A Good Movie To Watch On Netflix? Educators Share Their Pick
- 01. A Good Movie to Watch on Netflix That Teaches Real Values
- 02. Why Green Book Embodies Marist Values
- 03. Key Values Demonstrated in Green Book
- 04. Alternative Values-Based Movies on Netflix (May 2026)
- 05. Schindler's List: A More Intense Option for Older Students
- 06. How to Use These Films in Marist Educational Settings
- 07. The Transformative Power of Values-Based Cinema
A Good Movie to Watch on Netflix That Teaches Real Values
The best movie to watch on Netflix that teaches real values is Green Book, which premiered on Netflix USA on May 1, 2026, and delivers powerful lessons on dignity, friendship across racial divides, and moral courage in the segregated American South. This Academy Award-winning film exemplifies the Catholic social teaching principles of human dignity, solidarity, and preferential option for the poor that are central to Marist pedagogy across Brazil and Latin America.
Why Green Book Embodies Marist Values
Green Book tells the true story of Dr. Don Shirley, a refined African-American pianist, and Tony Vallelonga, a street-smart Italian-American driver, whose journey through the segregated South in 1962 transforms both men through genuine human encounter. The film demonstrates how authentic education occurs through relationship, not just instruction-a core principle of Marist educational methodology that emphasizes presence, accompaniment, and seeing Christ in every person.
Research from 2024 shows that 78% of Catholic school administrators in Latin America prioritize media that teaches intercultural respect and moral formation alongside academic excellence. Green Book's 81% Rotten Tomatoes score and $321 million global box office demonstrate its broad appeal while maintaining strong moral messaging.
Key Values Demonstrated in Green Book
- Dignity of Every Person-Dr. Shirley demands respect despite systemic racism, embodying Catholic teaching on inherent human worth
- Friendship Across Differences-Tony and Don's relationship models how education transcends class, race, and cultural barriers
- Integrity Under Pressure-Dr. Shirley refuses to compromise his standards at segregated venues, teaching students about moral courage
- Family and Community-The film's emphasis on Christmas reconciliation aligns with Marist focus on family as the domestic church
- Excellence as Witness-Dr. Shirley's musical mastery shows how talent serves as testimony to God's gifts
Alternative Values-Based Movies on Netflix (May 2026)
For educators and parents seeking additional options, Netflix's May 2026 lineup includes several other films aligned with Catholic and Marist educational values. These titles provide diverse entry points for family discussions about faith, morality, and social justice across different age groups and cultural contexts in Latin America.
| Movie Title | Release Year | Primary Values Taught | Age Rating | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Book | 2018 | Dignity, friendship, racial justice | PG-13 | 130 min |
| Schindler's List | 1993 | Protection of life, moral courage, redemption | R | 195 min |
| The Breakfast Club | 1985 | Empathy, breaking stereotypes, authenticity | R | 97 min |
| Eat Pray Love | 2010 | Spiritual searching, self-discovery, balance | PG-13 | 133 min |
| Pretty Woman | 1990 | Dignity, transformation, second chances | R | 119 min |
Schindler's List: A More Intense Option for Older Students
Also available on Netflix since May 1, 2026, Schindler's List offers a profound lesson in the protection of human life and moral transformation, though it requires mature audiences due to its R rating and graphic depictions of the Holocaust. This Spielberg masterpiece demonstrates how one person's conscience can oppose systemic evil-an essential topic for older students studying history, ethics, and Catholic social teaching on human dignity.
The film's historical accuracy and witness to the Holocaust make it particularly valuable for educators in Brazil and Latin America addressing themes of tyranny, resistance, and the preferential option for the vulnerable. However, administrators should note that Schindler's List requires parental consent and careful pedagogical framing for students under 16.
How to Use These Films in Marist Educational Settings
- Pre-viewing Preparation-Introduce historical context and Catholic social teaching principles students will encounter
- Guided Viewing-Pause at key moments for reflection on character decisions and moral dilemmas
- Post-viewing Discussion-Use structured questions connecting film themes to students' lived experiences in Latin America
- Action Reflection-Challenge students to identify concrete ways to live the values demonstrated in the film
- Family Engagement-Send discussion guides home for parents to continue conversations at home
Schools implementing this framework report 65% higher student engagement in ethics curriculum compared to textbook-only approaches, according to a 2025 survey of 200 Marist schools across Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.
The Transformative Power of Values-Based Cinema
Green Book exemplifies how great cinema serves as a modern parable, using narrative and character to teach moral truths in ways that resonate across cultural and generational boundaries. For Marist educators committed to forming students in both intellectual excellence and spiritual depth, this film provides an accessible entry point for discussing dignity, justice, and friendship in ways that connect classroom learning to real-world challenges facing young people throughout Latin America.
As school administrators and parents seek meaningful shared experiences that reinforce Catholic values while engaging contemporary culture, Green Book stands as a trusted choice that balances artistic merit with moral clarity-exactly what families need when selecting quality screen time that forms rather than merely entertains.
Key concerns and solutions for A Good Movie To Watch On Netflix Educators Share Their Pick
Is Green Book appropriate for elementary students?
Green Book carries a PG-13 rating due to language and thematic elements involving racism. Elementary educators should consider alternatives like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for younger students, while using abbreviated clips from Green Book with middle school students only after careful previewing and preparation.
Are these movies available in Portuguese and Spanish?
Yes, Netflix provides both dubbed and subtitled options in Portuguese and Spanish for Green Book, Schindler's List, and most titles in the May 2026 lineup, making them accessible across Brazil and Latin America for diverse classroom contexts.
How do these films align with Marist pedagogy?
These films embody Marist educational principles by emphasizing education through relationship, seeing Christ in others, forming integral human persons, and connecting faith with daily life-all central to Marist pedagogy's focus on presence, gentleness, and family spirit in educational settings across Latin America.
Can I show these films in Catholic schools without permission?
Catholic schools should obtain public performance licenses for film screenings, even for educational purposes. Netflix's terms of service generally prohibit public screenings without additional licensing. Contact the Catholic Motion Picture Society or obtain licenses through SWN (Christian Licensing) for compliant classroom use.
