is probably one of the harder subjects for me to teach my younger kids. We typically do some daily geography work and learn about how to read maps and an overview of the United States in elementary, but beyond that, we use our travels to help teach our kids. 

But we can’t travel everywhere , so I try to use movies that interest my kids to help get them interested. In fact, one of their favorite shows, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? has sparked some pretty interesting conversations and research.

I also try to listen to their movies as they watch and ask them questions about the landmarks, where it was filmed and more to see if they’re paying attention. It’s a quick and easy way to sneak in some extra learning and quizzing to what they’re already watching.

20 Educational Geography Movies and Shows

NOTE: Shows should always be reviewed by a parent first. We do not make any claims to know what is appropriate for your child(ren), that is totally your call. Please review these shows to make sure they align with your family values.

Geography Shows

1. Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?

I loved the Carmen Sandiego games growing up. But just before I graduated high school it was turned into a fun television show, which my kids now enjoy. It is a little cheesy, but it is definitely a fun way for kids to learn about different countries and places in the world as well as a little history too.

2. Continents of the World Series for Kids

I have not watched this series with my kids, but it is on our Prime list to check out. We will preview each one and if nothing else, allow it to be a great teaching opportunity for our kids in the differences of worldviews.

3. Great American Landmarks – This is another one we’ve added to our list to watch. Since we travel full-time, this is a fantastic one to view and show the kids some of the famous landmarks around the United States.

This short video is free for Prime members and highlights Washington D.C., Grand Canyon, The Golden Gate Bridge, The Liberty Bell, Mount Rushmore, St. Louis Gateway Arch, and The Statue of Liberty.

4. State to State series – This series includes a large variety of titles covering everything from the West Coast to New England, down the East Coast and across the southern route back to California again. Or take an “Alaskan Adventure” right from your couch. While I have not seen this series personally, at only 20 minutes per video, this is a great option for a daily geography series.

5. The World Atlas- There are a number of different videos in this series. From South America to Canada and the United States to Egypt, Africa, China and more. Kids can take a trip around the world right from your own home.

6. The Coolest Places on Earth – This series of videos will take students from Mexico to Cambodia to see famous ruins, landmarks around the world, national parks in the United States, American cities, beaches, mountain escapes, and much more! 

7. Memorize the 50 States: On my way across the United States – Want your kids to memorize the 50 states? Try this fun video that engages learners through images, movement, and music. At only 26 minutes long, this video is sure to hold your child’s attention, while helping them learn about the United States.

8. Scrambled States of America – Based on the popular book by Laurie Keller, kids will love this hilarious story of the 50 states changing places just to change their view. But soon they get so mixed up and forget where they belong, that they might not ever make it back to the right place.

9. The Scrambled States of America Talent Show – The silly states are back and this time they are putting on a hilarious talent show!

10. Let’s Learn Countries – This is a super short video that introduces kids to 50 different countries and their flags from around the world all while listening to fun music.

Movie Response Pack

When you incorporate movies into your homeschool day, you can turn it into school using our Movie Response Template Pack. 

Geography Movies

11. An American Tail (G) – This animated adventure will take kids from Russia to America. Follow Fievel as he falls overboard and then has to search for his family in New York City.

12. Fievel Goes West – Follow Fievel and his family as they travel west.

13. An American Tale: The Treasure of Manhattan Island – Follow Fievel and his friends as they take a treasure map and discover a secret world beneath New York City.

14. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (G) – The Jules Verne classic comes to life in this 1954 movie. This DVD has been digitally restored and is in full color, so it will definitely keep the attention of your kids. While this story isn’t true, it is an undersea adventure the kids will enjoy. 

15. Around the World in 80 Days (PG) – This is a modern twist on the old classic, based on the novel of the same name. Frankly, my kids love just about everything Jackie Chan is in, so this is a hit in our house. This is a fun way for kids to “travel around the world” as they see major landmarks from around the globe.

16. Road to El Dorado (PG) – This definitely isn’t based on a true story, but it is a fun, entertaining movie for kids. You can also have them research and learn about the legendary City of Gold. 

17. Atlantis (PG) – Contrary to many critics, my kids love this movie. It is beautifully animated and a fun adventure under the sea to the lost city of Atlantis. And while this isn’t a true story or based in reality, it has inspired my kids to search the beaches and shores when we visit for “clues” to an unknown world.

18. Hidalgo (PG-13) – Based on a true story, this movie is packed full of adventure and excitement. While this is also a historical film, you could easily incorporate geography of the Sahara desert into your studies. If you’re unsure about the movie, check out the Parents Guide.

19. Sahara (PG-13) – Another movie set in the Sahara desert, this one is not based on a true story. However, it is a fun, action-filled movie that older kids will enjoy as Dirk travels across the vast desert with his friend in search of a lost ship with hidden treasure. Check out the Parents Guide here.

20. March of the Penguins (2005) – While this documentary is about penguins it also gives a great look at the harrowing journey and freezing temperatures they survive at the South Pole.

Other Educational Movies

If you missed any of the others, be sure to check out these movies and shows about history, wars and the military and science. While I know many people choose not to watch movies or even television, we have found them very useful in homeschooling our kids.

Movie Response Template Pack Download

Grab our movie response template pack to use in your homeschool. It would be a great way to document the educational journey you take as you dive into moves about wars and documentaries about military excursions.