35 Best Kids’ Movies on Netflix in 2024 to Stream Right Now

How We Picked the Best Kids’ Movies on Netflix (2024)

This list is built from what reputable U.S. entertainment and parenting outlets recommended for kids and families, plus Netflix’s own editorial roundups and catalogs. The goal: movies that are fun for kids, tolerable (or genuinely enjoyable) for adults, and varied enough to work for toddlers, grade-schoolers, and tweens.

One important reality check: Netflix rotates licensed titles in and out. Netflix Originals and Netflix-exclusive releases are usually the safest “still there tomorrow” bets, while big studio movies can come and go. If a title isn’t showing up for you, try searching directly in Netflix, or swap it with a similar pick from the list.

Pro-parent tip: If you’re choosing for a mixed-age group, aim for animated adventures, musical storytelling, or “family sci-fi” (where the explosions are exciting, but the emotional damage is manageable).

Quick Picks by Age (Toddlers to Tweens)

Best for Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages ~3–6)

• Thelma the Unicorn (bright, silly, and sweet)
• A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (gentle comedy, minimal dialogue)
• Paddington (warm-hearted, low-stress)
• Leo (fun, kind, and surprisingly thoughtful)
• My Little Pony: A New Generation (friendship + catchy energy)

Best for Big Kids (Ages ~7–10)

• The Sea Beast (epic adventure, big heart)
• Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (music + courage + justice served hot)
• Spy Kids: Armageddon (chaos in the best way)
• The Mitchells vs. the Machines (smart, hilarious, and loud)
• The Monkey King (action-packed legend energy)

Best for Tweens (Ages ~10–13+)

• Orion and the Dark (fear management, but make it funny)
• Nimona (identity, friendship, and big feelings in armor)
• Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (beautiful, heavier themesgreat for discussion)
• Wendell & Wild (spooky-fun with style)
• Jumanji (classic adventure, real-world stakes)

The 35 Best Kids’ Movies on Netflix in 2024

Here’s the main event: 35 family movies on Netflix that worked well for kid-friendly streaming in 2024. Each pick includes a quick “why it works” plus who it’s best for.

1. Orion and the Dark (2024)

   A nervous kid meets the literal embodiment of “the dark” and discovers that fear is basically a loud roommatenot the landlord. Funny, imaginative, and surprisingly comforting if your household is Team Night-Light.

   Great for: tweens, anxious kids, parents who want a gentle “feelings lesson” without a lecture.

2. Thelma the Unicorn (2024)

   A small pony becomes an overnight unicorn sensation and learns that fame is… a lot. It’s bright, musical, and sweetly goofy, with a message kids can actually absorb: be you, not the internet’s version of you.

   Great for: ages 3–8, musical families, kids who love sparkles and silliness.

3. Ultraman: Rising (2024)

   Superhero action meets “wait, I’m responsible for a baby kaiju now?” It’s energetic, heartfelt, and packed with big-screen animation that plays well for kids who want excitement and parents who want emotional payoff.

   Great for: ages 7+, superhero fans, families who like action with heart.

4. The Casagrandes Movie (2024)

   A family vacation becomes a magical adventure with big cultural warmth and a strong “family matters” core. It’s fun, approachable, and easy to watch even if you haven’t seen the show.

   Great for: ages 6–11, fans of Nickelodeon-style humor, family-first movie nights.

5. Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie (2024)

   SpongeBob chaos with Sandy in the driver’s seatscience, bravery, and a lot of “what is even happening?” It’s silly, fast, and built for kids who like their jokes rapid-fire.

   Great for: ages 6+, SpongeBob fans, families who like high-energy comedy.

6. Leo (2023)

   An old classroom lizard becomes an accidental mentor. It’s funny, tender, and surprisingly wise about growing up, friendship drama, and the chaos of elementary school social politics.

   Great for: ages 6–12, families who like humor with heart.

7. Nimona (2023)

   A shape-shifting teen and a framed knight team up in a futuristic fantasy world. It’s witty, heartfelt, and big on themes of identity, belonging, and not judging the “monster” label too quickly.

   Great for: ages 10+, families ready for bigger conversations.

8. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)

   The chickens are back, the jokes still land, and the action is legitimately fun. It’s clever, fast-paced, and full of visual gags. Also: a great reminder that teamwork beats fancy corporate villainy.

   Great for: ages 7+, families who love slapstick + adventure.

9. Spy Kids: Armageddon (2023)

   A modern reboot that leans into video-game energy and family teamwork. It’s loud, colorful, and designed for kids who want gadgets, stunts, and “we saved the world after homework.”

   Great for: ages 7–12, action-comedy lovers, siblings watching together.

10. The Monkey King (2023)

    Legendary myth meets punchy action and a lesson about ego. The visuals are bold, the pacing is snappy, and it’s a strong pick when your kids want “cool fights” without going full grimdark.

    Great for: ages 8+, adventure fans, kids who love folklore and heroes.

11. Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie (2023)

    If your kids love Miraculous, this is basically dessert with extra sprinklesplus it’s a musical. It retells the origin story with big emotion and catchy energy.

    Great for: ages 6–12, Miraculous fans, musical households.

12. Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (2022)

    A whip-smart kid, a truly legendary villain, and songs you’ll catch yourself humming while unloading the dishwasher. It’s empowering, funny, and great for kids who love stories about standing up to bullies.

    Great for: ages 7+, musical fans, families who like “justice served” plots.

13. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)

    Stunning stop-motion and a surprisingly moving story about love, grief, and being unapologetically yourself. It’s darker than most Pinocchiosbest for older kids and families who like thoughtful films.

    Great for: ages 10+, families who want a deeper movie night.

14. The Sea Beast (2022)

    Swashbuckling adventure with big sea monsters and bigger heart. It’s exciting without being overwhelming, and it sneaks in questions about myths, fear, and what happens when “the enemy” isn’t what you were told.

    Great for: ages 7+, adventure lovers, families who like heroic journeys.

15. Wendell & Wild (2022)

    Stylish stop-motion with spooky vibes and a surprisingly emotional center. It’s funny, weird, and a little dark like Halloween candy: delightful, but not for the super-littles.

    Great for: ages 10+, kids who love creepy-cute stories.

16. My Father’s Dragon (2022)

    Gentle, beautiful animation and a classic storybook feel. It’s calmer than many modern animated movies, which is a blessing if your household has reached its daily “maximum chaos” limit.

    Great for: ages 5–10, sensitive kids, families who like cozy adventure.

17. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (2022)

    A singing crocodile living in your new house is… a lot, but it’s also wholesome and fun. Light musical vibes, kid-friendly humor, and an easy “feel-good” watch.

    Great for: ages 5–10, animal-movie fans, families who like musicals.

18. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

    This one punches above its weightfunny, beautifully animated, and surprisingly thoughtful about fear and courage. It’s an excellent “kids movie that adults get invested in” pick.

    Great for: ages 7+, kids who love fairy tales and fast action.

19. Rescued by Ruby (2022)

    A true-story-inspired tearjerker about a dog and a determined human figuring life out together. Expect warm feelings, light drama, and a strong “don’t give up on the underdog” message.

    Great for: ages 7+, dog lovers, families who like inspirational stories.

20. The Adam Project (2022)

    Time travel, wisecracks, and a surprisingly sweet father-son emotional core. It’s more “family blockbuster” than “little kid movie,” but it’s a great pick when you need something everyone can sit through happily.

    Great for: ages 10+, families who like sci-fi with humor.

21. Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood (2022)

    A nostalgic, imaginative coming-of-age story set around the moon landing. It’s calm, clever, and differentmore “hangout movie” than action adventure, which can be refreshing.

    Great for: ages 9+, curious kids, families who like historical-ish stories.

22. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

    A family road trip meets robot apocalypse… and somehow it’s the funniest parenting movie you didn’t know you needed. It’s loud, fast, and full of heart (and very relatable family awkwardness).

    Great for: ages 8+, families who like big laughs and big action.

23. Vivo (2021)

    Music, adventure, and a sweet message about carrying love forward. It’s colorful, energetic, and a strong choice for families who want songs that won’t make them regret having ears.

    Great for: ages 6–11, music lovers, families who like heartfelt animation.

24. Wish Dragon (2021)

    A modern “wish” story with heartfelt humor and a great pace. It’s charming, funny, and surprisingly sincere about friendship, class differences, and what you really want when you say you want “everything.”

    Great for: ages 7–12, fans of fantasy comedy.

25. Back to the Outback (2021)

    A group of misunderstood animals escape to find freedom and acceptance. It’s funny, wholesome, and sneakily teaches kids not to judge others by appearances (or scales).

    Great for: ages 5–10, animal lovers, families who like big-hearted animation.

26. My Little Pony: A New Generation (2021)

    Friendship, music, and a bright message about working together across differences. It’s sweet, lively, and a reliable pick for younger kids who want sparkle and optimism.

    Great for: ages 3–8, musical fans, gentle movie nights.

27. A Whisker Away (2020)

    A whimsical, emotional anime story where a girl can turn into a cat. It’s cute, heartfelt, and a good entry point for kids who are curious about anime but don’t need anything too intense.

    Great for: ages 9+, anime beginners, thoughtful kids.

28. Over the Moon (2020)

    A vibrant musical adventure about grief, hope, and family. It’s visually gorgeous, packed with imagination, and great for families who don’t mind a few emotional moments with their popcorn.

    Great for: ages 6–12, musical lovers, families open to big feelings.

29. The Willoughbys (2020)

    Darkly funny in a kid-appropriate way: neglected siblings try to improve their lives with a plan that’s… bold. It’s quirky, clever, and a nice change of pace from overly polished “perfect family” stories.

    Great for: ages 8–12, kids who like offbeat humor.

30. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

    A true-story-inspired drama about ingenuity, resilience, and science saving the day. It’s more serious than most kids’ picks, but excellent for families who want something meaningful and inspiring.

    Great for: ages 10+, STEM-curious kids, families who like real-world stories.

31. A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (2019)

    Aardman charm at full power: sweet, silly, and basically built for younger kids. Minimal dialogue, tons of visual jokes, and a story that doesn’t rely on “adult references” to be entertaining.

    Great for: ages 3–8, families who like gentle comedy.

32. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

    A modern holiday adventure with big energy and a Santa who feels like he’s hosted a rock concert. Even outside December, it’s a fun pick if your family loves seasonal vibes.

    Great for: ages 7–12, holiday movie fans.

33. Jumanji (1995)

    A classic for a reason: magic board game, real-world danger, and a story that keeps kids glued to the screen. It’s older, but the adventure still worksand it’s a fun “movie history” moment for families.

    Great for: ages 9+, adventure lovers, families who like classic films.

34. Hook (1991)

    A grown-up Peter Pan returns to Neverland, and it’s equal parts adventure and “parenting wake-up call.” It’s long-ish, but the heart is strong, and the imagination is classic Spielberg.

    Great for: ages 8+, families who like fantasy and nostalgia.

35. Paddington (2014)

    The politest bear you’ll ever meet lands in London and turns everyone into slightly better humans. It’s gentle, kind, and one of the safest “family-friendly” bets for mixed-age viewing.

    Great for: ages 4+, cozy family nights, “we need something calm” evenings.

36. Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)

    Time travel, goofy humor, and a surprisingly sweet father-son dynamic (yes, the dad is a dog). It’s fast, funny, and works nicely when your kids want something playful and clever.

    Great for: ages 6–11, families who like silly science adventures.

37. The Karate Kid (1984)

    Classic underdog story, timeless lessons about discipline, confidence, and standing up to bullies. It’s a great “watch together and talk after” pickwithout feeling like homework.

    Great for: ages 9+, sports fans, families who like inspirational classics.

38. Despicable Me (2010)

    Minions. That’s the pitch. Also: a supervillain learning to be a dad, which somehow turns into a sweet family story. It’s funny, easy, and a reliable “everyone will laugh at least once” choice.

    Great for: ages 5–10, families who like comedy and chaos (the friendly kind).

Bonus note: If your kid is in a “repeat mode” phase, rotate between two or three movies from this list by theme (adventure night, music night, cozy night). You’ll reduce burnout without triggering the “WHY DID YOU CHANGE IT” alarm.

Family Movie Night Hacks (That Actually Work)

1) Match the movie to the mood

Tired kids? Go gentle (Paddington, My Father’s Dragon). Wiggle-energy kids? Pick fast and funny (Mitchells, Spy Kids). Emotional day? Choose “big feelings with a soft landing” (Leo, Over the Moon).

2) Use the “two yeses” rule

If two people are excited and nobody is strongly against it, hit play. It’s shockingly effective at preventing a 12-minute debate that ends in nobody watching anything.

3) Keep an eye on tone, not just ratings

Some movies are PG but emotionally intense. If your kid is sensitive, you can still choose older-kid gems like Pinocchio or Wendell & Wildjust be ready for questions and maybe a quick “lights on” intermission.

4) Build tiny traditions

Same blanket. Same snack bowl. Same “movie captain” who presses play. Kids love predictable ritualsand you’ll love how it cuts down on chaos by about 12%.

Extra 2024 Couch-Side “Experience” ( of Real-Life Chaos)

Let’s talk about what really happens when you decide to stream kids’ movies on Netflix “right now.” First, you open Netflix with confidence, like a person who has their life together. Then the algorithm shows you a thumbnail your child has never seen before, and suddenly they’re convinced it’s the greatest film ever madeeven though it’s clearly “a talking hamster becomes the mayor” and the runtime is 2 hours and 37 minutes.

Next comes the negotiation phase. Someone wants a musical. Someone else announces they are “not in a musical mood,” which is adorable because they are eight and their mood is mostly “snack.” Your youngest demands the same movie they watched yesterday, but your oldest says it’s “babyish,” while also refusing every other option you suggest. This is when the two yeses rule becomes your best friend. Two people vote yes, nobody stages a protest? Congratulations, democracy has functioned.

Then you press playand the snack economy begins. The first five minutes are quiet. Too quiet. This is the moment you foolishly believe you can also fold laundry, answer a text, or blink. And then: “Can I have water?” “I need a different blanket.” “This popcorn tastes like… popcorn.” “Why is that character doing that?” If you want to keep your sanity, create a snack station before the movie starts. Water bottles, napkins, and a “one refill only” rule. Will it work perfectly? No. Will it reduce interruptions by, say, one-third? Yes. And in parenting math, that’s basically a miracle.

The best surprise of 2024 streaming is how often the “kids movie” ends up being secretly for you, too. You start The Mitchells vs. the Machines for the kids and then catch yourself laughing at the parenting jokes. You put on Leo thinking it’s a cute animal story and then realize it’s quietly delivering a whole emotional toolkit for growing up. You choose Orion and the Dark because it’s about fear, and suddenly you’re having an actual useful conversation about anxietywithout anyone feeling like they’re in trouble.

Of course, not every night is profound. Some nights you’ll pick Spy Kids: Armageddon because your children are vibrating at a frequency only dolphins can hear, and you need a movie that matches that energy. Some nights you’ll want calm, so you reach for Paddingtonthe cinematic equivalent of a warm cup of cocoa and a polite hug. The key is to keep a small “rotation list” of 5–7 titles that reliably work for your family, and mix in one new movie every week or two. That keeps things fresh without triggering the “new movie panic.”

And finally, the end credits. You’ll see two kinds of households: the ones who immediately start another movie, and the ones who treat credits as an escape hatch to bedtime. If you’re in the bedtime camp, pick movies with a softer landing (My Father’s Dragon, Thelma the Unicorn) on school nights, and save the bigger, louder adventures (Jumanji, Ultraman: Rising) for weekends. Your future self will thank you.

Conclusion

The best kids’ movies on Netflix in 2024 aren’t just “safe” picksthey’re the ones that make everyone on the couch feel included. Whether you’re chasing laughs (Despicable Me), adventure (The Sea Beast), music (Matilda the Musical), or heartfelt storytelling (Leo, Over the Moon), this list gives you a ready-made menu for family movie night.

Keep a short rotation, match the movie to the mood, and remember: the perfect pick is the one that gets everyone watchingwithout a 15-minute negotiation summit.

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