Your challenge: Finding good kids' movies on Netflix that grownups and older kids can enjoy, too. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that the kids will love (and will be entertaining for people older than 10 too).
We've narrowed the list down to the best of the best, including a few old-school favorites you might remember from when you were a kid. Whether they're critically acclaimed, full of nostalgia, or beautiful works of art, kids of all ages will enjoy these kids' movies on Netflix, and adults can always find deeper meaning in the dialogue, artistry, and plot. Best of all? You can watch them all immediately—and as many times as you want—so go ahead and binge one or two.
Netflix-Produced Animated Family Movies
If you love animation, there are plenty of good movies on Netflix for kids—so check out a few of our favorites.
Nimona
Nimona is a shape-shifting outcast who befriends an innocent knight accused of murder. The pair adventure out to clear the knight's name, and help Nimona find acceptance.
Leo
Adam Sandler helped create (and stars in!) this charming animal tale about an ancient class pet lizard who shares his wisdom with the sixth grade class.
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio
Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro takes a fresh look at the classic story of a puppet come to life in this engaging (and gorgeous) stop-motion reimagining. Ewan McGregor, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, and Finn Wolfhard are all among the voice cast.
Extinct
If you're looking for adorable animated animals (and a very vague lesson about environmentalism), Extinct features a pair of sweet doughnut-shaped creatures that travel into the future to find that they've somehow gone extinct. They join a crew of fellow extinct animals as they try to find their way back home. The show features comedy actors like Rachel Bloom, Catherine O'Hara, Ken Jeong, and Adam DeVine.
The Willoughbys
This highly rated (and under-appreciated) 2020 animated film features a slightly-less-than-happy family—and the kids' dramatic attempts to create a happier home. It features Jane Krakowski, Martin Short, Maya Rudolph, and Terry Crews in an all-star cast of voices.
Over the Moon
A charming addition to the collection of original kids' movies on Netflix, this song-filled film follows a young girl named Fei Fei as she embarks on a legendary adventure to prove to her widower father that love is forever. Her journey takes her to the moon, where a mythical goddess and her miraculous world await. Full of color, adventure, and heartwarming messages about family and love, this is a kids' movie the whole family will love—and the soundtrack, featuring spectacular performances by Phillipa Soo of Hamilton, is bound to be a new family favorite. Rated PG.
Klaus
Probably the very best kids' Christmas movie on Netflix, this Netflix Original Film explores a fresh origin story for dear old Santa Claus. It follows a lazy postman who is sent to a far corner of the globe to learn some tough lessons; there, he unwittingly inspires an entire small town and learns a few things himself. While this kids' movie on Netflix is best left for Christmastime and winter, it's worth watching any time of year. Rated PG.
Back to the Outback
This December 2021 animated movie features a slew of Australian creatures in a zoo, who decide to band together to escape and head back to the Outback to live their lives. It teaches kids the lesson of not always judging a book by its cover (or a living thing by how it looks).
That Christmas
Based on the charming trilogy of Richard Curtis's children's books, this animated film intertwines multiple heartwarming stories the seaside town of Wellington-on-Sea during the holiday season. Featuring the voices of Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, and Bill Nighy, it's the perfect family movie to bring some lighthearted holiday cheer into your home.
The Magician’s Elephant
Based on the Kate DiCamillo's beloved 2009 book, this heartwarming tale follows young Peter as he embarks on a quest to find his long-lost sister. Guided by a fortune teller’s mysterious revelation that an elephant will lead him to her, Peter is led on a journey of unexpected friends and hidden truths that test his bravery and belief in the impossible.
Blockbuster Animated Movies for Families
If you missed them in the theaters (or just love them enough for a second, third, or 10th go-round), these top animated kids' movies are currently available on Netflix.
A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon
The famed British claymation studio offers up this charming movie, where Shaun and his flock try to help an alien creature that crash-landed near their farm. If your kiddos fall in love with Shaun, there's a ton of other sheepy adventures to enjoy on Netflix.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Even if you're not a big superhero fan, you'll love the gorgeous animation and story in this critically acclaimed sequel to 2018's Into the Spider-Verse. (Plus the cavalcade of star voices includes Donald Glover, Andy Samberg, Rachel Dratch, Oscar Isaac, Shameik Moore, Daniel Kaluuya, Kathryn Hahn, and Mahershala Ali.)
Mary and the Witch's Flower
For the family that loves anime, try this 2017 stunner, where a magical flower and broomstick grants a little girl access to a potentially dangerous school of magic.
Trolls
The beloved so-ugly-they're-cute dolls from way back launched this hit movie which will literally give everyone the warm fuzzies. And with Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick in the lead of a star-studded cast, you know you'll get plenty of tunes to enjoy along the way.
Minions
Everyone's favorite goofy yellow guys take the starring role in this 2015 charmer, where they seek out the perfect supervillain to serve.
Boss Baby
A literal baby-faced spy is at the heart of this hilarious cartoon—and the many sequels (and series) it spawned. (Many of those are on Netflix, too!)
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
This new-to-Netflix Dreamworks movie is a perfect watch for your tweens or young teens. Ruby Gillman is desperate to fit in at her school—but discovers that she's about to become queen of the Krakens. And that means she needs to battle their power-hungry arch-enemies, the mermaids (including her new BFF Chelsea), to protect the ocean.
Classic Family Movies on Netflix
Consider these classic family movies worthy of your next family movie night.
The Karate Kid (1984)
Follow the inspiring journey of Daniel LaRusso, a teenager who learns karate from his teacher, Mr. Miyagi, in order to defend himself against bullies. This action-packed tale of perseverance and friendship remains a beloved classic for families.
Mr. Peabody & Sherman
Tag along with the brainy beagle Mr. Peabody and his curious son Sherman as they embark on time-traveling adventures in their homemade invention.
Kung Fu Panda 3
Catch up on what happened in Kung Fu Panda 3 before the fourth installment hits theaters on March 8th. In Kung Fu Panda 3, Jack Black plays the karate master panda Po, who must once again build a band of warriors to take on the big baddie.
Netflix Live-Action Family Movies
Netflix has plenty of non-animated family-friendly movies, whether you're looking for kid-approved documentaries or splashy adventure flicks.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
The imaginations of author Roald Dahl and director Wes Anderson seem like a match made in heaven. And this is the first of a series of four short films Anderson is making based on classic Dahl stories for Netflix. (Expect "The Swan," "The Ratcatcher," and "Poison" down the line.
Bonus: It's only 39 minutes long, for those nights you want a shorter kids' movie before bedtime.
Matilda the Musical
The Roald Dahl story of the precocious—and telekinetic—little girl who's seeking out a place where she belongs inspired an award-winning musical that'll have everyone in your house singing along about "Revolting Children."
Family Switch
Swapping bodies—and perspectives—is a time-honored family movie plot. (Think Freaky Friday and 17 Again.) In this new remake, Jennifer Garner, Ed Helms, and Emma Myers (Wednesday Addams' cheerful wolfy roomie in Wednesday) are among the swappers—which includes the pets and the baby, too.
You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah
Adam Sandler's behind this family-friendly comedy about two BFFs who fall out over middle school drama just as their bat mitzvahs approach. (Think Bride Wars for 13-year-olds!)
The School for Good and Evil
Based on the bestselling fantasy novel, this movie about a school for epic fairy tale villains and heroes features a star-studded cast chewing the scenery to keep adults entertained—think Cate Blanchett, Kerry Washington, Michelle Yeoh, Charlize Theron, and Patti LuPone.
Slumberland
A girl adventures through the land of dreams (and nightmares) in an attempt to see her late father again. But honestly, you'll probably want to watch it because of her adventuring partner—Jason Momoa.
Enola Holmes
This modern twist on Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective series puts uber-detective Sherlock Holmes in a supporting role, while his kid sister Enola Holmes tackles mysteries and adventures.
Tween and teen watchers will love another chance to see Stranger Things Millie Bobby Brown star as Enola—while adults may be more excited about Henry Cavill as Sherlock or Helena Bonham Carter as Eudoria Holmes—Sherlock and Enola's missing mother.
If you're looking for a double feature, an Enola Holmes sequel is also available.
Ivy and Bean
Based on the popular kids' book series, Ivy and Bean follows a pair of opposites-attract pals (brash Bean and shy Ivy) on their adventures. And if your family loves the first one, there are two more movies in the series ready and waiting.
Puff: Wonders of the Reef
For the animal-loving family, this short and sweet documentary follows a baby pufferfish as it finds a home in the Great Barrier Reef. (Actress Rose Byrne provides the narration.)
John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch
Comedian John Mulaney creates a send-up of some of those weird children's specials from the 1980s, in a delightfully oddball, music-filled special featuring a group of talented kids alongside a slew of celebs including David Byrne, Jake Gyllenhaal, Annaleigh Ashford, and Andre De Shields.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Based on a true story, this biographical film follows a young boy who builds a wind turbine to save his village in Malawi from famine. Along with the book of the same name, this story demonstrates the power of determination and perseverance and will inspire everyone to find their own way to help those around them. Rated TV-PG.
Moxie!
This story of teen empowerment (with a little old-school riot grrl action) will definitely resonate with teen girls and their moms. (Amy Poehler plays the heroine's mom, and the cool up-and-comer band the Linda Lindas show up at the end too!)
Yes Day
The beloved book by author Amy Krouse Rosenthal is made into a feature-length film as a mom and dad indulge their kids in a rollicking, adventurous day where the answer to every request is "Yes." (Jennifer Garner is on mom duty in the movie.)
