The 10 Best Math Movies for All Ages
What are the absolute best movies with math as a major theme?
The 10 Best Math Movies for All Ages (Image: Mashup Math MJ)
Are you looking for a list of the best math movies ever made? The following list celebrates math in the movies by highlighting a collection of the best math movies, all of which are appropriate for children and adults alike. In fact, all of the movies on the list are rated PG-13, PG, or G, making them all school appropriate.
(Jump right to the list of the 10 Best Movies About Math)
Seeing math in the movies is more than just entertainment. Mathematics and its applications shown on the big screen can inspire students to consider pursuing careers in STEM, appreciate mathematical concepts and how they apply to real life, and understand how mathematics can be used to solve problems in a variety of circumstances.
The following list of school-appropriate math movies can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. If you are a teacher looking for movies with math a main theme to show in your classroom, there are options on this list suitable for students in elementary school, middle school, and high school, as the parental guidance recommendations range from G to PG to PG-13.
So, whether you want to give your kids a break from testing, supplement your instruction, or share some well-earned Friday fun time, showing movies about math in class can be an educational and enjoyable experience.
While it can be challenging to find movies that are directly related to mathematics, there are plenty of creative ways to appropriately show full movies and/or movie clips in your classroom. If you are struggling to find a math movie that is right for your kids, check out the following list, get the popcorn ready, and enjoy!
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*Disclaimer: You should always get permission from your administration and use discretion before showing any movie or movie scene to your students.
*Copyright Disclaimer: All film poster images beloware scaled-down, low-resolution images used for the sole purpose of providing critical commentary on the film in question or of the film poster itself.
1.) Queen of Katwe (PG)
IMDb Synopsis: A Ugandan girl sees her world rapidly change after being introduced to the game of chess.
Why? This relatively unknown Disney movie about 10-year-old Phiona and her incredible rise to become a chess master might be my favorite of any of the math movies for kids on this list. If you are looking to open up the possibilities of mathematics to a diverse group of students, Queen of Katwe is an excellent option.
Math Movies for Kids: Queen of Katwe is one of the best PG-rated movies with math as a main theme. (Image: Fair Use)
2.) Stand and Deliver (PG)
IMDb Synopsis: Jaime Escalante is a mathematics teacher in a school in a Hispanic neighborhood. Convinced that his students have potential, he adopts unconventional teaching methods to help gang members and no-hopers pass the rigorous Advanced Placement exam in calculus.
Why? Stand and Deliver is an incredibly inspiring true story that is a must-see for teachers and students alike. If you are looking to motivate students of any background and inspire them to reconsider their personal limits and potential for growth and achievement, then showing Stand and Deliver is a no brainer.
Stand and Deliver may be the greatest movie about a math teacher ever made! (Image Source: Fair Use)
3.) A Beautiful Mind (PG-13)
IMDb Synopsis: After John Nash, a brilliant but asocial mathematician, accepts secret work in cryptography, his life takes a turn for the nightmarish.
Why? A Beautiful Mind is more than just an interesting tale about a paranoid mathematician, it shares several examples of how beautiful mathematics truly is and how it applies to our everyday world.
Famous Math Movies: A Beautiful Mind (Image: Fair Use)
4.) Flatland (G)
IMDb Synopsis: Based on Edwin Abott's classic novella "Flatland", this is an animated film about geometric characters living in a two-dimensional world. When a young girl named "Hex" decides to "think outside the box" (in a world where such thought is forbidden), her life becomes in danger and it is up to her grandfather to save her life.
Why? This short animated film released in 2007 teaches math concepts through an interesting story driven by fun characters (one of which is voiced by Martin Sheen) living in a two-dimensional world and mathematically inspired world. You can access the movie at flatlandthemovie.com.
Math Movies for Kids: Flatland (Image Source: Fair Use)
Released in 2015, The Man Who Knew Infinity is one of the best math movies for middle school students and older. (Image: Fair Use)
5.) The Man Who Knew Infinity (PG-13)
IMDb Synopsis: The story of the life and academic career of the pioneer Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan, and his friendship with his mentor, Professor G.H. Hardy.
Why? The Man Who Knew Infinity is simply a fantastic story about the rise of a famous mathematician and a beautiful mentorship that allowed him to overcome great odds to change the field of mathematics forever. While the movie is not very well known, it is a must-see for any math enthusiast.
Moneyball is another excellent addition to our collection of movies with math a central theme. (Image: Fair Use)
6.) Moneyball (PG-13)
IMDb Synopsis: Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane's successful attempt to assemble a baseball team on a lean budget by employing computer-generated analysis to acquire new players.
Why? You won't find a movie that demonstrates the tremendous role that mathematics plays in professional sports better than Moneyball. Showing the full movie will give your kids a better idea of how mathematics applies to the real world as well as possible career paths, such as becoming a Major League Baseball scout, that require a deep understanding of applied mathematics.
Math in the Movies: Is The Martian the best STEM movie ever? (Image: Fair Use)
7.) The Martian (PG-13)
IMDb Synopsis: An astronaut becomes stranded on Mars after his team assume him dead, and must rely on his ingenuity to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.
Why? The Martian is probably the best STEM movie ever. There are countless scenes where Matt Damon has to use mathematics and mathematical reasoning to overcome challenges and advance his quest for survival. If you are looking to show your kids that math can take you places, then The Martian is your best choice!
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When in doubt, one of the best math movies to show is Hidden Figures. (Image: Fair Use)
8.) Hidden Figures (PG)
IMDb Synopsis: The story of a team of female African American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.
Why? Hidden Figures is an incredible and inspiring movie that demonstrates the power of mathematics and the fact that the subject is open to individuals of all genders and backgrounds.
9.) The Imitation Game (PG-13)
IMDb Synopsis: During World War II, the English mathematical genius Alan Turing tries to crack the German Enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians while attempting to come to terms with his troubled private life.
Why? The Imitation Game is a compelling movie because it tells the story of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who, during World War II, made significant contributions to the field of mathematics and cryptography. The film highlights Turing's ability to use mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills to crack the German “Enigma” code and help the allied powers win WW2. The movie also presents complex mathematical concepts in an accessible way, making it an effective teaching tool for students of all levels.
Math in the Movies: The Imitation Game highlights how mathematics influenced the outcome of WW2. (Image: Fair Use)
Math Movies for Middle School Students: Donald in Mathmagic Land (Image: Fair Use)
10.) Donald in Mathmagic Land
IMDb Synopsis: Donald Duck goes on an adventure in which it is explained how mathematics can be useful in real life. Through this journey it is shown how numbers are more than graphs and charts, they are geometry, music, and magical living things.
Why? Did you really think that this 1959 classic would not be on this list? This timeless gem was made to show kids that mathematics is more than just a set of procedures and rules. Despite its age and short duration (it's only 27 minutes long), it still stands up and is a beloved by students and teachers alike. And did I mention that you can watch the full movie for free on YouTube?
Did I miss your favorite math movie or TV show? Share your suggestions in the comments section below. Subscribe to our mailing list here to get more free daily resources, lessons, and tips in your inbox every week.
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