As a homeschooling dad of four kids ranging in age from 3 to 13 years old, I’ve learned that teamwork isn’t just a helpful skill; it’s a daily necessity. Whether we’re juggling group projects, navigating family outings, or just figuring out who’s doing the dishes, working together is part of how our home runs smoothly.
The Netflix shows I’ve featured here demonstrate that teamwork extends far beyond simply taking turns. It’s about listening, adapting, encouraging others, and sometimes putting someone else’s needs ahead of your own. These aren’t always easy lessons to teach, but when kids see their favorite characters working through these moments, the lessons often stick. They absorb those skills in ways that lectures or chore charts can’t teach.
From playful musical shows for toddlers to complex adventures suited for tweens, I’ve included a brief synopsis for each show so you can determine if it’s something your child might enjoy based on their own interests. I’ve also highlighted how each show emphasizes teamwork and provided a standout episode that brings it all together. No matter your child’s age, you’ll find something here to help reinforce the value of working together. While there are many other shows to choose from, these particular options have resonated with my children.
Carmen Sandiego
Carmen Sandiego follows the stylish and brilliant thief-turned-hero Carmen as she takes down the evil organization VILE, recovering stolen artifacts and outsmarting bad guys along the way. Carmen is not alone; her tech-savvy best friend Player and the sibling duo Ivy and Zack are all critical to her globe-trotting adventures. The sleek animation, clever plots, and cultural depth make it a standout for older elementary and middle schoolers.
Teaching Teamwork: The group works because everyone understands their strengths and plays their role without overshadowing others. Whether it’s support from Player or boots on the ground from Ivy and Zack, Carmen’s success comes from relying on her crew. My 13-year-old picked up on the message that collaboration is more effective than going solo.
Teamwork in Action: During the Chasing Paper Caper, Ivy takes the lead with a museum disguise while Zack causes a diversion and Player handles digital security. When the mission nearly collapses under a lockdown, they regroup and solve it together. It’s a great reminder that solving problems as a team is about staying flexible and having each other’s backs.
Trollhunters
Trollhunters introduces kids to a magical world hidden beneath their own. When teenage Jim Lake Jr. becomes the first human Trollhunter, he must balance high school life with saving the troll and human worlds. With his loyal best friend Toby, a smart classmate named Claire, and a few troll allies, Jim takes on dark forces that threaten everything.
Teaching Teamwork: Jim initially tries to carry every responsibility alone but quickly realizes that sharing the load leads to better results. The show emphasizes that strength comes from partnership. My 10-year-old often wants to go it alone, but he sees how having a team makes everything different.
Teamwork in Action: When Angor Rot becomes too much for Jim to handle on his own, Claire and Toby show up with just the help he needs. Claire opens a portal while Toby distracts the threat. The rescue would not have happened without them, and Jim learns that accepting help can mean the difference between failure and survival.
The Magic School Bus Rides Again
This reboot of the ’90s classic keeps the science-loving fun alive with Fiona Frizzle taking her class on magical, mind-blowing field trips through time, space, and the human body. The diverse classroom is filled with kids who each have their quirks and strengths, and every episode challenges them to use what they know together to get back safely.
Teaching Teamwork: The Magical School Bus Rides Again features a central theme of teamwork. Whether kids are troubleshooting a problem in space or inside a volcano, the answers come from brainstorming together. Quiet students often shine brightest in these moments. My 7-year-old loves how even shy voices get heard and valued.
Teamwork in Action: During Ghost Farm, a spooky mystery unravels in the pumpkin patch. Arnold thinks through the logic, Jyoti checks environmental clues, and Ralphie leads the way with courage. Their teamwork unravels the mystery, showing kids that every voice matters when solving big puzzles.
Lego City Adventures
Lego City Adventures is set in a bustling metropolis built entirely from Lego bricks. It follows Officer Duke, Detain Fire Chief Freya McCloud, and Mayor Fleck as they handle emergencies in their zany city. With its wild humor, bright visuals, and fast pace, it is a massive hit with my 10-year-old.
Teaching Teamwork: Every emergency demands input from multiple departments and personalities. The show consistently reminds kids that every job has value, regardless of how flashy or mundane it may be. My son now sees the big picture of how people rely on each other.
Teamwork in Action: When Harl Hubbs tries to fix everything solo, chaos takes over the city. Eventually, other teams step in and help repair the mess, showing Harl that enthusiasm needs support to make a real impact. Watching everyone come together models how helping someone also helps everyone.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish follows the legendary feline hero as he faces the reality of being down to his last life. He teams up with the tough and clever Kitty Softpaws and a lovable dog named Perrito in search of a mythical wish that could restore their lives. The movie blends action, emotion, and plenty of humor, making it especially impactful for older kids like my 13-year-old.
Teaching Teamwork: Even though the trio starts at odds, they eventually realize their success depends on vulnerability and trust. My oldest loved watching how their growth as a group came from letting go of pride and learning to rely on one another.
Teamwork in Action: The enchanted forest maze becomes hostile when the characters act selfishly. It’s only when they begin to support each other emotionally that the forest responds positively. Perrito’s calming of Puss during a panic attack is a clear lesson in how emotional safety fosters genuine cooperation.
Boss Baby Back in the Crib
Boss Baby Back in the Crib follows grown-up Theodore Templeton, who returns to Baby Corp and poses as an infant again after being framed. He leads a team of baby operatives to uncover the real villains while managing corporate-style chaos in a world of individuals clad in diapers.
Teaching Teamwork: Despite his ego, Boss Baby constantly relies on his team of infant agents, each with unique skills. My 7-year-old finds the mix of silliness and teamwork hilarious, and it serves as a great bridge between imaginative play and more structured lessons about cooperation.
Teamwork in Action: In War of the War Rooms, the babies are divided into rival teams to design the best strategy room. What starts as a competition devolves into chaos, and it’s only when they reunite and combine their ideas that they create a room capable of handling a real crisis. The takeaway is clear: good ideas get better when shared.
Cocomelon
Cocomelon is a colorful musical series that teaches toddlers daily routines and life skills through cheerful songs and familiar situations. From cleaning up to brushing teeth, it models real moments from preschool life in a way that’s easy for little ones, like my 3-year-old, to follow and enjoy.
Teaching Teamwork: Toddlers begin to understand cooperation through repetition and rhythm. With songs about sharing, helping, and tidying up, the show gently introduces the idea that working together is a regular part of life.
Teamwork in Action: In the “Clean Up Song” episode, JJ and friends make a mess while playing and want to avoid picking it up. But once they start singing, they clean together quickly and happily. The moment highlights how shared responsibility can feel like play instead of a chore.
The Dragon Prince
The Dragon Prince follows two human princes and an elf assassin who form an unlikely alliance to return a stolen dragon egg. Their journey across a magical land is filled with action, humor, and profound emotional growth, making it ideal for older kids like my 13-year-old.
Teaching Teamwork: Building trust across differences is at the heart of the story. The group must listen, compromise, and grow together, even when past conflicts and opposing goals threaten to pull them apart.
Teamwork in Action: During the Bloodthirsty episode, the team disagrees on how to deal with a magical creature. Rayla wants to fight, Callum turns to spells, and Ezran suggests compassion. They only succeed when combining all three approaches, which reinforces the idea that diverse ideas can solve complex problems.
Miraculous Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir
Miraculous centers on two Parisian teens, Marinette and Adrien, who become superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir. Together, they face off against villains created by Hawk Moth while managing school friendships and secret identities.
Teaching Teamwork: The balance between independence and cooperation plays out in every mission. Ladybug’s planning and Cat Noir’s improvisation only work when they trust each other and focus on a shared goal.
Teamwork in Action: In Heroes Day Part 2, the city is under attack by multiple villains. Ladybug organizes temporary heroes and coordinates a plan that allows everyone to use their unique powers. The episode showcases the value of clear leadership roles and unity during a crisis.
Octonauts Above and Beyond
Octonauts Above and Beyond expands the original sea-based adventures onto land, where the team rescues animals and protects their habitats. With science and engineering at its core, this show appeals to my 7-year-old, who loves gadgets and animals.
Teaching Teamwork: Rescue missions rely on clearly defined roles and mutual respect. Characters like Tweak Dash and Captain Barnacles demonstrate how diverse talents contribute to successful problem-solving.
Teamwork in Action: In the Mountain River Cave episode, a landslide traps a panda. Dash scans the terrain, Tweak builds the support gear, and Barnacles coordinates the extraction. Their combined efforts save the panda and demonstrate how different jobs work together toward a single solution.
Team Umizoomi
Team Umizoomi is a math-powered adventure show for preschoolers. Milli Geo and Bot solve everyday problems with shapes, numbers, and patterns. My 3-year-old loves how interactive it feels while modeling teamwork through simple tasks.
Teaching Teamwork: Solving puzzles together is what the team does best. Each member brings a unique ability, and they rely on one another to complete the job and assist others.
Teamwork in Action: At the Kite Festival, Geo builds a search vehicle, Milli measures, and Bot scans the sky to find a missing kite. It’s a clear example of how dividing tasks based on strengths leads to success.
Word Party
Word Party features baby animals who learn new vocabulary and emotional skills together. They speak directly to young viewers and encourage participation, which helps toddlers like my youngest feel part of the team.
Teaching Teamwork: Helping others understand feelings and solve everyday challenges is how the babies grow together. They model compassion, listening, and turn-taking sweetly and straightforwardly.
Teamwork in Action: In Lulu Loses Her Voice the team invents new ways to communicate with their friend. They take turns guessing what she needs, create hand signals, and support her throughout the day. It’s a gentle example of empathy in action.
Spirit Riding Free
Spirit Riding Free follows a brave girl named Lucky who bonds with a wild mustang named Spirit. Alongside her friends and their horses, she navigates adventures across the frontier. This one resonates strongly with my 7-year-old daughter.
Teaching Teamwork: The girls always lean on each other when challenges arise. Whether they are solving mysteries or navigating emotional moments, their friendship provides the support each one needs.
Teamwork in Action: In Lucky and the Girl Who Cried Wolf Lucky tries to handle a situation on her own but ends up in trouble. Her friends jump in, and together they get her back safely. The show highlights how asking for help strengthens independence, rather than weakening it.
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic follows Twilight Sparkle and her friends as they solve magical and emotional problems using the Elements of Harmony. It’s a great blend of humor and heart with lessons kids of all ages can connect to.
Teaching Teamwork: Each pony represents a core value, such as honesty or loyalty, and their missions demonstrate how those traits work best in harmony with others. My kids have all found moments they relate to in these characters.
Teamwork in Action: In “The Return of Harmony,” Discord breaks the group’s bond, and they lose their power. Twilight reminds them of what they’ve overcome together, and they reunite to stop him. It’s a magical metaphor for repairing relationships and rediscovering strength in unity.
Penguins of Madagascar
Penguins of Madagascar is a wild spy comedy starring four penguins who run covert ops out of Central Park Zoo. Their fast-paced antics are full of surprises, but underneath the humor is a fundamental foundation of teamwork.
Teaching Teamwork: Every mission works because each penguin has a role. Whether it’s Rico’s gear or Kowalski’s plans, their teamwork is what makes them so effective despite their oddball personalities.
Teamwork in Action: In Operation Antarctica, Private goes solo and gets into trouble. The others show up and use brains, brawn, and bravery to help him out. It’s a goofy but effective message that working together always beats going alone.
The Baby Sitters Club
The Baby-Sitters Club is a reboot of the classic book series, following a group of middle school girls who start their own babysitting business. The show addresses real-life issues while emphasizing the importance of friendship and responsibility.
Teaching Teamwork: Running a club means sharing the load and managing different opinions. The girls grow by learning how to lead and compromise, which makes it perfect for my 13-year-old and her peers.
Teamwork in Action: In Kristy’s Big Day, the team faces more bookings than they can handle. Instead of giving up, they divide shifts, lean on each other’s strengths, and call in extra help. It’s a grounded example of real-world collaboration.
Whether it’s toddlers learning through song or tweens navigating responsibility, these Netflix shows offer more than entertainment. They provide kids with visual examples of how to work with others, solve problems together, and support their friends. In our house, these stories have sparked honest conversations and even changed how my kids approach group activities. The lessons stick because they’re woven into adventures that feel exciting, fun, and real. While many more options exist on Netflix, these are the shows that have resonated with my children at various stages in their lives, and I hope they’ll do the same for your child.