Summer can get a little hectic for some. Even though the kids are out of school, they have other commitments, you’re still working full-time, and all those extra opportunities to spend time together can become fleeting in a hurry. It’s important to maximize your time together and family movie night is a great way to do that.
Netflix offers a massive library of family-friendly movies to make movie night a possibility, but the library is so large, it can risk turning movie night into an endless search for just the right movie for everyone. Fortunately, we monitor what’s new to keep you up to date with the best family movies on Netflix right now.
Looking for something else? We’ve also rounded up the best shows on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime, and the best movies on Disney+. For Netflix fans, check out the 10 most popular movies on Netflix right now.
Recently added to Netflix
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Despicable Me2010 -
Despicable Me (2010)
72%
7.6/10
95m
Genre
Family, Animation, Comedy, Crime
Stars
Steve Carell, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier
Directed by
Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud
Watch on Netflix
Despicable Me spawned a massive franchise, with three films in the primary franchise, plus two Minions movies and innumerable spinoffs into other media. In the original, we’re introduced to Gru (Steve Carell), a supervillain whom nobody really takes seriously. In an effort to make the world take notice of him, he plots to steal the Moon. But when three orphaned girls land in his care, he finds it difficult to carry out the plan.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
61%
103m
Genre
Comedy
Stars
Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara
Directed by
John Hughes
Watch on Netflix
An ’80s classic, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is literally about playing hooky. Blessed with a sense of serendipity, high school slacker Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) feels an overwhelming urge to skip school for the day and head into Chicago. So, he successfully fakes an illness to trick his parents and ropes in his girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara) and best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) to come along for the ride.
Jumanji (1995)
39%
104m
Genre
Adventure, Fantasy, Family
Stars
Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, Bradley Pierce
Directed by
Joe Johnston
Watch on Netflix
A board game comes to life in Jumanji, the family classic that spawned a new franchise in 2017. Young Alan Parish discovers a mysterious board game and, not realizing its extraordinary powers, decides to play it with his friend Sarah. But when he’s terrifyingly dragged into the game, Sarah tosses the game away until 26 years later, two unsuspecting children find it again. When they realize the game is bringing terrible creatures from the game into the real world, Judy (Spider-Man actress Kirsten Dunst) and Peter (Bradley Pierce) soon realize one of those creatures is a now adult Alan (Robin Williams), who is their best chance of beating the game and ending the chaos.
The Karate Kid (1984)
60%
126m
Genre
Action, Family, Drama
Stars
Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue
Directed by
John G. Avildsen
Watch on Netflix
One of the most iconic franchises of the ’80s, The Karate Kid follows fatherless teenager Daniel (Ralph Macchio) as he moves to Los Angeles, friendless and lonely. He’s quickly bullied by a gang of karate students from the Cobra Kai dojo when he befriends Ali (Elisabeth Shue), the leader’s ex. Needing to learn some self-defense, Daniel asks Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), a local martial arts master, to help him. But Miyagi’s unconventional methods take some time for Daniel to understand.
Hook (1991)
52%
6.8/10
142m
Genre
Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Family
Stars
Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts
Directed by
Steven Spielberg
Watch on Netflix
Steven Spielberg‘s stab at J.M. Barrie’s classic tale isn’t his greatest effort, but Hook is a classic for many Gen X and Millennials alike. Robin Williams plays an adult Peter Pan — the boy who was never supposed to grow up, who actually grew up and has become a workaholic who’s falling out of touch with his kids. But Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman) hasn’t given up his quest for vengeance, so when he kidnaps Peter’s kids and brings them to Neverland, Peter must return despite not quite believing that it was ever really real.
Kicking & Screaming (2005)
45%
95m
Genre
Family, Comedy
Stars
Will Ferrell, Robert Duvall, Mike Ditka
Directed by
Jesse Dylan
Watch on Netflix
A great choice for soccer families, Kicking & Screaming stars Will Ferrell as mild-mannered, unathletic Phil Weston. He’s generally okay with his lack of athletic pedigree, but when his hyper-competitive dad (Robert Duvall) benches Phil’s son, 10-year-old son Sam (Dylan McLaughlin) on the soccer team, Phil decides to move his son to a new team. It just so happens that the new team needs a temporary coach, so Phil steps in, seeing one more chance to pursue some athletic glory. Now he’s head to head against his dad in the most important competition of their lives: youth soccer.
Nanny McPhee (2005)
59%
97m
Genre
Fantasy, Comedy, Family
Stars
Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Kelly Macdonald
Directed by
Kirk Jones
Watch on Netflix
After his seven rambunctious children chase away all of their other nannies, widower Cedric Brown (Colin Firth) brings in the enigmatic Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson). The children, suddenly, have met their match, as Nanny McPhee uses mystical powers to instill discipline in the house. But when the children’s great-aunt and benefactor, Lady Adelaide Stitch (Kelly Macdonald) threatens to separate the kids, Nanny McPhee leads the charge to band together and resist.
Bruce Almighty (2003)
46%
101m
Genre
Fantasy, Comedy
Stars
Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Aniston
Directed by
Tom Shadyac
Watch on Netflix
A great choice for families with young teenagers, Bruce Almighty tells the tale of local news reporter Bruce (Jim Carrey), who is unhappy with basically everything in his life and never misses a chance to complain about it. After cursing God for the umpteenth time, God (Morgan Freeman) relents and decides to bestow all of his powers and challenges on Bruce to see if he can do the job any better.
Chicken Run (2000)
88%
84m
Genre
Animation, Comedy, Family
Stars
Julia Sawalha, Mel Gibson, Imelda Staunton
Directed by
Nick Park, Peter Lord
Watch on Netflix
One of the best films from Wallace & Gromit creators Nick Park and Peter Lord, Chicken Run is the most fun you’ll have watching chickens attempting to fly the coop. The Claymation classic spoofs The Great Escape and other classic prison-camp movies as Ginger (Julia Sawalha) and her feathered friends become determined to break out of Tweedy’s Chicken Farm. To do so, they enlist the help of the bold Rocky (Mel Gibson), a rooster who promises to teach the hens how to fly. Unfortunately, he’s not quite sure how to do it yet himself.
A League of Their Own (1992)
69%
128m
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Stars
Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Lori Petty
Directed by
Penny Marshall
Watch on Netflix
A family-friendly classic, A League of Their Own is a World War II movie told from the homefront. With the boys off at war, opportunists launch the first all-female baseball league in the Midwest. Led by Rockford Peaches sister stars Dottie and Kit Hinson (Geena Davis and Lori Petty), the league slowly picks up steam, gaining popularity in a country desperate for a bit of escapism. But as the league gets more popular, the rivalry between the sisters grows until Kit requests a trade to a rival team.
Open Season (2006)
49%
86m
Genre
Animation, Family, Adventure, Comedy
Stars
Martin Lawrence, Ashton Kutcher, Gary Sinise
Directed by
Jill Culton, Roger Allers
Watch on Netflix
The hunters become the hunted in this animated romp about a domesticated 900-pound grizzly bear named Boog (Martin Lawrence) who finds himself stranded in the woods just before hunting season starts. Unsure of how to exist in the wild, Boog must rely on fast-talking mule deer, Elliot (Ashton Kutcher), to learn the ropes of survival during open season. But rather than just survive this season, Boog and Elliot become determined to raise an army to fight back against the hunters.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (2022)
51%
106m
Genre
Comedy, Family, Music
Stars
Javier Bardem, Winslow Fegley, Shawn Mendes
Directed by
Josh Gordon, Will Speck
Watch on Netflix
Josh Primm (Winslow Fegley) has just moved to New York City with his family but is struggling to adapt to his new school and make friends. But when he discovers Lyle (Shawn Mendes), a sophisticated singing crocodile living in the attic, the two become fast friends. Unfortunately, the evil neighbor Mr. Grumps (Brett Gelman) wants Lyle thrown out on the street. Now, Josh, his parents (Constance Wu and Scoot McNairy), and Lyle’s owner, Hector P. Valenti (Javier Bardem), must band together to protect the unique crocodile.
The Bad Guys (2022)
64%
100m
Genre
Animation, Action, Adventure, Crime, Comedy
Stars
Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina
Directed by
Pierre Perifel
Watch on Netflix
There’s never been such a dastardly crew as The Bad Guys — Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos), and Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina). The criminal crew has pulled off countless heists and become the world’s most wanted villains … until they’re finally caught. Now, Mr. Wolf brokers a deal to save them all from prison. Under the tutelage of Professor Marmalade (Richard Ayoade), they’ll learn what it takes to go good. Of course, Mr. Wolf fully plans to renege on the deal until he surprises himself with how much he actually enjoys doing good.
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)
83%
8.1/10
117m
Genre
Animation, Fantasy, Drama, Thriller
Stars
Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Gregory Mann
Directed by
Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson
Watch on Netflix
There have been enough Pinocchio revivals over the past few years that it’s reasonable to ask why Guillermo del Toro thought another one was a good idea. And yet … del Toro’s pleasantly demented mind is sort of perfect for Pinocchio if you think about it. His stop-motion reimagining of Carlo Collodi’s classic tale is a whimsical musical that breathes surprising new life into the world’s most famous puppet who thinks he’s a real boy.
Enola Holmes 2 (2022)
61%
129m
Genre
Mystery, Adventure, Crime
Stars
Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Louis Partridge
Directed by
Harry Bradbeer
Watch on Netflix
Millie Bobby Brown returns as Sherlock Holmes’ unheralded — yet even more brilliant — little sister, Enola, in Enola Holmes 2. Fresh off of solving her first case, Enola decides it’s time to open her very own agency, just like her brother, Sherlock (Henry Cavill). Unfortunately, she quickly discovers the demand for female detectives isn’t quite what it is for her male counterparts. Struggling to get any cases, Enola is about ready to close up shop when a penniless matchstick girl asks Enola to find her missing sister. The case, however, is far more complex than expected, sending Enola deep into London’s underworld and all the way to the highest echelons of society.
The Pink Panther (2006)
38%
5.6/10
93m
Genre
Comedy, Mystery, Crime, Adventure, Family
Stars
Steve Martin, Jean Reno, Kevin Kline
Directed by
Shawn Levy
Let’s be honest, this 2006 remake of the classic 20th-century trilogy doesn’t hold a candle to the original, but what are the chances you’re going to get your kids to watch a comedy made in 1963? Instead, you can introduce them to the franchise through Steve Martin’s portrayal as the classically bumbling police inspector Jacques Clouseau. When the French national soccer team’s coach is murdered by a poisoned dart in the stadium, his famous ring with the diamond Pink Panther quickly disappears. The ambitious Chief Inspector Dreyfus (Kevin Kline) assigns Clouseau to the case, intentionally putting Clouseau in the crosshairs of the media while Dreyfus assembles a superior team to work the case in secret.
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Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie (2022)
61%
5.8/10
86m
Genre
Animation, Action, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction
Stars
Ben Schwartz, Omar Benson Miller, Brandon Mychal Smith
Directed by
Andy Suriano, Ant Ward
Watch on Netflix
Nickelodeon’s hit YA series got the Netflix Original treatment! In their biggest adventure yet, Leo (Ben Schwartz), Raph (Omar Benson Miller), Mikey (Brandon Mychal Smith), and Donnie (Josh Brener) are the last hope against an alien invasion. In the year 2044, Earth is on the brink of becoming completely conquered by the Krang. In a desperate hail mary, an older Leo and Mikey send their student Casey Jones (Haley Joel Osment) to the year 2022 to help the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles find a key to stop the invasion before it happens.
Sing 2 (2021)
49%
7.4/10
110m
Genre
Animation, Comedy, Family, Music
Stars
Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson
Directed by
Garth Jennings
Watch on Netflix
Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) and his talented bunch of animal crooners are back with their most ambitious show yet! After the success of their last talented show, Moon and company aspire to launch a brand new stage extravaganza in the entertainment capital of the world, Redshore City. But to keep the gig, Buster will have to deliver on a promise to cast loner lion rock legend Clay Calloway (Bono) in the show.
Too Old for Fairy Tales (2022)
5.8/10
106m
Genre
Family, Comedy
Stars
Karolina Gruszka, Dorota Kolak, Andrzej Grabowski
Directed by
Kristoffer Rus
Watch on Netflix
Too Old for Fairy Tales is a Polish film that stars newcomer Maciej Karas as Waldek, a spoiled gamer who fills his life with fantasy. But when there is a very real earthquake that forces Waldek apart from his mother, he’s taken in by an unpredictable aunt who introduces a whole new regiment of chores and responsibilities that Waldek has never experienced. Suddenly wrenched away from his precious games, Waldek is put into real-life survival mode, all while learning lessons he didn’t know he needed.
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
82%
8.1/10
84m
Genre
Documentary
Stars
Craig Foster, Tom Foster
Directed by
James Reed, Philippa Ehrlich
Watch on Netflix
A nature documentary may seem like a bold choice for family movie night, but the Oscar-winning My Octopus Teacher feels like so much more than an educational film. Craig Foster is a professional photographer and videographer who returns to his childhood home at the southern tip of Africa, hoping to recover from burnout. Swimming in the same freezing ocean that he did as a child, Foster soon meets a young octopus who displays remarkable curiosity and intelligence. Foster continues to visit her den and track her movements, eventually earning her trust. The result is an extraordinary friendship that feels like it could only exist in a fantasy movie.
The Sea Beast (2022)
75%
7.1/10
115m
Genre
Animation, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Stars
Karl Urban, Zaris-Angel Hator, Jared Harris
Directed by
Chris Williams
Watch on Netflix
The age of monster hunters is alive and well in the animated Netflix original The Sea Beast. And those monsters happen to live in the sea. For years, brave humans have ventured to the sea to wage war against the monsters and make the oceans navigable. The most beloved of all these monster hunters is Jacob Holland (Karl Urban). When little Maisie Brumble (Zaris-Angel Hator) meets her hero in a tavern, she becomes obsessed with the idea of going to sea with him. So, she stows away on Jacob’s legendary ship. When Jacob finds her, he’s not thrilled, but he soon discovers that Maisie is a courageous crew member and unexpectedly useful.
Vivo (2021)
66%
6.6/10
99m
Genre
Animation, Family, Comedy
Stars
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ynairaly Simo, Zoe Saldana
Directed by
Kirk DeMicco
Watch on Netflix
Looking for something Encanto-adjacent? A joint effort between Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation, Vivo calls upon the talents of Hollywood music-man Lin-Manuel Miranda to properly weave its animated tale. Miranda not only provides original music to the film, but he also voices the titular character, a magical kinkajou who spends his days serenading alongside Andrés (Juan de Marcos), the creature’s spirited owner. When a chance communication from Andrés’ lost love arrives, the musical duo sets off on a journey to deliver the ultimate love song to the musician’s muse. A kaleidoscopic arrangement of visuals and sound, Vivo is a film filled with heart that bountifully delivers on the beautiful cultural traditions of its Latin-American setting and characters.
We Can Be Heroes (2020)
51%
4.7/10
97m
Genre
Action, Fantasy, Family, Comedy
Stars
YaYa Gosselin, Lyon Daniels, Andy Walken
Directed by
Robert Rodriguez
Watch on Netflix
Writer-director Robert Rodriguez certainly knows a thing or two about delivering VFX-laden adventure films, centered on the crazy missions of exceptional pre-teen saviors. Serving as a spiritual continuation of The Adventure of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D, We Can Be Heroes follows the story of Earth’s many superheroes, extraterrestrial supervillains, and the children of the former. When the vile alien invaders take the heroes as their prisoners, the kids, led by Missy Moreno (YaYa Gosselin), must band together to save their families from the intergalactic foe. Tailor-made for younger viewers, We Can Be Heroes comes to life through dazzling visuals, big set pieces, and great acting from its primary players.
Back to the Outback (2021)
58%
6.5/10
92m
Genre
Animation, Family, Adventure, Comedy
Stars
Isla Fisher, Tim Minchin, Eric Bana
Directed by
Harry Cripps, Claire Knight
Watch on Netflix
Back to the Outback is a lively animated film that follows the cat-and-mouse getaway of a group of zoo creatures, led by Maddie (Isla Fisher), a snake looking to get back to the Australian outback where she believes she truly belongs. In tow are friends Zoe (Miranda Tapsell), Frank (Guy Pearce), and Neil (Angus Imrie) — a lizard, spider, and scorpion. With the zoo hot on their trail, the band of reptiles and insects must do everything in their power to make it to the faraway continent in one piece. Leaning heavily on the golden rule to never judge a book by its cover, even if it’s scaly or slimy, Back to the Outback is a fun-filled excursion that the whole family will enjoy.
Enola Holmes (2020)
68%
6.6/10
123m
Genre
Mystery, Crime, Adventure
Stars
Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin
Directed by
Harry Bradbeer
Watch on Netflix
The Sherlock Holmes legend adds a wrinkle with Enola (Millie Bobby Brown), a much younger sister who has spent her adolescent life learning and experimenting with her brilliant mother in the family’s reclusive mansion. But when her mother goes missing, big brother Sherlock (Henry Cavill) finally comes calling to reassure Enola that he’ll find their mother. Enola, however, has other ideas. She sets out to beat Sherlock at his own game.
Klaus (2019)
65%
8.1/10
96m
Genre
Animation, Family, Adventure, Comedy
Stars
Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones
Directed by
Sergio Pablos
Watch on Netflix
Jesper (voiced by Jason Schwartzman) is content with living life his own way, and specifically against the will of his Postmaster General father. After being transferred to the isle of Smeerensburg, Jesper is forced to post six-thousand letters within the year or risk losing his inheritance. Fortunately for him, a reclusive toymaker named Klaus (J.K. Simmons) lives just around the corner. When the children of Smeerensburg learn about the toymaker, they begin writing letters to Klaus, each hoping they’ll receive a toy. A mesmerizing, hand-drawn interpretation of the Santa Claus mythos, Klaus is a brilliant film and an all-new holiday classic.
Home (2015)
55%
6.6/10
94m
Genre
Fantasy, Comedy, Animation, Science Fiction, Family
Stars
Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin
Directed by
Tim Johnson
Watch on Netflix
With a great voice cast headed up by Jim Parsons, Rihanna, and Steve Martin, Home is an exciting, intergalactic adventure for the whole family. When aliens known as the Boov conquer Earth and begin to relocate the human population, one little girl, Tip, manages to evade escape. But when she crosses paths with a fugitive Boov named Oh, the two form an odd couple with similar aims. Together, they form a friendship and seek out Tip’s mother to help save humanity.
Pee-wee's Big Holiday (2016)
63%
6.1/10
90m
Genre
Adventure, Comedy, Family
Stars
Paul Reubens, Joe Manganiello, Jessica Pohly
Directed by
John Lee
Watch on Netflix
Pee-wee Herman is back in a new adventure in this Netflix original introducing a new generation of fans to the plucky adventurer. When Pee-wee meets a mysterious, inspiring stranger (Joe Manganiello), he decides it’s finally time to take his first-ever holiday, hitting the road for his biggest adventure yet.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
80%
7.7/10
114m
Genre
Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction, Action
Stars
Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph
Directed by
Michael Rianda
Watch on Netflix
If you’re going to do a family movie night, why not watch a movie about a dysfunctional family coming together? This Lord/Miller (The Lego Movie) animated romp is a ton of fun for everyone. Young Katie Mitchell (Abbi Jacobson) feels a bit like an outcast in her family of outcasts, but she knows she’ll find her people once she leaves for her first year of film school. Worried about losing his daughter permanently, Katie’s dad cancels her flight to LA and decides to do a family road trip instead. However, family bonding time is interrupted by the global uprising of electronic devices, organized by a scorned artificial intelligence (A.I.) named Pal. With the rest of the world rounded up and due for banishment to space, the Mitchells must come together to save their family and the planet.
Benji (2018)
53%
6.3/10
87m
Genre
Crime, Drama
Stars
Gabriel Bateman, Darby Camp, Kiele Sanchez
Directed by
Brandon Camp
Watch on Netflix
Netflix’s remake of the classic doggy hero tale is a heart-warming, fun adventure for the whole family. Siblings Carter (Gabriel Bateman) and Frankie (Darby Camp) are struggling with a family that’s falling apart at the seams. The only silver lining appears to be Benji, a stray dog that has struck up a special friendship with the children. But when they stumble into serious danger, Benji will have to save the day.
The Willoughbys (2020)
68%
6.4/10
92m
Genre
Animation, Comedy, Family
Stars
Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Alessia Cara
Directed by
Kris Pearn
Watch on Netflix
Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Alessia Cara, Terry Crews, Martin Short, Jane Krakowski, Sean Cullen, and Ricky Gervais lend their voices to this computer-animated film based on the book of the same name by Lois Lowry. It’s about the Willoughbys, two neglectful parents, and their unique children who try to survive on their own until a mysterious nanny arrives. Despite the presumably sad subject matter about orphaned children with bad parents, critics loved the film and lauded its silliness that is “anchored in genuine emotion.”
Invader ZIM: Enter the Florpus (2019)
7.5/10
Genre
Family, Animation, Comedy, Science Fiction, TV Movie
Stars
Jhonen Vasquez, Melissa Fahn, Wally Wingert
Watch on Netflix
While it may not be the same Invader Zim millennials grew up watching, the Netflix-adapted Enter the Florpus will still get the entire family reeling. The story tracks Zim (Richard Steven Horvitz) after the events of the original TV series, seeing the little alien in the throes of an existential dilemma. As he’s fighting for a chance to make a difference and attempting to unlock his true purpose on Earth, Zim’s arch-nemesis plots his downfall in the shadows. Can the little alien gain the confidence he needs to overcome his human rival, or will he only be a memory? With a critics review score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, no family can go wrong with Invader Zim and his Florpus adventures.
If you’re looking for more films suitable for the whole family, we’ve also rounded up the best family movies on Amazon Prime Video and the best family movies on Disney+.
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