20+ Historical Movies for Preteen Girls
Finding clean, wholesome, and engaging historical movies for preteen girls isn’t always easy - especially for families seeking stories that reflect their personal and biblical values. That’s why I’ve carefully curated the list below: a collection of excellent historical films I believe your preteen girls will not only enjoy but also be encouraged by.
These movies feature meaningful stories, memorable characters, and timeless lessons - all centered around young girls growing up in various historical settings. Whether you’re looking for something heartwarming, thought-provoking, or simply fun to watch together, you’ll find plenty of meaningful options that will resonate with and inspire the girls in your family. Many of these films also pair beautifully with homeschooling, offering rich opportunities to spark interest in history and literature.
Of course, every family is different, and what may be acceptable for one family may raise concerns for another. I encourage you to preview any titles you’re unsure about. For your convenience, a content guide is linked in the review with each movie below. Please feel free to reach out to me here, or comment below, if you would like more details about a particular movie. I’d love to help!
I hope you discover some new favorites and enjoy this list as much as I enjoyed creating it! Be sure to check out my 50+ Historical Movies and TV Shows for Teen Girls, and my list of 20+ Historical Movies for Preteen Boys, where you’ll discover even more wonderful period dramas for your family.
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Ballet Shoes 1975 | G | Available to watch on DVD and YouTube
Based on Noel Streatfeild’s first children’s book, first published in 1936. Follows three orphaned sisters - Pauline, Petrova, and Posy - as they pursue their dreams in acting, aviation, and ballet while growing up in 1930s London. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb
Road to Avonlea (7 seasons) 1990 | PG | Available to watch on DVD and Gazebo TV
Set in early 1900s Prince Edward Island, Road to Avonlea is a wholesome, family-friendly series that follows Sara Stanley and her friends as they grow up in a close-knit Edwardian village. CONTENT GUIDE: Common Sense Media
The Treasure Seekers 1996 | PG | Available to watch on DVD and YouTube
This is a delightful family adventure about six siblings in Edwardian England (1900) who venture to restore their widowed father’s failing fortune through a series of imaginative plans and mishaps. Based on E. Nesbit’s first children’s book, The Story of the Treasure Seekers, published in 1899. CONTENT GUIDE: Dove (approved for all ages)
The Railway Children 1970 | G | Available to watch on DVD
Set in Edwardian England (1905), this is the story of three siblings who, after their father is wrongly imprisoned, start a new life in the countryside near a railway. Based on the 1906 children’s novel by E. Nesbit. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb
The Railway Children 2000 | PG | Available to watch on DVD, YouTube, Plex, and Roku
This adaptation of E. Nesbit’s beloved children’s book follows siblings Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis, who relocate to the countryside after their father’s mysterious disappearance. Alongside their adventures at the local railway, they find the courage to uncover the truth and set things right. Takes place around the time of WW1, in the early 20th century. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb
Cinderella 2015 | PG | Available to watch on DVD and Disney+
In this beautiful adaptation, Ella, also known as Cinderella, remains kind and hopeful despite her cruel stepfamily. One day she captures the heart of a prince, and with the support of a fairy godmother, she rises above her circumstances and finds her happily ever after. While not technically a period piece, Cinderella (2015) draws inspiration from 16th-19th century France, with particular emphasis on late 19th century costumes. CONTENT GUIDE: Plugged In and Dove (approved for all ages)
Pollyanna 2003 | G | Available to watch on DVD, YouTube, and Amazon Prime
Based on Eleanor H. Porter’s classic children’s book, Pollyanna (2003, PBS Masterpiece Theatre) is a delightful, family-friendly film set in a small Edwardian English town. Pollyanna, a young orphan, goes to live with her hard-to-please aunt, and brings light and hope into the community by encouraging everyone to find something to be glad about in every situation. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb
Felicity: An American Girl Adventure 2005 | NR | Available to watch on DVD
Set in 1770s Colonial Virginia, Felicity: An American Girl Adventure, beautifully captures the story of a spirited young girl, Felicity, who learns the value of friendship, family, and courage during the American Revolution. Based on the American Girl Felicity books, and a great movie for horse lovers! CONTENT GUIDE: Common Sense Media
Samantha: An American Girl Holiday 2004 | NR | Available to watch on DVD and YouTube
Set in 1904, Samantha: An American Girl Holiday (2004) follows kind-hearted Samantha and her friends in turn-of-the-century New York. She learns valuable lessons about kindness, privilege, and making a difference in the lives of others. Based on the American Girl Samantha books. CONTENT GUIDE: Common Sense Media
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl 2008 | G | Available to watch on DVD, Sling TV, and Plex
Set during the Great Depression, Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008) shares the story of a young aspiring reporter who faces hard times with courage, creativity, and compassion. Based on the American Girl Kit books. CONTENT GUIDE: Plugged In
Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front 2006 | NR | Available to watch on DVD
Set in 1944, Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front tells the heartfelt story of a spirited girl whose world changes when her mother joins the workforce and her father goes off to war. Based on the American Girl Molly books. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb and Common Sense Media
Anne of Green Gables 1985 | PG | Available to watch on DVD and Gazebo TV
This is a beautiful and faithful adaptation of L.M. Montgomery’s beloved classic novel following the adventures of a redheaded orphan with a vivid imagination who finds love, friendship, and a true home at Green Gables. Set in early Edwardian period (1901 onward). CONTENT GUIDE: Parent Previews
Anne of Avonlea (Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel) 1987 | PG | Available to watch on DVD and Gazebo TV
Anne of Avonlea (1987) continues the story of Anne Shirley as she begins her new life as a teacher in Avonlea. Now a young woman, Anne faces new challenges and joys, from managing mischievous students to navigating her own feelings for Gilbert. The film beautifully captures the charm and quiet growth of Anne’s journey into adulthood. Set in 1906, Edwardian era. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb and Dove (approved for ages 12+)
Little Women 1978 | PG | Available to watch on DVD and YouTube
This 1978 version of Little Women follows the March sisters through love, loss, and coming of age, emphasizing the values of kindness, resilience, and sisterhood. The performances stay true to the spirit of the original novel, particularly Meredith Baxter as Meg and Susan Dey as Jo. It’s a simple, heartfelt adaptation that honors the warmth of the source material. Set in the 1860s, Civil War era. CONTENT GUIDE: Dove (approved for all ages)
Little Women 1994 | PG | Available to watch on DVD and Pluto TV
Set in 1860s Massachusetts (during the Civil War), Little Women (1994) follows Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy as they navigate growing up, chasing dreams, and enduring heartache. The film is faithful to the spirit of Louisa May Alcott’s novel, blending warmth and honesty in its portrayal of family and womanhood. It’s a endearing favorite that remains one of the most cherished versions of the beloved story. CONTENT GUIDE: Dove (approved for all ages) and Kids-in-Mind
Heidi 1968 | G | Available to watch on DVD and YouTube
Heidi (1968) follows the journey of a little girl in the Swiss Alps whose cheerful spirit brings comfort to everyone she meets, from her reclusive grandfather to her wheelchair-bound friend Clara. Takes place in the late 1800s. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb and Dove (approved for all ages)
Heidi 2005 | G | Available to watch on DVD and YouTube
This beautiful adaptation of Heidi (2005) captures the spirit of Johanna Spyri’s novel, with Heidi’s infectious optimism and determination transforming the lives of those around her. The film follows Heidi’s journey, from her time with her stern grandfather in the Alps to her friendship with Clara in the city. Set in the 1880s. CONTENT GUIDE: Common Sense Media and Dove (approved for all ages)
A Little Princess 1987 | PG | Available to watch on DVD and YouTube
This is a faithful adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s children’s novel about Sara Crewe, who’s world is turned upside down when her father is presumed dead, leaving her to face life in a strict and unforgiving boarding school. The film beautifully captures Sara's strength of character and imagination as she navigates hardship with grace and compassion. Takes place in Victorian London, around the 1880s. CONTENT GUIDE: Read my Review (you’ll need to scroll down the page a bit to find it)
The Secret Garden 1975 | G | Available to watch on DVD and YouTube
This 1975 adaptation by BBC of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s children’s novel is a hidden gem that often gets overlooked. Orphaned and initially spoiled, Mary Lennox is sent to her distant uncle’s estate, where she stumbles upon a forgotten garden, neglected like herself. Through her journey of discovery and transformation, Mary blossoms from a lonely, self-centered girl into a kind-hearted, compassionate friend, proving the healing power of love, nature, and human connection. It is a rather dated production, and the acting is a bit stage-like, but if you're able to look over the cosmetic shortcomings, you will be thrilled to discover how faithfully this BBC production brings the book to life. Set in the very end of the Victorian period (late 1800s). CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb
The Secret Garden 1993 | G | Available to watch on DVD and Amazon Prime Video
This is a beautiful retelling of the classic tale by Frances Hodgson Burnett about a lonely orphan who, after the death of her parents, learns to open her heart to love and friendship through the discovery of a secret garden. Set in early 1900s England, it’s a gentle story of healing, hope, and friendship. Set in 1901, at the beginning of the Edwardian era. CONTENT GUIDE: Kids-in-Mind and Dove (all ages approved) *A content concern to share: there is a quick scene in the beginning when Mary is being dressed by her servants and her bare chest is briefly visible. This isn’t mentioned in either of the content guides I linked above.
An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving 2008 | PG | Available to watch on DVD and Tubi
Set in post-Civil War New England (1880s), this Hallmark adaptation, based on a short story by Louisa May Alcott, tells the tale of young Tilly and her siblings who try to save Thanksgiving after their mother falls ill. When their long-absent grandmother shows up with stern manners and a hidden heart, the family must learn to mend past hurts. This is a gentle and uplifting period drama for family viewing, with strong values of forgiveness and unity. CONTENT GUIDE: Dove (approved for all ages)
I hope this list helps you find some wonderful historical movies for your preteen girls! Each film offers something special, whether it’s a valuable lesson, an inspiring heroine, or a glimpse into another time. If you found this list helpful, be sure to check out my 50+ Historical Movies and TV Shows for Teen Girls, 20+ Historical Movies for Preteen Boys and Charlotte Mason Books-to-Movies where you’ll find numerous films that align with biblical values, Charlotte Mason principles, and family-friendly entertainment.
Did I miss any of your favorites? Let me know what you think in the comments below—I’d love to hear your suggestions!
