Streaming Streaming TV, Movies, & More The Best Kids Movies on Netflix (July 2021) Movies that offer something for the whole family by Yoona Wagener Writer Yoona Wagener has a background in content and technical writing. She has written for BigTime Software, Idealist Careers, and other small tech companies. our editorial process LinkedIn Yoona Wagener Updated on July 01, 2021 Tweet Share Email Streaming TV, Movies, & More Netflix Hulu Disney+ Prime Video Apple TV+ Favorite Events The best kid-friendly movies help the youngest in your family learn new things. They’re also just as fun and insightful for the older kids and adults in the room. Whether you’re looking for a laugh, a timely lesson, or a bit of both for your little ones, these top kids' movies on Netflix deliver wholesome entertainment for everyone in the family to enjoy. 01 of 21 Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans (2021): Concluding the Tales of Arcadia Trilogy Dreamworks IMDb Rating: n/a Genre: Animated, Action, Adventure Starring: Emile Hirsch, Nick Offerman, Steven Yeun Director: Johane Matte, Francisco Ruiz-Velasco, Andrew L. Schmidt Motion Picture Rating: TV-Y7 Runtime: 1 hour, 44 minutes Rise of the Titans is the follow-up to Dreamworks and director Guillermo del Toro's Tales of Arcadia series. Characters from all three installments—Trollhunters, 3Below, and Wizards—must band together to defeat the evil Arcane Order and the ancient titans it summons in its attempt to destroy the world. Critics have praised the Trollhunters series for its animation, its darker storytelling, and its voice acting. It was nominated for nine Daytime Emmy Awards in 2017. Fans should enjoy this conclusion to the story, while newcomers can catch up on the rest of the Tales of Arcadia series on Netflix first before watching the finale. Watch 'Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans' on Netflix on July 21st 02 of 21 Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal The Movie (2021): Return of an Anime Icon Toei Animation IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 Genre: Animated, Action, Adventure Starring: Kotono Mitsuishi, Stephanie Sheh (English version), Kate Higgins (English version) Director: Chiaki Kon Motion Picture Rating: TV-14 Runtime: 2 hours, 40 minutes This two-part Netflix film brings back iconic anime magical girl Sailor Moon and her friends in all their pastel-colored glory. For the uninitiated, the Sailor Moon series is about a young girl who befriends a magical cat named Luna that lets her turn into a hero via the flashiest, most elaborate transformation sequences ever put on celluloid. In Eternal, she meets Pegasus, who's searching for someone who can break the seal of the Golden Crystal, while a creepy circus seeks the Silver Crystal in hopes of using it to dominate the universe. Anyone who's followed Sailor Moon's exploits for the last few decades is in for a treat. Watch 'Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal The Movie' on Netflix 03 of 21 Wish Dragon (2021): A Fun 'Aladdin' Retread Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.8/10 Genre: Animated, Adventure Starring: John Cho, Jimmy Wong, Natasha Liu Bordizzo Director: Chris Appelhans Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 38 minutes Din (Jimmy Wong) wants to reconnect with his childhood best friend. Thanks to a wish-granting dragon (John Cho), he may get his chance. But when he can wish for anything in the world, how can he decide what's truly important? Wish Dragon has heavy Aladdin vibes, but the modern-day setting and focus on friendship instead of romance helps it feel fresh. Watch 'Wish Dragon' on Netflix 04 of 21 The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021): It's Like a Kid-Friendly 'Maximum Overdrive' Netflix IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 Genre: Animated, Adventure Starring: Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph Director: Michael Rianda Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 53 minutes Katie Mitchell is a teen heading out on a road trip with her family to start her first year of film school. The only thing standing in her way? An army of electronic devices that suddenly developed sentience and decided to go on the attack. The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a fun and energetic adventure film. Kids will enjoy the silliness and hyperactive action, while parents can enjoy the deadpan humor and a heartwarming theme about family bonding. Watch 'The Mitchells vs. the Machines' on Netflix 05 of 21 The Last Kids on Earth: Happy Apocalypse to You (2021) – A Fun Interactive Adventure Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.2/10 Genre: Interactive, Comedy Starring: Bruce Campbell, Charles Demers, Brian Drummond Director: Steve Rolston Motion Picture Rating: TV-Y7 Runtime: 27 minutes Based on a series of children's books by Max Brallier, The Last Kids on Earth is a humorous series about a scrappy but average 13-year-old named Jack Sullivan who teams up with his friends to battle monsters in an apocalypse. Critics have praised the streaming show for its strong plot and character development, and it boasts a talented adult voice cast that includes Bruce Campbell, Mark Hamill, Catherine O’Hara, and Keith David. Happy Apocalypse to You is a 27-minute interactive film that lets kids make decisions for the characters and see those choices play out on-screen. Watch 'The Last Kids on Earth: Happy Apocalypse to You' on Netflix 06 of 21 Secret Magic Control Agency (2021): A New Spin on Classic Fairy Tale Characters Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 Genre: Animated, Adventure Starring: Erica Schroeder, Mary O'Brady, Georgette Reilly Director: Aleksey Tsitsilin Motion Picture Rating: TV-Y7 Runtime: 1 hour, 43 minutes Secret Magic Control Agency is an animated adventure-comedy that envisions the classic fairy tale characters--Hansel and Gretel--as secret agents searching for an abducted king. Critics have praised the film's gorgeous visuals and energetic plot. Meanwhile, parents familiar with the Brothers Grimm might enjoy how this film reworks the Hansel and Gretel story into something new. Watch 'Secret Magic Control Agency' on Netflix 07 of 21 Arlo the Alligator Boy (2021): A Reptile Out of Water Musical Comedy Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.9/10 Genre: Animated Starring: Michael J. Woodard, Mary Lambert, Haley Tju Director: Ryan Crego Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes When a half-human, half-alligator boy learns he's from New York City, he leaves his swamp and embarks on a journey to the Big Apple to find his long-lost father. So, basically, the plot of Elf. A 20-episode streaming television series called I (heart) Arlo will follow this new animated musical adventure-comedy. Watch 'Arlo the Alligator Boy' on Netflix 08 of 21 Yes Day (2021): Standard Family Fare With a Valuable Lesson Netflix IMDb Rating: 5.7/10 Genre: Family, Comedy Starring: Jennifer Garner, Edgar Ramírez, Jenna Ortega Director: Miguel Arteta Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 26 minutes Allison (Jennifer Garner) and Carlos (Edgar Ramirez) are the types of parents who say "no" to everything. But one day, they decide to say yes to everything—with a few ground rules, of course. Their kids quickly seize on the opportunity to make their parents do whatever outlandish stuff they can dream up. That's the premise of Yes Day, an entertaining family film with an underlying message about when to say "yes" and "no." Kids will enjoy the hijinks, while parents will appreciate the lesson it tries to teach them. Watch 'Yes Day' on Netflix 09 of 21 The Princess and the Frog (2009): An Inclusive and Uplifting Twist On A Classic Walt Disney Pictures IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Starring: Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Oprah Winfrey Director: Ron Clements, John Musker Motion Picture Rating: G Runtime: 1 hour, 37 minutes Tiana dreams of opening a restaurant in honor of her father and faces several setbacks—including the task of helping a prince and herself become human again after transforming into frogs. This inclusive reimagining of a classic fairy tale set in Jazz-age-era New Orleans encourages dreaming big and persevering, even when the odds are stacked. Watch 'The Princess and the Frog' on Netflix 10 of 21 Klaus (2019): A Heartfelt Story About the Power of Good Will Netflix IMDb Rating: 8.2/10 Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Starring: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones Director: Sergio Pablos, Carlo Martínez López Motion Picture Rating: G Runtime: 1 hour, 36 minutes When Jesper’s father sends him to become a postman on the remote and chilly island of Smeerensburg, populated by two feuding clans, all he wants to do is work hard enough so he can leave. Then one letter changes everything. This animated feature teaches the infectious impact of performing actions out of generosity and not self-interest. Watch 'Klaus' on Netflix 11 of 21 Hugo (2011): A Poignant Fantasy From an Acclaimed Director Paramount Pictures IMDb Rating: 7.5/10 Genre: Drama, Family, Fantasy Starring: Asa Butterfield, Chlöe Grace Moretz, Christopher Lee Director: Martin Scorcese Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 2 hours, 6 minutes Hugo is an orphan who lives in a Paris train station. His only source of hope is fixing an automaton that holds a critical last message from his late father. Little does he know that it will uncover much more. This cinematic fantasy is jam-packed with history lessons and delivers a reassuring message about everyone having a place in the world. Watch 'Hugo' on Netflix 12 of 21 A Shaun the Sheep Movie (2020): Farmageddon: A Whimsical Claymation Feature StudioCanal UK IMDb Rating: 6.9/10 Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Starring: Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Amalia Vitale Director: Will Becher, Richard Phelan Motion Picture Rating: G Runtime: 1 hour, 26 minutes After a crash landing in a small town, a young alien gets stranded. Luckily, Shaun the Sheep and his herd are determined to help her reunite with her family. Akin to a modern-day E.T. without dialogue, this truly endearing movie reinforces the universal power of acceptance. Watch 'A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon' on Netflix 13 of 21 How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014): An Entertaining Tale About Unity 20th Century Studios IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure Starring: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler Director: Dean DeBlois Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 42 minutes Hiccup and his trusty dragon Toothless are determined to save their village from a villain who wants to use an army of dragons for his gain. While there are some scarier moments in this 3D adventure, this visually rich and heartwarming story carries an important message about the importance of unity despite differences. Watch 'How to Train Your Dragon 2' on Netflix 14 of 21 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009): A Delicious Helping of Self-Acceptance Columbia Pictures IMDb Rating: 6.9/10 Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Starring: Anna Faris, Bill Hader, Bruce Campbell Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes A young inventor in Sardine Land has only ever wanted approval from his dad and others. When he develops a rocket that makes all sorts of delicious food rain down from the sky, he gets swept up by the recognition and forgets what really matters. This heartwarming and humorous film promotes self-acceptance and staying grounded by supportive family and friends rather than popularity. Watch 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs' on Netflix 15 of 21 Mirai (2018): A Nod of Encouragement for Older Siblings Toho Co., Ltd. IMDb Rating: 7.0/10 Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama Starring: Rebecca Hall, Daniel Dae Kim, John Cho Director: Mamoru Hosoda Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 38 minutes When his new baby sister arrives, young Kun struggles with feeling like he’s an afterthought. He seeks refuge in the garden, which magically transports him in time to meet various family members. Each journey the young boy takes gives him a newfound appreciation of his loved ones and helps him embrace his new sibling. This mellow anime imparts a tender message of reassurance for children adjusting to becoming an older sibling for the first time. Watch 'Mirai' on Netflix 16 of 21 The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019): Furry Friends Teach Embracing the Unknown Universal Pictures IMDb Rating: 6.5/10 Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Starring: Patton Oswalt, Kevin Hart, Harrison Ford Director: Chris Renaud, Jonathan del Val Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 26 minutes When Max becomes a little too worried about protecting his favorite human, he learns to let go with the help of all of his pet friends. This animated feature acknowledges it’s okay to worry about the unknown, but taking chances is essential too. Watch 'The Secret Life of Pets 2' on Netflix 17 of 21 Hook (1991): A Swashbuckling Family Feature TriStar Pictures IMDb Rating: 6.8/10 Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts Director: Steven Spielberg Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 2 hours, 22 minutes This star-studded adventure imagines an adult Peter Pan who must return to Neverland to rescue his kids. His key to success? He remembers how to be less of a grown-up. This film extends a positive message about staying young at heart and allowing room for make-believe at any age. Watch 'Hook' on Netflix 18 of 21 Canvas (2020): A Short Film With a Profound Message Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.5/10 Genre: Animation, Short, Drama Director: Frank E. Abney III Motion Picture Rating: G Runtime: 9 minutes While this dialog-free short film is just 9 minutes, it’s a moving story about a grandfather who makes his way back toward his passion, painting, with the support of his granddaughter and daughter. This short movie does acknowledge death but gently and could spark a healing conversation with a young one. Watch 'Canvas' on Netflix 19 of 21 Finding 'Ohana (2021): Goonies for Generation Z Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.1/10 Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy Starring: Kelly Hu, Ke Huy Quan, Lindsay Watson Director: Jude Weng Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 2 hours, 3 minutes Two siblings from Brooklyn reluctantly head to Hawaii to visit their grandpa but end up on a life-changing adventure. Part Goonies, part Indiana Jones, this uplifting Netflix original is also a lively celebration of Hawaiian culture. This adventure highlights family togetherness and pride in one’s heritage. Watch 'Finding 'Ohana' on Netflix 20 of 21 Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Films Collection (2015): 12 Memorable Stories for Bite-Size Viewing Walt Disney Studios IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Starring: Paul Briggs, Alan Dale, Bill Farmer Motion Picture Rating: G Runtime: 1 hour, 29 minutes A collection of 12 classic Disney shorts with favorites parents will recognize from their youth, plus newer characters your little ones may already know. In true Disney fashion, the power of storytelling stands out with themes ranging from accepting change to feel-good comedies featuring Mickey and Goofy. Watch 'Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Films Collection' on Netflix 21 of 21 The Muppets (2011): A Feel-Good Musical Reunion Walt Disney Pictures IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family Starring: Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Chris Cooper Director: James Bobin Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 2 hours With the help of his brother, one Muppets superfan fulfills his dream of getting the Muppets back together again for an epic performance. This zany and humorous feel-good musical promotes working together and is a great way to introduce young ones to this lovable puppet ensemble. Watch 'The Muppets' on Netflix Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up. Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit