Are you on the hunt for the best Netflix documentaries for kids to spark curiosity and learning? While documentaries are fantastic for young minds, sometimes a captivating story or an exciting adventure movie can be just as enriching! Netflix offers a treasure trove of films that not only entertain but also subtly teach valuable lessons, encourage empathy, and provide wholesome family entertainment. If you’re looking for high-quality, age-appropriate cinematic experiences that stand out, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up 7 fantastic Netflix movies that kids (and parents!) will love, offering a perfect blend of fun and meaningful content.
These movies prove that you don’t always need a non-fiction format to inspire, educate, or simply provide some much-needed screen time fun. From animated escapades to live-action magical journeys, there’s something for every kid looking for their next favorite film.
1. Freaky Friday (2003)
This hilarious and heartwarming body-swap comedy is a classic for a reason! It follows a busy single mother (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her rebellious teenage daughter (Lindsay Lohan) who magically switch bodies after a disagreement at a Chinese restaurant. Forced to live each other’s lives, they gain a newfound understanding and appreciation for one another’s challenges and perspectives. It’s a fantastic movie for families looking for laughs, relatability, and a deeper look at generational understanding.
Key Features:
– A classic family-friendly body-swap comedy
– Explores mother-daughter relationships and empathy
– Features well-loved actors Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan
– Combines humor with heartfelt life lessons
Pros:
– Excellent performances from the lead actresses
– Teaches valuable lessons about understanding others’ perspectives
– Engaging and funny for both kids and adults
– High rewatchability factor
Cons:
– Some pop culture references might feel a bit dated for younger viewers
– Predictable plot, but still enjoyable
User Impressions: Parents frequently praise its ability to bridge the generation gap, making it a great conversation starter. Kids love the comedic situations and the fantastical premise. Many find it a genuinely heartwarming family film that brings people together.
Call to Action: See it on Netflix here
2. The Emoji Movie
Dive into the secret world inside your smartphone in The Emoji Movie! This animated adventure takes place in Textopolis, a bustling city where emojis live, hoping to be selected by the phone’s user. Gene, a multi-expressional emoji, embarks on a journey with his friends Hi-5 and Jailbreak to become a “normal” meh emoji. It’s a vibrant, colorful, and fast-paced film that explores themes of individuality and self-acceptance in a very modern, relatable setting for kids.
Key Features:
– Animated adventure set within a smartphone
– Explores themes of individuality and embracing your unique self
– Features popular emoji characters and internet culture references
– Colorful visuals and fast-paced action
Pros:
– Highly relevant and engaging for kids growing up with technology
– Promotes positive messages about self-acceptance
– Visually stimulating with bright animation
– Easy to follow storyline for younger audiences
Cons:
– Some adults might find the humor and plot simplistic
– Received mixed critical reviews, though popular with kids
User Impressions: Kids generally find it very entertaining due to its contemporary setting and characters they recognize from their daily lives. Parents appreciate the underlying message about being true to yourself. It’s often described as a fun, lighthearted watch for a family movie night.
Call to Action: See it on Netflix here
3. Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
Prepare for an epic journey with Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, a visually stunning animated film from DreamWorks. This masterpiece tells the story of a wild mustang who is captured by humans and must fight for his freedom, finding an unlikely friend in a Native American brave along the way. With breathtaking animation and a powerful musical score (featuring Bryan Adams), Spirit delivers a moving narrative about courage, the call of the wild, and the unbreakable spirit of nature. It’s a wonderful choice for kids who love animals and adventure.
Key Features:
– Beautiful hand-drawn animation depicting the American West
– Engaging story about a wild horse’s fight for freedom
– Minimal dialogue, relying on visuals and music for storytelling
– Explores themes of nature, perseverance, and friendship
Pros:
– Stunning animation and art direction
– Powerful and emotional storyline
– Exceptional musical score
– Great for animal lovers and teaches respect for nature
Cons:
– Some scenes might be intense for very young children
– Can be quite emotional at times
User Impressions: This film is consistently praised for its artistic quality and profound emotional depth. Viewers often highlight the beautiful portrayal of the wild west and the strong, silent protagonist. It’s a beloved film that resonates with children and adults alike, often considered a classic.
Call to Action: See it on Netflix here
4. After The Ball
For a modern twist on a classic fairytale, After The Ball delivers a charming story that fashion-forward kids will adore. Kate Kassell, an aspiring fashion designer, struggles to make her mark in the industry while working for her evil stepmother and stepsisters. Drawing inspiration from Cinderella, Kate uses her talent and a clever disguise to prove herself and achieve her dreams. It’s a feel-good movie that champions creativity, hard work, and believing in yourself, perfect for a cozy movie afternoon.
Key Features:
– A contemporary Cinderella story set in the fashion world
– Focuses on themes of pursuing dreams and overcoming adversity
– Features stylish costumes and a glamorous setting
– Inspiring message for young creatives
Pros:
– Fresh take on a classic fairytale
– Positive role model for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs
– Lighthearted and entertaining
– Great for tweens and older kids interested in fashion
Cons:
– Can be a bit predictable due to its fairytale roots
– Some characters are archetypal “evil stepfamily”
User Impressions: Viewers enjoy this film for its charming lead and the fun, modern spin on Cinderella. It’s often recommended for its uplifting message and its ability to inspire girls to follow their passions, regardless of the obstacles. Many find it a delightful and underrated family film.
Call to Action: See it on Netflix here
5. Turbo
Dream big, even if you’re small! Turbo is an exhilarating animated film about a garden snail named Turbo who dreams of being the fastest racer in the world. After a freak accident gives him super speed, he gets a chance to compete in the Indy 500. This high-octane adventure is packed with humor, heart, and thrilling racing sequences, making it a fantastic watch for kids who love speed and underdog stories. It’s a wonderful reminder that no dream is too big if you have the courage to pursue it.
Key Features:
– Animated film about a snail who gains super speed
– Inspiring underdog story about pursuing impossible dreams
– Action-packed racing sequences
– Features a vibrant cast of characters and humor
Pros:
– Great message about ambition and self-belief
– Engaging and exciting for kids of all ages
– Excellent voice cast adds to the humor
– Visually dynamic and colorful animation
Cons:
– Some might find the premise a bit silly
– Plot can be somewhat formulaic for animated features
User Impressions: Kids absolutely love the fast-paced action and the lovable character of Turbo. Parents appreciate the positive message about not giving up on your dreams. It’s frequently cited as a fun, feel-good movie that encourages big thinking.
Call to Action: See it on Netflix here
6. Redbad
For older kids and pre-teens interested in historical epics and tales of bravery, Redbad offers a gritty, action-packed adventure. Set in the 8th century, it tells the story of the legendary Frisian king, Redbad, who fights against the advancing Frankish empire and the spread of Christianity. While not a typical “kids” movie for very young ones, it can be a captivating watch for those mature enough for historical drama and battle sequences. It provides a look into ancient European history and the clash of cultures.
Key Features:
– Historical epic set in 8th-century Europe
– Explores themes of leadership, warfare, and cultural conflict
– Features significant historical context (Frisians, Vikings, Franks)
– Action-packed with battle sequences (suitable for older kids/teens)
Pros:
– Offers an introduction to early European history
– Strong themes of courage and defending one’s people
– Engaging for viewers who enjoy historical dramas
– Visually impressive for a period piece
Cons:
– Violence and mature themes make it unsuitable for younger children
– Can be quite long (over 2 hours)
– Historical accuracy may be debated by purists
User Impressions: Viewers praise Redbad for its epic scope and solid action, particularly those with an interest in Viking or early medieval history. It’s seen as a compelling watch for older children and teenagers who can appreciate the historical context and more intense storytelling.
Call to Action: See it on Netflix here
7. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Step back into the magical land of Narnia with The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian! The Pevensie children return to Narnia to find over 1,300 years have passed, and the land is now under the tyrannical rule of the Telmarines. They join forces with the rightful heir, Prince Caspian, to liberate Narnia and restore peace. This grand fantasy adventure is filled with mythical creatures, epic battles, and timeless themes of courage, faith, and standing up for what’s right. It’s a fantastic film for kids who love magic and grand storytelling.
Key Features:
– Epic fantasy adventure based on C.S. Lewis’s beloved book
– Features magical creatures, talking animals, and grand battles
– Explores themes of leadership, bravery, and the fight for good
– High-quality special effects and production design
Pros:
– Captivating fantasy world and characters
– Strong moral lessons and character development
– Exciting action sequences and magical elements
– Appeals to fans of the book series and new viewers alike
Cons:
– Can be darker and more intense than the first Narnia film
– Longer runtime may test the patience of very young children
User Impressions: This sequel is highly regarded for its expanded scope and exciting action. Fans appreciate its faithfulness to the source material and the continued development of the beloved characters. It’s often called a thrilling and engaging fantasy film perfect for family viewing, especially for those who enjoy adventure and magic.
Call to Action: See it on Netflix here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are these movies suitable for all ages?
A: While all these films are generally kid-friendly, age suitability can vary. Freaky Friday, The Emoji Movie, Spirit, After The Ball, and Turbo are typically suitable for a wide range of younger viewers (5-10+). The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is best for slightly older kids (8-12+) due to some battle scenes, and Redbad is recommended for pre-teens and teenagers (12+) due to its historical violence and mature themes. Always check the specific age rating on Netflix or parental guidance notes.
Q2: What if I’m specifically looking for the best Netflix documentaries for kids?
A: If your primary interest is in non-fiction, Netflix has a fantastic selection of actual documentaries for kids! Titles like “Our Planet,” “Chasing Coral,” “My Octopus Teacher,” and “If I Were An Animal” are excellent choices that combine education with engaging visuals. While this article focuses on entertaining movies, there are plenty of factual gems to explore on the platform.
Q3: How can I find more educational content for my kids on Netflix?
A: Netflix has a dedicated “Kids” profile section with curated content. You can also use the search bar to look for categories like “educational kids shows,” “science for kids,” or specific topics your child is interested in. Look for titles from reputable sources like National Geographic, BBC, or those with a “Learning” tag.
Q4: Do these movies offer any educational value?
A: Absolutely! While they are fictional stories, many of these films impart valuable life lessons. For example, Freaky Friday teaches empathy, The Emoji Movie promotes self-acceptance, Spirit highlights the importance of freedom and respect for nature, and Turbo inspires perseverance. Even fantasy adventures like Narnia teach about courage and moral choices.
Q5: How often does Netflix update its kid-friendly movie selection?
A: Netflix regularly updates its library, adding new movies and shows while also removing others due to licensing agreements. It’s a good idea to check Netflix frequently or follow their official announcements to stay updated on what’s available for kids.
Q6: Can I download these movies for offline viewing?
A: Yes, most of these movies, like a large portion of Netflix’s content, are available for download. Look for the download icon (an arrow pointing downwards) on the movie’s page. This is perfect for long car rides or when you don’t have an internet connection.
Q7: Are there parental control options on Netflix?
A: Yes, Netflix offers robust parental controls. You can set up individual profiles for kids with age-appropriate ratings, block specific titles, or even require a PIN for certain content. This allows you to customize your children’s viewing experience and ensure they only access content suitable for their age.