Sabienna Bowman is an entertainment writer for Bustle and Reelgood, a streaming service search engine that keeps track of where you can watch your favorite shows online.

The imminent arrival of Disney+ isn’t slowing down the growth of Netflix’s catalog of children’s films. If anything, the streamer has upped its game in the last couple of months with the addition of ’80s classics, Nickelodeon favorites, and plenty of holiday movies for the kiddos who are already humming “Jingle Bells” on the way to school. For now, Netflix is still the best destination for parents and kids who are looking for quality entertainment that can be enjoyed as a family.

And after the kiddos are out, pick something from the full New on Netflix list and enjoy!

best kids movies on netflix

Best kids movies on Netflix right now:

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

If you’ve been waiting to introduce your kids to Indiana Jones, now’s the time. Start with the first movie, and if they can’t stop quoting Indy then you can continue with the franchise. (Yes, Netflix has the whole franchise right now, so start planning a throwback marathon family night.)

Jack and the Cuckoo Clock Heart

Dreamlike animation bolsters this story of a young man with a timepiece for a heart. When he ignores warnings to never fall in love, lest he face an early death, his story truly begins. This French film also boasts an original soundtrack from the band Dionysos.

Surf’s Up

Released in 2007 when penguins were having a moment, it’s easy to forget just how much fun Surf’s Up is. The story of a teen penguin determined to win a surfing competition comes with the requisite lessons about friendship and sportsmanship, but it’s also unexpectedly hilarious. Bonus: it includes voice performances from Jeff Daniels and Shia LaBeouf.

Inkheart

Brendan Fraser is an absolute gift when it comes to kids movies. He excels at playing the “dad” and he attains peak dad as a man who can bring storybook characters to life just by reading aloud. His gift backfires when it unleashes the villain Capricorn in the real world, but he and his daughter hatch a plan to stop Capricorn before he can destroy the world. .

The Christmas Chronicles

Netflix’s original movie The Christmas Chronicles came out of nowhere to wow us last holiday season. Kurt Russell proved himself to be the cool Santa the world needs, and his performance as old St. Nick was so good, this movie deserves an annual viewing.

The Grinch

Maybe we didn’t need another adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but the 2018 film is so beautifully animated and delightful it’s hard to complain. It’s not as good as the original 1966 version, but it’s a worthy effort that modern day kids will love.

The Karate Kid

Sadly, Netflix doesn’t have the original The Karate Kid in their library, but they do have the 2010 remake starring Jaden Smith. The 2010 movie is set in China, and finds Smith learning martial arts from none other than Jackie Chan. The change of location gives this take a fresh feel, but rest assured it retains the spirit of the original.

The Rugrats Movie

There’s never a bad time to introduce kids to The Rugrats. In their first big screen adventure, Tommy sets out on a mission to return his baby brother Dil to the hospital so that he doesn’t get replaced by the little guy. Of course his mission goes awry leading to some funny moments that will have the kids laughing and you drowning in nostalgia.

Little Monsters

Howie Mandel and Fred Savage star in this unrepentant Beetlejuice knockoff from 1989. While it’s hardly original, this story of a boy who discovers that the monster under his bed is real likely delighted you in the ’90s, and it’s mix of gross out humor and light scares will be equally appealing to your youngster now.

Legends of the Hidden Temple

In 2016, Nickelodeon gave Legends of the Hidden Temple an upgrade for the 21st century with this live-action movie. It gives the competition a fun backstory, and has a winning young cast that the youngsters will likely know from their favorite shows.

Igor

The classic tale of Frankenstein gets a fun twist in 2008’s Igor. Igor is Dr. Glickenstein’s assistant who aspires to win the kingdom’s annual science fair (just go with it) by creating a fearsome monster. Instead, he creates Eve, who just wants to be an actress. This charming animated film boasts an impressive voice cast including Molly Shannon, John Cusack, and Steve Buscemi, which means you can delight in the caliber of the stars while the little ones are soaking up the silly fun.

Open Season

Full disclosure: from an adult’s point of view, Open Season is a bit dark. The movie hinges on a deranged hunter coming to town and terrorizing the local talking wildlife. However, it’s also completely over-the-top with characters like a Scottish squirrel named McSquizzy, who will make you and your kids howl.

Turbo (Sept. 12)

Behold the power of Ryan Reynolds’ voice. The Deadpool star is a brilliant as Turbo, a snail that wants to be greatest racer the world has ever seen. This is truly an underdog story, and it’s one that’s made all the more watchable by its charming voice cast which also Samuel L. Jackson, Maya Rudolph, and Bill Hader.

Aliens Ate My Homework

Dogs are so last century. Poor Rob has to deal with aliens eating his homework, but that’s just the start of his problems. Soon those same aliens are enlisting him to help save the world. This little movie gets extra points for being an imaginative romp that the tween set will enjoy.

Chicken Little

This isn’t the Chicken Little you remember. Rather than a story about the perils of crying wolf, this movie serves up a little chicken who has to convince his entire town that UFOs are real, and they’re coming for Earth. As one of Disney’s lesser known movies, Chicken Little is a bit of a hidden gem, even if though it is a bit unusual for the studio.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

The beloved children’s story gets the joyful, weird movie it deserves in this 2009 adaptation. Inventor Flint Lockwood solves his town’s food shortage problem by making food literally rain from the sky — of course, things quickly go awry, but that’s all part of the fun.

Gnome Alone

If you’re looking for more of a high concept kids’ film, then Gnome Alone should be your first choice. A middle-schooler named Chloe finds that her new home’s garden is actually a battlefield for a bitter war between gnomes and Troggs (aliens that want to eat everything in sight). Now Chloe has to balance school with her alliance with the gnomes to stop the Troggs before they get out of control.

Growing Up Wild

Are your kids not quite ready for Planet Earth? Growing Up Wild is a wonderful introduction to the beauty of nature documentaries. And with school starting back up, now is the perfect time to plan a movie night around this fun, but educational film.

Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus

Netflix’s original Invader Zim movie is an instant classic. If you loved the bizarre cartoon, then the movie followup is a must-see, and although it’s set after the events of the series, it can also serve as a great introduction to the world of Invader Zim for kids who love offbeat stories.

Tarzan

Tarzan is one of Disney’s later traditional animated films, and as such, it doesn’t get as much love as it deserves. Tarzan and Jane’s love story is beautifully rendered in this gentle animated version of the classic tale.

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer

Based on Megan McDonald’s Judy Moody book series, this sweet film offers up lessons on how to make the best out of any situation. Judy’s summer plans get turned upside down when her friends and parents head out of town leaving her to spend the summer with her aunt and second best friend instead. Her holiday turns out to be a whole lot more fun than she expected, and the same can be said for this movie which is reminiscent of the lighthearted kids movies from the ’90s.

Now and Then

Make your tweens put down their phones, because Now and Then just arrived on Netflix. This coming of age film is like Stand by Me with a cast of terrific young actresses. Thora Birch, Christina Ricci, Gaby Hoffman, and Ashleigh Aston Moore sell the friendship at the core of the story with an easy and authentic camaraderie that has ensured the movie stands the test of time.

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Your kids will love this inventive fantasy film about a trio of siblings who move into a house where magical creatures already reside. And you’ll love seeing The Good Doctor‘s Freddie Highmore showing off his acting chops in one of his earliest roles.

Little Women

Greta Gerwig’s new adaptation of Little Women is set to hit theaters this December, but check out the 1994 version to remind yourself just how high the bar is when it comes to adapting Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. Winona Ryder’s spirited performance as Jo March is a highlight, but truthfully, this big hearted story of sisterhood is close to perfect all around.

The Dark Crystal

Netflix’s miniseries adaptation of The Dark Crystal is coming to the streamer soon. Before you watch the show, check out the fantastical ’80s movie. The story is complex, but the puppetry and storytelling will keep the kids entertained throughout.

Recess: Taking the Fifth Grade

Recess is one of Disney’s best animated series, and the movie is a worthy introduction to the franchise. Released in 2003, the movie follows TJ and his pals as they enter a new year of school, grapple with the crowning of a new playground king, and deal with the pitfalls that come with growing up.

The Guardian Brothers

A Chinese family’s soup shop is being targeted by competitors in this gorgeous animated film. Soon guardians from the spirit world show up to protect them leading to a magical and funny adventure for all involved.

Pachamama

There’s an ecological message at the heart of the utterly original Pachamama. The gorgeous animated film tells the story of a little boy who dreams of being a shaman one day. When a tax collector comes to his village, he’s soon off an a journey to save his community.

The Prophet

Told through a series of vignettes, The Prophet features a mischievous heroine who kids will adore. Sure, she’s always getting into trouble, but her boundless sense of curiosity is well worth admiring (as is the unique animation style that brings her story to life).

Disney’s Race to Witch Mountain

The 2009 remake doesn’t get enough credit for just how much fun it is. Starring a young AnnaSophia Robb and the one and only Dwayne Johnson, this story of a taxi driver who finds himself ferrying two aliens across the country to avert an invasion is a thrilling ride from start to finish. The mix of adventure and heartfelt storytelling makes this a perfect blockbuster for you and the kiddos in your life.

Megamind

It’s never too soon to teach kids about the complex nature of heroes and villains. Megamind is a brilliant villain whose surprising triumph over the good guy leads him to examine his true nature. It’s a weirdly heady topic for a delightful big budget animated movie, but it definitely works.

Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns

Did you miss Emily Blunt’s triumphant turn as Mary Poppins on the big screen? Now’s your chance to watch her put her own spin on the classic character. She brings the magical nanny to life with a giddy sense of wonder that will sweep you away, and does justice to the original.

Disney’s The Princess and the Frog

The beautifully animated The Princess and the Frog is a throwback to Disney’s golden age. The animation is lush as it evokes the bustle and musical energy of New Orleans, but the movie’s best selling point is Tiana. The ambitious princess-to-be is a hero with more on her mind than love, which makes her journey toward owning her own restaurant all the more resonate.

The Croods

Any movie featuring the vocal stylings of Ryan Reynolds and Nicolas Cage was always destined to be a classic. Thankfully, The Croods delivers on its promise. The film follows a prehistoric family just trying to survive a harsh landscape when they meet a more advanced caveman (Reynolds) who shows them an easier way of life.

Ralph Breaks the Internet

No sequel could ever be as good as Wreck It Ralph, but Ralph Breaks the Internet has plenty to offer. Not only does the movie unite all of the Disney princesses in one room for an iconic scene, it sends Ralph and Vanellope on an enjoyable quest through internet culture that’s full of jokes that the adults in the audience will appreciate just as much as their tech savvy kids.

Mowgli

Andy Serkis directed this Netflix original that delves deeper into the story of The Jungle Book‘s Mowgli. Everyone knows that the man cub grew up in the jungle, but this movie pushes the story further as it explores the conflict between Mowgli’s life with the villagers and his loyalties to the jungle creatures that raised him. It’s a surprisingly gritty film, but if you enjoyed Disney’s live-action remake, this works well as a companion movie.

Mary and the Witch’s Flower

Harry Potter fans, listen up, because this anime film is for you. Mary’s discovery of a rare flower leads to her embracing her future as a witch in this whimsical tale of magic. Endor College bears more than a passing resemblance to Hogwarts, but thanks to the lovely animation there’s no limit to the wonder it holds.

Casper

Prepare to go back to your childhood, because Netflix has the 1995 Casper in its library just waiting to be rediscovered. Is the first love story between Casper and Christina Ricci’s Kat a bit odd? Sure, but that can’t take away from the sweetness of this ghost story.

The Emperor’s New Groove

Kuzco is never going to stop being hilarious. The prince turned insufferable llama isn’t always easy to root for, but it’s not hard to laugh at him. His journey toward being a better person (and ruler) is full of positive messages for the kids, while also serving up plenty of one-liners that will leave you laughing out loud.

The Water Horse

Set in Scotland, this movie is every bit as beautiful as you’d expect. It also has a charming story at its center. It’s not hard to invest in the young Angus’ desire to protect his friend, the actual Loch Ness monster, from those who seek to exploit the magical creature.

White Fang

There’s an unexpected Parks and Recreation reunion in White Fang: Nick Offerman and Rashida Jones both lend their voices to characters in the animated film. The Parks and Rec fun aside, this dog versus nature movie is an enjoyable take on Jack London’s tale that actually stays pretty faithful to the novel.

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West

The Mousekewitz family head west in this (far less emotional) followup to An American Tail. Even if the story won’t leave you sobbing the way the first movie does, it has plenty of fun with western tropes while continuing Fievel’s story with confidence and the same sense of joy that made the original an instant classic.

Balto

Balto is a very good boy indeed. Truthfully, this movie is basically Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with dogs and diphtheria, but that’s not a bad thing. Balto is an outcast because of his half wolf status, but he’s the only one who can lead the pack to bring life-saving medicine to a small Alaskan town. His quest isn’t an easy one, but that’s what makes this such a great animated ’90s film.

Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse

The 2019 Best Animated Film Oscar winner is coming to Netflix on June 26, and it’s an absolute can’t miss whether you love superhero films or not. Miles Morales finds himself donning the Spider-Man suit in his world, but things quickly get complicated for the hero when he has to band together with his counterparts from five different universes in order to stop a threat to all of their realities. It’s a wild, beautifully animated ride that will enthrall and inspire you and the kids in your life.

Incredibles 2

Fans had to wait more than a decade for Pixar’s follow-up to The Incredibles, but the sequel turned out to be well worth the long delay. Super mom Helen takes center stage as the hero the world needs in this installment, leading to her husband taking on a more hands on role at home and with their kids. The reversal of traditional gender roles sends a powerful message about the importance of working together as a family, while also letting a female superhero shine.

Coco

Coco is a feast for your eyes even as it also speaks to your heart. The gentle-hearted tale of an aspiring musician’s journey into the Land of the Dead packs a punch when it comes to weaving together the themes of grief and heritage. In true Pixar fashion this movie will make you sob, but it’s also a moving story that could help you discuss a number of tricky topics with your children.