One of the best ways to bring history is through stories. That’s why we created our 1776 Family Book Club that that includes a list of wholesome children’s picture and chapter books all about our country’s founding. But stories can also be learned through film. As our country celebrates America’s 250th birthday, we wanted to be put together great films, documentaries, musicals, and television series about our nation’s founding and the Revolutionary War. If you are needing something to watch this summer, perhaps look into one of these. Scroll down for children’s recommendations, too!
T.V. Shows:
John Adams with Paul Giamatti (Amazon Prime)
Franklin with Michael Douglas (Apple TV)
Washington (Netflix)
Liberty or Death: The Boston Tea Party (Apple TV)
The American Revolution by Ken Burns (Documentary on Amazon Prime)
Movies/Musicals:
1776 (Amazon Prime)
Hamilton (Apple TV)
A More Perfect Union (Amazon Prime)
The Patriot with Mel Gibson (Apple TV)
The Crossing with Jeff Daniels as George Washington (Netflix)
Children’s Movies & Cartoons:
Johnny Tremain (YouTube)
Liberty’s Kids (Youtube)
Felicity: An American Girl (Amazon Prime)
Disney’s The Liberty Story (Disney Plus)
Disney’s “Ben and Me” (YouTube)
Before You Watch
Before viewing any movie or series with your children or teens, we recommend checking age recommendations and parent reviews on Common Sense Media. Their reviews can help you determine whether a particular title is appropriate for your family’s ages and values. Some of the movies and series are appropriate for teenagers and up. Others for the whole family.
Don’t forget to join our FREE 1776 Book Club!
This summer can become the storyteller of the some of most adventurous and courageous stories in history. Get our list of books about our founding fathers and heroes here.
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