46 STEM and Math Movies for Kids and Teens
Finding the best Math Movies for your students or children to watch helps them develop a desire to learn about math and STEM concepts. And finding the best family movies can sometimes be challenging.
We’ve made a list of the top math movies for students that will encourage your young learners to appreciate the wonderful world of math through film.
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Best Mathematics Movies for Kids
Do your kids love math? Mine do! We love watching math movies together. There are so many great options out there, that it can be hard to choose just one. That’s why I’ve put together a list of my favorite math movies for kids with a free printable.
These films are both entertaining and educational, and perfect for math teachers as they will help your students learn about mathematics in a fun and engaging way. We have also included a free Movie Review Template for you to print out and use as you review the listed math movies. So grab some popcorn and enjoy these fantastic films.
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Note to Parents and Educators – Please note that this list is subjective and some of the films may contain themes or content that are not appropriate for all younger or older students. It’s always a good idea to preview the films before showing them to your students.
Best Math Movies for Older Kids
As any parent knows, it can be difficult to find movies that are both entertaining and educational for older kids. However, there are several math-themed movies with math topics that fit the bill that we have listed here.
For example, “A Beautiful Mind” tells the true story of John Nash, a mathematician who made groundbreaking discoveries in game theory. “Stand and Deliver” is based on the true story of Jaime Escalante, a high school teacher who helped his students overcome obstacles to succeed in calculus.
These are just a few of the many great math movies that kids, teens, middle schoolers, and adults will enjoy. Also, here is a Parents Guide to help you determine if a movie is suitable for your children or classroom.
1. THE MARTIAN
An astronaut becomes stranded on Mars so NASA and a team of international scientists work to bring “The Martian”, played by Matt Damon. RATED: PG-13
he Martian (2015) (3D & 2D) [ Blu-R111 [Blu-ray]
2. INTERSTELLAR
A mysterious wormhole is found in space as the earth and the entire human mankind are on the verge of extinction. A team of explorers must find the human race a new home. RATED: PG-13
3. DREAM BIG: ENGINEERING OUR WORLD
From the world’s tallest buildings to solar cars, and the Great Wall of China, Dream Big explores different engineering inventions in detail and celebrates the minds behind them. RATED: NR-Documentary
4. UNDERWATER DREAMS
Underwater Dreams is a feel-good movie about a small underdog robotics team competing against big-name college teams during the National Championship. RATED NR-Documentary
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5. PARTICLE FEVER
Particle Fever is a movie about science and scientists. And you may enjoy the physicists rapping . . about physics. RATED: NR – Documentary
6. HIDDEN FIGURES
This movie is a history lesson about African-American female mathematicians who helped NASA bring people into space. RATED: PG
7. A BEAUTIFUL MIND
A Beautiful Mind is a true story about John Forbes Nash, a mathematical genius who made astonishing discoveries but was also diagnosed with schizophrenia. He later went on to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Economics for his work in game theory.”A Beautiful Mind” is an incredible story of perseverance and determination. It’s also a great way to learn about some advanced mathematics concepts.RATED: PG-13
8. THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY
Based on a true story, The Man Who Knew Infinity is about Srinivasa Ramanujan, an Indian Mathematics genius who solved problems believed to be impossible. RATED: PG-13
9. QUEEN OF KATWE
Queen of Katwe is a Disney movie about a young girl from Uganda who learned to play chess. With the support of her friends and family, she became an international chess champion. RATED: PG
10. LITTLE MAN TATE
Child prodigies are fascinating and rare. In this movie, the mother is played by Jodie Foster, and she has a seven-year-old son who is a child prodigy. The son attends a school for exceptional students where his intellect can be developed. RATED: PG
11. OCTOBER SKY
Based on a true story, October Sky is an inspirational drama about the life of Homer Hickam as he grows up in a small coal town but dreams of building rockets. He later goes on to become a NASA Engineer. RATED: PG
12. APPOLO 13
Played by Tom Hanks, this film produced the famous tagline “Houston, we have a problem”. The story recreates the lunar mission crisis of 1970. RATED: PG
13. SPARE PARTS
Based on a true-life story, this movie is about four Hispanic teenagers who form a robotics club to learn to build a robot. RATED: PG-13
This is a free printable for parents that includes the 13 Best Math Movies for Kids. It is a list of high-quality math and science-based films that kids and teens may enjoy.
14. The Numberlys
One of our all-time favorite math movies is “The Numberlys.” This delightful animated film follows the adventures of a group of creatures who live in a world where everything is numerical. One day, they decide to break out of their monotonous existence and create something new: letters! As they experiment with this strange new concept, the Numberlys discover the power of communication and storytelling. This is a great movie for kids who are just learning to read and write, as it will help them understand how important numbers can be. Family NR
15. Flatland
Another terrific math movie for kids is “Flatland.” This unique film takes place in a two-dimensional world inhabited by geometric shapes. When a sphere from our three-dimensional world visits Flatland, he is initially met with skepticism and fear. But as he begins to teach the Flatlanders about the third dimension, they start to see the world in a whole new way. This is a great film for kids who are interested in geometry and physics, as it will help them understand some of the basic concepts of our world. NR, Short Story
16. The Knights of South Bronx
The Knights of South Bronx is a 2004 American drama film directed by Robert Rodriguez. It is based on the true story of David Ortiz, a high school math teacher, who founded the Documentary about numbers in the education system KIPP NYC College Prep charter school. The movie follows Ortiz as he works to improve the lives of the students at his school and help them succeed academically. In addition to its inspiring story, the film is also notable for its use of a math in telling its story.
Throughout the film, numbers are used to show the progress of Ortiz and the students at his school. For example, we see Ortiz’s test scores improve from a 12% to a 96%. This use of math helps to illustrate the power of education in transforming lives.
Best Math Movies for Teens
Math can be a difficult subject for teenagers to learn. But it doesn’t have to be boring! Several great math movies can make learning this important topic a lot more fun. We have provided a comprehensive list of the best math movies for teens. We will also discuss why these movies are so effective in teaching math skills. So if you’re looking for a new and exciting way to learn about math, be sure to check out our list!
17. Donald in Mathmagic Land
Donald in Mathmagic Land is a delightful 1957 educational film featuring Donald Duck that teaches its viewers about the fascinating world of mathematics. Through the use of creative visuals and catchy tunes, the film engages its audience while conveying important mathematical concepts. Donald in Mathmagic Land is an excellent resource for teenagers who are interested in exploring the world of mathematics.
The film covers a wide range of topics, from the history of mathematics to its applications in the real world. In addition, the film provides valuable insights into the thinking processes of mathematicians. Overall, Donald in Mathmagic Land is an enjoyable and informative film that is sure to inspire its viewers to further their studies in math.
18. Contact
The math movie “Contact” is a great film for teens and young adults. It stars Jamie Foster as a high school student who becomes obsessed with finding a way to contact extraterrestrial intelligence. The movie is full of suspense and excitement, and it will keep you guessing until the very end. “Contact” is an excellent film for anyone who loves science fiction or wants to learn more about mathematics and physics. Rated PG
19. Moneyball
Math can be a dry subject for some, but the film Moneyball brings the numbers to life in a way that is both entertaining and informative. Based on the true story of how the Oakland A’s used analytics to compete with richer teams, Moneyball follows Billy Beane (played by Brad Pitt) as he assembles a winning team on a shoestring budget. Along the way, viewers are treated to an inside look at how sabermetrics (a statistical approach to baseball) can be used to evaluate players and make decisions about strategy.
While Moneyball is geared toward adults, it is still a great watch for teens who are interested in math and statistics. Not only is it a fascinating story, but it also provides a real-world example of how math can be used to solve problems and achieve success. Rated PG 13
Best Math Movies for Middle School
20. Tron: Legacy
While the movie Tron Legacy features some scenes with characters discussing and doing math. However, the film is primarily a science fiction action movie with a strong focus on computer-generated graphics and visual effects. However, the math scenes in the film are still important to the plot, as they are used to help explain the complex concepts of digital data and computer coding.
In addition, the film’s visual effects also heavily rely on mathematical algorithms to create stunning images of the digital world. Therefore, while math is not the main focus of the film, it still plays an important role in helping to create its unique and visually arresting aesthetic.
21. Stand and Deliver
For anyone who’s ever struggled with math, the movie Stand and Deliver is an inspiring tale of what’s possible when you set your mind to it. The film tells the true story of Jaime Escalante, a teacher who transformed a group of inner-city kids into math geniuses. Escalante himself was a poor, first-generation immigrant who had to drop out of high school to support his family. But he went back and got his GED, eventually becoming a math teacher.
When he was assigned to a class of struggling students at an LA high school, he refused to believe that they couldn’t succeed. With a lot of hard work and dedication, he turned them into one of the best calculus classes in the country. The movie Stand and Deliver is proof that anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their goals if they’re willing to put in the effort. It’s an inspiring story for all teens, regardless of their background or skill level. Rated PG
22. Back to the Future
Most people are familiar with the popular movie franchise “Back to the Future.” The original film was released in 1985 and starred Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a teenager who is accidentally sent back in time to the 1950s. In the course of his adventures, Marty encounters several challenges that require him to use his math skills.
For example, he must figure out how to get back to the future before his parents meet and fall in love, or he will cease to exist. Additionally, he must help his friend Doc Brown build a time machine out of a DeLorean car, using a complex equation that involves Einstein’s theory of relativity. As a result, “Back to the Future” is not only an entertaining movie, but also one that provides several opportunities for viewers to brush up on their math skills. RATED PG
23. Standing Still
The math movie Standing Still is a heartwarming tale of a group of friends who reconnect after several years apart. The movie follows the lives of several characters as they experience love, loss, and hope. While the movie is set in the world of mathematics, the themes are universal and will resonate with viewers of all ages.
The cast is talented and the story is well-written, making Standing Still a must-see for anyone interested in a touching drama. However, this movie is RATED R so it is only appropriate for adult audiences.
24. The Imitation Game
The Imitation Game is a Mathematical Movie. The movie is based on the life of Alan Turing, a famous mathematician who worked on cracking the Nazi’s Enigma machine during World War II. The film tells the story of how Turing and his team of mathematicians were able to crack the Enigma code, which helped to turn the tide of the war in favor of the Allies.
The Imitation Game is a fascinating story of teamwork, genius, and perseverance, and it is also a great introduction to the field of mathematics. Though the film does not go into great depth about the mathematics involved in Turing’s work, it does provide a glimpse into the kind of problem-solving that mathematicians do daily. As such, it is sure to inspire viewers to learn more about this fascinating subject. RATED PG-13
25. Wall-E
The math movie Wall-E is a great way to teach children about the importance of numbers and patterns. The adorable little robot is always on the lookout for ways to make things more efficient, and he uses math to help him do just that. From sorting trash to tracking his steps, Wall-E shows kids that math can be used in everyday life.
In addition, the movie does a great job of explaining complicated concepts in a way that is easy for kids to understand. For example, when Wall-E is trying to calculate how far he has traveled, he uses a number line to count his steps. This helps children to see that numbers can be used to represent distance. Overall, the math movie Wall-E is a fun and educational way to introduce children to the basics of mathematics. RATED G
26. Ice Princess
The math movie Ice Princess is a heartwarming tale of a young woman who discovers her true passion in life. Casey (played by Michelle Trachtenberg) is a high school student who seems to have it all– good looks, popularity, and a bright future. But when she’s tasked with tutoring a younger student in math, she begins to realize that she has a true talent for the subject. With the help of her new friend, she sets out to prove herself as a math prodigy and earns a spot at an elite college. Along the way, she learns that being smart is far more important than being popular. Ice Princess is a charming film that will inspire viewers of all ages to follow their dreams.
27. The Story of Math
28. A Brief History of Time
29. Sneakers
30. Good Will Hunting
31. The Lost World: Jurassic Park
Best Math Movies for Young Kids
32. Peg + Cat TV – Y
33. Team Umizoomi TV-Y
34. Cyberchase TV-Y
35. Odd Squad TV-Y
36. Matilda PG
37. Nova – The Great Math Mystery PG
38. The Story of Maths G
39. The Story of One (2014) Documentary
40. Mathematics Movie “21” PG-13
41. Proof (2005) PG-13
A brilliant mathematician’s daughter tries to come to grips with her possible inheritance: her father’s insanity.
42. A Brilliant Young Mind (2014) PG-13
A teenage math prodigy finds new friendships when he wins a spot on the British squad at the International Mathematics Olympiad.
43. Good Will Hunting (2007) R
Will Hunting, an employee at M.I.T., is brilliant in math but needs help from a therapist to find answers to problems in his life.
44. Fermat’s Room (2007) NR
A Spanish thriller about three mathematicians who are locked in a room and must use their wits to escape.
45. The Imitation Game Pg-13
This movie tells the story of Alan Turing, the British mathematician who played a pivotal role in cracking the Enigma code during World War II.
46. The Theory of Everything (2014)PG-13
The Theory of Everything is a biographical movie based on the life of Stephen Hawking.
These are just a few of our favorite math movies for kids. There are so many great films out there that it’s impossible to list them all here. So get out there and start exploring the wonderful world of mathematics through film! Your children will be sure to love it.
