Finding movies you can watch with the whole family can be difficult, especially when there are kids involved.
Here are 35 family-friendly movies you can find on Netflix.
This list is not all-inclusive. Ratings sourced from commonsensemedia.org, movieguide.org, parentpreviews.com and redtri.com.
‘An American Tail’ (G)
Living in 19th-century Russia, the Mousekewitz family must emigrate to the United States after their home is burned down. Unfortunately, little Fievel Mousekewitz is separated from his family and sets out to relocate them.
Common Sense Media notes that mouse death and separation from family might be upsetting for young kids, but that there are many positive messages.
‘The Angry Birds Movie’ (PG)
Based on the Angry Birds video game, this movie focuses on Red, a bird who is forced to take an anger management class. A group of green pigs suddenly arrive on the island, and Red wonders about their motivations. He works with his friends to investigate the pigs and, if necessary, defend their island.
Parent Previews warns that the film does contain violence and anger as well as some near-swear words and name-calling.
Common Sense Media recommends the film for viewers ages 7 and older.
Related article: “Five for Families: ‘Angry Birds’ and other films based on games”
‘Balto’ (G)
The heroic Balto, along with his other sled dog friends, works to save the people of Nome, Alaska, from a deadly diphtheria epidemic.
This movie focuses on dogs and real-life peril, so some action scenes or conflict between dogs may be scary. Otherwise, Common Sense Media rates the movie for children ages 6 and up.
‘Barbie in a Mermaid Tale’ (NR)
As the 17th movie in the “Barbie” collection, Barbie plays half-mermaid, half-human Princess Merliah, who must save her mother and underwater kingdom.
Common Sense Media recommends this movie for children 6 and up, but warns about the heavy presence of consumerism in the “Barbie” world.
‘Bee Movie’ (PG)
In this animated movie, a bee leaves his hive, learns that humans take and consume the honey he and his friends produce, and decides to sue the humans.
According to Parent Previews, the movie has some “veiled sexual jokes and obscure references to drug use,” in addition to a few scenes of cartoon violence.
‘Benji’ (NR)
As an updated Netflix-made version of the 1974 film, “Benji” follows the story of a young pup left behind after his family is carted off by malicious dogcatchers.
Although family-friendly, Common Sense Media described the movie’s villains as “scary, menacing, and playing for keeps” which adds to the perilous scenes throughout the movie.
‘Boy and the World’ (PG)
After his father leaves the countryside for the city to find work, Cuca goes on a quest to find him.
Common Sense Media notes some mild peril, but otherwise no objectionable content.
‘The Cat in the Hat’ (PG)
Two kids are bored on a rainy day until the imaginative Cat in the Hat comes around — eventually causing more trouble than fun.
This movie may be more suitable for older kids (ages 10 and older, according to Common Sense Media), with some instances of language and crude humor. There are veiled jokes throughout the movie that will be missed by kids, but parents will catch.
‘Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs’ (PG)
When kooky scientist Flint Lockwood’s newest contraption runs amok by raining giant food from the sky, it is the responsibility of Flint, weather girl Sam Sparks and Flint’s talking monkey assistant to stop the machine from covering the entire world in giant meatballs.
This movie is suitable for children 6 and up, according to Common Sense Media.
‘Coraline’ (PG)
Feeling lonely and unhappy with her life after a move, a young girl discovers an alternate reality where everything is better. However, she ultimately learns to be content in the real world.
Common Sense Media says “Coraline” is “too scary for kids 8 and under” and deals with mature themes such as “being careful what you wish for and thinking the grass is always greener.”
‘The Croods’ (PG)
A caveman family afraid of change is faced with exploring the unknown outside world after their cave is destroyed.
According to redtri.com, this movie is safe for young kids, despite its mild adventure and violence scenes. The review pointed out that the movie is even educational at times, and has “colorful visual effects, amazing artistry and humor” that entertains kids and adults alike.
‘Dolphin Tale 2’ (PG)
A marine biologist, prosthetics designer and devoted boy became the hope for a young dolphin named Winter when its tail is damaged in a trap, threatening its ability to ever swim again.
Now, in the sequel, Winter’s surrogate mother dies, and the aquarium must find a new companion necessary for Winter, or else lose the beloved dolphin to another aquarium.
“Dolphin Tale 2” is a very safe movie for all ages, according to Common Sense Media.
‘Gnome Alone’ (PG)
When Chloe moves into her new house, she discovers the garden gnomes that live there are alive, and recruit her to protect the house from evil creatures from another realm.
With some scary images of the “Trogs,” Common Sense Media recommends this movie for kids 8 and older.
‘The Grinch’ (PG)
Based on Dr. Seuss’ Christmas classic, “The Grinch” follows a grump living on Mt. Crumpet, which overlooks Who-ville. As Christmas in Who-ville rolls around with plans to be bigger, brighter and noisier than ever before, the Grinch resolves to steal Christmas in order to finally get some peace and quiet.
Movieguide praises this film’s triumph over materialism and alienation, with some mild action scenes and physical comedy.
‘Hoodwinked Too!: Hood vs. Evil’ (PG)
Red gets a call from the Happily Ever After Agency, and is assigned to save Hansel and Gretel from the evil witch.
Parents should watch out for some mild language and cartoonish violence in this movie, according to Common Sense Media.
‘Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation’ (PG)
A summer cruise trip for this monster family goes awry after Ericka, the ship captain, tricks Drac and hides a secret that is dangerous for the entire family.
Common Sense Media recommends this movie for children 7 and older, and it contains some mildly sexual content and scary images. The site also notes many positive messages in the movie.
‘Inkheart’ (PG)
Mo and his daughter, Meggie, have the power to bring storybook characters to life simply by reading aloud. Unfortunately, this power goes awry as an evil villain is brought to life, and they are tasked with returning him back to his storybook home.
Common Sense Media says this movie has “brutal henchmen” and scary villains which may be frightening for younger viewers, as well as very brief swearing. The site ultimately recommends the movie for children 8 and up.
‘Joseph King of Dreams’ (NR)
Movieguide.org says the movie clearly focuses on God. The overall theme, according to MovieGuide.org, is that God “knows better than we do because it is God who is at work in our history, thus it is his story, not ours.” The movie closely follows the biblical story, though there are a few chronological changes.
Family media guide recommends the film for viewers ages 6 and older.
Related article: “15 Movies to Watch on Amazon Prime That Are Perfect for Latter-day Saints”
‘Leap!’ (PG)
Felicie, an aspiring ballet dancer, and her friend Victor, who wants to be an inventor, escape from the orphanage where they live and go to Paris to pursue their respective dreams.
Parent Previews says the movie contains some slapstick and bathroom humor, in addition to an antagonist who becomes murderous during the film’s climax.
‘The Little Prince’ (PG)
This delightful, animated feature centers on a girl pressured to grow up too fast. She befriends their new next-door neighbor — an old pilot who tells stories of an unusual boy, the little prince. Over time, the girl begins to understand the wonder of childhood and the importance of imagination.
Movieguide.org warns that there is some violence as well as frightening moments, especially “when the girl is trapped in a factory and threatened by the machinery.”
Common Sense Media recommends the film for ages 9 and older.
Related article: “Why you need to watch Netflix’s ‘The Little Prince’ this weekend”
‘Little Women’ (PG)
This movie based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic book finds the the March sisters in the midst of family loss, coming of age and romantic drama in 19th-century Massachusetts.
Common Sense Media recommends it for children 11 and older, featuring some injuries and romantic kisses. While a family-friendly classic, “Little Women” contains themes that young children may have a hard time understanding.
‘Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa’ (PG)
On their way back home to Central Park Zoo, animal friends Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria become stranded in Africa when their plane crashes. Alex is reunited with his parents and must come to terms with their differences.
Common Sense Media tells parents that the film includes “romance, peril and adult humor.” There is also a scene in the beginning where Alex is separated from his father which might upset a younger audience.
‘National Treasure’ (PG)
Nicholas Cage plays Benjamin Franklin Gates, who begins his search for a lost “national treasure” by attempting to steal the Declaration of Independence.
Movieguide.org calls this heist movie “family-friendly entertainment that honors early American history.” Common Sense Media cites “moderately frequent gun play” and other violence and one foreign swear word but recommends the film for viewers ages 9 and older.
‘Open Season’
A pampered bear named Boog is given a rude awakening when he is thrown into nature during open season after secretly scavenging for candy at a local convenience store with misfit deer, Elliot.
Plugged In describes the movie as having “cartoonish” and “slapstick” violence, and contains some crude humor. Common Sense Media pointed out the movie’s tendency to portray sugar and coffee as producing “highs” or making the characters appear drunk. It is recommended for children ages 7 and up.
‘Penelope’ (PG)
Rich-girl Penelope remains secluded for most of her life after being cursed with the snout of a pig at birth. To be freed of this curse, she must be accepted for how she looks and find love.
This film is recommended for kids starting at 10 or 11 on Common Sense Media. It is a fun feature for families “with a lot of heart,” but does include some brief instances of drinking and smoking.
‘Peter Rabbit’ (PG)
Based on Beatrix Potter’s children’s books, this movie follows Peter Rabbit and his three sisters, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail, on a major heist of old man McGregor’s garden. Meanwhile, the story follows the affectionate neighbor Bea and the rivalry Peter and McGregor’s great-nephew, Thomas, have over her attention.
According to Common Sense Media, the film contains scenes of peril, conflict, pranks and some crude humor suited for children ages 9 and older.
Movieguide emphasizes the presence of slapstick comedy throughout the movie, as well as two romantic kisses. Overall, both sites praise the movie’s positive messages.
‘Planet Earth II’ (NR)
This nature documentary series, produced by the BBC, has episodes on topics such as “Cities,” “Islands” and “Grasslands.” Common Sense Media gives it an A+ for educational value and found no sexual content, language or drug depictions, although there are some scenes where animals fight each other.
‘The Princess Switch’ (NR)
Vanessa Hudgens plays both a Chicago baker and her exact duchess lookalike in this Christmas movie. When the two bump into each other in Belgravia, they switch places.
This movie has very little questionable material is recommended for children 8 and older by Common Sense Media.
‘Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse’ (PG)
Miles Morales develops spidey powers after being bitten by a radioactive spider in a Brooklyn subway station. He soon realizes there are others like him, and goes on to fight evil with his new-found role as a superhero.
Common Sense Media says parents should look out for some mild language and violence/action.
‘The Spiderwick Chronicles’ (PG)
When Jared and his family move to an old estate, strange things start happening. While Jared’s family thinks he is behind this mischief, Jared discovers that magical creatures are after him and his special book which is a field guide to fantastic creatures by Arthur Spiderwick.
Parents should be aware of some “intense” and “frightening” scenes involving conflict and creatures, according to Common Sense Media.
‘Spirit’ (G)
The wild stallion ‘Spirit’ is captured by humans, taking him away from his free life in the West. Spirit defies the odds as he maintains hope for freedom, and gains meaningful friendships and a love interest.
Peril and action are present in this Western movie as it follows the adventures of Spirit. Otherwise, this movie is recommended for very young children by Common Sense Media.
‘Spy Kids’ (PG)
Siblings Carmen and Juni live quite a nonadventurous suburban life until they learn of their parents’ past lives as spies. Launched into an action-packed adventure, these spy kids combat evil geniuses and become their parents’ only hope for survival.
Common Sense Media says this movie suitable for young children, but mentions instances of peril, cartoon violence and mutant creatures that some children may find scary.
‘Surf’s Up’ (PG)
This animated feature follows up-and-comer Cody Maverick as he leaves home to compete at the annual Penguin World Surfing Championship.
While rated as very appropriate for young children, Movieguide.org warns about “unnecessary bathroom humor.”
‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (2007) (PG)
After drifting apart, sensei Splinter reunites these four ninja turtles to save New York City from an “evil industrialist’s army of ancient monsters.”
Common Sense Media mostly notes animated violence and wordplay.
‘Turbo’ (PG)
This little snail has big plans: to win the Indy 500. In a slow-paced snail world, Turbo seeks to defy the odds as he picks up the pace.
Common Sense Media claims that positive messages are dispersed throughout this film, scattered with “repeated scenes of peril.” Movieguide.org praises “Turbo” for being “delightfully goofy and winsome” while being full of redemptive, positive themes.