The 14 Best Family Movies on Netflix
We’ve all been there: Remote in hand, scrolling through the Netflix queue trying to find something that isn’t—for the love of God—Paw Patrol. Fear not, diplomatic parent, because we’ve rounded up the 14 best family movies to watch right now on Netflix. (Warning: You might even enjoy them more than your kids will.)
1. ‘Incredibles 2’ (2018)
Who’s in it? Brad Bird, Holly Hunter, Craig T. Nelson, Samuel L. Jackson (voices)
What’s it about? The Incredible family of superheroes faces what could be their toughest challenge yet: a role reversal that sees Bob (Mr. Incredible) having to manage the household duties while his wife, Helen, leaves him and the kids behind to go out and save the world.
What ages? 5+
2. ‘Mulan’ (1998)
Who’s in it? Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, B.D. Wong, Pat Morita (voices)
What’s it about? The beloved Disney movie about a rebellious teen who takes her injured father’s place in a mandatory wartime draft is one of our favorite animated films, most notably because Eddie Murphy’s little dragon Mushu will leave you in stitches.
What ages? 4+
3. ‘Despicable Me 3’ (2017)
Who’s in it? Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker, Miranda Cosgrove (voices)
What’s it about? Gru’s long-lost (not to mention, richer and more charming) brother Dru invites him to do one more big criminal heist and steal back a diamond from former child star turned super-villain Balthazar Bratt. The mischievous but lovable minions get locked up, but don’t worry: There’s still plenty of laughs in this third installment.
What ages? 4+
4. 'Tarzan’ (1999)
Who’s in it? Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Brian Blessed, Glenn Close (voices)
What’s it about? Come for the love story between man-raised-by-gorillas Tarzan and quirky zoologist professor’s daughter Jane. Stay for the Phil Collins soundtrack, famed Disney Easter eggs and an adorable, family-friendly tale of self-acceptance.
What ages? 5+
5. ‘Emperor’s New Groove’ (2000)
Who’s in it? David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, Patrick Warburton (voices)
What’s it about? Kuzco, Yzma and the Emperor’s tale actually gets funnier with each watch. Kids will love the talking llama, Kuzco’s epic fails to carry out evil Yzma’s plans, and the selfless peasant Pacha, while adults will love the message of friendship and loyalty winning out over greed and arrogance.
What ages? 5+
6. ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ (2018)
Who’s in it? Mindy Kaling, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon
What’s it about? Hello?! It’s Oprah Winfrey on the big screen. Do you even have to think twice? After the disappearance of her scientist father, three peculiar beings send Meg, her brother and her friend on an adventure through time and space in order to find him.
What ages? 9+
7. ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018)
Who’s in it? Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson
What’s it about? Even if you’re not a comic book movie fan, this Avengers installment has something for everyone. An ensemble cast of The Hulk, Iron Man, Spider Man, Captain America and more has to team up with Black Panther and Wakanda to defeat the evil Thanos.
What ages? 12+
8. ‘National Treasure’ (2004)
Who’s in it? Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha
What’s it about? Mystery with a side of our nation’s history? Sign us up. Nicholas Cage stars as historian Ben Gates searching to find a treasure that dates back to the founding of the United States. When Gates uncovers a document on a ship in the Arctic Circle that could lead to the treasure’s whereabouts, though, he has to race against his former friend turned enemy (portrayed by Sean Bean...yes, Ned Stark is in this film) to follow the trail of clues before the bad guys get there first.
What ages? 8+
9. ‘Coco’ (2017)
Who’s in it? Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach (voices)
What’s it about? This stunningly colorful animated film is about a young musician named Miguel who must travel to the Land of the Dead to find out more about his ancestors, is wildly creative and oddly contemplative. A warning for younger kids: Some of the death talk can get grim!
What ages? 6+
10. ‘Christopher Robin’ (2018)
Who’s in it? Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, Bronte Carmichael, Mark Gatiss
What’s it about? Remember the little boy in blue and yellow from Winnie the Pooh? He’s now a grown-up living in London who gets a visit from his very special stuffed animal friend. The duo embark on an adventure to find Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet. Except, Christopher is the one who really needs their help to rediscover his youthfulness and imagination.
What ages? 7+
11. ‘Miracle’ (2004)
Who’s in it? Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Nathan West, Noah Emmerich
What’s it about? This true story about player turned hockey coach Herb Brooks who led the 1980 U.S. men’s hockey team to victory over the heavily favored Russian squad isn’t just for sports fans. It’s about teamwork, dedication and hope in the face of adversity.
What ages? 7+
12. ‘Next Gen’ (2018)
Who’s in it? John Krasinski, Charlyne Yi, Jason Sudeikis, Michael Peña (voices)
What’s it about? The Office’s Jim voices robot 7723, part of a secret project that’s discovered by robot-averse teen Mai. The unlikely duo must embark on an adventure to stop an uprising by bad robots and foil the plot of world domination by a mad man.
What ages? 7+
13. ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ (2009)
Who’s in it? Anna Faris, Bill Hader, Bruce Campbell, Andy Samberg (voices)
What’s it about? A town hits hard times and is forced to eat only sardines (which, honestly, sounds like our worst nightmare). Luckily, a masterful inventor finds a way to turn water into food, so that burgers and ice cream fall from the sky (and into trendy roofless restaurants) whenever it rains. Nothing could go wrong, right?!
What ages? 5+
14. ‘Secretariat’ (2010)
Who’s in it? Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Margo Martindale
What’s it about? Diane Lane and horse racing are enough reasons for us, but in case you need more info: It’s the true story of the 1973 Triple Crown winner and his homespun trainer played by Lane.
What ages? 7+
