15 Family movies to watch on Netflix

Family movie nights are all about making memories together. Netflix has some wonderful movies that will surely be entertaining for all age groups and can be enjoyed by the family together. From animation, comedy, adventure, or inspiring true stories, films that everyone can watch together are streaming on the platform. Here are 15 selected movies to tickle both children's and adult's senses. Grab your favorite snacks, snuggle up with your loved ones, and enjoy some unforgettable films that promise to entertain and inspire.

1. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)

The animated movie is quite hilarious and heartwarming, featuring the very weird Mitchell family uniting to save the world from an apocalypse led by robots. Balancing a very interesting plot on family dynamics, humor, and stunning visuals, this movie appeals to people of all ages. Produced by the makers of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the movie goes further to speak of embracing individuality and the unification of the family unit amidst the obsession with technology.

2. Klaus (2019)

Klaus is a movie that offers a new retelling of Santa Claus's origins and combines heartwarming storytelling with stunning animation. The story is about Jesper, who is a spoiled postal academy student sent to this remote town. There, he meets a toymaker that nobody knows. The two together begin spreading joy and inadvertently creating the legend of Santa Claus. It is an original Netflix film that received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, proving the critical acclaim of this film.

3. Enola Holmes (2020)

Millie Bobby Brown shines in this delightful mystery-adventure film as Enola, the sister of Sherlock Holmes. Based on Nancy Springer's book series, the movie blends humor, suspense, and girl-power messaging as Enola takes off on an exciting quest to find her missing mother, defying societal norms and outsmarting her famous brother. The film is entertaining and inspiring because of its empowering message for young viewers and its gorgeous period setting. With a sequel released in 2022, this is the perfect time to dive into Enola's world.

4. The Willoughbys (2020)

Quirky and darkly comedic, The Willoughbys puts the fun back into family dynamics. The movie unfolds with four siblings: Tim, Jane, and twin brothers Barnaby and Barnaby, abandoned by selfish parents. In a bid to escape the miserable home life, the kids send their parents off on an outrageous and perilous trip, thinking that their lives will be much better when the parents are not there. This animated film is a wacky, whimsical look into the lengths to which children go for love and belonging.

5. Vivo (2021)

Lin-Manuel Miranda lends voice and songwriting prowess to the movie Vivo. The film follows a kinkajou, a mammal dwelling in the rainforest, who takes on an adventure to deliver a love song for his old friend. He undertakes a journey in celebration of love, friendship, and resilience, which is replete with catchy tunes and vivid visuals of the rich Caribbean culture. It's a feast for the eyes and ears, making it a perfect pick for music-loving families.

6. Over the Moon (2020)

Over the Moon is an animated movie on Netflix that tells a story about a young girl called Fei Fei who is determined to prove that Chang'e is actually the Moon Goddess. Inspired by love and curiosity, Fei Fei designs a rocket and goes to the moon, which turns out to be quite a dazzling adventure. This film, with stunning visuals, great songs, and themes of loss, love, and resilience, resonates on an emotional level with all its viewers across different age groups.

7. We Can Be Heroes (2020)

We Can Be Heroes is a very colorful and action-packed family movie, directed by Robert Rodriguez of Spy Kids. It tells a story about some children who band together to rescue their superhero parents from an alien invasion. The group is led by the determined Mrs. Granada, played by Priyanka Chopra, as these kids find out that they all have something special in them while trying to face ever-increasing obstacles. This is a colorfully entertaining action film, loaded with humor, heart, and high-stakes action.

8. Arlo the Alligator Boy (2021)

Arlo the Alligator Boy - is a vibrant, musically packed story about a boy, half-alligator, and half-human, who undertakes the journey to search for his long-lost father. But on this journey, he meets and gathers around him an odd group of friends who love his particular charm. The movie has a great soundtrack and colorful animation and preaches values like acceptance and belonging that are perfect for younger viewers. This Netflix original also serves as a prelude to the spinoff series I Heart Arlo, offering more adventures in Arlo's whimsical world.

9. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

An animated comedy that has a hysterical take on what pets do when their owners are away. Directed by Chris Renaud, The Secret Life of Pets focuses on Max, a loyal dog, and his rivalry with the new pet, Duke, and how this rivalry takes him on a wild adventure around New York City. With the voice cast consisting of Kevin Hart, Louis C.K., and Jenny Slate, the film has a lot to offer: a lot of laughs and heartwarming moments. Its bright animation and funny humor make it a favorite for families.

10. Yes Day (2021)

Yes Day, starring Jennifer Garner and Édgar Ramírez, is a delightful comedy where parents accept their kids' wishes for one complete, wild day of fun-filled memories. As seen in outrageous adventures and refreshing water balloon battles in the movie, the family gets to embrace themselves and cherish their bonding. Based on Amy Krouse Rosenthal's popular children's book, Yes Day is a feel-good movie on Netflix that encourages families to loosen up and create cherished memories, making it an excellent choice for a lively movie night.

11. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a stunning animated movie taking the Spider-Man universe to another dimension. Based around Miles Morales, a teenager imbued with the powers of a spider, it looks into the universe of multiverse. The overall animation is fresh and impressive: comic book quality mixed with computer-generated images create a real and stunning experience of visual arts. With a new narrative, powerful performances, and a memorable soundtrack, it redefines superhero movies with a compelling story for kids and adults alike.

12. Rising Phoenix (2020)

Rising Phoenix celebrates the resilience and strength of Paralympic athletes. This original for Netflix weaves together an incredible story of Tatyana McFadden, Bebe Vio, and others to delve into the history of the Paralympic Games, discussing the challenges faced by disabled athletes and the triumphs over all odds. Rising Phoenix is more than a sports documentary film with breathtaking visuals and emotional depth; it's a testament to human spirit and determination and, therefore, a must-watch for families looking for motivation and empowerment.

13. The Little Prince (2015)

The Little Prince is a glorious adaptation of the novella from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, using stop-motion and computer animation to compose a magical storyline. The story follows a girl who undertakes a journey into an imaginative world belonging to the Little Prince after getting enticed by his life's story through narration by an eccentric aviator neighbor. Featuring a star-studded voice cast that includes Jeff Bridges and Rachel McAdams, this Netflix gem is at once visually breathtaking and emotionally resonant.

14. Rescued by Ruby (2022)

This heart-wrenching original on Netflix tells the true story of an unlikely duo. Determined state trooper Daniel O'Neil, portrayed by Grant Gustin, had always dreamed of joining the elite K-9 unit but received setback after setback until he finally teamed up with Ruby, a shelter dog with plenty of energy and spirit. This film, written and directed by Katt Shea, really portrays the transformative power of second chances for both humans and animals. The movie is an inspiring and uplifting journey of a rescue dog becoming a hero.

15. True Spirit (2023)

True Spirit is the amazing true story of Jessica Watson, who was the youngest sailor to single-handedly and non-stop circumnavigate the globe. Teagan Croft shines in the role of Jessica, with her tenacity and perseverance. Directed by Sarah Spillane, this movie balances great adventure with a depth of emotion in a story that brings out resilience and self-discovery in Jessica. The film features stunning ocean visuals and an inspiring narrative that makes it a must-watch family film.