Entertainment
The Best Movies & Shows Currently On Netflix For You & Your Kids To Watch
Joe Lederer / Netflix
As any parent knows, spending time with your kids is the best. Ideally, you both would be able to cuddle up, turn on a show, and get swept away in the story. But, as we all know, not all kids' content out there is enjoyable for adults to watch. For every Toy Story there is, you get something else that is truly, truly brutal to get through. Luckily, Netflix has a ton of content that both you and your little one can consume, and enjoy! It's a win, win, really. So next time your child asks you to watch TV with them, don't turn your brain off right away — here are 31 movies and shows streaming on Netflix right now that are great for the whole family.
'Moana'
Disney's most recent princess steps up to the plate in this gorgeous, inspiring movie about adventure on the open sea. Plus, music by Lin-Manuel Miranda so what's not to love?
'Kubo and the Two Strings'
From the same company that gave us Coraline and Paranorman, Kubo is a stop-motion work of art that you'll be sure to love just as much as — if not more than — your kids.
'Lilo & Stitch'
*Stitch voice* "Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind." Need I say more?
'E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial'
Your kids may only want you to watch their modern-day favs with them, but at some point they need to see the stuff you loved at their age. No matter how many generations go by, E.T. will never not be a classic.
Netflix's 'A Series of Unfortunate Events'
If you're like me and you totally devoured the A Series of Unfortunate Events books as a kid, you're bound to love the TV series just as much. Netflix's original series has got that same perfect mixture of creepy, heartwarming, and hilarious as the books.
'Zootopia'
Zootopia has it all. Adventure, comedy, mystery, and friendship. There is bound to be something for the whole family.
'Homeward Bound: The Incredibly Journey'
If you thought live-action movies with talking dogs were silly, think again: they're actually awesome. Homeward Bound, which tells the story of three pets who cross the Sierra Nevada mountains to get back to their owners, was my absolute favorite childhood movie.
'Kung Fu Panda'
The mere fact that Dreamworks somehow managed to make three really good movies starring Jack Black as a dorky, martial arts-loving panda is a true feat. The first installment pays homage to the Chinese wuxia film and reminds us that believing in ourselves is the greatest power of all.
'The Little Prince'
The Little Prince is probably one of the greatest children's books ever written. It translates wonderfully into its first animated adaptation that preserves the book's reminder to adults that we all need to think like children every once in a while.
'The Cheetah Girls'
The Cheetah Girls will always be one of the greatest girl-power movies to come from Disney Channel. The Cheetah Girls tells the story about four young women chasing their dreams, not giving in to pressure, and building awesome female friendships. What do you have to lose?
'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?'
While this one may be for the older kids in your life, it's a must watch. From the same director as The Princess Bride and Back to the Future, this half-animated, half-live-action film was completely groundbreaking for its time.
'The Watsons Go to Birmingham'
Based on the fantastic book of the same name, this 2013 television film is about a family that takes a road trip to Birmingham, Alabama in the summer of 1963, just before the infamous bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church. It contains important historical lessons we can't neglect to teach our kids even more than 50 years later.
'Holes'
Before Shia LaBeouf was 2017 Shia LaBeouf, he was Stanley Yelnats in Holes. Complete with an intricate but comprehensible plot and an amazing soundtrack, this darkly beautiful film is perfect for a family movie night.
'One Day at a Time'
Netflix's brilliant reboot of the 1975 series of the same name follows the Alvarez family, headed by newly single mom Penelope. Each episode deals with issues such as religion, mental health, sexism, and racism perfectly — communicating lessons for both children and adults in a way that's clear but not too heavy-handed.
'Phineas and Ferb'
You may have your doubts, but Disney Channel's lively cartoon about two inventive brothers on a mission to make their summer awesome is actually full of entertaining bits for the parents who have to binge-watch it alongside their kids.
'The Jungle Book' (2016)
Of course, you can always watch the original 1967 animated movie, but the live-action version's gorgeous visuals and incredible cast truly makes it one for the ages.
'Animaniacs'
Warner Bros.' answer to the Looney Tunes never gets old. It's packed full of crazy stories to keep kids entertained, but also jokes and references that are just for the adults.
'The Emperor's New Groove'
This is one film that millennial parents are going to love rewatching with their kids — it's a classic.
'Chicken Run'
As Parks and Recreation reminds us, stop-motion filmmaking isn't easy, which makes Chicken Run — one of the most prominent claymation films — all the more impressive. The story, which is basically a prison break, but with chickens, is also brilliant.
'The Iron Giant'
In the midst of the Cold War, a little boy in Maine discovers a Big Friendly Robot who just crash-landed near his home. If The Iron Giant doesn't make you cry happy-sad tears, you need to reevaluate your life choices.
'Hugo'
Like many of the movies in this list, Hugo is based on an incredible book that you and your kid should totally read. The movie, which happens to be Martin Scorsese's first kids/family film, is of course also amazing.
'The Nightmare Before Christmas'
The Nightmare Before Christmas is quintessential Tim Burton, complete with a dark gothic aesthetic, elegant gore, and gorgeous music. And it's perfect for Halloween, Christmas, or really any other day of the year.
'Max & Ruby'
If you've got really young kids and are totally over all the shows and movies appropriate for their age, Max and Ruby will be a godsend. Don't let the simple animation and storylines fool you: it's adorable enough to watch for hours on end.
'Cool Runnings'
Cool Runnings, a story about the first-ever Jamaican bobsled team, is hilarious, inspiring, and reminds kids that they can be and do whatever they put their minds to.
'Anastasia'
Anastasia is another film that parents will undoubtedly love rewatching with their kids. And don't be surprised if it sweeps you away just like it did when you were young.
'The Adventures of Puss in Boots'
Yet another installment of the Shrek franchise, you ask? Don't worry — Netflix's series about the titular swashbuckling cat is a refreshing adventure full of excellent new characters and storylines. And, if you really want to make TV viewing interactive, make sure to check out the new episode formatted for interactive storytelling.
'FernGully: The Last Rainforest'
If you loved watching Avatar and want to share a similar message with your kid, FernGully is the perfect solution.
'Trollhunters'
If your kids are a little too young to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Trollhunters is a great, younger version to start off on. It's about James, a teenager who stumbles upon a secret civilization of trolls and accidentally becomes their guardian against a different secret civilization of much more evil trolls.
'The Good Dinosaur'
After being displaced from his family, Arlo must find his way back to his home with the help of a rather unfamiliar friend.
'Beat Bugs'
Beat Bugs, and animated series made by Netflix, is sure to keep you just as entertained with a Beatles-inspired soundtrack. Plus, it's never too early for your kid to gain a great taste in music.
