Finding great kids’ movies can be challenging, with numerous options available, but Netflix has delivered a solid lineup of original English-language films that kids adore. I combed through all the original Netflix Kids Movies and selected the ones that earned at least a 5 out of 10 rating from users on IMDb and an overall user rating of at least 60% on Rotten Tomatoes. Any movies that failed to meet both of these scores were excluded.
Each movie listed includes a brief synopsis of the film, followed by what children love about it. My four children also chimed in on all the original Netflix movies they’ve watched so far from this list.
From hilarious animated adventures to heartwarming live-action stories, these movies offer plenty of laughs, valuable lessons, and pure family fun. Here is a full rundown of the best original Netflix kids movies you can stream right now.
The Monkey King (2023)
IMDB Rating 5.8 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 63%
The Monkey King is an animated action-adventure about a mischievous monkey who dreams of becoming immortal. Armed with a magical staff, he battles demons, dragons, and his own pride on a quest that takes him across colorful landscapes and into epic battles. Packed with fast-paced fights, goofy humor, and larger-than-life characters, it delivers nonstop energy and lessons about friendship and humility that stick with young viewers.
Why Kids Love The Monkey King
Kids love the crazy battles, silly characters, and magical powers. The movie is full of action and features fantasy creatures, making it a fun adventure from start to finish. My 10-year-old son and my seven-year-old daughter both loved the action in this movie and the comedy that it presented in a kid-friendly manner.
My Little Pony: A New Generation (2021)
IMDB Rating 6.6 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
My Little Pony: A New Generation introduces a bright and colorful world where the pony races are divided. Sunny, an optimistic earth pony, sets out to reunite the lands with the help of a brave unicorn and a daring pegasus. The journey takes them through dazzling cities, wild landscapes, and many musical moments. The film celebrates teamwork, kindness, and believing in yourself, wrapped in a visually stunning package that kids find easy to love.
Why Kids Love My Little Pony A New Generation
The fun characters, magical world, and many songs keep kids entertained. The message of friendship and teamwork is simple and positive. My 3-year-old daughter loves watching the Ponies while my seven-year-old said this was one of the best My Little Pony stories she has watched so far. My son also enjoyed the movie’s action.
Nimona (2023)
IMDB Rating 7.6 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Nimona is about a rebellious shapeshifter competing with a disgraced knight in a futuristic medieval world. Together, they challenge a society that fears anything different. Full of wild action scenes, sharp jokes, and touching moments, the story shows that being true to yourself is the real power. With a quick pace and lots of colorful animation, Nimona is packed with humor and excitement that keep kids hooked.
Why Kids Love Nimona
Kids love the wild transformations, fast action, and funny characters. The story moves quickly and feels adventurous and cool without being too serious. My 10-year-old son says he loved the action in this movie and the fun characters. We’ve watched it twice and both times he’s been full invested in the movie from start to finish.
Over the Moon (2020)
IMDB Rating 6.4 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
Over the Moon follows a bright young girl named Fei Fei who builds a rocket to the Moon in hopes of meeting a legendary moon goddess. Along the way, she enters a world full of glowing creatures, magical beings, and high-flying adventures. The film mixes Chinese mythology with modern animation and catchy songs. It tells a story about grief, love, and holding onto hope in the face of loss, but with plenty of color and fantasy to keep things light.
Why Kids Love Over the Moon
The glowing moon world, funny creatures, and musical moments make this one stand out. It has a heart, but also lots of fun and adventure.
Wish Dragon (2021)
IMDB Rating 7.2 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
Wish Dragon is the story of a teenager named Din who meets a magical dragon named Long, who can grant wishes. Long has been trapped inside a teapot for centuries and is eager to finish his mission. Set in modern-day Shanghai, the movie blends action, comedy, and heartfelt moments about friendship and what really matters in life. The animation is bright and energetic, and the humor is fast and goofy, keeping kids hooked from start to finish.
Why Kids Love Wish Dragon
Kids love the silly dragon, funny wish mishaps, and fast chases. The magic tricks and cool city scenes make it exciting and easy to love. All four of my children enjoyed the humor and action in this movie.
The Sea Beast (2022)
IMDB Rating 7.1 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
The Sea Beast follows a young girl named Maisie who stows away on a ship known for hunting giant sea creatures. But when she meets a misunderstood monster, she realizes the world is not as it seems. The movie mixes epic sea battles, heartfelt friendships, and lush animation to create a big, adventurous story that feels like a true high-seas adventure.
Why Kids Love The Sea Beast
Massive sea monsters, sword fights, and pirate ships make this thrilling. Kids love the big action scenes and the bond between Maisie and the beast. My seven and 10-year-olds said they loved the story and the “awesome” fights at sea. My 3-year-old laughed at the Sea Beast but was otherwise disinterested in the movie.
Leo (2023)
IMDB Rating 6.5 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Leo follows an elderly lizard who lives in a fifth-grade classroom and realizes he only has one year left to live. Wanting more out of life, he escapes and goes on a journey to help each of his students deal with their personal struggles. It is a heartwarming story filled with humor, clever school jokes, and talking animals voiced by Adam Sandler.
Why Kids Love Leo
Talking animals, goofy classroom adventures, and lots of jokes make this super fun. Kids love Leo’s funny advice and silly school moments. All four of my kids thought this movie was hilarious, and they loved the animation. As a big Adam Sandler fan, I have to say it’s one of his best movies in recent years and is worth watching, even if you’re not a fan of his previous work. I want to see Sandler make more Netflix kids movies!
The Magician’s Elephant (2023)
IMDB Rating 6.4 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
The Magician’s Elephant tells the story of an orphan boy named Peter, who, a fortune teller, suggests that an elephant will lead him to his long-lost sister. With the help of a magician, he must complete impossible tasks. The animation is soft and dreamlike, and the story blends magic, destiny, and the power of believing against all odds.
Why Kids Love The Magician’s Elephant
A magical elephant, impossible quests, and a fairytale feel make this an exciting adventure. Kids love the idea of magic helping someone find their family. My 7-year-old thought this movie was “cute,” but I don’t think it kept her attention the entire time.
Finding ‘Ohana (2021)
IMDB Rating 6.1 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
Finding Ohana is about two Brooklyn kids who travel to Hawaii for the summer and stumble onto a real-life treasure map. They team up with new friends to go on a thrilling cave exploration while reconnecting with their heritage. The movie combines Goonies-style adventure with cultural pride and family love, maintaining a fun and heartwarming energy.
Why Kids Love Finding ‘Ohana
Treasure hunts, secret maps, and underground adventures make this feel exciting. Kids love rooting for the group as they solve clues and escape dangers.
Klaus (2019)
IMDB Rating 8.2 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Klaus tells the story of a spoiled postman sent to a frozen town where he meets a reclusive toymaker. Together, they deliver gifts to unhappy children and accidentally create a new holiday tradition. With stunning hand-drawn animation and a heartfelt story, Klaus reimagines the origins of Santa Claus in a fresh, emotional way that feels timeless.
Why Kids Love Klaus
Snowy villages, magical gifts, and funny characters make this a cozy watch. Kids love seeing kindness turn a gloomy town into a happy one. My entire family loved this movie. The animation is beautiful, the movie’s version of Santa Claus is unique, and the storytelling is among the best of all Netflix original movies to date. I think this is one of the best original Netflix kids movies so far, and a perfect holiday movie to watch with family and friends.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
IMDB Rating 6.5 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a musical fantasy about a once-great inventor who finds hope again through his granddaughter and a magical invention. The movie is colorful, lively, and packed with original songs. It is a story about imagination, forgiveness, and believing in the impossible, wrapped in holiday magic.
Why Kids Love Jingle Jangle
Cool inventions, dancing toys, and catchy music keep kids excited. It is full of bright colors and holiday cheer. Jingle Jangle is a whimsical story that my children all sing along to. My son loves the inventions found throughout the movie, and my oldest daughter thought it was “cool,” which is a big thumbs up from a teenager.
Matilda the Musical (2022)
IMDB Rating 7.0 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 71%
Matilda the Musical brings Roald Dahl’s story to life with vibrant song and dance numbers. Matilda is a brilliant young girl who uses her wits and newfound powers to stand up to cruel adults at her school. It’s packed with bold characters, colorful settings, and a rebellious spirit that kids love.
Why Kids Love Matilda the Musical
Fun songs, a powerful kid hero, and silly villains make this an exciting story. Kids love seeing the underdog win. My 13-year-old really likes the story and songs, and my son likes watching the book come to life in musical form. My two youngest didn’t show much interest and never made it through the entire film.
Dog Gone (2023)
IMDB Rating 6.0 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
Dog Gone follows a college student and his father as they search the Appalachian Trail for their beloved lost dog. Based on a true story, the film blends heartfelt family moments with an adventurous search through the wilderness. It sweetly and simply shows the bond between a dog and his human companions.
Why Kids Love Dog Gone
Brave dogs, outdoor adventures, and a heartwarming story make this great for animal lovers. Kids root for the dog and the family.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)
IMDB Rating 7.7 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
The Mitchells vs. The Machines is about a quirky family on a road trip who must save the world from a robot apocalypse. The movie mixes wild animation, nonstop jokes, and huge action scenes while celebrating weird families and creativity. It is chaotic, funny, and full of energy.
Why Kids Love The Mitchells vs. The Machines
Robot battles, goofy family moments, and nonstop action make this a blast. Kids love the fast pace and crazy inventions. All of my children love this quirky adventure for its wacky comedy and the complete chaos it presents. My son and my oldest daughter also said it felt unique compared to a lot of the Netflix movies we have watched.
Rescued by Ruby (2022)
IMDB Rating 7.2 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Rescued by Ruby tells the true story of a hyperactive shelter dog who teams up with a police officer dreaming of joining a K-9 search and rescue team. It’s about second chances, determination, and the unbreakable bond between people and dogs. The movie is warm, funny, and inspiring.
Why Kids Love Rescued by Ruby
Funny dogs, rescue missions, and a sweet underdog story make this fun to watch. Kids love rooting for Ruby.
We Have a Ghost (2023)
IMDB Rating 6.1 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 61%
We Have a Ghost follows a family that discovers a ghost living in their house. Instead of being scary, the ghost becomes a viral sensation. However, digging into the ghost’s past reveals a much larger mystery. The movie balances funny moments with ghostly adventures and light suspense.
Why Kids Love We Have a Ghost
Silly ghost tricks, mystery solving, and fun ghost-hunting gadgets make it exciting. Kids love a spooky story that is not too scary.
The Willoughbys (2020)
IMDB Rating 6.3 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 66%
The Willoughbys tells the story of four siblings who attempt to find new parents after deciding their selfish parents are unfit to raise them. Full of zany animation and offbeat humor, the movie is about making your own family and finding people who care about you.
Why Kids Love The Willoughbys
Goofy plans, wild animation, and crazy adventures make this hilarious. Kids love the weird and funny story this movie presents. I watched this with my 7-year-old daughter, and when it was over, she said, “That was weird, but cute; I’d watch it again.”
Slumberland (2022)
IMDB Rating 6.7 /. 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
Slumberland follows a young girl who discovers a magical dream world after losing her father. With the help of a strange outlaw named Flip, she journeys through dream after dream to find a way to see her father again. The movie blends emotional moments with huge fantasy adventures.
Why Kids Love Slumberland
Flying beds, crazy dreams, and magical creatures make this feel like a big adventure. Kids love the colorful dream world. My seven and 10-year-olds watched this movie with me, and they loved the imaginative scenes that are central to the film. I enjoyed the unique world and the film’s storytelling.
Back to the Outback (2021)
IMDB Rating 6.6 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 68%
Back to the Outback is about a group of “scary” animals escaping from the zoo to find their true home in the wild. The movie flips the script with many chase scenes and wild adventures by showing that even the scariest creatures can be sweet and lovable.
Why Kids Love Back to the Outback
Funny animals, exciting escapes, and wild chases make this a hit. Kids love cheering for the underdogs and the misunderstood heroes.
Animal Crackers (2017)
IMDB Rating 5.8 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 76%
Animal Crackers tells the story of a family that inherits a magical box of animal crackers that turns people into animals. They must save their family’s circus from an evil relative. The animation is colorful, and the story is fast and goofy.
Why Kids Love Animal Crackers
People turning into animals, goofy circus stunts, and magic cookies make this crazy fun. It’s full of silly action. My 7-year-old really liked this movie and has watched it a few times since her first viewing.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
IMDB Rating 7.0 / 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 76%
The Christmas Chronicles follows two siblings who team up with a sarcastic and cool Santa Claus after crashing his sleigh. They must save Christmas before it is too late, leading to wild chases and magical adventures around the city.
Why Kids Love The Christmas Chronicles
Flying sleighs, funny elves, and an action-packed Santa make this exciting. Kids love the big Christmas adventure. My entire family loved this version of Santa Claus and the wild journey featured in the movie.
Note: While we all think this is one of the best original Netflix kids movies so far, sadly, none of us cared for The Christmas Chronicles: Part 2, which also failed to resonate with many fans of the original, scoring a mediocre 45% on Rotten Tomatoes. It fared better on IMDb, however, with a rating of 6 out of 10.
Benji (2018)
IMDB Rating 6.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 70% / 10
Benji tells the story of a stray dog who saves two kidnapped children. The film lets Benji’s cleverness and bravery shine without talking to animals in a heartfelt rescue story packed with suspense and warm moments.
Why Kids Love Benji
Brave dogs, daring rescues, and heartfelt moments make this a classic-style adventure. Kids love rooting for Benji.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)
IMDB Rating 7.6 / 100
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
This stop-motion retelling of Pinocchio sets the story in fascist-era Italy. With stunning visuals and powerful emotions, it explores themes of loss, identity, and unconditional love. It is darker but significant.
Why Kids Love Pinocchio
Beautiful stop-motion, magical puppets, and an emotional journey make this unforgettable. Older kids especially love its depth. My children are not big fans of Pinocchio, but I loved Guillermo del Toro’s version of this classic story.
White Fang (2018)
IMDB Rating 7.0 / 100
Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
White Fang adapts Jack London’s story about a wolf-dog moving between both kind and cruel owners. It follows his journey toward trust and freedom in the wilderness, accompanied by beautiful natural animation.
Why Kids Love White Fang
Wild animals, snowy adventures, and loyal friendships make this a great survival story for nature lovers.
The best original Netflix kids movies range from dark and moody to bright and whimsical, and there’s something for everyone. As you can see, I still have quite a few to watch with my four children, and I’m excited to see which movie is the next to whisk them away to a magical land or engulf them in a riveting story they end up loving.
If you want to educate your children while watching TV with them, check out our list of 18 animated children’s movies that teach empathy and other valuable life lessons.