The best kids movies on Netflix right now

Trolls (2016)

55%

PG

92m

Genre

Family, Animation, Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy, Music

Stars

Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel

Directed by

Mike Mitchell

Watch on Netflix

20th Century Fox’s Trolls franchise has grown to include multiple movies and spinoff shows, but this 2016 release is where it all began. After the monstrous Bergens invade Troll Village, they displace Princess Poppy (Anna Kendrick), the happiest Troll ever born, and Branch (Justin Timberlake), perhaps the most curmudgeonly.

The odd couple team shares a common goal of rescuing Poppy’s friends. As they set off on an adventure to free the other Trolls, they’ll have to learn to tolerate each other to get the job done.

Home (2015)

55%

PG

94m

Genre

Fantasy, Comedy, Animation, Science Fiction, Family

Stars

Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin

Directed by

Tim Johnson

Watch on Netflix

This goofy alien invasion tale sees the Earth taken over by the self-satisfied Boov, an alien race that displaces humanity to start reorganizing the planet to make it their new home.

But when Tip (Rihanna) eludes capture, she soon finds herself accompanied by a banished Boov named Oh (Jim Parsons). Forming an unlikely team, they realize just how much is at stake as they attempt to save the planet and find a resolution for the Boov.

The Croods (2013)

55%

PG

98m

Genre

Animation, Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Comedy, Action

Stars

Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds

Directed by

Kirk DeMicco, Chris Sanders

Watch on Netflix

DreamWorks’ The Croods has expanded to include several movies and TV shows, but the very first movie is always the best place to start in a kids’ franchise. The Crood family is composed of patriarch Grug (Nicolas Cage), his mate, Ugga (Catherine Keener), teenage daughter, Eep (Emma Stone), son, Thunk (Clark Duke), and Gran (Cloris Leachman).

By day, they gather food. By night, they huddle together in a cave to avoid the elements and dinosaurs. They have survival down to a basic science, but when a more evolved caveman named Guy (Ryan Reynolds) shows them there’s more to life than survival, and they better start living because the world’s about to end, Grug is naturally distrustful. Especially since Eep seems to have taken a liking to Guy.

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

58%

PG

97m

Genre

Animation, Family, Fantasy

Stars

Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law

Directed by

Peter Ramsey

Watch on Netflix

All your kids’ favorite magical creatures join forces in this epic animated adventure. When an evil spirit called Pitch (Jude Law) takes steps to take over the world, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, and Jack Frost band together and hone their extraordinary abilities to protect the hopes and imagination of children all over the world.

A star-studded voice cast includes Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Isla Fisher, and Hugh Jackman.

Plankton: The Movie (2025)

61%

pg

83m

Genre

Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Stars

Mr. Lawrence, Jill Talley, Tom Kenny

Directed by

Dave Needham

Watch on Netflix

Netflix has become a bit of a SpongeBob hub, with multiple movies available, including last year’s Saving Bikini Bottoms: The Sandy Cheeks Movie. Another beloved character gets his own story with Plankton: The Movie.

Appropriately ridiculous, this flick follows Plankton’s twisted love story with his sentient computer wife, only to see it go completely sideways when she decides to destroy the world on her own. Now, Plankton must face an impossible choice: save the world so that he can be the one to destroy it or let it crumble without him.

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

47%

pg

91m

Genre

Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Stars

Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez

Directed by

Genndy Tartakovsky

Watch on Netflix

Since the first film’s release in 2012, Hotel Transylvania has evolved into one of the biggest kid-friendly franchises out there. It all started with this movie, in which Dracula (Adam Sandler) introduces to the world his five-stake resort for monsters and their families. But in addition to being the Prince of Darkness, Dracula is also a dad, and he’s excited to throw a massive blowout for his daughter Mavis’ (Selena Gomez) 118th birthday.

All the world’s greatest monsters are there, but when a human (Andy Samberg) accidentally stumbles in and takes a liking to Mavis, there is no greater horror in the world to Dracula than a boy.

Daddy Day Care (2003)

39%

pg

92m

Genre

Comedy, Family

Stars

Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Steve Zahn

Directed by

Steve Carr

Watch on Netflix

Eddie Murphy and Jeff Garlin star in this goofy, family-friendly movie as a couple of dads who are so wholly consumed by their high-profile advertising jobs that they’re missing out on the joys of fatherhood. But when both men lose their jobs and must figure out another way to make ends meet, they pivot in the exact opposite direction: starting a daycare.

Not realizing how hard it might be, the two men’s daddy daycare quickly takes off, giving them a crash course in caretaking that makes them wonder if they bit off more than they can chew.

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie (2024)

g

87m

Genre

Animation, Comedy, Adventure, Family

Stars

Carolyn Lawrence, Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown

Directed by

Liza Johnson

Watch on Netflix

In this latest addition to the SpongeBob Squarepants universe, SpongeBob’s Texan squirrel friend, Sandy, is at the heart of the action. When Bikini Bottom and all of its residents suddenly find themselves scooped out of the ocean, it falls to Sandy and SpongeBob to save the day.

The intrepid squirrel devises a way to bring her porous sponge up to the land to find the B.O.O.T.S. marine biology laboratory in Galveston, Texas. But what is initially an exciting adventure soon turns into a desperate mission to save the town from an evil plot. This CGI take on SpongeBob might be a little jarring for parents who grew up on the show, but it’s fun for kids.

Spellbound (2024)

pg

106m

Genre

Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Stars

Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem

Directed by

Vicky Jenson

Watch on Netflix

Netflix assembled an all-star cast for this animated fantasy, including Rachel Zegler (Steven Spielberg‘s West Side Story), Nicole Kidman, and Javier Bardem. From the creators of several Pixar hits, Spellbound follows Princess Ellian’s struggles to reverse a mysterious curse that turned her parents into monsters.

Although the creatures are mostly playful, they’re nonetheless banished to the far reaches of the kingdom. Now, Ellian must travel into the wild to find the key to break the curse before it becomes permanent. The whole family can enjoy this animated adventure.

Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

54%

pg

94m

Genre

Animation, Family, Fantasy, Action

Stars

Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis

Directed by

Mike Mitchell

Watch on Netflix

One of Dreamworks’ largest active franchises, Kung Fu Panda 4 is the newest film starring Po (Jack Black), the kung fu fighting panda bear. In the latest film, Po is gearing up to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, but needs someone to fill his former position of Dragon Warrior. While he ponders how to be a spiritual leader and find someone to take his old role, Po is sidetracked by the emergence of a new villain, Chameleon (Viola Davis), who can conjure up other past villains. The first and third Kung Fu Panda movies are also available on Netflix.

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

87%

g

85m

Genre

Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family

Stars

Peter Sallis, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter

Directed by

Steve Box, Nick Park

Watch on Netflix

Wallace and Gromit don their tweed caps in this mystery adventure from Nick Park. The cheese-loving inventor and his possibly-smarter-than-him canine companion are doing well running a business removing the town’s garden pests. However, their humane methods have turned their home into a halfway house for vermin, which leads them to stumble across a vegetarian monster that threatens to destroy the annual veggie-growing contest.

Nimona (2023)

75%

pg

99m

Genre

Adventure, Animation, Fantasy, Family

Stars

Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang

Directed by

Nick Bruno, Troy Quane

Watch on Netflix

Based on the graphic novel of the same name, this Netflix original stars Chloë Grace Moretz as the voice of Nimona, a shape-shifting teen outcast. But when celebrity knight Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) is framed for the murder of the Queen, Nimona is perhaps the only person who can help clear his name. Unfortunately, she is also perhaps a monster that he has sworn an oath to destroy.

Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017)

40%

pg

89m

Genre

Family, Adventure, Animation, Comedy

Stars

Demi Lovato, Rainn Wilson, Joe Manganiello

Directed by

Kelly Asbury

Watch on Netflix

The most recent CGI foray into Smurfville, Smurfs: The Lost Village, follows Smurfette (Demi Lovato) and her friends Brainy, Clumsy, and Hefty (Danny Pudi, Jack McBrayer, Joe Manganiello) on a thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest to discover a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel (The Office star Rainn Wilson) can. In that village lies the key to one of the greatest secrets the Smurfs will ever discover.

Orion and the Dark (2024)

72%

pg

93m

Genre

Animation, Family, Comedy, Fantasy

Stars

Jacob Tremblay, Paul Walter Hauser, Angela Bassett

Directed by

Sean Charmatz

Watch on Netflix

In this Netflix animated original, you’ll meet Orion (Jacob Tremblay), a seemingly typical elementary school kid. But this is merely a facade, as Orion is secretly a bundle of adolescent anxiety, filled with irrational fears of everything from bees and dogs to clowns and cliffs. But the thing he’s most afraid of is one he can’t avoid: the dark. So when Dark itself (Black Bird‘s Paul Walter Hauser) decides to visit Orion to show him that the night’s not so scary, Orion has to learn to accept the unknown and stop letting fear control his life.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)

63%

pg

97m

Genre

Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family

Stars

Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, Bella Ramsey

Directed by

Sam Fell

Watch on Netflix

Netflix has brought Chicken Run back for a new generation! Years after pulling off their death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger (Thandiwe Newton) and Rocky (Zachary Levi) are living in a peaceful island sanctuary, far from the human world. When little hatchling Molly (The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey) comes along, everything feels truly perfect. But back on the mainland, a terrible new threat emerges to chickenkind: the nugget. Now, it’s time to break in.

6.7/10

pg

106m

Genre

Animation, Fantasy, Family, Action, Adventure

Stars

Emile Hirsch, Lexi Medrano, Charlie Saxton

Directed by

Andrew L. Schmidt, Francisco Ruiz Velasco, Johane Matte

Watch on Netflix

The cinematic conclusion to Guillermo del Toro’s Tales of Arcadia saga, which includes the Trollhunters, 3Below, and Wizards series, Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans takes place in the enchanted town of Arcadia, a haven of magic with many a mystical inhabitant. When the evil Arcane Order awakens the ancient Titans, the heroes of Arcadia must band together to put an end to the wretched reign of their mutual enemy. An action-packed spectacle, Rise of the Titans serves as a fitting end to del Toro’s expansive universe of trolls, extraterrestrials, and powerful wizards. Think of it as the animated little brother to Marvel’s The Avengers, an amalgamation of benevolent world-savers facing off against adversaries, and a battle that necessitates teamwork of fantastical proportions.

Wish Dragon (2021)

59%

7.2/10

pg

99m

Genre

Animation, Family, Comedy, Fantasy

Stars

Jimmy Wong, John Cho, Constance Wu

Directed by

Chris Appelhans

Watch on Netflix

A joint collaboration between Sony Pictures Animation and Tencent Pictures, Wish Dragon tells the story of Din (voiced by Jimmy Wong), a working-class student with dreams of reuniting with his friend, Lina (Natasha Liu Bordizzo). In order to achieve this rendezvous, Din calls on the otherworldly talents of wish-granting dragon Long (John Cho). Together, human and mystical reptile must journey across Shanghai to bring the former’s aspirations to fruition. For those of us who have seen either version of Disney’s Aladdin, the premise of Wish Dragon may sound pretty familiar. But don’t let that deter you, for there’s plenty of heart, laughs, and inspired storytelling at play to make Wish Dragon an easy win for kids of all ages.

Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (2021)

7.4/10

g

30m

Genre

Animation, Comedy, Family

Stars

Justin Fletcher, Kate Harbour

Directed by

Steve Cox

Watch on Netflix

A 30-minute Christmas special starring the world’s favorite sheep, The Flight Before Christmas is a new Shaun the Sheep classic! Shaun loves the holiday season, but his excitement goes sour when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings for the Flock accidentally leaves Timmy behind. Now, Shaun must get Timmy back before he becomes somebody else’s present!

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

80%

7.7/10

114m

Genre

Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction, Action

Stars

Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph

Directed by

Michael Rianda

Watch on Netflix

Katie Mitchell (Abbi Jacobson) is a little different in a family full of people who are a little different. Unfortunately, those differences don’t quite click when it comes to her and her father. So when her dad decides to cancel her plane ticket to film school and instead do a family road trip from Michigan to LA, Katie is less than pleased. But when family bonding time is interrupted by a robotic uprising, the Mitchells must find a way to come together to save themselves and the world from the techpocalypse.

Pee-wee's Big Holiday (2016)

63%

6.1/10

90m

Genre

Adventure, Comedy, Family

Stars

Paul Reubens, Joe Manganiello, Jessica Pohly

Directed by

John Lee

Watch on Netflix

This Judd Apatow-produced Netflix original introduces Pee-wee Herman to a whole new generation. After a fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger (Magic Mike‘s Joe Manganiello), Pee-wee embarks on a journey toward his destiny! It just so happens to coincide with him taking his first-ever holiday. Fans of the classic character will enjoy this revitalization, and it just may inspire the kids to go back and watch some of the Pee-wee classics.

We Can Be Heroes (2020)

51%

4.7/10

pg

97m

Genre

Action, Fantasy, Family, Comedy

Stars

YaYa Gosselin, Lyon Daniels, Andy Walken

Directed by

Robert Rodriguez

Watch on Netflix

Okay, now that you know who Sharkboy and Lavagirl are, your family can enjoy Robert Rodriguez’s wacky reboot of his tween superhero franchises — We Can Be Heroes. When alien invaders kidnap Earth’s (now grown-up) superheroes, their children must team up to save the world. If it sounds exactly like Spy Kids, well, that’s because it is basically the same plot. But it’s nonetheless a good-humored adventure driven by some game performances from the adults involved.

Next Gen (2018)

6.6/10

pg

105m

Genre

Action, Adventure, Animation, Family

Stars

Jason Sudeikis, Michael Peña, David Cross

Directed by

Joe Ksander, Kevin R. Adams

Watch on Netflix

In a near, somewhat-fictional future, a rebellious girl named Mai is all that stands between a madman and his technological plan to conquer the world. Oh, and there’s a runaway combat robot who becomes her trusty sidekick. Some of Next Gen‘s surprisingly-provocative message will go over kids’ heads, but its good humor and action-packed fun will more than suffice.

Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution (2019)

6.3/10

tv-y7

Genre

Animation, Adventure, Fantasy, Action, Family

Stars

Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, Mayumi Iizuka

Watch on Netflix

Deep in an undisclosed location, scientists successfully create the most powerful Pokémon in existence, Mewtwo. Realizing he’s being used as the ultimate weapon, Mewtwo breaks free of the lab and wishes to fight the best Pokémon trainers in the world to get back at the humans who wronged him. Ash, Brock, and Misty continue their quest to become the ultimate Pokémon masters when they receive a mysterious invitation to an unknown island. The island invitation is a trap by Mewtwo, creating the setup of the ultimate showdown between Ash and Mewtwo. With Pikachu at his side, Ash uses the power of friendship in the battle for his life. Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution is an updated remake of Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back, originally released in 1998.

Dancing with the Birds (2019)

8.3/10

pg

51m

Genre

Documentary

Stars

Stephen Fry

Directed by

Huw Cordey

Watch on Netflix

From the team that brought viewers the groundbreaking series Our Planet comes a fun, feathery feature documentary that is vibrant, colorful, and cheerful. Narrated by legendary actor Stephen Fry, Dancing with the Birds is a wonderful voyage into the world of exotic birds. Each moment feels like a small story, filled with humor and excitement that the whole family will enjoy. Dancing with the Birds sends audiences on a journey around the world to some of the most exotic places. While short, it’s incredibly colorful and diverse. This documentary film is perfect for young audiences looking for a fascinating and refreshingly enjoyable view into the world of exotic wildlife.

Minecraft: Story Mode (2018)

5.8/10

tv-pg

2 Seasons

Genre

Action & Adventure, Comedy, Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Stars

Catherine Keener, Elizabeth Olsen, Nat Wolff

Watch on Netflix

Minecraft is one of the most popular video game properties in recent memory, encouraging players to build, explore, and learn. From teamwork to resource management and even coding, Minecraft has been a great learning utility. Minecraft: Story Mode takes the whimsical computer world of Minecraft and translates it into a miraculous adventure into the world of Minecraft. Originally released on video game platforms in 2015, Minecraft: Story Mode is a Netflix Interactive movie, where the viewer can decide what happens next. Using the remote control, viewers can shape choices and be a part of the action. Minecraft: Story Mode follows Jesse (Patton Oswalt or Catherine Taber), Axel (Brian Posehn), and Olivia celebrating their craftsmanship skills at EnderCon, when suddenly the entire world of Minecraft is threatened by a powerful evil. The trio is destined to save the universe and must trek across unknown lands to save all of Minecraft. This unique story and interactive adventure will keep families, especially young gamers, entertained.

Carmen Sandiego: To Steal or Not to Steal (2020)

7.0/10

tv-y7

Genre

Animation

Stars

Gina Rodriguez, Finn Wolfhard, Abby Trott

Watch on Netflix

Carmen SanDiego (Gina Rodriguez) finds herself back in the evil organization, V.I.L.E., and must pull off an impossible heist for them, as V.I.L.E. has captured her friends and put them in danger. This interactive movie is similar to Minecraft in that it allows viewers to choose how the adventure will play out. Viewers will have the ability to choose how the heist will occur and shape their own story. Featuring sharp animation and voice talent, Carmen Sandiego: To Steal or Not to Steal is a great way to introduce young audiences to the world of Netflix’s Carmen Sandiego.

Klaus (2019)

8.2/10

pg

96m

Genre

Animation, Family, Adventure, Comedy

Stars

Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones

Directed by

Sergio Pablos

Watch on Netflix

It’s easy to lose the spirit of the holidays, and when a small town falls into hopelessness, an unlikely bond will be formed. Jesper Johannson (Jason Schwartzman) is a postman banished to the small island town of Smeerensburg at the behest of his father. Tasked with delivering 6,000 letters in a year, he feverishly attempts to fulfill such an audacious goal, until one fateful delivery puts him in touch with a woodsman, named Klaus (JK Simmons). While initially an unlikely friendship, the two look to each other as they work to bring the spirit and hopes of Christmas to the people of Smeerensburg. Klaus is an Academy Award-nominated animated film, with breathtaking visuals and top-notch voice performances. Klaus was lauded by viewers for its extraordinary animation and heartfelt story, making it perfect for any time of the year.

White Fang (2018)

61%

7.0/10

tv-pg

Genre

Animation, Family

Stars

Nick Offerman, Rashida Jones, Paul Giamatti

Watch on Netflix

You never know where life will take you, and in White Fang, a small wolf-dog is about to embark on a journey of a lifetime — through the wilderness of North America, encountering new friends and great danger. White Fang is based on the novel of the same name by Jack London. Unlike other novels, White Fang told the story from the viewpoint of the wolf-dog, creating a fascinating way in which animals view the world around them. Director Alexandre Espigares, who won an Academy Award for the animated short film Mr. Hublot, adapts the story through a wondrous splash of smooth animation and shading that evokes watercolors. White Fang is a heartwarming tale of adventure, heroism, and the people that you meet along the way.

John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch (2019)

87%

7.5/10

70m

Genre

Comedy, Family, Music

Stars

John Mulaney, Jake Gyllenhaal, Annaleigh Ashford

Directed by

Rhys Thomas

Watch on Netflix

Inspired by the classic Sesame Street, John Mulaney returns to Netflix with a new special, but this isn’t a standup routine aimed at adults — it’s a children’s musical comedy special. Alongside Mulaney are 15 child actors who dance about and sing to a collection of variety specials. In between songs and skits, Mulaney talks with the bunch. The variety-musical comedy special also features adult guest stars, including Jake Gyllenhaal as Mr. Music. A different avenue for John Mulaney, the Sack Lunch Bunch special is a fun film to watch with the entire family.

The Willoughbys (2020)

68%

6.4/10

pg

92m

Genre

Animation, Comedy, Family

Stars

Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Alessia Cara

Directed by

Kris Pearn

Watch on Netflix

This 2020 Netflix Original introduces us to the Willoughby children, who are convinced they’d be better off raising themselves than they are under the care of their parents. As such, they hatch a sneaky plan to send their selfish parents on vacation while they embark on their own high-flying adventure to find the true meaning of family. As you might expect, everything they think they know isn’t exactly spot on.

Trolls (2016)

Home (2015)

The Croods (2013)

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

Plankton: The Movie (2025)

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Daddy Day Care (2003)

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie (2024)

Spellbound (2024)

Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

Nimona (2023)

Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017)

Orion and the Dark (2024)

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)

Leo (2023)

Spy Kids: Armageddon (2023)

The Monkey King (2023)

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017)

The Boss Baby (2017)

Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (2022)

The Sea Beast (2022)

Over the Moon (2020)

Finding ʻOhana (2021)

Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans (2021)

Wish Dragon (2021)

Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (2021)

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

Pee-wee's Big Holiday (2016)

We Can Be Heroes (2020)

Next Gen (2018)

Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution (2019)

Dancing with the Birds (2019)

Minecraft: Story Mode (2018)

Carmen Sandiego: To Steal or Not to Steal (2020)

Klaus (2019)

White Fang (2018)

John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch (2019)

The Willoughbys (2020)

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