The era of online classes has made available various enchanting ways of teaching to educators. The rote learning system often gets exhausting, and students start losing interest in the subjects. To retain the students’ attention, streaming shows or movies with a solid educational message will be highly beneficial. Making the students watch some good educational series will remove their boredom and be fully charged with energy and enthusiasm. They will be more drawn to attending classes from the next day as they will be full of zeal after a good watch. After all, educational movies are a great way to make learning fun!
The feature of ‘screen sharing’ will be present. Make use of this feature and just share the screen and give your students a day of relaxation. In this blog, we have come up with the top 10 educational shows/series available on Netflix, and you can stream these in the classroom. Gear up to watch the faces of your students getting lit up with delight!
White Fang
White Fang is a great movie that is suitable for children of almost all age groups. It is based on a classic novel of the same name. Students, who have read the novel, can watch the film to trace the differences between the two versions. You may even question the contrast between the versions in the next class to demonstrate their observation qualities.
A Year In Space
This movie is based on astronaut Scott Kelly’s adventures in space. Students interested in the solar system and astronomy will find this movie highly informative and quite engaging. Read more about 1st Grade Spelling Words With Activities
Stand and Deliver
This movie recounts the tale of a stern teacher who encourages his not-so-financially-sound students from dropping out. Stand and Deliver is based on a true story, and there is no doubt that the students will love watching it. The way the teacher makes the young pupils practice advanced maths and transforms their lives is worth watching for both the students and teachers alike.
Brainchild
If you are a science teacher, streaming Brainchild is going to be a great idea. This show is produced by Pharell Williams and shares essential information with the students about the various kinds of scientific experiments. This will be a fun watch as the curious minds will be elated with joy on getting to know about multiple astounding results from the experiments.
Chasing Coral
Chasing Coral is the perfect documentary film to be streamed in virtual classrooms. In this film, scientists, photographers, and underwater divers travel around the world to go on an underwater expedition. The film digs into the reasons behind the disappearance of coral reefs. It is an eye-opener to show how the coral reefs are getting destroyed by the increase in highly exploiting human activities.
I am Kalam
I am Kalam is a must-watch film for every student and even teacher. The film is based on the life story of A. P. J Abdul Kalam and talks about his determination and hard work that made him receive outstanding accomplishments and the honor of being one of the Presidents of India. Through this inspiring film, the students will learn to grow up by imbibing within themselves the ideals followed by Mr. Kalam. The movie in itself is like a motivational quote for students.
Night On Earth
This excellent movie shows how the advent of advanced technologies has succeeded in exposing the hidden, secret lifestyles of nocturnal creatures. This detailed insight into the lives of these organisms will enlighten the students on the animal world.
Seaspiracy
The movie Seaspiracy shows the efforts of a filmmaker in unraveling the harm that human activities inflict on the marine species. Students learn about the adverse effects of global warming and can shoulder the responsibility towards making the earth a better place to live in for others. Through this movie, the pupils will learn about the various steps that can be taken towards conserving nature.
Conclusion
Digitalized mode of education has provided the teachers with the golden opportunity to make learning for the students a fun one. The suggested films will enrich the students’ knowledge about other aspects such as the animal world, environment, and eminent figures. Help your students get out of their stressed state of mind. Letting them have a little break is going to benefit them in the long run.
More Shows Worth Streaming in Class
The ten shows in this post are a good start. These four extra titles also work well in class.
| Show | Subject | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Our Planet | Nature and the environment | All ages; the film is narrated by Sir David Attenborough |
| The Magic School Bus Rides Again | Science for young children | Ages 5 to 9 |
| Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey | Space and science | Ages 13 and up; hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson |
| Explained | Short films on many topics, such as money, music, and the mind | Ages 13 and up; each episode is short |
Streaming services change their lists often. Check that a show is still on Netflix or another service before class day. Ask your school if the service is allowed on school devices.
How Teachers Can Use These Shows in Class
- Watch the show first. Pick the scenes that fit your lesson. Skip scenes that do not fit.
- Give students one question to answer while they watch. This keeps them focused.
- Pause the show at key points. Ask students what they think will happen next.
- After the show, talk about it for ten minutes. Ask what surprised them and what they learned.
- Give a small task. Students can write three facts, draw a scene, or make a poster.
- Keep the show short. One class period is enough. A full movie can be split over two days.
Pick the Right Show for the Age Group
| Age Group | Good Picks From This List |
|---|---|
| Ages 5 to 8 | White Fang, Brainchild, The Magic School Bus Rides Again |
| Ages 9 to 12 | I am Kalam, Night On Earth, Chasing Coral, Our Planet |
| Ages 13 and up | Stand and Deliver, A Year In Space, Seaspiracy, Cosmos, Explained |
Check the age rating of each show before you play it. Some films have strong scenes. A short check saves trouble later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can teachers play Netflix shows in class?
Yes, in most cases. Netflix allows some educational titles for classroom use. Check the rules for each title and your school’s policy first.
Which show is best for primary school students?
Brainchild and The Magic School Bus Rides Again are good picks. Both are fun and easy to follow. White Fang also works well for young children.
How long should a show be in an online class?
Keep it short. A 20 to 40 minute show fits one class period. Split a full movie over two days.
Do students learn from watching shows?
Yes. Shows help students see and hear a topic. They work best with a question to answer and a short talk after the show.
Disclaimer: This guide shares general ideas about educational shows for online classes. Streaming lists and age ratings change. Check that a show is still available and fits your students before you play it.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026