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

Posted: 09 Aug 2019 08:51 AM PDT

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

It’s almost time for the kids to head back to school, but that’s all the more reason to keep family movie night going. Netflix has an impressive catalog of movies for kids and families to enjoy together, and they add to the lineup every single month. Because we know how busy life can get, we’ve mined Netflix’s library for the best kids movie available right now. From Disney favorites to under the radar animated films and everything in between, these movies are perfect for the whole 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:

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.

Silent

Introduce your kids to the world of silent cinema with this beautiful animated film. Silent pays homage to an era of movie history that doesn’t get nearly enough attention these days. Watch as two street performers discover the magic of movies, and maybe plan to follow this one up with an actual silent feature to fully immerse the kiddos in the genre.

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.

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!

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