Can The Prince of Egypt Teach History Lessons
May 21, 2023Are you a teacher or parent seeking a film that can both educate and entertain your children or students? The Prince of Egypt is a perfect choice. This blog post will delve into the educational value of this movie, highlighting its key concepts and how it can be used as a teaching tool. So, can The Prince of Egypt teach history lessons as well as art, and ethics? Let’s dive in!
The K12 Deets
The Prince of Egypt is a 1998 animated musical film that brings to life the story of Moses in a visually stunning and emotionally powerful way.
- Running Time: 99 minutes
- Rating: PG
- IMDb The Prince of Egypt
- IMDb Parents Guide
What is The Prince of Egypt about?
The Prince of Egypt is a respectful retelling of the story of Moses, based on the Bible’s Book of Exodus. It follows the life of Moses from being a prince of Egypt to becoming God’s chosen prophet. The film takes some liberties, with Moses and Ramses raised as brothers who love each other deeply. But Moses learns that he was born enslaved and that the man he loves and respects as his father, the Pharaoh Seti, once ordered the murder of babies. Moses runs away and marries the spirited Tzipporah, until he receives a message from God telling him that he must return to Egypt and “free the slaves.”
Why show The Prince of Egypt to your children/students?
The Prince of Egypt is a film that offers valuable life lessons and educational content. It’s a testament to the human spirit, demonstrating that with determination, resilience, and a positive attitude, one can overcome any obstacle. Here are the educational key concepts that the movie embodies:
- Creativity, Imagination, and Art: The film is a triumph of animation, with stunning visuals and memorable musical numbers that can inspire students’ creativity and appreciation for art.
- Cultural Appreciation: The film provides a glimpse into ancient Egyptian culture, promoting understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures and histories.
- Ethics and Moral Decision Making: The movie raises ethical questions about justice and fairness, prompting viewers to think about their own moral decisions.
- Historical Context: While it takes some liberties with the biblical story, the film can serve as a springboard for discussions about history and the importance of understanding the context in which events occur.
Why use a movie guide?

What are teachers saying about this movie guide?
Great movie resource to help students follow along with the historical parts of the movie! Kids were engaged and happy. ~John C. (Rated 5 out of 5)
I loved this movie guide! The questions are well-written and thought-provoking. I will purchase more of your movie guides in the future. Thank you! ~Joanne C. (Rated 5 out of 5)
For more reviews and ratings like these go to TeachersPayTeachers where this movie guide is also available here.
The K12 Kibosh Score (90/100)
K12MovieGuides awards The Prince of Egypt a commendable 90 out of 100! This score reflects the film’s unique blend of entertainment and educational merit, making it a perfect choice for both classroom and home-based learning. The film’s high K12 Kibosh Score is due to its ability to masterfully incorporate several essential teaching concepts.
The Prince of Egypt is a film that beautifully illustrates the concept of creativity, imagination, and art. The stunning animation and memorable musical numbers can inspire students’ creativity and appreciation for art. The film also provides a glimpse into ancient Egyptian culture, promoting understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures and histories.
Furthermore, the film raises ethical questions about justice and fairness, prompting viewers to think about their own moral decisions. The Prince of Egypt is an excellent movie choice for young minds that combines entertainment and education seamlessly.
Lastly, while it takes some liberties with the biblical story, the film can serve as a springboard for discussions about history and context. This historical context, combined with the other educational concepts presented in the film, makes The Prince of Egypt a valuable teaching tool.