One way to relax and ease boredom is to watch movies with your kids. Through these films, they can learn some life lessons while being entertained. Kids’ movies also have an easy-to-follow plot that is specifically made for young audiences. There is a multitude of movies on Netflix alone, so being able to decide on one can be time-consuming.
Worry not, as we have prepared a list of the best movies for kids on the site that includes both live-action and animated ones, as well as classic titles and newer releases. Still can’t decide? Read our viewer’s guide to narrow down your options. We even asked for some tips and insights from early childhood educator Och Gonzalez!
Quick List - Top Movies for Kids on Netflix
Mark Osborne
The Tale of a Little Prince Inspires a Young Girl to Embrace Her Childhood
Vicky Jenson, Andrew Adamson
Defying Fairytale Tropes, an Ogre Rescues a Princess From a Tower
Och Gonzalez has been an early childhood educator in Manila for over 20 years. As a preschool teacher and grade school academic coach, she has worked with young children and their families to achieve learning goals and address developmental concerns. She has created reading programs that aim to develop literacy skills and a love for reading in young children. She holds an MA in Education from the Ateneo de Manila University and is also the author of the children’s book, “Every Sunday.”
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Navigating through a vast library of kids' movies can be confusing, but we can help you with that! Our viewer's guide covers all the points you need to know when selecting a child-friendly film— check them out below!
When browsing for something to watch on Netflix, you will see the title, a brief summary, and the age rating for each movie. Oftentimes, there is an available trailer for you to watch as well. Other information like the running time, year, and main cast are also included for your reference.
If you already have a movie in mind, you can search for it on Netflix. You can check the suggested movies on the streaming site since they curate them according to the ones you have watched or are currently watching. In addition, scan the top 10 trending movies of the day to see if there is one for kids.
Next, browse the selections and click the movie title you are interested in. Wait for a few seconds, and the trailer will automatically play. Otherwise, read the summary or description under the title so you can get an idea of the story.
Watching the trailer and reading the plot summary are simple yet crucial steps to know if your kids will like the movie. Since you’re looking for a movie for the little ones, it is better to get the kids involved in the process by handing them the remote and letting them choose.
Sometimes, even a GP rating is not a guarantee that it doesn't contain scenes that might leave a negative impression on your child. Thus, it's also a good idea to read reviews about a movie from parenting or child development sites before letting your child watch it. You can also try pre-watching the movie yourself—you don't have to finish it, but you can at least get a glimpse of the kinds of scenes or messages that it contains.
When choosing a movie for kids, it is crucial to determine the age rating of the film so that your children will enjoy and understand the story. For toddlers and younger kids, easy-to-understand plots are the best option. But for older kids, you can go for a movie with more complex subject matters.
On Netflix, you can change the settings of the profile maturity rating. Several options such as All, 7+, 13+, 16+, and 18+ indicate the suitable age. Another way to filter the suggestions is to turn on the Kids Profile setting, where the available titles are tailored specifically for children.
However, no matter what the rating is, parents, guardians, or any adult must be present in case they have any questions about the story, characters, or just about any event that happens in the movie.
With younger kids, stick to movies that are straightforward and convey a strong and clear message that helps them differentiate between right and wrong at the surface level. Older kids can understand more nuanced storylines as they have more capacity for a deeper understanding of movie themes.
Movies can be standalone or part of a series. It is important to check which of the mentioned categories the film belongs to. If it is the former, you don’t need to have prior knowledge in order to understand the story.
On the other hand, movie series offers in-depth world-building and lets your children know more characters. Do note that some titles do not indicate that they are sequels. But the good thing is that Netflix has organized ‘collections’ of movies to save you from the hassle of manually searching for other related movies.
Movie series also help kids develop a stronger affinity with the characters that appeal to them. It's also a great way to bond with the family; the next installation in a well-loved series gives the whole family something to look forward to and talk about.
Classic or older movies are fail-proof options that most people love. Conversely, new releases that are up-to-date on current trends are definitely worth watching as well. Any of the two are good choices but choosing one over the other depends on you and your children’s preferences.
As a parent, it would be nice to introduce the movies you grew up watching to your children. With classic kids' movies, you get to relive those childhood memories with your little ones and see the characters and stories you have loved until now.
Moreover, classic films have already cemented their status in movie history, making them a safe option if you're having a hard time deciding on which one to watch. You may also consider book-to-movie adaptations of well-loved children's books that have been household staples across generations.
Most classic movies are fine to watch with kids; however, some of them do contain messages that might be considered problematic in modern times. Even cartoons may have images or themes that would now be considered offensive when viewed through the lens of race, gender, or disability. Make sure to apply the same standards you do with new movies to classic movies.
Every year, there is an abundance of movies being released, which is something you and your kids can look forward to. Recent releases usually have better animation and are more adapted to current trends and values. Watching a new movie with your children gives you a chance to bond and experience the story altogether.
When choosing a new movie, make sure to do your research instead of watching simply because it's the latest craze. Choosing a movie should always be based on the values you want to impart to your child.
At this point, you already know some key information to look out for, like the plot, age rating, and more. When choosing a movie for kids, another thing to consider is whether to go for a live-action or an animated one. Each has its own attributes, which we'll discuss below.
Live-action movies involve real-life actors who assume the roles of the characters. With this, they provide a true-to-life and personal angle. Depending on the story, live-action movies can also be incorporated with special effects and animation to provide both realistic and fantasy elements.
Live-action movies are effective for delivering a message that develops compassion in children. The facial expressions, gestures, and other human elements convey emotions clearly, although it can be harder to express abstract or complex ideas compared to animation.
When talking about movies for kids, what immediately comes to mind are animations. They have stunning visuals and distinct art styles to present humans, aliens, animals, and other creatures in a more creative manner. Animated movies can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional.
Two-dimensional movies rose to fame during the 20th century until the early 21st century. This type of film makes use of classic and traditional art styles. While in the present, three-dimensional movies are the norm because modern technology adds more depth to the animations.
Animated movies present rich visuals and a fascinating charm for kids and even for adults. It elicits a sense of wonder in viewers and draws them in on an emotional level, which is necessary for creating lasting memories.
Movies made for kids usually have elements of fantasy and imagination with comedy on the side. The visuals or special effects and unique characters bring the story to life, and in turn, make your little ones engaged. Aside from the entertainment value, what makes these movies best for children are the underlying values and nuggets of wisdom they can learn.
Whether it may be friendship, love, reaching your dreams, or the importance of family, the goal of these films should be to teach them valuable life lessons. Also, they get to have role models in their favorite characters as they persevere despite encountering struggles in their journey towards the ultimate goal.
Movies for kids should foster imagination and a positive outlook, and above all, impart life lessons. They should educate children about right and wrong and help them build a strong moral compass.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
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Age Rating | Running Time | Standalone or Part of a Series | Live-Action or Animated | Director | Main Cast | |||||
1 | Garth Jennings Sing|2016 | ![]() | An Animated Musical About Pursuing One’s Dreams | All Ages | 1 Hour, 48 Minutes | Part of a Series | Animated | Garth Jennings | Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane | |
2 | Mark Osborne The Little Prince|2015 | ![]() | The Tale of a Little Prince Inspires a Young Girl to Embrace Her Childhood | 7+ | 1 Hour, 46 Minutes | Standalone | Animated | Mark Osborne | Jeff Bridges, Mackenzie Foy, Rachel McAdams | |
3 | Danny DeVito Matilda|1996 | ![]() | Using Telekinesis, an Extraordinary Girl Stands Up for Herself | 7+ | 1 Hour, 38 Minutes | Standalone | Live-Action | Danny DeVito | Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman | |
4 | Vicky Jenson, Andrew Adamson Shrek|2001 | ![]() | Defying Fairytale Tropes, an Ogre Rescues a Princess From a Tower | 7+ | 1 Hour, 30 Minutes | Part of a Series | Animated | Vicky Jenson, Andrew Adamson | Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz | |
5 | Robert Rodriguez We Can Be Heroes|2020 | ![]() | Young Superheroes Band Together to Save the Planet | 7+ | 1 Hour, 40 Minutes | Standalone, but Can Also Be a Part of a Series | Live-Action | Robert Rodriguez | YaYa Gosselin, Pedro Pascal, Priyanka Chopra Jonas | |
6 | Stephen Chbosky Wonder|2017 | ![]() | A Boy With a Genetic Condition Navigates His Way Through Middle School | 7+ | 1 Hour, 53 Minutes | Standalone | Live-Action | Stephen Chbosky | Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay | |
7 | Genndy Tartakovsky, Jennifer Kluska, Derek Drymon Hotel Transylvania|2012 | ![]() | A Human Traveler Falls in Love With a Teenage Dracula | 7+ | 1 Hour, 31 Minutes | Part of a Series | Animated | Genndy Tartakovsky, Jennifer Kluska, Derek Drymon | Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez | |
8 | Michael Rianda The Mitchells vs. the Machines|2021 | ![]() | Misfit Family Embarks on a Mission to Save the Human Race | 7+ | 1 Hour, 54 Minutes | Standalone | Animated | Michael Rianda | Danny McBride, Abbi Jacobson, Maya Rudolph | |
9 | Steve Carr Daddy Day Care|2003 | ![]() | Two Stay-at-Home Dads Open Up a Daycare Center | 7+ | 1 Hour, 32 Minutes | Standalone | Live-Action | Steve Carr | Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Steve Zahn | |
10 | Junichi Sato, Tomotaka Shibayama A Whisker Away|2020 | ![]() | A Magical Tale of Love and Self-Discovery | 7+ | 1 Hour, 45 Minutes | Standalone | Animated | Junichi Sato, Tomotaka Shibayama | Mirai Shida, Natsuki Hanae, Hiroaki Ogi |
Age Rating | All Ages |
---|---|
Running Time | 1 Hour, 48 Minutes |
Standalone or Part of a Series | Part of a Series |
Live-Action or Animated | Animated |
Director | Garth Jennings |
Main Cast | Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane |
A young girl strictly adheres to a structured and detailed life plan laid out by her mother, no matter what happens. This may seem like an ideal setup, but kids need to have fun, too! Their next-door neighbor, an odd aviator, tries to befriend the girl, making her read the story of a little prince who is living alone on an asteroid and needs friends.
As she gets closer to the aviator to discuss and hear the continuation of the story, her imagination and curiosity widen. This classic tale written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry has entranced readers for generations, while the film helps connect younger audiences to the novel. Although having a life plan is great to ensure a successful future, letting kids embrace their childhood and allowing them to be inquisitive, imaginative, and carefree are also important.
Age Rating | 7+ |
---|---|
Running Time | 1 Hour, 46 Minutes |
Standalone or Part of a Series | Standalone |
Live-Action or Animated | Animated |
Director | Mark Osborne |
Main Cast | Jeff Bridges, Mackenzie Foy, Rachel McAdams |
Matilda has been an extraordinary and smart girl since she was little. Unfortunately, her not-so-caring parents took little notice of her. Because of this, she learned to take care of herself and find solace in books. Her situation in school isn't great either, as Matilda and her classmates are under a ruthless principal. Due to her frustration, she tries to get back at her parents, bullies, and principals through silly yet well-thought-out pranks.
Soon after, Matilda discovers she has telekinetic powers. She uses this skill in order to stand up for herself against the people who ridicule her. This movie adaptation of Roald Dahl's written work has enchanted audiences since its release more than 20 years ago because of Matilda's wit and charm. Overall, the story teaches that people, even children, should not be afraid to take a stand for what's right and believe in themselves.
Age Rating | 7+ |
---|---|
Running Time | 1 Hour, 38 Minutes |
Standalone or Part of a Series | Standalone |
Live-Action or Animated | Live-Action |
Director | Danny DeVito |
Main Cast | Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman |
An ogre, by the name of Shrek, lives in a swamp. He and other magical creatures are feared and banished from the kingdom. Lord Farquaad threatens to possess his land but will give way on one condition—Shrek must rescue a princess from a castle with a talkative donkey by his side. But first, they must face a fire-breathing dragon.
However, their mission does not stop there. Princess Fiona is under a spell that can only be broken with true love's kiss. Shrek isn't exactly the knight in shining armor, but Fiona believes that he is one. This movie tells us that love and friendship come in all forms and go beyond physical appearances. Due to the film's success, it has inspired several sequels and spin-offs, which are equally as entertaining.
Age Rating | 7+ |
---|---|
Running Time | 1 Hour, 30 Minutes |
Standalone or Part of a Series | Part of a Series |
Live-Action or Animated | Animated |
Director | Vicky Jenson, Andrew Adamson |
Main Cast | Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz |
Age Rating | 7+ |
---|---|
Running Time | 1 Hour, 40 Minutes |
Standalone or Part of a Series | Standalone, but Can Also Be a Part of a Series |
Live-Action or Animated | Live-Action |
Director | Robert Rodriguez |
Main Cast | YaYa Gosselin, Pedro Pascal, Priyanka Chopra Jonas |
Age Rating | 7+ |
---|---|
Running Time | 1 Hour, 53 Minutes |
Standalone or Part of a Series | Standalone |
Live-Action or Animated | Live-Action |
Director | Stephen Chbosky |
Main Cast | Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay |
Age Rating | 7+ |
---|---|
Running Time | 1 Hour, 31 Minutes |
Standalone or Part of a Series | Part of a Series |
Live-Action or Animated | Animated |
Director | Genndy Tartakovsky, Jennifer Kluska, Derek Drymon |
Main Cast | Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez |
Age Rating | 7+ |
---|---|
Running Time | 1 Hour, 54 Minutes |
Standalone or Part of a Series | Standalone |
Live-Action or Animated | Animated |
Director | Michael Rianda |
Main Cast | Danny McBride, Abbi Jacobson, Maya Rudolph |
Age Rating | 7+ |
---|---|
Running Time | 1 Hour, 32 Minutes |
Standalone or Part of a Series | Standalone |
Live-Action or Animated | Live-Action |
Director | Steve Carr |
Main Cast | Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Steve Zahn |
This romantic fantasy film captivates viewers and takes them on an emotional journey. The protagonist is a young girl named Miyo who discovers a mystical mask that enables her to transform into a cat. Seizing the opportunity, she assumes her feline form to get close to her crush.
But as Miyo becomes increasingly engrossed in being a cat, she learns the value of appreciating what one has at hand. For those looking for a feel-good movie with a sentimental charm, A Whisker Away is the ideal pick!
Age Rating | 7+ |
---|---|
Running Time | 1 Hour, 45 Minutes |
Standalone or Part of a Series | Standalone |
Live-Action or Animated | Animated |
Director | Junichi Sato, Tomotaka Shibayama |
Main Cast | Mirai Shida, Natsuki Hanae, Hiroaki Ogi |
Here are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by early childhood educator, Och Gonzalez!
Children from 2 to 5 years old should have a limit of 1 hour a day of screen time. Older kids can go between 1.5 to 2 hours of screen use per day. Of course, watching movies would be an exception, since movies typically run for more than an hour. But other than that, those are the general guidelines on screen time for children.
It depends on the movie. Again, sometimes ratings are not accurate. If you've pre-watched the movie and deemed it safe for your child, then you can feel secure enough to let them watch on their own. However, keep in mind that young kids should never be left alone, whatever the circumstances are.
When it comes to TV shows and movies, you should always plan what your child will watch. If you want to involve them in decision-making, let them pick between programs and movies that you've already vetted beforehand.
If you want to know which movies for kids our expert Och Gonzalez recommends, you've come to the right place. Check them out below!
This movie was a blockbuster hit, and it's easy to see why. Not only was the animation clearly high-quality and vibrant, but the dialogue and action were also hilarious at a level that would click for kids as young as three and adults, too! The story centers on Gru, a villain with his own army of adorable yellow minions who spout gibberish.
The story is fairly simple, and it's highly entertaining as well, so your child will be sure to stay hooked till the end. Kids will especially love the yellow minions because they are quite relatable with their candy-like design, slapstick humor, and, more importantly, their simple and curious outlook that's just like that of any child.
If you want a movie that's packed with rich visuals, tons of imagination, and heaps of important values, you can't miss this one. Based on the classic children's book of the same title, this remake tackles the story of five children who win a trip to visit Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.
The film shows viewers the distinction between good and bad through the actions of the five children, who each represent different character traits. In the end, the message is clear—good character is more important than anything else and will help us succeed in life. It also emphasizes the importance of family.
Since children are at the learning age, their activities should be insightful and, at the same time, enjoyable for them not to get bored. Aside from the kids' movies that we have listed, there are several other options for pastime. Check out the following fun activities that can enrich your little ones' minds and skills!
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Author: Patricia Catimpo
Editor, Re-editor: Aprille Jarcia
Our viewer's guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the viewer's guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the movie recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from Netflix.
No. 1: Garth Jennings|Sing|2016
No. 2: Mark Osborne|The Little Prince|2015
No. 3: Danny DeVito|Matilda|1996
No. 4: Vicky Jenson, Andrew Adamson|Shrek|2001
No. 5: Robert Rodriguez|We Can Be Heroes|2020
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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