Streaming Streaming TV, Movies, & More The Best Kids Movies on Netflix (April 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 April 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 Arlo the Alligator Boy (2021): A Reptile Out of Water Musical Comedy Netflix IMDb Rating: n/a 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. This new animated musical adventure-comedy will be followed by a 20-episode streaming television series called I (heart) Arlo. Watch 'Arlo the Alligator Boy' on Netflix on April 16th 02 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, a fairly 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 03 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, but she 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 04 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 05 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 an important 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 06 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 is left 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 07 of 21 How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014): An Entertaining Tale About Unity 20th Century Studios IMDb Rating: 7.8 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 08 of 21 Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005): Another Board Game Comes to Life Columbia Pictures IMDb Rating: 6.2/10 Genre: Action, Adventure, Family Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard Director: Jon Favreau Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 41 minutes Two brothers who fight constantly find a way to work together when they're launched into the world of a space-themed board game. This Jumanji-in-space movie is packed with adventure and humor, and serves up a helpful reminder to appreciating siblings, even when it’s difficult. Watch 'Zathura' on Netflix 09 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 10 of 21 Over the Moon (2020): A Charming Musical Journey Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.5/10 Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Starring: Cathy Ang, John Cho, Sandra Oh Director: Glen Keane, John Kahrs Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 35 minutes Fei Fei mourns her mother’s passing and resists moving forward. Determined to make sure her mother’s memory isn’t lost, she builds a rocket to prove her mom’s favorite mythical story about a moon goddess is real. Visually engaging and cute, this animated film also tackles the difficult subject of moving on after losing a loved one without ever having to let their memory go. Watch 'Over the Moon' on Netflix 11 of 21 The Polar Express (2004): Another Way to Enjoy a Beloved Holiday Story Warner Bros. Pictures IMDb Rating: 6.6/10 Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Starring: Tom Hanks, Chris Coppola, Michael Jeter Director: Robert Zemeckis Motion Picture Rating: G Runtime: 1 hour, 35 minutes This movie adaptation of the beloved children’s book classic follows a young boy and many other children on an express train straight to the North Pole. This celebration of imagination and wonder is a welcome dose of lighthearted whimsy any time of year. Watch 'The Polar Express' on Netflix 12 of 21 The Willoughbys (2020): A Different Kind of Happily Ever After Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.4/10 Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Starring: Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Alessia Cara Director: Kris Pearn, Cory Evans Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes A quirky animated film that follows four siblings who discover what family really means. While the subject matter is a bit dark, there’s a heartfelt message about appreciating loved ones, especially siblings, and that family doesn’t always have to look a certain way. Watch 'The Willoughbys' on Netflix 13 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 14 of 21 White Fang (2018): Teaches Stewardship and Love of the Natural World Netflix IMDb Rating: 7.0/10 Genre: Animation, Adventure Starring: Nick Offerman, Rashida Jones, Paul Giamatti Director: Alexandre Espigares Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 25 minutes An animated version of the classic tale of a wolf/dog pup who is separated from his pack and experiences a series of unforgettable adventures. While this movie is probably best for older children, this adventure tale reinforces the importance of respecting animals and nature. Watch 'White Fang' on Netflix 15 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 little 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 important too. Watch 'The Secret Life of Pets 2' on Netflix 16 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? Remembering how to be less of a grown-up. This film extends a cheerful message about staying young at heart and allowing room for make-believe at any age. Watch 'Hook' on Netflix 17 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 in a gentle way which could begin a healing conversation with a young one. Watch 'Canvas' on Netflix 18 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 19 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 own 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 20 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 21 of 21 We Can Be Heroes (2020): A Superhero Fantasy About Teamwork Netflix IMDb Rating: 4.7/10 Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama Starring: YaYa Gosselin, Pedro Pascal, Priyanka Chopra Director: Robert Rodriguez Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes When aliens invade earth and capture its most important superheroes, their children must step up to save the day. This superhero fantasy emphasizes collaboration and self-confidence as integral to both teamwork and leadership. Watch 'We Can Be Heroes' 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