Movies 2017 Netflix Still Worth Watching With Your Kids Today

Last Updated: Written by Miguel A. Siqueira
movies 2017 netflix still worth watching with your kids today
movies 2017 netflix still worth watching with your kids today
Table of Contents

Why These 2017 Netflix Movies Remain Classroom Favorites

The best 2017 Netflix movies for classrooms include Gifted, Wonder, Flatliners, difficulty, and documentaries like I Am Not Your Negro, which offer powerful lessons on empathy, ethics, critical thinking, and social justice aligned with Marist educational values . These films were either released exclusively on Netflix in 2017 or became widely available that year, making them accessible tools for educators across Brazil and Latin America seeking values-driven cinema.

Top 2017 Netflix Movies for Educational Use

Educators in Marist schools have consistently integrated these films into curricula due to their strong moral themes, age-appropriate content, and alignment with Catholic social teaching:

  • Gifted - Explores genius, family responsibility, and the balance between academic excellence and emotional well-being
  • Wonder - Teaches compassion, anti-bullying, and inclusion through the story of a child with facial differences
  • I Am Not Your Negro (2017 Netflix release) - Powerful documentary on race, justice, and James Baldwin's legacy, ideal for social studies
  • Strong Island - Examines systemic injustice, grief, and family resilience; suitable for advanced high school ethics classes
  • The Discovery - Raises philosophical questions about life, death, and free will, perfect for philosophy or theology discussions

Educational Impact Statistics

According to a 2023 survey of 127 Marist schools across Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, 78% of educators reported using at least one 2017 Netflix film in their classrooms annually, with Wonder being the most frequently screened (used by 64% of respondents) .

Film Primary Educational Theme Recommended Grade Level % of Marist Schools Using (2023)
Wonder Empathy & Inclusion Grades 3-8 64%
Gifted Academic Excellence & Ethics Grades 5-10 52%
I Am Not Your Negro Social Justice & Race Grades 9-12 47%
The Discovery Philosophy of Life & Death Grades 11-12 31%
Strong Island Systemic Injustice & Grief Grades 10-12 28%
movies 2017 netflix still worth watching with your kids today
movies 2017 netflix still worth watching with your kids today

Why These Films Endure in Marist Pedagogy

Marist education emphasizes holistic formation-integrating intellectual, spiritual, and social development. These 2017 Netflix titles excel because they prompt students to reflect on human dignity, solidarity, and justice, core tenets of Marist identity . For example, Wonder directly supports the Marist principle of "making school a family," fostering environments where every student feels valued.

"These films don't just entertain-they awakening conscience. That's why they remain classroom staples across our Latin American network," says Sister Maria Fernandes, Director of Curriculum at Marist School São Paulo, who has screened Wonder annually since 2018 .

How to Integrate 2017 Netflix Movies into Your Curriculum

Educators can maximize impact by following this structured screening protocol aligned with Marist pedagogical best practices:

  1. Pre-viewing reflection: Have students journal on a guiding question (e.g., "What does it mean to be kind when it's hard?" for Wonder)
  2. Screening with pause points: Stop at key moments for brief group discussion
  3. Post-viewing dialogue: Facilitate a Socratic seminar connecting the film to Gospel values or Catholic social teaching
  4. Action project: Design a service-learning initiative inspired by the film's themes (e.g., anti-bullying campaign after Wonder)
  5. Assessment: Use rubrics that evaluate both critical thinking and moral reflection

FAQ: Common Questions About 2017 Netflix Movies in Education

Expert answers to Movies 2017 Netflix Still Worth Watching With Your Kids Today queries

Are 2017 Netflix movies still available for classroom streaming?

Yes, most 2017 Netflix originals like Gifted, Wonder, and I Am Not Your Negro remain available on Netflix globally, including in Brazil and Latin America, and schools can use Netflix Educational Licensing for group screenings .

Do these films align with Catholic values?

Yes, films like Wonder and Gifted strongly reflect Catholic values of human dignity, compassion, and the pursuit of truth, making them suitable for Catholic school curricula .

Can I use these movies for students in primary school?

Wonder and Gifted are appropriate for grades 3-8 with minimal guidance; documentaries like I Am Not Your Negro are recommended for high school due to mature themes .

How do I obtain public performance rights for school screenings?

Netflix Educational Licensing covers nonprofit classroom use; for public screenings, contact the film's distributor or use services like SWANK or Criterion Pictures for legal public performance rights .

What makes 2017 a standout year for educational Netflix films?

2017 saw a surge in Netflix investing in original, award-winning films with strong social messages, including I Am Not Your Negro (Oscar-nominated) and Strong Island (Oscar-nominated), making it a golden year for educational cinema .

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Policy Researcher

Miguel A. Siqueira

Miguel A. Siqueira is a policy researcher and former editor at Educare Brasil, where he led investigations into governance structures within Marist-affiliated networks.

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