From animated fare to magical musicals, here’s a watchlist the whole family can enjoy.

The 16 best PG movies on Netflix for kids and adults alike

From animated fare to magical musicals, here's a watchlist the whole family can enjoy.

and Kevin Jacobsen

on July 21, 2025 07:50AM EDT

Roz (voice: Lupita Nyong'o) in 'The Wild Robot'; Pinocchio (voice: Gregory Mann) in 'Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio'; Alisha Weir as Matilda Wormwood in 'Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical'. Credit:

DreamWorks Animation; Netflix; Dan Smith/Netflix

Family night is a breeze on Netflix, where you'll find lots of kid-friendly PG movies. There are superhero epics, adventure films, fairy tales, and lots of talking animals that move into people's homes. The streamer has numerous possibilities for family-friendly entertainment, including newer favorites like *The Wild Robot* (2024). The only problem is deciding which film to start with.

Here's your guide to the best PG movies on Netflix.

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017)

Captain Underpants (voice: Ed Helms) in 'Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie'. 20th Century Fox/Courtesy Everett Collection

In *Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, *fourth-grade pranksters George (Kevin Hart) and Harold (Thomas Middleditch) are at risk of being put in separate classes, so they hypnotize their grouchy principal (Ed Helms) into thinking that he's the tighty-whitied superhero Captain Underpants. It's not a subtle film by any measure — the villain is named Professor Pee-Pee Diarrheastein Poopypants Esquire. But EW's critic writes that the movie works "because it never tries to be more or less than what it is: A breezily surreal story about two best friends who love pranks and tree houses and drawing superheroes who wear their Underoos on the outside." —*Danny Horn*

Where to watch *Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+ (read the review)

**Director:** David Soren

**Cast:** Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, Thomas Middleditch, Nick Kroll

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)

Bunty (voice: Imelda Staunton), Mac (voice: Lynn Ferguson), Rocky (voice: Zachary Levi), Molly (voice: Bella Ramsey), Ginger (voice: Thandiwe Newton), Fowler (voice: David Bradley), and Babs (voice: Jane Horrocks) in 'Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget'.

Everett Collection

In this claymation sequel to Aardman Animations' 2000 hit *Chicken Run*, the valiant fowls Rocky (Zachary Levi) and Ginger (Thandiwe Newton) are living peacefully after escaping from Mrs. Tweedy's farm. But soon a new threat arises: a modernized poultry processing plant is built nearby, which uses electric collars to subdue the chickens and make them into tasty nuggets. When Rocky and Ginger's daughter, Molly (Bella Ramsey), is unwittingly trapped in the factory, it's up to the feathered fighters to mount a rescue. Typical for an Aardman production, the film is full of clever visual gags that punctuate a heartfelt adventure story. —*D.H.*

Where to watch *Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget*: Netflix

**Director:** Sam Fell

**Cast:** Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, Bella Ramsey, Miranda Richardson

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)

Pinocchio (voice: Gregory Mann) in 'Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio'. Netflix

"It's a story you may think you know," says the cricket (Ewan McGregor), "but you don't." Indeed, Guillermo del Toro's new stop-motion animated version of *Pinocchio* is something we've never seen before — a dark but joyous story about the virtue of disobedience set in Italy during Mussolini's fascist regime. Fashioned by a woodcarver (David Bradley) grieving over the loss of his child, the little wooden puppet (Gregory Mann) is a rambunctious, willful lad who refuses to be caged or silenced. His adventures take him to the circus, the Army, the depths of the sea, and the afterlife in this impressive Oscar-winning masterpiece. —*D.H.*

Where to watch *Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio*: Netflix

**Directors:** Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson

**Cast:** Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Gregory Mann, Christoph Waltz

The Karate Kid (1984)

Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in 'The Karate Kid'. Everett Collection

Like a sensei to their young pupil, the lessons of *The Karate Kid* have been passed down from generation to generation. This franchise-starter centers on Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), a teenager who learns to stand up to his bullies and find inner strength thanks to the teachings of his apartment complex's handyman/martial arts instructor, Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita). Ranked by EW as one of the best high school movies of all time, *The Karate Kid* is an endlessly rewatchable underdog story with one of the most iconic mentor-mentee relationships ever on film. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *The Karate Kid*: Netflix

**Director:** John G. Avildsen

**Cast:** Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, William Zabka, Martin Kove

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

Kubo (voice: Art Parkinson) and Beetle (voice: Matthew McConaughey) in 'Kubo and the Two Strings'. Laika Studios/Focus Features

This breathtaking stop-motion animated film from the geniuses at Laika is an engrossing tale of adventure and family legacy. Kubo (Art Parkinson) is a magical lute-wielding boy living in feudal Japan. He's missing one eye, and his mother desperately tries to protect him from their predatory relatives who hope to steal his other eye for nefarious purposes. Kubo's mom encourages him to find his father's protective armor, sending him on a dangerous quest through land and sea with some trusted sidekicks along for the ride. EW's critic calls the Oscar-nominated film "a visually stunning, richly imagined oasis in a sea of candy-colored safety." —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Kubo and the Two Strings*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Director:** Travis Knight

**Cast:** Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara, George Takei, Matthew McConaughey

The Monkey King (2023)

Monkey King (voice: Jimmy O. Yang) and Lin (voice: Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) in 'The Monkey King'.

Everett Collection

Loosely based on a classic 16th-century novel, *The Monkey King* offers a modern spin on Chinese mythology. A self-proclaimed hero and candidate for immortality, a bold young chimp (Jimmy O. Yang) declares himself King of the Monkeys and decides to fight 100 demons to become a god. He's silly and arrogant, but also a fierce fighter, stealing a magic staff from the Dragon King (Bowen Yang) that the monster would very much like to have back. A pleasing mix of comedy, adventure, and mysticism, *The Monkey King* highlights a folk tradition often overlooked in kids' movies. —*D.H.*

Where to watch *The Monkey King*: Netflix

**Director:** Anthony Stacchi

**Cast:** Jimmy O. Yang, Bowen Yang, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Jo Koy

Nimona (2023)

Nimona (voice: Chloë Grace Moretz) in 'Nimona'.

A futuristic fairy tale for everyone who feels out of place, *Nimona* stars Chloë Grace Moretz as a willful shapeshifter who insists on becoming the sidekick to a knight (Riz Ahmed) unfairly accused of murdering the queen. Able to turn into anything as long as it's pink, Nimona glories in the freedom of defining her own identity, but risks being labeled a monster. As EW's critic observes, "The story admiringly delves into how such monsters are in fact created by a society that refuses to accept their differences." —*D.H.*

Where to watch *Nimona*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+ (read the review)

**Directors:** Nick Bruno, Troy Quane

**Cast:** Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy

Paddington in Peru (2024)

Paddington (voice: Ben Whishaw) in 'Paddington in Peru'.

Our favorite marmalade-loving bear returned to his home in this delightful third entry in the *Paddington* film franchise. After hearing word that his aunt Lucy has gone missing, Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) brings his adoptive London family to Peru to investigate the jungles. While getting to see Paddington and company in a new environment is a fun change of pace, the highlight of *Paddington in Peru* is the scene-stealing performances from Antonio Banderas and Olivia Colman, as a riverboat captain and a Reverend Mother, respectively, who may have an ulterior motive or two for helping the family. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Paddington in Peru*: Netflix

**Director:** Dougal Wilson

**Cast:** Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Carla Tous, Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas

The 23 best kids' movies on Netflix

The 25 best childhood movies for when you're feeling nostalgic

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (2022)

The cast of 'Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical'.

Precocious student Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir) leads a spirited uprising against the status quo in this lively adaptation of the book and stage musical *Matilda*. The girl's disdainful parents, unimpressed with her intelligence and independent spirit, decide to send her to Crunchem Hall, where the ruthless headmistress (Emma Thompson) specializes in bringing troublemaking tykes into line. Weir's fierce performance anchors the magical elements of the plot as she fearlessly stands her ground. The film features catchy tunes with impressively athletic choreography, and the revolutionary anthem "Revolting Children" is especially rousing. —*D.H.*

Where to watch *Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical*: Netflix

**Director:** Matthew Warchus

**Cast:** Alisha Weir, Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch, Stephen Graham

The Sea Beast (2022)

Jacob (voice: Karl Urban) and Maisie (voice: Zaris-Angel Hator) in 'The Sea Beast'. Netflix

In a world where enormous sea creatures threaten anyone who ventures out onto the ocean, it's up to brave heroes like the legendary Jacob Holland (Karl Urban) to hunt them down. But an orphan girl named Maisie (Zaris-Angel Hator) stows away on what could be Jacob's final voyage and discovers that the beasts may not be as fearsome as they appear. Jacob and his protégée must face off against the monsters — both marine and human — in this tale of bravery and heart, which snagged a Best Animated Feature nomination at the 2023 Oscars and became Netflix's most successful original animated film. —*D.H.*

Where to watch *The Sea Beast*: Netflix

**Director:** Chris Williams

**Cast:** Karl Urban, Zaris-Angel Hator, Jared Harris

Spy Kids: Armageddon (2023)

Gina Rodriguez as Nora Torrez, Everly Carganilla as Patty Tango-Torrez, Connor Esterson as Tony Tango-Torrez, and Zachary Levi as Terrence Tango in 'Spy Kids: Armageddon'. Robert Rodriguez/Netflix

The fifth film in the *Spy Kids* franchise, *Armageddon* reboots the series after a more than 10-year absence from the screen. When two married spies (Zachary Levi and Gina Rodriguez) go missing, young Tony (Connor Esterson) and Patty (Everly Carganilla) discover their parents' safe house and learn how to become secret agents themselves. The villain is a game developer who's taken control of all technology, so naturally, the kids' familiarity with video games is a major asset in the world-saving department. There aren't a lot of surprises if you've seen the previous installments, but newcomers will enjoy it. —*D.H.*

Where to watch *Spy Kids: Armageddon*: Netflix

**Director:** Robert Rodriguez

**Cast:** Gina Rodriguez, Zachary Levi, Connor Esterson, Everly Carganilla

Vivo (2021)

Vivo (voice: Lin-Manuel Miranda) and Gabi (voice: Ynairaly Simo) in 'Vivo'.

Sony Pictures Animation

In addition to composing its songs, Lin-Manuel Miranda stars in *Vivo*, the story of a singing kinkajou who embarks on a dangerous but inspiring quest from Havana to Miami. When his street performer partner dies, Vivo is charged with delivering a romantic song to the man's lost love, a successful singer (Gloria Estefan) who's about to retire. Vivo is accompanied by Gabi (Ynairaly Simo), an irritating 10-year-old girl with a gift for music. EW's critic writes that the movie "sort of delivers as an energetic caper, moving from one colorful locale to another," and Miranda's melodies make the journey worthwhile. —*D.H.*

Where to watch *Vivo*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B (read the review)

**Director:** Kirk DeMicco

**Cast:** Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ynairaly Simo, Zoe Saldaña, Juan de Marcos, Gloria Estefan

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024)

Gromit, Norbot (voice: Reece Shearsmith), and Wallace (voice: Ben Whitehead) in 'Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl'.

Courtesy of Netflix

Break out the cheese: Wallace and Gromit are back, and they haven't missed a beat. *Vengeance Most Fowl* finds the cheeky inventor and his dog trying to track down penguin mastermind Feathers McGraw, who hopes to get his flippers on the priceless Blue Diamond. Not helping matters is Feathers reprogramming Wallace's latest invention, a robotic garden gnome, to help him in his dastardly heist. Making great use of its trademark claymation for clever action sequences, *Vengeance Most Fowl* retains the level of quality we expect from this series. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl*: Netflix

**Directors:** Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham

**Cast:** Ben Whitehead, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel, Reece Shearsmith

The Wild Robot (2024)

Roz (voice: Lupita Nyong'o) and Brightbill (voice: Kit Connor) in 'The Wild Robot'.

Dreamworks Animation

A service robot and an orphaned gosling become family in this heartfelt animated sci-fi dramedy. Their relationship blossoms shortly after the robot, nicknamed Roz (Lupita Nyong'o), washes up on an island populated only by wild animals. Adapting to her unfamiliar surroundings, she becomes a mother figure to young Brightbill (Kit Connor) and uses her particular set of skills to protect their environment. Nominated for three Oscars — Best Original Score, Best Sound, and Best Animated Feature — *The Wild Robot* was a hit with critics and audiences, and a sequel is now in development (per Deadline). —*K.J.***

Where to watch *The Wild Robot*: Netflix

**Director:** Chris Sanders

**Cast:** Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Catherine O'Hara, Matt Berry, Ving Rhames

The Willoughbys (2020)

Nanny (voice: Maya Rudolph), Jane (voice: Alessia Cara), Barnaby A & B (voice: Seán Cullen), Tim (voice: Will Forte), and Commander Melanoff (voice: Terry Crews) in 'The Willoughbys'. Netflix

Stuck with a mother and father who neglect and abuse them, the four young Willoughbys come up with a fiendish plot, sending their parents off on a vacation to dangerous places and hoping that they get killed. It's a grim premise, but the appealing characters and vibrant animation make *The Willoughbys* more uplifting than you'd expect, as the kids determine what kind of family they *really* want. The voice cast includes comedy powerhouses Will Forte as eldest son Tim, Maya Rudolph as the children's quirky nanny, and Ricky Gervais as the cat who narrates the film. —*D.H.*

Where to watch *The Willoughbys*: Netflix

**Director:** Kris Pearn

**Cast:** Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Ricky Gervais, Alessia Cara

Yes Day (2021)

Jennifer Garner as Allison Torres and Jenna Ortega as Katie Torres in 'Yes Day'. Netflix

Stressed parents Allison (Jennifer Garner) and Carlos (Edgar Ramirez) learn about the liberating power of "yes" in this winning family comedy. Allison's tired of her three kids calling her the "fun killer," so she and Carlos agree to observe Yes Day, a 24-hour period where they must agree to any crazy requests their children make. The kids, led by a pre-*Wednesday* Jenna Ortega, get their parents to dress in funny clothes, go through a carwash with the windows down, and take a trip to an amusement park, which turns unexpectedly chaotic. —*D.H.*

Where to watch *Yes Day*: Netflix

**Director:** Miguel Arteta

**Cast: **Jennifer Garner, Edgar Ramirez, Jenna Ortega, Julian Lerner

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Movies”