There are plenty of great films for children available in the media libraries of public service broadcasters and on various streaming services. Here are our streaming tips for kids that adults can also enjoy.
Documentaries and feature films
2020, documentary, 25 min, OV with German subtitles
In this episode of Die Maus, the history of gingerbread and how it is made are explained in an entertaining way. Watch on ARD Mediathek until 01.01.2099.
During the Advent season, former village police officer Krause encounters little Tilla, who has run away from the orphanage Sonnenschein Children's Home. With great compassion, he not only helps the girl but also the other children at the home. Starring Horst Krause, Carmen-Maja Antoni, Angelika Böttiger (directed by Bernd Böhlich). Watch on ARD Mediathek until 24.12.2025.
In this reinterpretation of the popular fairy tale by Ludwig Bechstein, Paul embarks on a journey to the mystical Land of Plenty to help his sick sister, who is in desperate need of medicine. Starring Björn Ingmar Böske, Klara Deutschmann (directed by Carsten Fiebeler). Watch on ARD Mediathek until 24.08.2029.
Der Biograph explores the question of how Jürgen Klopp not only achieved sporting success, but also won the admiration of both players and fans.
Watch on funk until 05.11.2025.
New adaptation of the Grimm fairytale by Uwe Janson starring Aylin Tezel, Florian Bartholomai, Barbara Auer: Despite enduring cruelty from her stepmother and stepsister, Cinderella refuses to be defeated.
Watch on ARD Mediathek until 05.04.2028.
A special episode of Die Sendung mit der Maus about Lena the cow, who spends the summer on a mountain pasture with her fellow cows and, of course, with the mouse and the elephant.
Watch on ARD Mediathek until 2099.
From Die Sendung mit dem Elefanten: It's about a cockchafer flying in slow motion, the song "Vogelhochzeit" and clover, dandelion and yarrow as food for rabbits.
Watch on ARD Mediathek until 06.03.2024.
From Das Sandmännchen: The butterfly is not happy with his trunk. Can his friends convince him how great a trunk is?
Watch on ARD Mediathek until 2099.
The Neufund family is expecting a female exchange student called Sandy from England but instead of Sandy, a 13-year-old Indian boy shows up at the airport... Culture clash comedy starring Aglaia Szyszkowitz, Martin Brambach, Lena Urzendowsky, Mercedes Müller and Zayn Baig. Directed by Viviane Andereggen.
Watch on ARD Mediathek until 05.05.2025.
From the Quarks TabulaRasa series: Gender-inclusive language: Some say it's unnecessary, others say that true equality can only be achieved when our language represents everyone equally.
Watch on Quarks@Youtube.
This video highlights the last days in the lives of members of Die Weiße Rose (White Rose) resistance group between their arrest and execution for their opposition to the Nazi state.
Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 22.06.2026.
Loosely based on The Frog King and Iron Henry by the Brothers Grimm. Unlike the classic fairy tale, the story is told from the frog's point of view. Starring Jan Liem, Viet Anh Alexander Tran, Alina Hidic and Götz Otto.
Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 10.04.2028.
From the series Checker Reportagen: In this fun series about facts aimed at children, presenter Tobi explains how a democracy works, who can vote and who can be elected in Germany.
Watch on KiKA Mediathek.
From the ZDF series stark!: This reportage follows 12-year-old Carl who is living his dream of being a dancer. Since the summer, he has been attending the Palucca School, a prestigious dance academy in Dresden.
Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 09.12.2027.
In this television film, Peter Lustig is tricked into trading his small plot in Elchwinkel for a castle by a construction company. He realises his mistake and takes desperate measures to try and cancel the contract before it is too late... Starring Peter Lustig, Helmut Krauss, Dietmar Bär and Bettina Zimmermann. Directed by Hannes Spring.
Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 26.10.2027.
From Quark's TabulaRasa series: Boy or girl? Woman or man? Are the differences between the sexes biological or socially constructed? Quarks explores these questions.
Watch on Quarks@Youtube.
Animal reporter Anna spends a summer with dairymaid Kati on the Steiner Alm, a grazing area in Tyrol, Austria.
Watch on ARD Mediathek until 06.08.2027.
This adaptation of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale tells the story of six outsiders who combine their individual strengths to become an unbeatable team. Starring Sebastian Bezzel, Laura Maria Heid and Rafael Gareisen. Directed by Uwe Janson.
Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 23.07.2025.
The bust of Nefertiti, paintings, mummies, Benin bronzes and other artefacts can be admired in museums all over the world, including Germany. Many of these artefacts were originally stolen, and as this documentary explains, cultural objects are still being ‘looted’ today.
Watch on funk until 29.06.2027.
An apprentice angel called Addi is sent to earth against her will to accompany eleven-year-old Marie-Louise on a train journey to her grandmother just before Christmas. Her mission is to help Marie regain her light-heartedness which she lost when her mother died. With Katharina Thalbach and Cloé Heinrich. Directed by Christoph Schnee.
Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 26.12.2027.
