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September 2026 Movie Roundup

Collage of relevant BrainPOP movies, including Labor Day, Sandra Cisneros, Proteins, and the BrainPOP Jr. Fall movie.

September runs the gamut when it comes to teaching, celebrating, and honoring the moments that help students understand their world. Some days ask you to explain something hard, some ask you to teach something foundational, and some just mark the season turning—and that’s on top of your curriculum’s regularly scheduled programming. So, on those days you need a little support, BrainPOP has got your back.


Pro tip: Pair any of these movies with our new Unplugged Activities before the movie to pique their curiosity, and after the movie to deepen understanding. Then, follow it with a whole class check for understanding with our Quiz in the new Live Mode!


Support for September's toughest topics


September brings two moments where students notice and wonder what’s happening in the world around them—and BrainPOP is here to provide the language to explain it before the discussion starts.


BrainPOP Labor Day topic: black-and-white illustration of a labor march with a crowd carrying picket signs reading "Labor Will Be United," "More Pay!," "Eight Hours for a Legal Day's Work," and a partially visible sign referencing wealth.

Labor Day


September 7 is Labor Day. Students know that they have the day off, or that it harkens the return to school—but they also wonder why it’s a holiday in the first place.



Enter, BrainPOP’s Labor Day topic (grades 3-8): covering everything from the Gilded Age and the Pullman Strike to labor unions and the first labor parade, this movie and connected activities give students the background they need to understand what the day celebrates.


BrainPOP September 11 topic: illustration of the Statue of Liberty viewed from behind, overlooking the New York City skyline across the water.

Remembering September 11th, 25 years later


Understanding what happened—and why it still matters, 25 years later—starts with the right words. BrainPOP’s September 11 topic (grades 3-8) explains what happened on that tragic morning with care and context—so students can understand the day, its aftermath, and its impact on American (and world) history.


Note: This movie contains sensitive information. We suggest teachers preview this topic and teach with discretion based on your school and classroom’s needs.


Support for Hispanic Heritage Month



BrainPOP Jr. Pat Mora topic: illustration of a multigenerational family gathered on a front porch, with children reading on the steps and adults standing and sitting behind them.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15.


With younger students (grades K-3), watch and discuss movies that explain Latino history, people, and places—think Pueblos, Maya Civilization, Mexico, Pablo Picasso, and Pat Mora.




BrainPOP Sandra Cisneros topic: illustrated portrait of Sandra Cisneros wearing a purple embroidered top and dangling earrings, with orange flowers in the background.

With older students (grades 3-8), connect notable Hispanic figures to what you’re teaching across the curriculum: Sonia Sotomayor for civics, Frida Kahlo for art, Lin-Manuel Miranda for theater, R.J. Palacio or Sandra Cisneros for ELA, Che Guevara for social studies, Pelé for sports… the list goes on.  


Plus, don’t miss BrainPOP’s newest topic: a biography of Dolores Huerta and the rallying cry, "Sí, se puede," that won farmworkers fairer pay and still echoes today.


Support for the turning of the seasons


BrainPOP Jr. Fall topic: Annie and Moby standing in a pile of autumn leaves indoors near a window.

September also brings the start of fall, with Autumnal Equinox on September 22.


Explain what that means for the weather, the plants, the animals, the planets, and your students—with topics like Solstice and Equinox (3-8), Autumn Leaves (3-8), Fall (K-3), and Migration (K-3). 


Support for explaining the country's founding documents


BrainPOP U.S. Constitution topic: animated illustration of a smiling scroll character with arms and legs, wearing a "U.S. Constitution" ribbon badge, on a blue background.

Constitution Day on September 17 and Bill of Rights Day on September 25 make for natural moments to introduce the founding documents and concepts of the United States.


Give younger students (K-3) the foundations with topics like Branches of Government, U.S. Symbols, and Rights and Responsibilities. With older students, dive deeper into concepts like U.S. Constitution, Branches of Government, and the Bill of Rights.


Plus! New topics on BrainPOP (for grades 3-8)



BrainPOP Proteins topic: colorful array of abstract protein-shaped icons in various forms and colors, including twisted, flower-like, and blob shapes, on a dark green background.

Explore how proteins power everything from digestion to oxygen transport, as well as what happens when a mutation throws one off.





BrainPOP Early Islamic Empire topic: illustrated map of the Arabian Peninsula highlighted in orange, with icons of buildings, palm trees, and a camel.

Trace how Islam spread from Muhammad's teachings in Mecca into a vast empire before its eventual fall to the Mongols in 1258.





BrainPOP AI and Misinformation topic: illustration of a scale weighing a stack of dinosaur image cards, some marked with red X icons, symbolizing how AI models sort and evaluate information.

ICYMI: AI Literacy Collection


If you haven’t already, explore the AI Literacy Collection: ten AI spotlight movies that connect to what you’re already teaching—think AI and the Environment, AI and Study Skills, or AI and Probability—and help students think critically about AI before they use it.




BrainPOP Dolores Huerta topic: illustration of a woman holding a clipboard and registering another woman to vote, with signs reading "¡Regístrese Para Votar" and "Register to Vote!" in the background.

Teach how Dolores Huerta left teaching to co-found a farmworkers' union, leading strikes and boycotts that won a landmark labor contract and made "Sí, se puede" a lasting rallying cry.






Note: Topic availability may vary based on content settings configured by your school or district.


AnnaLiese Burich is a Product Marketing Manager at BrainPOP. In addition to holding an MA in Magazine Journalism and an MA in English Literature, she has worked in (and written for) the edtech space from every angle: from parenting tips and children's activities to classroom strategies and district goals. AnnaLiese's favorite BrainPOP character is Tim.



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