27 best family movies on Netflix right now

Looking for good family movies on Netflix can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack thanks to the sheer amount of content. But don't worry. We've done the heavy lifting for you. While Netflix's catalog changes pretty often as movies come and go, we keep track of what's worth watching for the whole family.

Sure, Netflix has a Children & Family section, but let's be honest, it's a mixed bag. Some films are fantastic, while others... well, let's just say they might not be the best use of your family movie night.

We look at both Common Sense Media and Rotten Tomatoes ratings to help guide our picks, but we also know that ratings aren't everything. What matters most is finding movies that actually work for your family's tastes and values.

By the way, if you're concerned about what your kids might stumble upon while browsing, Netflix has some solid parental controls that are worth setting up. Just let me know if you'd like specific movie recommendations or help with those controls

The best family movies on Netflix right now

'Disaster Holiday'

Joseph Ngema (Kenneth Nkosi) is a workaholic father who plans a vacation to bond with his kids, but he has a hidden agenda. Instead of the tropical paradise of Zanzibar he promised, a booking mishap lands them in Durban, South Africa. While still trying to attend his secret business meeting, Joseph, his new wife Nandi (Lunathi Mampofu), and his kids deal with a lengthy series of travel mishaps, from car trouble to unexpected accommodations. Joseph has to figure out what's more important to him: family or this business meeting. And you probably can guess what he chooses. 

N/A Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 15 and up
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'Work It'

Ambitious high school senior Quinn Ackerman (Sabrina Carpenter) lies about being on her school’s elite dance team to impress a Duke University admissions officer. When her lie backfires, she forms her own ragtag dance crew with the help of her best friend and a former dance champion. As they train for a major competition, Quinn discovers her true passion and learns that success isn’t just about following the perfect plan—it’s about embracing who you really are. And if you're looking for more of Carpenter after her recent Grammy win, this is a fun and wholesome role for her. 

85% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 13 and up
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'Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl'

The comedic clay duo return in their latest adventure. This time, Wallace inadvertently creates a seemingly intelligent garden gnome. Gromit grows increasingly worried about Wallace's reliance on his creations, fearing that it might lead to trouble – as it often does. Soon, it becomes obvious that the "smart" gnome isn't acting on its own, but being controlled by a mysterious figure from Wallace and Gromit's past. The mastermind behind the gnome's actions is ready to take revenge on the unsuspecting inventor, putting both Wallace and his ability to create new contraptions in jeopardy. The result is a fun set of stop-motion segments that remind us just how much we've needed this duo back in our lives for a long time. 

100% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 7 and up
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'Kubo and the Two Strings'

Kubo (Art Parkinson) finds his tranquil life shattered when he unwittingly awakens an evil spirit from his past. Forced to flee his home, Kubo embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind his family's legacy and confront the dark forces that threaten to destroy everything he holds dear. Joined by allies Monkey (Charlize Theron) and the brave yet bumbling Beetle (Matthew McConaughey), Kubo must make it past a treacherous landscape filled with gods, monsters, and other mythical beings armed only with his wits and a magical shamisen to confront the Moon King (Ralph Fiennes), who holds the key to his past.

97% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 9 and up
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'Kung Fu Panda 4'

In this animated kung fu romp, Dragon Warrior Po (Jack Black) faces one of his biggest challenges yet when a new villain forces Po to choose his new successor. He's also tasked with leaving the Valley of Peace to figure out more about who's behind the evil his kingdom is facing, which finds him reuniting with the Furious Five, his best friends, as he gets in touch with his true self once more and stops hiding behind his status as the Dragon Warrior to mask his lack of ambition for the job.

71% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 6 and up
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'Migration'

"Migration" is an animated family-comedy from Illumination, the studio behind "Minions" and "The Secret Life of Pets". The story follows the Mallard family, led by the anxious father Mack (Kumail Nanjiani), and the adventurous mother Pam (Elizabeth Banks). Stuck in a routine life on a New England pond, Pam convinces Mack to go on a family migration trip to Jamaica, following a visiting duck family's exciting stories. However, their journey takes unexpected turns, challenging them to explore new places, make new friends and learn more about themselves. — AB

73% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 6 and up
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'Ultraman: Rising'

"Ultraman: Rising" follows Ken Sato, a superstar baseball player who returns to Japan to take on the role of Ultraman, a legendary superhero tasked with protecting Tokyo from kaiju (giant monsters).

However, Sato faces an unexpected challenge when he must raise the offspring of his greatest enemy, a newborn kaiju. Now the adoptive father to an adorable, but very dangerous, monster, Ken must come to terms with his new fatherly responsibilities while trying to be a hero at the same time. This animated movie reimagines the iconic Ultraman character, blending action with heart as it explores themes of heroism and parenthood​. — AB

83% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 10 and up
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'The Imaginary'

Studio Ponoc's whimsical animated tale follows a young girl named Amanda (Evie Kiszel) and her invisible friend Rudger (Louie Rudge-Buchanan). Amanda and Rudger head off on fun adventures in a world of make-believe. But when circumstances find Rudger alone, he ends up in the Town of Imaginaries, a place where forgotten imaginary friends are left to languish. There, Rudger encounters an ominous threat that challenges his very existence.

91% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 11 and up
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'Thelma the Unicorn'

"Thelma the Unicorn" centers on Thelma, a plain pony who dreams of becoming a glamorous unicorn. When an accidental transformation turns her into a sparkling pink unicorn, Thelma skyrockets to fame and experiences the highs and lows of celebrity life. As she navigates her new world of glitz and adoration, Thelma learns important lessons about identity, self-acceptance, and the true meaning of happiness. With catchy songs and emotional moments, this movie makes for a meaningful watch for both children and adults. — AB

63% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 6 and up
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'Orion and the Dark'

"Orion and the Dark" is an animated adventure comedy movie based on the children's book by Emma Yarlett. The story follows Orion, a young boy who is afraid of the dark. One night, the Dark itself comes to life and takes Orion on a journey to help him confront and overcome his fears. Through their adventures, Orion discovers the wonders and secrets hidden in the darkness, learning that it isn't as frightening as he once thought. This story combines humor, heartwarming moments, and imaginative visuals to deliver a message about facing fears and finding friendship in unexpected places. — AB

91% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 8 and up
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'True Spirit'

True Spirit tells the true story of teenager Jessica Watson (Teagan Croft), who became the youngest person to sail around the world on her own. Watson sets out on the daring voyage at just 16 years old. Anna Paquin stars as her mother, who supports Jessica's ambitious dream despite its dangers, and Cliff Curtis gives a standout performance as the gruff but dedicated sailing mentor who trains Watson for the treacherous journey ahead. It's an uplifting story about never giving up, even when facing the impossible, that will likely resonate with the entire family or anyone who needs a little encouragement here and there.

75% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 10 and up
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'Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken'

Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor) is a 16-year-old kraken who desperately wants to fit in at school with her peers. But that's hard to do when you have an overprotective mom who won't let you in the water. When Ruby breaks her rules and figures out she's part of a line of powerful kraken queens and is next in line for the throne from her grandmother, her life if being an invisible nobody ends as she must face off against a group of evil mermaids set on taking over the world's oceans.

65% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 6 and up
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'A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon'

Shaun goes sci-fi in “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon,” a slapstick stop-motion movie with a surprisingly heartwarming message about friendship, helping others, and the importance of home.

The film kicks off with a crash-landing near Mossy Bottom Farm, which leaves a strange alien stranded. Shaun decides to help, but soon finds out that this unearthly visitor is being pursued by a mysterious organization. While kids will enjoy the film’s close calls and over-the-top humor, there is plenty here for adults as well, including some smart callbacks to sci-fi classics like “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “E.T.” and “2001: A Space Odyssey”.

96% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 5 and up
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'Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget'

Over two decades after their original daring escape in “Chicken Run”, soft-spoken and friendly hen Ginger (Thandiwe Newton) and brash American rooster Rocky (Zachary Levi) find themselves having to protect their newfound flock from an all-too-familiar menace. This time, the chickens won't be breaking out of the farm they live on, but breaking in – are their infiltration skills as good as their escape prowess all these years later? You bet – and the silly, family-friendly jokes make for a clucking good time, too.

81% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 7 and up
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'Over the Moon'

Fei Fei (Cathy Ang) is a young girl on a quest to validate the legendary tale of Chang’e (Phillipa Soo), the moon goddess who chose immortality over love with Houyi (Conrad Ricamora). To do that, Fei Fei builds a rocket to the moon, determined to prove the existence of the deity that she sees come to life in vibrant color, dancing across the print of a decorative scarf. This out-of-this-world adventure has a show-stopping pop number from Soo and absolutely gorgeous animation that you’ll want to rewind over and over to see again.

82% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 6 and up
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'Leo'

Leo (Adam Sandler) is an old lizard who still has a zest for life. After spending every day of his life as a class pet, eventually discovers his days are numbered, with just one year left to make his dreams of freedom from the school he lives in a reality. But when a notoriously mean substitute teacher takes over his class, Leo's escape plan takes an unexpected turn. He soon finds himself far away from his best friend and fellow school pet Squirtle (Bill Burr), in a new role where he acts as support and a confidant for frustrated students.

82% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 8 and up
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'The Sleepover'

Clancy Finch (Sadie Stanley) is a teenager with a crush and a rebellious streak. She finds her world turned upside down when her mother Margot's (Malin Akerman) past catches up with them. Margot, a former member of a crime syndicate now in witness protection, is forced to confront her old life when a viral video blows her cover. The Finch children, along with Clancy's friend Mim (Cree Cicchino) and brother Kevin's (Maxwell Simkins) friend Lewis (Lewis Jaye), become accidental heroes as they embark on a mission to save their parents.

67% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 8 and up
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'Nimona'

This luxuriously-animated movie is all about odd allegiances. Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz) is a shape-shifter whose people have been targeted by the knights of the kingdom. But, then, knight Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) is framed for the murder of the queen of this futuristic world — and needs Nimona's help to clear his name.

Critics praise Nimona for its positive messages, but also note that it may be a little too violent for some. Others, demand a sequel.

97% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 11 and up
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'Enola Holmes 2'

Sequels, often, benefit from having their predecessor done the heavy-lifting needed to establish a world that characters (and audiences) can have fun in. So, now that young Enola (Millie Bobby Brown) Holmes is ready to break out of the shadow of her famous brother (Henry Cavill) and start her own agency, she's also old enough to learn that the world won't take a young girl seriously as a detective.

Fortunately, she meets Bessie (Serrana Su-Ling Bliss), a factory girl in desperate need of help finding her missing sister. So, while audiences are entertained, they'll actually also get an education about the 1888 matchgirls' strike.

94% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 12 and up
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'The Sea Beast'

Netflix is slowly hitting its stride again when it comes to family-friendly animated movies, and The Sea Beast is the latest piece of proof in that favor. This aquatic adventure finds the orphaned Maisie (voiced by Zaris-Angel Hator) stow away on a pirate ship run by monster hunters, led by Captain Crow (Jared Harris). But there's a beast known as The Red Bluster that's terrorizing the seas and causing trouble for the crew. Soon, Maisie and the captain's adopted son Jacob Holland (Karl Urban) are separated from the rest of the crew, and need to survive on their own.

94% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 8 and up
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'Vivo'

Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote eight original songs for the movie, which fuses his Broadway rapping style with the sounds of Cuba. Vivo follows the titular kinkajou (Miranda), a talented musician who busks in the streets of Havana with owner Andrés (Juan de Marcos). After a tragedy, Vivo journeys to Florida to deliver a love song to the famous singer Marta Sandoval (Gloria Estefan). Along the way, he makes some unlikely friends and connects in his grief with Andrés’ grandniece Gabi (Ynairaly Simo).

86% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 6 and up (plus, a Common Sense Selection pick for Families)
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'The Mitchells vs. The Machines'

The latest addition to this list of the best family movies on Netflix, The Mitchells vs. The Machines is an animated film that has something for everyone. Its visuals astound (as we expected from the team behind Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse), and its cast is filled to the brim with top players including Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Eric Andre and Olivia Colman.

And the story is simple until it's chaos: the Mitchell family is out for a road trip right before daughter Katie starts film school. But, then, the robot uprising begins. You know, all our smart tech has finally had enough of us, and is going to take over. It's the inevitable moment we all saw coming, and the exact last thing a family would want when they're on the road and reliant on technology. Too fantastic? Check out our guide to the best Netflix documentaries.

97% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 8 and up
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'Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus'

Netflix rebooted the Nicktoon classic Invader Zim with this 71-minute film that's easily one of the best family movies on Netflix — especially for younger parents. Just like the classic show, Florpus offers a wild manic energy with some jokes that kids won't get and parents will chuckle at. Reviews point to the film's amazing eye candy and endearing energy levels, and small nods to other classic animated shows. If your kids love this film, maybe it's time to dig up the original series or get them started on Adventure Time.

100% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 8 and up.
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'Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling'

For slightly older kids and parents on the younger end, Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling is both proudly progressive and delightfully nostalgic. Not only does the series match the original Nicktoon's vibe, but its approach to identity and transgender roles should be inspiring to other family programming looking to take the leap. And at only 45 minutes, this special won't take a huge bite out of your night.

91% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 10 and up.
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'Pee-wee's Big Holiday'

Parents of a certain age, who would be eager to introduce their kids to Pee-wee Herman and his manic energy, will find Pee-wee's Big Holiday to be one of the best family movies on Netflix. It may not provide as many laughs per minute as previous capers, reviews noted it offers a sweetness that will delight existing fans and kids who can handle some surreal humor.

80% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 11 and up.
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'We Can Be Heroes'

This standalone flick, set in the same universe as The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D, is all camp, but perfect for the whole family. When the world's mightiest heroes are captured in an epic battle, it's up to their kids to rise to the occasion. Led by Missy Moreno (YaYa Gosselin), who's joined by an ensemble of super-powered kids, this plucky team finds themselves on a mission to stop an alien "takeover." As they venture into the heart of the alien mothership, under the guidance of trainer Grandma Anita (Adriana Barraza), this next generation of heroes proves that sometimes, you need a set of younger hands to save the day.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 74%
Common Sense Media says: Ages 8 and up
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'Pokémon Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution'

A CGI remake of the original Pokémon film, Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution is both familiar but new. It focuses on what happens when the iconic Pokemon trainer Ash (and his fellow trainers) discover the massively powerful Mewtwo, a psychic Pokemon who is a massive threat. While it's not high art, it's still a decent choice for family movie night if and when your kid just got into the Pokemon world. Especially since the original is not on Netflix. Mewtwo will also teach kids about when you shouldn't judge others.

44% Rotten Tomatoes
Common Sense Media says: ages 8 and up.
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