Best kids’ movies on Netflix to stream with the family

Spend your next inside day with one of these great family-friendly films.

Who says screen time is not for kids? Some of the best memories can be made when you gather the brood, claim spots on the couch and all sit down to watch a movie together. Then again, the quality of the movie goes a long way. The best kids’ movies will keep them engaged, stir up emotions and, hopefully, offer something for the adults, too.

And if your streamer of choice is the one with the big red N, these are currently the best movies for kids on Netflix. Some of them are toddler movies or animated movies that can be enjoyed by everyone, including the littlest ones in your family. Others are fun-for-the-whole-family movies, so everyone, including your picky tweens, can get in on the fun. Others are scary movies or maybe just a bit mature, and are teen movies best reserved for your older ones. And a lot of these films are Netflix originals, which means you will not be able to find them on any other service. From thrilling action and adventure to sweet stories about friendships, you are sure to find something that will please everyone in your brood.

‘THE BAD GUYS’ (2022)

Based on the book series by Aaron Blabey, this movie follows a crew of animals with bad reputations — with good reason. But when Wolf gets a taste of what it feels like to walk the straight and narrow, he contemplates a change of heart, much to the consternation of his crewmates. The voice cast includes funny actors such as Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Richard Ayoade and Awkwafina.

‘PADDINGTON’ (2014)

Based on the beloved children’s book series by Michael Bond, “Paddington” follows the adventure of a bear who grew up in the jungles of Peru but finds himself settling into city life in London. While there’s some peril, this is an extremely gentle movie even the youngest film fans can enjoy.

‘THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES’ (2021)

Katie Mitchell, a budding filmmaker, is headed off to school, and her family decides to drive her for one last roadtrip family vacation. The only problem? A robot apocalypse breaks out on the way, and the Mitchells are the only ones who can stop it. This movie comes from some of the same creative team as “The Lego Movie” and has a similar zany energy.

‘A SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE: FARMAGEDDON’ (2019)

An alien that looks more like a puppy than anything you would see on “The X-Files” gets separated from her parents, and it is up to Shaun and the rest of his farm friends to reunite them. From the makers of “Wallace and Gromit,” every “Shaun the Sheep” adventure is pretty gentle and appropriate for younger film fans.

‘ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA: THE MUSICAL’ (2022)

If the kids didn’t get a chance to see “Matilda” on Broadway, now’s the chance. The music comes courtesy of Tim Minchin, who also adapted “Groundhog Day” for the stage, and ‘Matilda’ stars Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough and Emma Thompson, among others.

‘PRETTY GUARDIAN SAILOR MOON ETERNAL: THE MOVIE’ (2021)

This is actually a two-for-one, since the movie is split into two feature-length, TV-14-rated halves. In it, a solar eclipse brings the Dead Moon Circus to Earth with plans to spread nightmares across the land. Usagi and Chibi-Usa have to round up the guardians and save the planet. They must be doing a good job, or at least an entertaining one: So far, this movie has a 100 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

‘WENDELL AND WILD’ (2022)

Two cinema giants come together for this stop-motion spectacular: It is directed by Henry Selick, who made “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and co-written by Jordan Peele, master of horror movies such as “Get Out” and “Nope.” (Peele also does a voice.) It is about a girl who blames herself for past tragedy and considers teaming up with two demons to help set things right. But are they trustworthy?

‘THE SEA BEAST’ (2022)

This Netflix adventure takes to the high seas in a time when the oceans were ruled by monsters. The film follows two heroes: a young girl named Maisie Brumble, who longs for adventure and stows away on a ship, and the famed monster-hunter Jacob Holland, who begrudgingly becomes her partner.

‘THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL’ (2022)

“The School for Good and Evil” is where fairy-tale characters go when they want to learn all there is about princesshood — or villainy, depending on the situation. Best friends Sophie and Agatha attend together, assuming Sophie would attend the School for Good while Agatha would attend the School for Evil, only to find their situations reversed. Can they make it through the year? The movie, directed by “Bridesmaids”’ Paul Feig and based on the book series by Soman Chainani, has a cast that includes Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington, Laurence Fishburne and Michelle Yeoh, among others.

‘THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND’ (2019)

Based on a true story, this follows a boy living in Africa who teaches himself engineering. When his village suffers a drought, he has big plans to create a turbine that can power a water pump.