Civil War Movies for Kids and Teens
The American Civil War was a defining chapter in our nation’s story - one filled with courage, sacrifice, difficult choices, and lasting lessons about freedom and unity.
I have gathered 25+ family-friendly Civil War movies to help homeschool parents and teachers introduce students to legendary historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, and General “Stonewall” Jackson, along with the soldiers and families whose lives were forever changed by the war. These engaging historical films also highlight important events and themes including the Underground Railroad, the Battle of Shiloh, the Great Locomotive Chase, the Battle of Gettysburg, life on the home front, and the ongoing effort to preserve the Union and reunite a divided nation.
Watching Civil War history movies allows students to visualize the past in a meaningful way, helping them connect emotionally with real people and real consequences while strengthening historical comprehension, critical thinking, and empathy. When paired with discussion questions, reading assignments, or notebooking, these movies become powerful tools for homeschool history units, American history studies, and character-building conversations about courage, sacrifice, perseverance, leadership, and faith during difficult times.
It is important to note that every family has their own standards, so I always recommend previewing, or reading content reviews for anything unfamiliar to you. For your convenience, a content guide is linked in the review with as many movies below I could.
Love learning history through movies? Be sure to explore my other homeschool-friendly lists, including Colonial History Movies for Kids, Revolutionary War Movies for Kids, 20+ Historical Movies for Preteen Girls and Preteen Boys, and 50+ Historical Movies and TV Shows for Teen Girls.
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Quick disclosure: Most movies mix fact with fiction, so while they’re fun and educational, please don’t expect every detail to be 100% historically accurate.
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Animated Hero Classics: Abraham Lincoln 1997 | TV-Y7 (ages 7+)
This 25 minute episode follows Abraham Lincoln as he leaves home to lead a fractured nation through the Civil War, drawing strength from his family amid personal loss, wrestling with the decision to end slavery, and ultimately guiding the Union through its darkest trials before paying the ultimate price for his devotion to it. Recommended for ages 7+, but may be suitable for younger audiences. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb
📺 Click here to watch for free on Internet Archive
Animated Hero Classics: Harriet Tubman 1997 | TV-Y7 (Ages 7+)
This 25 minute episode traces Harriet Tubman’s journey from slavery to freedom, showing how she escapes north via the Underground Railroad and then repeatedly risks her life by returning south to lead her family and hundreds of others to safety. Recommended for ages 7+, but may be suitable for younger audiences. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb
📺 Click here to watch for free on Internet Archive
Torchlighters: The Harriet Tubman Story 2013 | NR (Ages 8+)
This episode follows Harriet Tubman as she escapes slavery and, guided by her deep faith and courage, repeatedly returns to the South to help lead other enslaved people to freedom on the Underground Railroad. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video (with FREE Yippee Kids TV trial)
Race to Freedom (Adventures in Odyssey Video Series) 2002 | G (Ages 7+)
Follow Dylan and his friend Carter as they travel back to 1856 and join the dangerous journey of slaves escaping via the Underground Railroad, with the help of an abolitionist named Reverend Andrew.
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
The Littlest REbel 1935 | PG (Ages 7+)
This sweet Shirley Temple film follows a young Southern girl who, while searching for her imprisoned Confederate father, embarks on a dangerous journey through enemy territory, forms an unexpected friendship with a kind Union soldier, and learns lessons about courage, loyalty, and compassion amid the hardships and divided loyalties of wartime America. CONTENT GUIDE: Christian Answers
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Little Women 1933 | Not Rated (ages 6+)
This classic adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel follows the four March sisters as they grow from girlhood to womanhood, learning lessons about love, sacrifice, and family during the Civil War era, and it stars Katharine Hepburn as Jo, Joan Bennett as Amy, Frances Dee as Meg, and Jean Parker as Beth. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Little Women 1949 | Not Rated (ages 9+)
This lovely version of “Little Women” stars June Allyson as Jo, Margaret O’Brien as Beth, Elizabeth Taylor as Amy, and Janet Leigh as Meg. Set during the Civil War. CONTENT GUIDE: Common Sense Media
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
LIttle Women 1978 | Not Rated (ages 8+)
Follow the March sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy - as they grow up during the American Civil War, and face family hardships, first loves, and personal ambitions. Stars Susan Dey as Jo March, Meredith Baxter as Meg, Ann Dusenberry as Amy, and Eve Plumb as Beth.
📺 Click here to watch on YouTube, located on my playlist for the Civil War
Little Women 1994 | PG (ages 9+)
Set in 1860s Massachusetts, this cherished adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel follows Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy as they navigate growing up, chasing dreams, and enduring heartache. Stars Winona Ryder, Trini Alvarado, Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst, and Christian Bale. CONTENT GUIDE: Common Sense Media
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Little Women 2017 | TV-PG (Ages 9+)
Set during the American Civil War, this beautiful miniseries adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel follows the four March sisters as they face the challenges of growing up while remaining close-knit and supportive of one another. Stars Maya Hawke, Willa Fitzgerald, Annes Elwy, Kathryn Newton, Emily Watson, Angela Lansbury, Michael Gambon, and Jonah Hauer-King. CONTENT GUIDE: Common Sense Media
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Johnny Shiloh 1963 | G (Ages 7+)
A brave young drummer boy becomes separated from his Confederate unit after the Battle of Shiloh and must rely on courage, faith, and kindness as he journeys through dangerous Union-held territory to find his way home. CONTENT GUIDE: I couldn’t find a content guide to link for you, so here are my thoughts: This film is comparable to “Swiss Family Robinson” (1960) content-wise. The war scenes are very “old Disney family-friendly/Roy Rogers”-esque (if that makes sense lol). I didn’t catch any language.
📺 Click here to watch on YouTube, located on my playlist for the Civil War
Civil Love 2012 | TV-PG (ages 12+)
This is a Hallmark-like romantic Civil War drama about a Union widow who shelters a wounded Confederate soldier in disguise, leading to an unexpected bond that challenges loyalty, grief, and the possibility of new love. CONTENT GUIDE: Dove
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
I Heard the Bells 2022 | Not Rated (ages 12+)
In 1860s America, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow grapples with personal tragedy and the turmoil of the Civil War until the Christmas bells rekindle his hope and inspire the beloved carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” CONTENT GUIDE: Dove
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Dear America: A Picture of Freedom 1999 | TV-Y7 (Ages 7+)
This 30 minute episode based on one of the “Dear America” books is about a young enslaved girl on a Southern plantation before the Civil War who secretly learns to read and write despite the danger, and uses her courage and growing literacy to help and inspire others in her community. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video (it is episode 3)
The Great Locomotive Chase 1956 | G (Ages 7+)
Based on a true Civil War event, this family-friendly Disney adventure film follows a small group of Union soldiers who boldly steal a Confederate train deep in enemy territory and lead a high-speed chase north while attempting to destroy vital railroad lines and disrupt Southern supply routes. Stars Fess Parker (you may recognize him from the classic Disney “Davy Crockett” films). CONTENT GUIDE: I couldn’t track down a content guide to link for you, but here are my thoughts: This film is super family-friendly and is on par content-wise with similar old Disney family adventure movies (like “The Apple Dumpling Gang” and “Swiss Family Robinson”).
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Willy and the Yank 1967 | TV-G (Ages 8+)
Willy and the Yank: The Deserter tells of a young soldier struggling with desertion and loyalty; Mosby’s Marauders depicts daring Confederate raids behind Union lines; and The Matchmaker weaves a lighter tale of romance and intrigue amid wartime tensions. This family-friendly classic Disney film collection stars a young Kurt Russell. CONTENT GUIDE: Very few content concerns, no language, some tobacco use, some light injuries, very light war violence, and light romance.
📺Click here to watch on YouTube, located on my playlist for the Civil War
Dark COmmand 1940 | Not Rated (Ages 9+)
Set during the American Civil War, the story follows a seemingly peaceful schoolteacher who rises to power in a troubled Kansas town and reveals his true colors as a ruthless outlaw leader, forcing a courageous local man to stand against his growing tyranny and violence. Stars Roy Rogers and John Wayne (this is the only film they ever starred in together!). CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video - you may also be able to find it on Dailymotion
The Arizona Kid 1939 | Not Rated (ages 7+)
A Confederate officer in Missouri during the Civil War must confront and stop renegade outlaw bands masquerading as loyal soldiers who threaten the safety and order of his community. Stars Roy Rogers. CONTENT GUIDE: I have no content concerns to share, this is just a fun western-type film for families! I always love anything with Roy Rogers!
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Friendly Persuasion 1956 | Not Rated (Ages 10+)
Set during the American Civil War, the story centers on a peaceful Quaker family whose faith and commitment to nonviolence are tested when the conflict comes dangerously close to their Indiana farm, forcing them to wrestle with courage, conscience, and protecting what they love. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
The REd Badge of Courage 1951 | Not Rated (Ages 13+)
A young Union soldier grapples with fear, courage, and the realities of battle during the Civil War, struggling to prove his bravery and find his place amid the chaos of combat. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb (there is also some smoking/drinking).
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Gone with the wind 1939 | G (Ages 12+)
Scarlett O’Hara faces the destruction of her beloved Southern home and must navigate love, loss, and resilience to try to protect her family’s plantation during and after the Civil War. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Red Runs the River 1963 | Not rated (ages 13+)
The film follows Confederate General Richard Stoddard Ewell’s inner struggle and transformation on the battlefields of Bull Run and Manassas, where the influence of General “Stonewall” Jackson’s strong faith leads him from doubt to conviction amid the horrors of the Civil War. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb
📺 This one isn’t currently available to stream, but you may be able to find it on DVD on Amazon, BJU Press, or the Fundamental Baptist Books website.
Abraham Lincoln 1930 | Not Rated (Ages 8+)
The film portrays the early life and political rise of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on his struggles with personal loss, moral convictions, and his journey toward leadership during the tumultuous years leading up to the Civil War. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb (I caught one “d-mned in the subtitles)
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Young Mr. Lincoln 1939 | Not Rated (Ages 10+)
The film follows the early life of Abraham Lincoln as a young lawyer in Illinois, highlighting his honesty, courage, and emerging sense of justice while he navigates legal challenges and moral dilemmas that foreshadow his future leadership, and while it is not set during the Civil War, it gives a good sense of Lincoln’s character and the values that shaped his presidency. CONTENT GUIDE: Common Sense Media
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Lincoln 2012 | PG-13 (Ages 13+)
The film focuses on President Abraham Lincoln’s determined effort during the final months of the Civil War to pass the Thirteenth Amendment, revealing the political struggle, moral resolve, and personal burden behind the fight to end slavery. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb, Kids-in-Mind, and Plugged In (⚠️ Please be sure to read a content guide for “Lincoln” before viewing).
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Gettysburg 1993 | PG (Ages 13+)
The film dramatizes the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War, portraying the strategies, leadership decisions, and personal sacrifices of both Union and Confederate soldiers as the tide of the war begins to turn. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb, Kids-in-Mind, Christian Answers, and Movieguide (⚠️ Please be sure to read a content guide before viewing - there is a lot of language, mostly d-mns).
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
I hope you enjoyed these recommendations for Civil War Movies!
I’d love to hear which Civil War movies your family has enjoyed or which ones you plan to watch next. Feel free to share your favorites in the comments and let me know how you’ve used these films in your homeschool or family discussions.
Thank you so much for stopping by! Before you go, be sure to check out my other posts for American History Movies!
