We’ve covered all bases, from Disney classics to the yesteryear classics, there’s something for everyone to watch.
The world of streaming can get overwhelming, with a myriad of options to choose from – especially when you’re trying to get the whole family to select a title to watch.
A movie for every occasion, streaming service like Netflix has a vast collection of family movies to choose from. They range from animations to riveting live-action stories of real-life heroes.
Our compiled list of best kids movies on Netflix in UK features not only the best Netflix movies of all time, but films from all kinds of studios, all eras, and almost every genre.
If you’re looking for something to watch that both adults and kids alike would enjoy like karate kid, we’re pretty sure you are bound to find something within our list.
Check out our full list of the best family movies on Netflix below including Warner bros films.
Below we have given the best kids movies on Netflix in UK for your kids:
1. Klaus(2019)
Director: Sergio Pablos
Cast: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Will Sasso, Neda Margrethe Labba, Sergio Pablos, Norm Macdonald, and Joan Cusack
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
Storyline:
Directed by Spanish animation master, Sergio Pablos has smartly mixed traditional 2D, hand-drawn animation with cutting edge computer animation in this film.
The story tells us about the origin story of Santa Claus (J.K.Simmons) and his relationship with a small-town mailman (Jason Schwartzman). The film won the BAFTA and Annie Award for Best Animations while it was also in the nomination line for the Academy Award for Best Animations which it lost to Toy Story 4.
The film is a Christmas classic that can be watched any time of the year, making you reminisce about holiday magic and charm. Watch it in your family movie night.
2. How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
Director/Writer: Dean DeBlois
Cast: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J. Miller, Kristen Wiig, Djimon Hounsou, and Kit Harington
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Storyline:
The sequel to How to Train Your Dragon takes place approximately five years after the events of the first film.
Hiccup comes in contact with his long-lost mother (Cate Blanchett). His mother is facing a dilemma, having to deal with a madman( Djimon Hounsou) who wants to take over the world. It is a best family film.
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3. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
Director: Mike Rianda
Cast: Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Mike Rianda, Olivia Colman, Fred Armisen, and Beck Bennett
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Storyline:
A family favorite, The Mitchells vs The Machines is the story of a family in the wake of a robot apocalypse. The family has just set off on a cross-country road trip to take their daughter to college when catastrophe strikes.
They must now work together in order to save themselves and the world, which proves to be bothersome due to a hilarious communication gap between the father and the daughter.
The movie is apparently silly and goofy, but it has an emotional undertone to it, highlighting key issues experienced in every family and the reason why open communication is so important.
4. Hugo (2011)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Writer: John Logan
Cast: Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Emily Mortimer, and Jude Law
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
Storyline:
Legendary director Martin Scorsese brings this wondrous film, for you and your family to cuddle up and watch together. Based on the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret, the title character follows a young orphaned boy who lives alone in a Paris railway station.
He becomes friends with a young girl (Chloe Grace Moretz) and the two set out on a journey together.
5. Labyrinth (1986)
Director: Jim Henson
Cast: Jennifer Connelly, David Bowie, Brian Henson, Frank Oz
IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
A movie brimming with imagination, Jim Henson’s extravagant Labyrinth, is a visual treat for viewers.
The story follows Sixteen-year-old Sarah Williams (Jennifer Connelly) who is frustrated from babysitting her baby brother until he’s kidnapped by a pack of Goblins, led by the Goblin King (David Bowie). Sarah decides to rescue her brother and finds herself in the middle of a sinister place full of monsters and chaos.
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6. Rango (2011)
Director: Gore Verbinski
Cast: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin, Alfred Molina, Bill Nighy, Ned Beatty, Harry Dean Stanton, Ray Winstone, and Timothy Olyphant
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
Storyline:
The Oscar-winning animated film, Rango tells the story of a pet chameleon who gets lost and stumbles upon a derelict Western town populated by other talking animals.
He soon gets entangled in some funny business in the town and due to his tough exterior, the other creatures assume that he’s an important figure to look up to.
As he cascades his way through the sticky situations, hilarity ensues, and we see the fraud turn into a hero.
7. ParaNorman (2012)
Directors: Sam Fell and Chris Butler
Cast: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Casey Affleck, Anna Kendrick, John Goodman, Alex Borstein, Leslie Man, Jeff Garlin, Elaine Stritch, and Tucker Albrizzi
IMDB Rating: 7.0/10
A fun spooky film with an interesting message, ParaNorman is your best bet for your next fam-bam movie session. Laika, the same studio behind Coraline, Kubo, and Two Strings is also responsible for this stop-motion animated film.
The story revolves around a young kid named Norman, who has the ability to see and speak with dead people which comes in handy when his small Massachusetts town is overrun by terrifying ghosts.
The story has surprising underlying emotional messages about bullying and anger, something that unfortunately kids can relate to and learn from. The result is a touching film about finding your own purpose, accepting others as they are, and most importantly forgiveness.
8. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Director: Clay Kaytis
Cast: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis
IMDB Rating: 7.0/10
The Netflix original, The Christmas Chronicles follows the story of Kurt Russell, a cool and handsome Santa Claus who helps a brother and sister (Judah Lewis and Darby Camp) reclaim the magic of Christmas after the loss of their father.
Russell’s performance is mesmerizing and his portrayal as Santa is unlike one you’ve ever seen before. The film was directed by Clay Kaytis(The Angry Birds Movie) and is produced by Chris Columbus(Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone).
9. White Fang (2018)
Director: Alexandre Espigares
Cast: Raphael Personnaz (Voice), Virginie Efira (Voice), Dominique Pinon(Voice)
IMDB Rating: 7.0/10
White Fang, is the story about a small wolf-dog who embarks on a journey of a lifetime- through the vast wilderness of North America.
On his journey, he encounters new friends and grave danger as well. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Jack London.
The fascinating story is depicted entirely from the viewpoint of the wolf-dog, allowing viewers a look into how animals perceive the world around them. Director Alexander Espigares paints the screen with smooth animation and beautiful watercolor shades. White Fang is a heartening tale of adventure, heroism, and courage, that tugs at your heart.
10. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
Directors/Writers: Phil Lord and Chris Miller
Cast: Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan, Andy Samberg, Bruce Campbell, Mr. T, Benjamin Bratt, and Neil Patrick Harris
IMDB Rating: 6.9/10
The 2009 animated feature film, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a delightful mix of goofy humor, intricate jokes, inventive visuals, and genuine compassion.
A wannabe scientist named Flint in the town of Swallow Falls accidentally brings mayhem to his hometown when one of his wild inventions starts turning water into food.
It’s a great watch for all ages and explains science in a vibrant manner.
11. Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)
Director: Rob Minkoff
Stars: Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Stephen Colbert, Leslie Mann, Ariel Winter, Patrick Warburton
IMDB Rating: 6.8/10
Mr.Peabody & Sherman is the perfect example of a superb remake of a classic character.
The characters originated in the 60s in a cartoon series called The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. Peabody director Rob Minkoff (The Lion King, Stuart Little) has strictly kept the film animated with no live-action whatsoever.
The wacky story of a dog, Mr. Peabody, who is a genius, adopted a human boy, Sherman as his son, is a delightful premise. The duo travels through time in Mr. Peabody’s WABAC machine and has joyful adventures together.
But the latest adventure with the machine might just cause them to cause chaos in the past, present, and future.
12. Enola Holmes(2020)
Director: Henry Bradbeer
Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Helena Bonham Carter, Sam Claflin
IMDB Rating: 6.6/10
Based on the Young Adult series of the same name, Enola Holmes tells us the story of history’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill), and his lesser-known but equally devious sister Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown).
When the Holmes entire family Matriarch, Eduoria (Helena Bonham Carter) does missing, it’s up to Enola to try and locate her mother amidst a trail of clues that she has left behind, all pouting towards a bigger conspiracy at hand.
The mystery plot of the film is just challenging enough that it keeps everyone guessing exactly what would happen, couple that with on-par performances by the actors and you get an interesting movie to watch with the kids intrigued by the story.
13. Puss in Boots (2011)
Director: Chris Miller
Stars: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis
IMDB Rating: 6.6/10
The suave kitty( voiced by Antonia Bandera) charms his way into everyone’s hearts, including the viewers. The story follows Puss up the beanstalk, into the Land of the Giants on a difficult mission- to retrieve the Golden Goose. One of the best kid movies on Netflix.
14. Next Gen (2018)
Director: Kevin R.Adams, Joe Ksander, Ricardo Curtis
Stars: John Krasinski (Voice), Charlyne Yi (Voice), Jason Sudeikis (Voice)
IMDB Rating: 6.6/10
The action-packed sci-fi film kids love depicts the story of a rebellious girl named Mai, who must protect the world from an evil madman. Mai and her trusty sidekick, a combat robot must stick together to thwart the devious plan of the evil madman.
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15. Monster House (2006)
Director: Gil Kenan
Cast: Mitchel Musso, Sam Lerner, Spencer Locke
IMDB Rating: 6.6/10
One of the best scary-ish movies on this list to watch with kids, the film follows three naughty kids on the prowl in their neighborhood. DJ, Jenny, and Chowder are adamant to prove that the old abandoned house in the neighborhood actually has a living creature in it that wants to eat them.
As expected, adults thwart their claims as hodge-podge. As Halloween approaches and the house’s sinister powers begin to grow, the three kids must stick together to find a way to destroy the house before the innocent trick-or-treaters are devoured!
16. Home (2015)
Director: Tim Johnson
Cast: Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin
IMDB Rating: 6.6/10
The animated movie follows an alien race called Boove who have conquered Earth and are planning to relocate the planet’s human population to another planet.
However, a girl called Tip(Rihanna) manages to remain hidden from the aliens and she accidentally meets a fugitive Boov called Oh (Jim Parsons). They are naturally wary of one another but Oh proves to be different than other Boovs and he soon strikes up a friendship with Tip.
Together, Tip and Oh, set out to locate Tip’s mother and try to save all humans.
17. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Director/Writer: David E. Talbert
Cast: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh Bonneville, Anika Noni Rose, Madalen Mills, Phylicia Rashad, Lisa Davina Phillip, Ricky Martin
IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a wonderful addition to holiday classic movies that thoroughly capture the essence of the holiday season.
The film is a story of loss, betrayal, casting your dreams aside, and more melancholy moments. The film follows an inventor (Forest Whitaker) whose greatest products get stolen by a devious Keegan Micheal- Kay, Whitaker resorts to isolating himself and becomes a shell of a man.
We soon see him work through his traumas to sing, dance, and love his way to a brighter future again.
18. The BFG(2016)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton, Jemaine Clement, Rebecca Hall, Rafe Spall, Bill Hader
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
This gorgeous family adventure is directed by Steven Spielberg, the king of creating enchanting sceneries on the big screen.
The film is adapted from Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. The film stars Mark Rylance as the Big Friendly Giant who befriends a human girl (Ruby Barnhill). The duo set out on an adventure to evade other bloodthirsty giants and to see the queen so that they can get rid of the sinister giants once and for all.
The BFG has the most beautiful set of animation and effects, that leaves a stunning canvas to look at throughout the movie.
19. The Lorax (2012)
Director: Chris Renaud
Cast: Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Rob Riggle, Jenny Slate, Betty White
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
The creators of Despicable Me bring the beloved tale by the children author onto the big screen.
The story follows Ted (voiced by Zac Efron) who is head over heels in love with Audrey, whose greatest wish in secret life is to see a real, live tree.
Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax happens to be a stunning visual treat for viewers. The hair and fur of the Lorax were incredibly challenging for CGI artists, but the overall result was so smoothly crafted that you can almost feel how soft they are to the touch.
It is one of the Best family film on Netflix UK.
20. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (2013)
Directors: Cody Cameron and Kris Pearn
Cast: Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Will Forte, James Caan, Andy Samberg, and Terry Crews
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
The animated sequel return to the food-filled town of Swallow Fall where the enormous food that rained down has now evolved into full-size animals.
21. The Willoughbys (2020)
Director: Kris Pearn
Cast: Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Alessia Cara, Terry Crews, Martin Short, Jane Krakowski, Seán Cullen, Ricky Gervais
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
The Willoughby children is based on a true story and the story follows the childrens neglected by their parents, four old-fashioned siblings embark on a modern adventure with their new nanny.
They devise a plan to send their selfish parents on vacation while they go on a journey of self-discovery and the true meaning of family.
As expected, things do not go as planned. Smart writing, with witty jokes and endearing silly characters, brings the movie together providing ample entertainment for kids and adults alike. Watch it with your family on the next movie night!
22. Over the Moon (2020)
Director: Glen Keane, John Kahrs
Cast: Glen Keane (Voice), Brycen Hall (Voice), Ruthie Ann Miles (Voice)
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
Over the moon is another entry by the Oscar-winning Disney animation legend called Glen Kean. The movie follows the story of a young girl who builds a rocket to meet a mythical goddess on the moon.
23. Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)
Director: Jon Favreau
Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard, Kristen Stewart, Tim Robbins
IMDB Rating: 6.2/10
Zathura: A Space Adventure, is essentially Jumanji in space. The film follows a trio of dysfunctional siblings (Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, and Kristen Stewart) who find a sci-fi-themed board game, and unknown to them they accidentally propel their entire house into space.
They must now take the help of an astronaut, to protect their house from asteri=oid attacks as well as some scary aliens.
24. Pee-wee’s Big Holiday (2016)
Director: John Lee
Cast: Paul Rebbens, Joe Manganiello, Jessica Pohly
IMDB Rating: 6.1/10
The Netflix original introduces us to Pee-wee Herman for the first time. A fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger (Joe Manganiello) propels Pee-wee on an epic journey where he also takes his first-ever holiday.
Fans of the classic character will enjoy this revival and it will also inspire kids to rewatch some Pee-wee original classics.
25. Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001)
Director: Brian Levant
Cast: Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, Dean Jones
IMDB Rating: 6.0/10
Nickelodeon’s fun animated feature follows a genius schoolboy wiz kid, who must dave his parents from an invading alien race.
Jimmy Neutron was also nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature but unfortunately lost to Shrek eventually.
26. Stuart Little (1999)
Director: Rob Minkoff
Stars: Micheal J.Fox (Voice), Geena Davis (Voice), Hugh Laurie (Voice)
IMDB Rating: 5.9/10
The film is a wonderful adaptation of the classic children’s book by the same name.
The film follows the heartwarming journey of the Little family who goes to an orphanage to adopt a new family member, only to adoringly adopt a sweet young mouse named Stuart. Stuart’s older human brother George (Jonathan Lipnicki) is not so happy with the latest addition to the family as well as their family cat, Snowbell.
Despite the challenges in front of him, Stuart pulls himself together and uses his natural charm to win his new family over.
27. Beethoven (1992)
Director: Brian Levant
Cast: Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, Dean Jones
IMDB Rating: 5.7/10
The film, Beethoven is a treat for the family, including your fur babies. The film follows the story of a Saint Bernard pup, who is adopted by a family.
The patriarch of the family has a hard time accepting the pup in the family, as he feels the spotlight is on the pup more than him.
The journey of the pup with his family will have everyone in fits of laughter, with an occasional teary-eyed moment as well.
28. Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution (2019)
Directors: Motonori Sakakibara, Tetsuo Yajima, Kunihiko Yuyama
Cast: Sarah Natochenny, Dan Green, Bill Rogers
IMDB Rating: 5.7/10
The film opens up to show scientists creating the most powerful Pokemon ever, called Mewtwo. Soon Mewtwo realizes that he is being manipulated to be used for evil and he breaks free from the lab.
He aspires to fight the best Pokemon trainers in the world to get revenge on the humans who wronged him. Ash, Brock, and Misty receive a mysterious invitation to an unknown island. In reality, it’s a ploy by Mewtwo, to lure Ash to the island for a final showdown with him.
Ash uses the power of his friendship within this battle of a lifetime. The film Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution is a remake of the 1998 film, Pokemon Mewtwo Strikes Back.
29. Good Burger (1997)
Director: Brian Robbins
Cast: Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, Sinbad
IMDB Rating: 5.7/10
An all-time kid’s favorite, Kenan & Kel duo inspired an entire generation of youth. The iconic dialogue “Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger, can I take your order?” was the catchphrase for millions of American millennials.
The story follows a duo of teen misfits who are working at a modest burger joint that is intimidated by a competitor burger joint that opens up right next door. But they might just have a secret weapon that might help them save the day.
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30. Spy Kids(2001)
Writer/Director: Robert Rodriguez
Cast: Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara, Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Alan Cumming, Danny Trejo
IMDB Rating: 5.5/10
The story line of the original film follows Super-spies Gregorio (Antonio Banderas) and Ingrid (Carla Gugino) are happily married and are raising their two children, Carmen (Alexa Vega) and Juni (Daryl Sabara), by day and travel the world taking down villains by night.
In a tragic turn of events, the couple gets captured by megalomaniacal children’s show host Fegan Floop (Alan Cumming). Now it’s up to the brother-sister duo to take the supervillain down, all the while assembling the best spy gear and rescuing their parents and the entire world!
The film is a delightful entry in the canon, with suave action-packed moments that are bound to mesmerize your kids.
John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch
Director: Rhys Thomas
Writer: John Mulaney
Cast: Alexander Bello, Tyler Bourke, John Mulaney
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
In a nostalgic variety special, John Mulaney and his kid pals tackle existential topics for all ages with catchy songs, comedy sketches, and special guests.
Rocko’s Modern Life
Writer/Director: Joe Murray
Cast: Charlie Adler, Tom Kenny
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Rocko is a wallaby who has emigrated from Australia to the United States. But life in the United States isn’t as idyllic as he had hoped, as he is surrounded by obnoxious neighbours, mountains of laundry, and general life issues.
CONCLUSION
It’s rare to come across a wholesome kids’ movie, so it’s heartwarming to see filmmakers put thought and effort behind creating wonderful, magically fantasy lands for children to enjoy fully.
With the best kids movies on Netflix shared above, you can be sure that these titles are well suited for kids to watch, and perhaps these titles will also help them learn important life lessons to
Chris Mack
