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BrainPOP (and BrainPOP Jr.)

By BrainPOP. Visit BrainPOP (and BrainPOP Jr.)

Desk research from the maker's own pages. Not yet tried by us. Checked 2026-10-24.

Short animated movies starring Tim and Moby (BrainPOP, grades 3-8+) and Annie and Moby (BrainPOP Jr., K-3) on 1,300+ topics across science, math, social studies, English, arts and health. After each movie kids take quizzes, play learning games, make concept maps or build their own movies. Most use comes through school subscriptions; families can try a free sneak peek or subscribe in the app.

Our take: Excellent when a school provides it; families paying alone should try the free sneak peek first.

The facts
Ages it suitsabout 5-14 (K-8+)
What its terms say about ageRegistering an account requires a parent's or guardian's supervision if you are a minor. Schools using it for students must be authorized to act for parents or have their consent. (terms)
PricePaid. School plans by quote. Family app subscriptions: BrainPOP $15.99 a month or $129.99 a year; BrainPOP Jr. $14.99 a month or $119 a year; combo $19.99 a month or $159.99 a year (App Store, Oct 2026).
Works onWeb, iPhone and iPad, Android
AccountA school account
AdsNone
In-app purchasesYes
The AI in itStudents don't use AI; BrainPOP Science offers teachers an AI grading assistant (Google Vertex AI) that suggests scores teachers can override.

What's good

  • Clear, funny explainers on almost any school topic
  • Strong student-data commitments
  • Quizzes and creative tools after each movie
  • Free sneak peek for families

Watch for

  • Expensive for a single family
  • Mostly watch-then-quiz; less practice than skill apps
  • Evidence largely company-sponsored

Data and privacy

BrainPOP says it complies with COPPA and FERPA, does not sell student data or use it for advertising, and never uses student records to train third-party AI models. It does run interest-based and 'lookalike' advertising aimed at adults. Read the privacy policy.

Does it work?

BrainPOP says it meets ESSA Level 3 ('promising evidence') and lists studies on its research page, including a 2008 effectiveness study; most studies are commissioned by the company.

In the Big Index

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Where these facts come from

Prices, terms and features change. Nobody paid to be listed, nothing here is an affiliate link, and Peabody never rates itself. Where we and the maker disagree, the maker's own pages are the ones to trust.