Colonial History Movies for Kids

Step back in time with these Colonial Era movies, Audio Dramas, and documentaries that bring early American history to life for the whole family!

The Colonial Era is filled with incredible stories—from brave families crossing on the Mayflower, to Squanto and other influential figures who shaped early American history, to the growing spirit of independence that stirred before the Revolution.

One of the best ways to bring history to life for your homeschool students is by gathering together for a movie night. In this post, I’ve put together a list of Colonial History movies that cover the journey from Plymouth Rock to the pre-Revolution years. I have also included a few documentaries and audio dramas at the end of the list (audio dramas are a wonderful way to digest history on the go)!

If you enjoy this list, be sure to explore my other posts for more homeschool-friendly period dramas, and don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll be the first to know when new posts are published (email form is located at the bottom of the page).

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1. This is America, Charlie Brown - Episode: The Mayflower Voyages 1988 | TV-G (ages 4+)

   In this fun and family-friendly episode, the Peanuts characters portray the Pilgrims’ historic journey across the Atlantic, their hardships in establishing Plymouth Colony, and the celebration of the first Thanksgiving.

   💿 Click here to view the DVD on Amazon.

   📺 Click here to watch for free on Internet Archive.

2. Schoolhouse Rock: No More Kings 1997 | G (ages 4+)

   This is a quick watch on YouTube (three minutes total), but is a fun illustration of the colonists’ break from British rule and their desire for self-government.

   📺 Click here to watch for free on YouTube.

3. Animated Hero Classics: Pocahontas 1997 | TV-Y7 (ages 7+)

   This 25 minute film highlights the life of Pocahontas and her efforts to foster peace between Native Americans and English settlers in early Jamestown.

   📺 Click here to watch for free on Internet Archive.

4. Animated Hero Classics: William Bradford 1997 | TV-Y7 (ages 7+)

   This 25 minute film shares the life of William Bradford, a Pilgrim leader, and focuses on his role in guiding the Mayflower settlers, helping establish Plymouth Colony, and promoting perseverance and faith in the New World.

   📺 Click here to watch for free on Internet Archive.

5. Felicity: An American Girl Adventure 2005 | NR (I’d give it a PG) (Ages 8+)

   Set in 1774 Colonial Virginia, the story follows a young girl navigating the challenges of growing up amid the tensions leading to the American Revolution. Content Guide: Common Sense Media

   📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime

   💿 Click here to view the DVD on Amazon (this is a great film to add to your homeschool collection!)

6. Keeping the Promise/Sign of the Beaver 1997 | PG (ages 10+)

   Set in the 1760s frontier of Maine, this film follows a young boy learning survival skills and forming an unexpected friendship with a Native American boy while his family is away. Based on the book by Elizabeth George Speare. Content Guide: Dove (approved for all ages, though I would personally recommend for older children - there are some scary and distressing scenes).

   📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime

7. Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale 1994 | PG (ages 12+)

   Set in the early 1600s, the story follows Squanto as he experiences the challenges of his people, is captured and taken to Europe, and later helps the Pilgrims survive in the New World. Content Guide: Kids-in-Mind

   📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime.

8. Pocahontas: The Legend 1995 | NR (I’d give it a PG) (ages 12+)

   Set in early 1600s Virginia, this film follows Pocahontas as she navigates the tensions between her Native American community and the English settlers, striving for peace and understanding. Content Guide: Dove (approved for ages 12+)

   📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime.

9. Dear America: A Journey to the New World 1999 | TV-Y7

   Set in 1620, this movie follows a young girl aboard the Mayflower as she experiences the Pilgrims’ challenging voyage to America and their first months in the New World. Based on the book by Kathryn Lansky.

   📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime (look for episode 2).

   Documentaries

10. Colonial House 2004 | TV-PG

    Set in 1628 Massachusetts, this wonderful documentary follows modern families as they experience life as 17th-century colonists, navigating daily chores, community responsibilities, and the hardships of early New England life.

    📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime.

    💿 Click here to view the DVD on Amazon (this is a great documentary to add to your homeschool collection!)

11. Townsends YouTube Channel

    This awesome YouTube channel delves into 18th-century life, with particular focus on historical cooking, crafts, and homesteading. Hosted by Jon Townsend, the channel features demonstrations of period-accurate recipes, traditional skills, and insights into colonial-era living, offering viewers an immersive educational experience.

    📺 Click here to visit Townsends YouTube channel.

Audio Dramas - Colonial AmericaN History

1. Freedom: William Bradford and the American Pilgrims (ages 12+)

   This two-part audio drama by Brinkman Adventures dramatizes the journey of the Pilgrims from England to the New World in 1620. Through compelling storytelling and period-accurate dialogue, it portrays their struggles, faith, and the challenges of establishing Plymouth Colony.

   🎧 Click here for Part 1.

   🎧 Click here for Part 2.

2. The Legend of Squanto by Focus on the Family’s Radio Theatre (ages 10+)

   The Legend of Squanto is an audio drama that dramatizes the life of Tisquantum, also known as Squanto, portraying his capture and time abroad, his eventual return to his homeland, and his crucial role in helping the Pilgrims survive. This production is beautifully done, and is perfect for road trips and screen-free days!

   🎧 Click here to view on Amazon.

3. The Story of Squanto by Your Story Hour

   Your Story Hour’s dramatization of Squanto tells the story of the young Patuxet boy who is captured and sold into slavery by English settlers, yet eventually returns home to play a key role in helping the Pilgrims. The audio drama emphasizes his courage, the importance of understanding between cultures, and how one person’s actions can shape history.

   🎧 Click here to view on Amazon (it is part of Exciting Events, Vol. 7)

4. Pocahontas: Girl of Two Worlds by Your Story Hour

   Your Story Hour’s Pocahontas: Girl of Two Worlds tells the story of Pocahontas as a young girl who works to ease tensions between her father, Chief Powhatan, and the English settlers, navigating the challenges of her dual heritage.

   🎧 Click here to view on Amazon (it is part of Exciting Events, Vol. 11)

5. Persecuted and Betrayed (Early Pilgrims Part 1) by Your Story Hour

   Persecuted and Betrayed (Early Pilgrims Part 1) by Your Story Hour dramatizes the early struggles of the Pilgrims in England, focusing on their persecution for religious beliefs and the challenges they faced in seeking religious freedom.

   🎧 Click here to view on Amazon (it is part of Heritage of Our Country)

6. The First Thanksgiving (Early Pilgrims Part 2) by Your Story Hour

   The First Thanksgiving (Early Pilgrims Part 2) by Your Story Hour dramatizes the Pilgrims' arrival in Plymouth, their struggles during the harsh winter, and their eventual celebration of a bountiful harvest with the Wampanoag people.

   🎧 Click here to view on Amazon (it is part of Heritage of Our Country)

7. Adventures in Odyssey: Stepping Stones, Pt. 1 and 2 by Focus on the Family’s Adventures in Odyssey

   Mr. Whittaker tells young listeners the story of the Pilgrims, recounting their persecution in England, journey on the Mayflower, and the hardships and faith that carried them through the founding of Plymouth Colony.

   🎧 Click here to view on Amazon (it is part of The Truth Chronicles, episodes 6 and 7)

From the Mayflower to the first stirrings of independence, these colonial-era movies open a window into the challenges, faith, and resilience of early America.

Whether you’re watching with little ones just beginning to explore history, or older students diving deeper, each story offers a meaningful way to connect with the past.

I hope this list sparks learning, family discussion, and maybe even a few new favorite films - please comment below and share your family’s favorites.

While you’re here, check out my family-friendly period drama lists and my Charlotte Mason book-to-movie posts - there are dozens of wonderful films for your family to enjoy.

Also, please subscribe to my email list so you won’t miss future posts - there is so much to look forward to (email form is located below)!