Although the world of streaming has created many viewing alternatives, selecting which options to make may occasionally be challenging – especially when you have the whole family in mind. Because of this, we’ve compiled a list of the top family films available on Netflix, which covers the most significant movie-watching alternatives for people of all (or at least most) ages. They range from inspiring live-action tales of real-life heroes to animated films.
However, our selection of the toplist of movies for family and children’s Netflix movies is not limited to Disney productions; it includes movies from a wide range of studios, historical periods, and genres.
1. Hunt for Wilderpeople (2016)
Before helming the Marvel sequel Thor: Ragnarok, filmmaker Taika Waititi created the charming adventure comedy Hunt for the Wilderpeople, which caught the attention of most viewers from the other list of movies. It has lots of odd humor, yet it never comes out as snide in the face of the frequently very emotional topic. As the young Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) gets taken in by foster parents to assist out on their farm, the two engage in a lovely dance as the plot, set in New Zealand, is essentially an inverted Anne of Green Gables.
Even though he begins to feel a connection with “Aunt” Bella (Rima Te Wiata), who is more openly affectionate, he spends the majority of the film with “Uncle” Hector (Sam Neill) as a result of their mutual reluctance to reveal how much they depend on one another. Yet, even at its crazier times, the novel maintains a beautiful balance between these two distinct elements while still incredibly engaging.
2. The Magician’s Elephant (2023)
The Magician’s Elephant, a breathtaking film directed by Wendy Rogers and based on a book by Kate DiCamillo, reflects on sensitive values of bravery, being true to yourself, and teamwork. The Magician’s Elephant centers on a young child, played by Noah Jupe, who accepts three seemingly tricky tasks from the monarch and discovers that he has the chance to alter his fate. The Magician’s Elephant sparkles with lovely lessons and a superb voice cast, starring Mandy Patinkin (The Princess Bride), Brian Tyree Henry, and Benedict Wong. It is bursting with quirky animation and a fascinating narrative. (Doctor Strange).
3. The Willoughbys
In most children’s films, parents are kind, loving people who would sacrifice anything for their kids. But not in The Willoughbys. This beloved animated movie tells the tale of siblings whose parents hate all kids. So the Willoughby children, who have lived without love, music, or food their entire lives, concoct a scheme to take their parents on a vacation that will undoubtedly result in their deaths. Yes, all that may seem pretty ominous, but don’t worry—this is a family film. Soon after their parents go, the Willoughbys’ circumstances change with the arrival of their new nanny. (voiced by the iconic Maya Rudolph).
The siblings ultimately establish a family of their own during the remaining portion of the film, where they receive affection and are cared for in a way their parents cannot provide. It offers an original perspective on family and youth and is worth watching.
4. Hilda and the Mountain King (2021)
She received an Annie nomination in keeping with Hilda and the Mountain King, an animated movie from Season 2 with outstanding visuals and a compelling plot. Hilda’s eyes open and she looks herself in the body of a troll at the film’s start, which picks up directly after the Season 2 conclusion. Our young protagonist, terrified and bewildered by her transformation, must use her wit and bravery to figure out how to return to being human.
5. The loud house movie (2021)
The Loud House Movie, a collaboration between Netflix and Nickelodeon, follows an eccentric family abroad based on the Nickelodeon sitcom The Loud House and is a unique blend from the remaining list of movies. The Loud family learns they have royal ancestors while on vacation in Scotland. As you could expect, mayhem develops. The Loud House Movie is an entertaining and humorous musical that garnered generally favorable reviews upon release. The film presents a pleasant tale with beautiful music and exciting adventures, including castles, dragons, and Michelle Gomez as a displeased nanny. The whole family may watch and enjoy this film.
6. Nightbooks (2021)
He is looking for a scary movie to see this Halloween that the whole family will enjoy. One witchy Netflix original from Brightburn director David Yarovesky and producer Sam Raimi is Nightbooks. (The Evil Dead). Alex (Winslow Fegley) vows never to write another horror story after receiving so much abuse for his love of the genre. Instead, the imaginative youngster must use his storytelling skills to ensure he and fellow prisoner Yasmin (Lidya Jewett) escape alive after a witch (Krysten Ritter) captures him in her New York City apartment and insists he weaves her a new yarn every night.
In other words, it’s just frightening enough to serve as a gateway film for any young person (like Alex!) who might be interested in the more challenging material in the future.
7. The Christmas Chronicles (2018) and (2020)
The Christmas Chronicles and its sequel, where Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn play a charming and shockingly attractive Santa Claus and Mrs Claus, continue demonstrating Netflix’s startling consistency in producing high-quality holiday content. In the first movie, two siblings named Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy (Judah Lewis) crash Santa’s sleigh inadvertently on Christmas Eve.
The two children are needed to assist St. Nick in preserving the festivity as dawn draws near. When an elf named Belsnickel (Julian Dennison) turns rogue and threatens to cancel Christmas, Kate is forced to reteam with the Clauses in the sequel, which sees Chris Columbus, the director of Home Alone and Harry Potter, take over the helming duties. If your family wants a delightful holiday double feature, look no further.
