Thursday 4 July 2019

Roku Blog Feed: “How to stream the Tour de France” plus 4 more

Roku Blog Feed: “How to stream the Tour de France” plus 4 more

Link to US – The Official Roku Blog

How to stream the Tour de France

Posted: 04 Jul 2019 07:01 AM PDT

Riders from around the globe are about to line up for cycling's ultimate test – the Tour de France. Kicking off in Brussels, the 106th edition will no doubt feature daring breakaways and exciting sprint finishes alongside grueling climbs in the Pyrenees and Alps. With several prominent pre-race favorites out, the battle for the yellow jersey will be one of the most riveting sporting events of the year.

Tour de France 2019

It's easy to stream all 21 stages of the Tour with the Cycling Pass on NBC Sports Gold. Starting July 6, subscribers (at $54.99 per year) get live, commercial-free and on-demand access to every stage, plus hours of Tour de France coverage, real-time commentary, event highlights, interviews and full replays of every stage.

In addition to the Tour de France, NBC Sports Gold offers live access to dozens of cycling events including the upcoming Vuelta a España (August 24 – September 15).

Add the NBC Sports channel or find it in the "Sports" category in the Roku Channel Store on Roku players and Roku TVs in the U.S.

Happy Streaming!

The post How to stream the Tour de France appeared first on The Official Roku Blog.

UFC President Dana White interview | UFC 239

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 03:57 PM PDT

Ahead of this weekend’s UFC 239, we had the chance to catch up with none other than UFC President, Dana White. He let us know why UFC 239 is must-see TV, his views on streaming, and even who he’d want to play him in a movie about his life.

Stream UFC 239 live on your Roku devices Saturday, July 6 for $59.99.

Happy Streaming!

The post UFC President Dana White interview | UFC 239 appeared first on The Official Roku Blog.

The best horror movies on Netflix right now (July 2019)

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 03:11 PM PDT

Sabienna Bowman has been covering entertainment news since 2010. She currently writes for BustleReelgood, and PopSugar.

Finding a good horror movie on Netflix can be frustrating, but not because there aren’t any available. The problem is it’s all too easy to get lost in the endless scroll. That’s where we come in. Whether you’re looking for a good ghost story, some horror movies with a sense of humor, or an under the radar gem, we’ve rounded up the best scary movies on Netflix right now. So flip off the lights and turn on your Roku box, because it’s time for some spooky good fun. 

You don’t have to spend all night scrolling to find the scary movie that’s right for you, though. We have you covered with a list of the best horror movies on Netflix right now.

If you’re in the mood for something a little more lighthearted, pick something from the full New on Netflix list that we update monthly.

In addition to this list of the best scary movies on Netflix, we also keep a running list of some other popular genres you can stream:

Cloverfield

The found footage genre is a bit tired these days, but that doesn’t take away from the frustrating effectiveness of Cloverfield. The movie follows a completely average group of young New Yorkers who are partying the night away until a Godzilla-like creature descends on the city. By keeping the monster out of view, the film creates an unnerving atmosphere that effectively keeps viewers on edge — as long as you can stand the shaky-cam. 

Little Evil

Adam Scott walks away with this horror comedy as he plays the befuddled stepfather to the antichrist. Director Eli Craig also gave the world Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, and he employs the same level of playfulness with genre tropes here that made his other film such a joy to watch. 

Zombieland

Twinkies, headshots, and a genuinely moving found family narrative propel this movie into classic status. Woody Harrelson’s Tallahassee is an instantly iconic, zombie-killing machine, and the rest of the stellar cast isn’t bad either. There’s a sequel heading to the big screen this fall, which makes now the perfect time to revisit the original. 

The Blackcoat’s Daughter

Kiernan Shipka and Emma Roberts star in this atmospheric tale of two girls stranded in their boarding school as another braves the harsh winter to reach a mysterious destination. Along the way, there’s plenty of unease as the movie slowly unravels its central mystery and the darkness lurking within the school. 

Hush

The sheer amount of tension in Hush is breathtaking. Set in a remote area, a deaf writer’s retreat is interrupted by the appearance of a masked killer in her window. What follows is a survival story that’s not for the faint of heart. 

The Silence

Netflix’s original films can be hit or miss, and to be fair, there’s more than a dash of the superior A Quiet Place in The Silence, but it stands on its own as a compelling horror movie all the same. Shipka turns in a sharp performance as a young girl whose heightened senses make her valuable in a world where sound is dangerous. And while the movie doesn’t entirely live up to its promise, her performance alone is reason enough to watch. 

Backcountry

A couple of city folk head out into the wilderness and get more than they bargained for in this underappreciated gem. In a refreshing twist, it’s not evil hill folk that plague them, but rather a bloodthirsty bear that they’ll have to use their wits and sheer endurance to escape.

The Golem

If you alone possess the power to save your community from a plague, you would do it no matter the cost, right? Unfortunately for the hero of this spooky film, the protector she conjures turns out to be an even bigger threat than the plague. The Golem is an effectively creepy story that draws on folklore to create a nightmarish and infinitely watchable movie. 

Veronica

When Veronica first appeared on Netflix, there was more than one trend piece declaring it the scariest movie of all-time. It’s definitely not that. But it’s still more than your standard possession movie fare thanks to the way it plays with the hysteria that religious fervor can create, and that’s more than enough reason to check it out. 

Yoga Hosers

Yoga enthusiasts take on Canadian nazis disguised as sausages in this trippy horror comedy that doesn’t get enough credit for being absolutely bonkers. Kevin Smith is the director, and while it definitely serves up more laughs than scares, it’s perfect for a campy scary movie night.

Await Further Instructions

On the day after Christmas, a British family awakens to a message warning them not to venture outside their home due to an unknown black substance hanging in the air. In a true horror movie fashion, their own infighting and pettiness quickly becomes even more dangerous than the mysterious threat as their paranoia drives them to make a series of rash decisions. 

Life After Beth

Aubrey Plaza is a comedic genius; that’s just a fact, between Legion and this movie, she’s also proven herself to be capable of delivering genuine scares too. Life After Beth follows Plaza’s Beth as she returns from the dead, only for her and her boyfriend to quickly realize she’s more undead than alive. 

Under the Shadow

This Middle-Eastern horror movie is brilliant and deeply scary. Set in a recently bombed apartment building during the Iran-Iraq War, the residents begin to believe that the missile carried a curse that will doom them all. By mixing the very real terror of war-time with supernatural twists, Under the Shadow stands as one of the best horror movies of the 21st Century so far.

The Perfection

If body horror freaks you out, then move on to the next movie on this list. Everyone else prepare to be grossed out and impressed by the gory drama of The Perfection. The Netflix original stars Allison Williams as a music prodigy who leads her teacher’s latest star pupil down a shocking path. To say anything more would spoil the dark twists of this well-crafted tale.

The Conjuring

The Conjuring has its own extended universe now, but none of it would exist without the exquisite scares found in the 2013 movie that started it all. Ultimately, this is a simple horror film with a familiar premise: a family moves into a creepy house and spooky events start to occur. But it’s James Wan’s careful direction that gives this movie the unique, haunting mood that has pulled in so many fans.

Insidious

Speaking of Wan, after you devour The Conjuring take his 2010 film Insidious for a spin. When it comes to mainstream horror, he truly is one of the most inspired directors working today. With Insidious he pumped fresh blood into the tired scary kid genre, and began a fruitful working relationship with his frequent star Patrick Wilson.

47 Meters Down

Are you planning on going to the beach this summer? 47 Meters Down might change your mind. Mandy Moore and Claire Holt star in this shark fueled nightmare about two women who find themselves stranded in a cage surrounded by sharks after their diving adventure goes wrong. This intense film will keep you squirming in your seat until the very end.

The Witch

Set in 1630 New England, a family believes their daughter is practicing witchcraft in this unsettling horror film. The Witch feels like a throwback in all of the best ways. It relies on mood and silence to create an overwhelming sense of dread that permeates every frame. This movie is more than a collection of jump scares, it’s a rumination on all the ways fear can be our biggest enemy of all.

Gerald’s Game

There have been plenty of Stephen King movies at the box office lately, but perhaps the best modern adaptation of his work is Netflix’s Gerald’s Game. The 2017 film stars Carla Gugino as a woman who accidentally kills her husband, leaving herself chained to a bed with no hope of being set free. As her predicament grows more dire, the film becomes more and more claustrophobic as it depicts her growing desperation.

Apostle

Downton Abbey fans, prepare to see Matthew Crawley as you’ve never seen him before. Dan Stevens stars as a man who returns to his home to find that his sister is being held captive by a religious cult (as one does), and then embarks on a quest to get her back. And there’s lots of creative torture along the way, so maybe don’t eat while you watch this one.

Final Destination

Final Destination is so ’90s it hurts (even though it technically came out in 2000). From the clothes to the creative ways the universe tries to kill a group of unlucky teens who thwarted death, this supernatural slasher movie is just as much fun as you remember it being. In fact, it’s maybe even more fun now that you can forget about the many, many unfortunate sequels that came after it.

Poltergeist

Forget the remake. The only Poltergeist you need in your life is the 1982 original starring Craig T. Nelson. This movie brought terror to the suburbs and spawned sequels and rumors of a real-life curse. All of that pales in comparison to the actual film, which is every bit as terrifying now as it was when it was released in the ’80s.

Scream

Kevin Williamson and Wes Craven deconstructed slasher films in the brilliant 1996 film Scream, and for at least a decade afterward the genre had nowhere else to go. Yes, the movie is that good. By turns funny and genuinely heart pounding, the story of a teen girl who finds herself stalked by the scary movie loving Ghostface is a romp from beginning to end.

The Invitation

The Invitation is easily one of the most underrated modern horror films of our time. Set during an increasingly unsettling dinner party, the guests slowly begin to realize that all is not as it seems. This intense, slow burn movie is absolutely riveting.

Carrie

Another King adaptation, the original Carrie is an undisputed masterpiece. Sissy Spacek wows as a young woman who realizes she possesses some interesting powers just in time to serve up some vengeance to the classmates who taunt her. Even if you know what happens in the prom scene, there’s never a bad time to rewatch this classic.

Gremlins

Horror Christmas movies are their own special subset of the genre, and Gremlins is their king. The movie created the adorable, but also dangerous Mogwais that made everyone want a pet named Gizmo. And it also spawned plenty of memorable pop culture moments (including the “don’t feed it after midnight” rule). But what this movie doesn’t get enough credit for is just how scary things get when the Mogwais start multiplying.

Creep

Proving that nothing good comes from answering ads on the internet, Creep stars Mark Duplass as a man who is hired to film another guy’s video for his unborn child. The only problem is the other man’s requests just keep getting stranger by the minute. This 2015 film is a reminder that a film doesn’t need a big budget to be an effective horror movie.

Tucker & Dale vs. Evil

Horror comedies have to strike a tricky balance between making you laugh and incorporating at least a few real scares. Tucker & Dale vs. Evil manages to do both and then some. The movie stars as Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk as two country guys who are just trying to have a nice vacation when a bunch of college kids start killing themselves on their property. Things only get more delightfully twisted from there.

I Am the Pretty Little Thing That Lives in the House

Slow burn horror movies are some of the genre’s best, and I Am the Pretty Little Thing That Lives in the House is a prime example of why these films work so well. Ruth Wilson plays a woman hired to care for an ailing author in a house that seems to hold its share of dark secrets. The movie takes its time getting going, but Wilson’s performance carries it through to an eerie conclusion.

Train to Busan

Train to Busan plays out like a waking nightmare. A dad and his daughter find themselves trapped on a train during a zombie outbreak in this South Korean film. Thanks to some brilliant cinematography and a tight narrative, this movie creates an unrelenting sense of tension and dread that will leave you breathless.

All the Boys Love Mandy Lane

File this one under the overlooked slasher gem category. Starring Amber Heard, All the Boys Love Mandy Lane starts off as a typical horror movie with a teen heading out to a shady party where two murders clue the viewer in on the fact that the heroine is in a bad situation. However, there’s more to this clever movie than the premise lets on, and that’s exactly why it needs to be added to your Netflix queue, STAT.

Truth or Dare

Every horror movie list needs at least one scary movie that’s just schlocky fun. And Truth or Dare more than fits the bill. This movie about a group of college grads trapped in a demonic game of truth or dare is not great, it’s not even good. But it is so bad that you can build a fantastic movie night around enjoying the cheesiness of it all.

The Ritual

Four college friends embark on a trek through the Scandinavian wilderness in this atmospheric movie that mixes the very human emotions of grief and guilt with a heavy dose of mythology. There are plenty of scares to be had as you watch the men become aware of the dangerous situation that they’re in. However, The Ritual is the rare scary movie that’s just as good on a dramatic level as it is as a genre film.

Happy Streaming! Don’t forget to leave the lights on.

The post The best horror movies on Netflix right now (July 2019) appeared first on The Official Roku Blog.

The best comedy movies on Netflix this month (July 2019)

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 03:10 PM PDT

Sabienna Bowman has been covering entertainment news since 2010. She currently writes for BustleReelgood, and PopSugar.

Comedy movies are comfort food for cinephiles. It doesn’t matter what you’re going through, settling down to watch your favorite funny film is sure to lift your spirits. However, wading through a sea of titles on Netflix can have the opposite effect. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’ve cut through the clutter to find the best comedy movies streaming on Netflix right now, so that you can stop scrolling and start laughing instead.

Hit that Netflix button on your Roku remote, because these are the best comedy movies on Netflix right now.

Check out our other always-up-to-date guide for the best movies on Netflix:

The 40-Year-Old Virgin 

Steve Carell is so genuine and charming in The 40-Year-Old Virgin it’s easy to forget just how bawdy the movie is. This modern classic is still a winner more than a decade later, and not just because of that chest hair waxing scene. The sometimes crass, but always good natured humor at the heart of the story combined with a winning cast means this Carell film will always be a winner. 

Caddyshack

Come for the gopher, stay for the incomparable Bill Murray. This movie about golf-obsessed rich dudes is every bit as riotous now as it was when it was first released in 1980. 

The Hangover

Forget the one note sequels. They shouldn’t be allowed to tarnish the legacy of this wild night out bromance. From Zach Galifianakis’ oblivious, but lovable Alan to Ken Jeong’s constant scene-stealing, the first movie remains a laugh out loud treat.

The One I Love

The One I Love is a horror movie if you tilt your head just right, but the black, comedic heart of this marriage gone wrong story with a sci-fi twist can’t be denied. Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss star as a couple whose last ditch attempt to save their relationship leads them to stay in an unusual weekend house recommended by their therapist. And things just get weirder from there. 

Mamma Mia!

Look, if Meryl Streep exuberant singing ABBA songs doesn’t make you grin, then nothing will. As rom-coms go, Mamma Mia! Is light on plot, but it more than makes up for that with the boundless energy of the all-star cast. 

Operator

Mae Whitman gets the spotlight she deserves in this quiet, biting comedy about a husband and wife whose marriage goes off the rails when they both use each other in their work. Whitman is joined by Martin Starr, who quickly proves that he’s leading man material in a small, but clever indie comedy. 

Julie & Julia

Sweet, romantic, and full of funny moments, Julie & Julia is a love letter to the power of food to bring people together. The movie stars Streep as the larger than life Julia Child, and Amy Adams as the modern day blogger who vows to cook her way through the legendary chef’s most famed cookbook. 

The Breaker Upperers

The Breaker Upperers is one of those devilishly funny films that you won’t be able to stop talking about once you’ve seen it. The movie follows two cynical women who decide to break-up with other people’s significant others for them — for a praise. They of course find themselves drawn into other people’s personal lives leading to plenty of hilarious and heartfelt moments along the way. 

As Good As It Gets

Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt both took home Oscars for their roles in this biting rom-com, and for good reason: their performances are brilliant. Nicholson plays a prickly man suffering from OCD, and Hunt is the only waitress who is willing to serve him in the local diner. As you might expect, they fall in love, but the take a touching and funny path to get there. 

Music and Lyrics

Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore make a superb team in this mostly forgotten rom-com. He’s a fading rock star and she’s the woman who waters his plants and has a way with words. Together they make awkward, but weirdly addictive pop music together.

The Edge of Seventeen

Coming of age tales are rarely as astute and self-assured as this one. The comedy is quiet, but watching Hailee Steinfeld navigate being 17 is always rewarding. (And there’s bonus Woody Harrelson, and it’s a known fact that he makes everything better.)

Harry and the Hendersons

The ’80s were a gloriously weird time for movies. But the decade gave the world cult classics like Harry and the Hendersons, a movie about a family that inadvertently ends up adopting Bigfoot. John Lithgow stars in this silly, but oh so watchable film that will make you feel like you’re 10 again. 

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Don’t let the salacious title fool you, Zack and Miri Make a Porno isn’t nearly as salacious as it sounds. Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks play roommates drowning in debt who decide to make an adult film for extra cash, but in true movie fashion things quickly spiral out of control leading to a funny, but also warm comedy that you’ll want to watch again and again.

Always Be My Maybe

Netflix is almost single-handedly making the rom-com genre relevant again, and it’s all thanks to brilliant little movies like Always Be My Maybe. Starring Ali Wong and Randall Park, the film about estranged high school sweethearts who reconnect as adults is a bit like a modern day When Harry Met Sally. The film finds humor in the yearning for the central characters to find love with one another, even as it suggests that may not be what’s best for either of them. Add in a sublime performance from Keanu Reeves, and you have the recipe for one of the best romantic comedies of the year.

Someone Great

The twin life changes of a breakup and a new job lead to an unexpectedly delightful comedy about female friends indulging in a wild night out. Starring Gina Rodriguez, Brittany Snow, and DeWanda Wise, this Netflix original packs in laughs even as it lingers on the uncomfortable realities of adulthood. Rodriguez is the perfect anchor for this tale of female friendship and new adventures, and you’ll find yourself rooting for her (and relating to her) in no time.

About Time

Released in 2013, About Time appears to be a time travel themed love story about a man who decides to improve his life after his dad reveals that the men in the family can time travel. It’s a bit more complicated than that though. Sure, there’s a love story at the heart of this funny little film, but don’t be surprised when it turns out to be less about romance than it is about the bonds between fathers and sons.

Unicorn Store

Captain Marvel and Nick Fury first united in Brie Larson’s 2017 directorial debut, Unicorn Store. And believe it or not, this movie is exactly what it says on the tin. Larson plays a failed art student whose dream of owning a unicorn comes true thanks to Samuel L. Jackson. It’s an unabashedly weird, but also life-affirming story about chasing your dreams, even the impossible ones.

Wine Country

What happens when you put seven of the funniest women in the world together in one film? Nothing but good things. Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, Maya Rudolph, Paula Pell, Tina Fey, Emily Spivey, and Ana Gasteyer star in Wine Country, a movie about a group of lifelong friends reckoning with the realities of middle age during a 50th birthday trip. The jokes fly fast in this movie, but expect plenty of truth bombs about adulthood to be dropped by the incredible cast too.

About a Boy

Hugh Grant is finally getting the career recognition he deserves thanks to his roles in A Very English Scandal and Paddington 2, which makes now the perfect time to look back on what may very well be his best performance. About a Boy stars Grant as a man child living off the royalties of a single hit song. He has no responsibilities and no direction, but all of that changes when a strange little boy from his neighborhood forces him to grow up. This is a comedy with a razor sharp dramatic edge that offers both humor and plenty of pathos.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Comedies with drama and romance are great. But sometimes you just want to laugh until you cry and your sides hurt. On those days, you need the sublime silliness of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. A three-headed giant, a killer rabbit, and a fearless knight who doesn’t know when to cut his losses are just a few of the delights you’ll find in this classic. 

Wet Hot American Summer

Before it was a Netflix series, Wet Hot American Summer was a fearlessly madcap film about a group of teens falling in love, growing up, and also maybe saving the world over the course of the last day of summer camp. Granted those teens were played by adults like Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, and Bradley Cooper. And the growing up sometimes happened in a single scene. Oh, and did we mention the talking can of beans? You know what, you’re just going to have to watch this one for yourself.

Heathers

Before Mean Girls, there was Heathers. The 1988 dark comedy stars Winona Ryder as a teen navigating the vicious cliques that form in high school. Her objection to the cruelty exhibited by her own clique spirals out of control in record time. Deliciously wicked and an utter blast to watch, this movie’s perfect for a night when you want to laugh at some seriously bad behavior.

Zombieland

The zombie apocalypse gets the humorous kick in the pants it deserves in Zombieland. Starring Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin, the 2009 horror comedy is a witty sendup to the zombie genre that doubles as a story about forming a found family. It also made Twinkies culturally relevant again, and for that alone we will always be grateful.

Hot Fuzz

Not all is at it seems in the village of Sandford. London Police officer Nicholas Angel isn’t supposed to have a thing to do in the sleepy hamlet, but a string of murders leaves him with a mystery on his hands. In true Edgar Wright fashion, this sendup to earnest cop dramas is a hilarious romp full of endlessly quotable moments and the flashy directing we’ve come to expect from the comedy master.

In Bruges

Two hit men lie low in a small city in Belgium for what’s meant to be a respite from their bloody work. Instead, they find themselves interacting with locals and tourists who push their lives in an unexpected direction. This comedy definitely falls into the dark category, but while it has its brutal moments, In Bruges is a pleasure to watch.

Empire Records

Empire Records is a true cult classic starring plenty of future famous faces including Liv Tyler, Renée Zellweger, and Tobey Maguire. Set in a failing record store, the movie includes all of the music references and snark that you could ask for, but it also tells the story of a group of young people who aren’t passionate about much except for music. Their quest to save the store is by turns funny and heartfelt.

Swiss Army Man

Daniel Radcliffe’s been determined not to be typecast as Harry Potter since the franchise ended, and Swiss Army Man is a pretty extreme departure for the actor. In the film, he plays a flatulent dead body and a source of endless humor as his corpse becomes the key to Paul Dano’s character Hank’s escape from a deserted island. Fair warning, this movie is weird, but it’s also pretty darn amusing.

Our Idiot Brother

Paul Rudd is a gift from the acting gods, and he proves that once again as the titular “idiot brother” in this indie gem. After selling marijuana to a cop, Rudd’s Ned is sent to jail. When he’s released, he finds himself at the mercy of his three sisters and their messy lives.

Death at a Funeral

Death isn’t the first subject that comes to mind when you think comedy, but this movie makes a good case for why a funeral can be the perfect setting for hilarity to ensue. Chris Rock, Zoe Saldana, and Peter Dinklage star in this film about a family coming together to mourn their patriarch only to find the day marred by mishaps and family secrets.

The Informant

Steven Soderbergh directs this 2009 film about a hapless spy enthusiast who decides to help the FBI bring down a major corporation. Matt Damon stars as the informant, and his wide-eyed enthusiasm is the perfect hook for a comedy of errors inspired by real-life events. Everyone knows Damon can be suave and heroic, but he doesn’t get enough credit for just how hilarious he can be when given the opportunity.

50/50

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen keep 50/50, the story of a young man’s cancer diagnosis, from becoming too grave. Their combined comedic prowess makes this film’s message about the power of having a good (and irreverent) friend by your side through a difficult time ring true. It also makes it a surprisingly fun watch.

Set It Up

Another inspired Netflix rom-com, Set It Up focuses on two overworked millennials who concoct a plan to get their bosses to hook up in hopes of decreasing their workloads. Of course, their scheme brings them together, but it’s a welcome development in what is a warm and clever film that’s as much about friendship as it is about romance.  

Just Friends

Before he was Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds was already making people laugh in movies like Just Friends. In this 2005 film, he takes on the role of a firmly friend-zoned best friend who finally works up the courage to confess his love to his pal at the exact wrong moment. Things get funny fast from there in this slightly raunchy, but memorable comedy.

Still looking for more movies? Check our what’s free on The Roku Channel this month.

Happy Streaming!

The post The best comedy movies on Netflix this month (July 2019) appeared first on The Official Roku Blog.

The best kids movies on Netflix right now (July 2019)

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 01:51 PM PDT

Sabienna Bowman has been covering entertainment news since 2010. She currently writes for BustleReelgood, and PopSugar.

Netflix’s library is an ever expanding beast, and wading through the endless list of titles can be exhausting. The next time you want to watch a good film with your kids, skip the scrolling and consult this list. We’ve cut through all the clutter to bring you the best kids movies currently streaming on Netflix — queue up one of these gems and thank us later. 

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:

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 (7/9)

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 (7/16)

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 (7/29)

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. 

Hercules 

Greek mythology has absolutely no right to be this delightful. Disney’s Hercules isn’t just impeccably animated, it also has killer songs, a terrific villain, and the good sense not to take itself too seriously. Just sit back and appreciate this wonderfully silly cartoon for what it is: a good time. 

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.

Looking for more entertainment for the kiddos? Here are 12 free kids Roku channels.

Happy Streaming!

The post The best kids movies on Netflix right now (July 2019) appeared first on The Official Roku Blog.

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