Between my impressionable four-year-old, my unimpressed 14-year-old, and their pressed-for-time dad, we’re hard-pressed to find a Netflix title we’re all willing to press play on!
We were enjoying the Harry Potter movies, before Netflix dropped them in our current region. Then I remembered I could use a VPN to access my library back home, where they’re still available.
CyberGhost is one of the few VPNs that can get you a good enough connection to safely watch Netflix in UltraHD wherever you are.
Even so, it takes some serious scrolling, library hopping, and more than a few false starts before we find something we can all settle into.
To save you the scrolling and squabbling, I’ve compiled this list of the 10 best Netflix movies to watch together as a family. Be warned, a lot of the classics ditched Netflix for Disney+ recently, but here’s the best of what’s left. Hope it helps!
Quick Guide – How to Watch the Best Family Movies on Netflix From Anywhere in 3 Steps
- Sign up to CyberGhost VPN. Get access to streaming-optimized servers. Binge watch in ultra HD with no interruptions.
- Select a US server if you still want to access some of the best family movies on Netflix while traveling.
- Sit back and enjoy some quality family movie time.
The 10 Best Family Movies on Netflix Right Now
1. Klaus (2019)
| Platform | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Rating | 8.2/10 |
94% |
Netflix has done Christmas to death, but the multi-award winning Klaus stands out for its gorgeous 2D animation and original take on the ancient tale.
Director Sergio Pablos’ debut feature film sees an entitled young postmaster (Jason Schwartzman) and a reclusive toymaker (J.K. Simmons) dash through the snow delivering toys to an arctic town desperately in need of cheering up.
The film strikes a Nightmare Before Christmas note that could make it a cult favorite for years to come. That said, critics appreciate it more than my kids, who say they find it lacking in joy and Christmas spirit.
You might also like: The Christmas Chronicles (2018), Back to the Outback (2021), Alien Xmas (2020)
2. The Willoughbys (2020)
| Platform | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Rating | 6.3/10 |
91% |
Siblings Tim Willoughby (voiced by Will Forte), Jane Willoughby (Alessia Cara), and twin brothers (Séan Cullen and Séan Cullen) hatch a plan to ‘orphan’ themselves from their cold-hearted parents and form a new family.
Narrated by Ricky Gervais (who plays a cat), you get the sense this isn’t your typical kids movie. In fact, we’re cautioned early on that this one won’t have a happy ending.
So begins a madcap adventure that plays with some very dark themes but remains a funny, kid-friendly story, reminiscent of something from a Roald Dahl book.
For any concerned parents, “orphaning” is not as easy as it sounds and with any luck, your kids won’t get any ideas.
You might also like: Back to the Outback (2021), Fearless (2020), Klaus (2019)
3. Flushed Away (2006)
| Platform | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Rating | 6.6/10 |
73% |
If you’re a fan of British comedy, Flushed Away — by the creators of Wallace and Gromit — will tickle you pink. Sid (Shane Richie), a common sewer rat, flushes Roddy (Hugh Jackman), a posh pet rat, down the toilet.
In the bustling sewer world of Ratropolis, Roddy encounters some distinctive characters including an enterprising scavenger named Rita (Kate Winslet), and an odious toad (Ian McKellen) who’s out to get him.
A fair bit of potty humor and none of the moralizing typical of American productions mean even grown-ups should have a cracking good time.
You might also like: The Emoji Movie (2017), Secret Life of Pets (2016), Next Gen (2018)
4. Next Gen (2018)
| Platform | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Rating | 6.6/10 |
83% |
Set in what looks like Tokyo in 10 years time, Next Gen is a slick, animated production based on the online Chinese comic 7723 by Wang Nima.
A lonely girl and a runaway robot unite to stop a madman from overthrowing the world.
Sure, the story’s been done before, and this one’s got undeniable echoes of Iron Giant and Big Hero 6. Still, it does raise some new questions about the bittersweet power of memories, and what you’d be prepared to sacrifice to keep yours.
All in all, Next Gen isn’t the worst way to spend a few hours with the kids.
You might also like: Vivo (2021), The Smurfs (2011) The Secret Life of Pets (2016),
5. Back to the Outback (2021)
| Platform | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Rating | 6.5/10 |
82% |
A motley crew of Australia’s “deadliest critters” from the Sydney Zoo embark on a risky journey to find their families in the Outback.
Led by Maddie (Isla Fisher), a super cute snake who resents being called a “monster” by kids at the zoo, the animals – scorpion Nigel (Angus Imrie), lizard Zoe (Miranda Tapsell), and funnel-web spider Frank (Guy Pearce) – make their great escape.
On the road, they find that the ones who truly love and accept them are already with them. Reminiscent of Madagascar and other “journey home” movies, the story’s pretty derivative… but if it keeps the kids quiet?
You might also like: The Nut Job (2014), The Willoughbys (2020), Fearless (2020)
6. Shrek (2001)
| Platform | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Rating | 7.0/10 |
88% |
Easily one of the best all-time family movies, Shrek is like an onion – every time we watch, we find another layer to make us laugh ‘til we cry.
In the greatest fairy tale never told, Shrek is a fearsome ogre (Mike Myers) who falls for a fair princess (Cameron Diaz). Teaming up with a wisecracking donkey (Eddie Murphy), Shrek heads off to save Princess Fiona from a fire-breathing dragon and win back his swamp from the evil Lord Farquaad.
Shrek might not be available on Netflix US. You can use CyberGhost VPN to get an IP from elsewhere.
You might also like: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009), Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)
7. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
| Platform | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Rating | 7.6/10 |
97% |
One of the best new family titles to hit Netflix this year, this animated comedy from the talented team behind Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse has a goofy, road-tripping family defend Earth from a robot uprising.
Really it’s about navigating the strained relationships between the generations and discovering how your weirdness is your superpower.
Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 94th Academy Awards, The Mitchells vs The Machines is a wild ride the whole family will enjoy. Sadly, it’s not on Netflix US anymore. However, you can connect to a CyberGhost server in the UK.
You might also like: The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020), Next Gen (2018), Fearless (2020)
8. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
| Platform | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Rating | 8.4/10 |
97% |
In this hip retelling of the beloved superhero story, inner-city teen Miles Morales, the rookie Spider-Man of his universe, joins five other spider-powered characters to stop a threat to the multiverse.
From the mash-up of animation styles to the pumped-up soundtrack, inclusive casting, and poignant storytelling, this fresh film ticks all the boxes. Critics raved about it, while my toddler and his teen brother concur (for once), it’s about as good as it gets.
You might also like: Jumanji (2005), The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
9. Finding Ohana (2021)
| Platform | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Rating | 6.1/10 |
81% |
Ohana tells the story of Brooklyn-raised siblings who spend the summer on O’ahu in Hawaii. They have to extend their vacation indefinitely when they realize their grandfather is at risk of losing the family homestead and their mother may have to sell her New York apartment to meet her “kuleana”, or family responsibility.
Adventure begins when the kids find an old journal that sets them off on a quest for long-lost Spanish treasure that could save the old family home. An exciting story for the whole family, Finding Ohana offers an authentic glimpse into the lived experience of contemporary Hawaiians.
You might also like: Dolittle (2020), (2022), Zip and Zap (2016), Jumanji (2005)
10. My Octopus Teacher (2020)
| Platform | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Rating | 8.1/10 | 97% |
Now that we’ve exhausted the kids section, how about something a little more cerebral? Sit back on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy this documentary about a jaded filmmaker, Craig Foster, who heads for the shores of South Africa to get away from it all.
Diving in the kelp forest, he befriends an octopus. The two spend nearly a year together, exploring the mysteries of her underwater world.
My Octopus Teacher won the award for Best Documentary Feature at the 93rd Academy Awards, and it’s no wonder — the film is both a gorgeous wildlife documentary and a heartwarming human story that will spur family discussion for days.
You might also like: David Attenborough – A Life on Our Planet (2020), Our Great National Parks (2022), Absurd Planet (2020)
Why You Need a VPN to Watch Netflix
Ever been on vacation abroad and noticed the selection of movies on your Netflix account differs from what you get back home? That’s because Netflix has different libraries for different regions.
Netflix, like other streaming services, determines your location using your IP address before serving up the licensed selection for that region. What if you had a way to change your IP address and take Netflix with you anywhere you go?
Absolutely! A VPN can route your traffic through private servers in any country you choose, so you’ll get a new IP address from the server’s location.
Get CyberGhost VPN to access our global network of 116 server locations in 91 countries. Want to keep your Netflix US library while traveling? Connect to a US server to instantly get a US IP address and pick up exactly where you left off.
You can safely watch Netflix no matter where you travel.
Even while writing this article, I’ve found titles jumping around every day, suddenly becoming available in some locations and unavailable in others.
CyberGhost VPN protects my family’s online privacy. That’s because it automatically encrypts our data, making it useless to snooping third parties<. Stay safe and stream like a dream with the #1 VPN for Netflix.
Why Choose CyberGhost as the Best VPN for Netflix
👍 A VPN for Everyone
To be honest, we rarely watch a movie as a family together anymore. Max watches his stuff on his iPad, Darius catches up on Cocomelon on my phone and Dad and I prefer something suspenseful on the TV in our room.
Luckily, CyberGhost VPN lets us all watch what we like on our own devices! One account covers up to 7 simultaneous device connections at no extra cost, with dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and iPadOS. CyberGhost VPN even supports Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers.
What’s not to like? Get CyberGhost VPN and give the whole family what they want with just 1 subscription.
👍 Servers Worldwide
You’re going to need to do some globe-trotting to find the best family movies on Netflix. You need a VPN with powerful servers all around the world. Luckily, CyberGhost has one of the largest VPN server networks, with 116 locations in 91 countries. Our massive server fleet lets you easily watch Netflix on any local network, even those that try to block your access.
You shouldn’t run into any hitches, as CyberGhost VPN has streaming-optimized servers just for Netflix. In fact, we’ve got dedicated servers for lots of popular streaming channels, including Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, and more.
Can’t find the right server? Contact CyberGhost’s 24/7 customer support team – they’re more than happy to help you out.
👍 Binge All You Want
Too much TV time isn’t good for kids, but it’s up to you as the parent to decide when enough’s enough.
Other VPNs may try to control your appetite for streaming with bandwidth restrictions or data caps, but not CyberGhost. Our state-of-the-art server infrastructure and expansive network mean we can let you watch as much as you want. We also have a strict No Logs policy, so we’re not keeping track of how much bandwidth you use anyway.
Feel free to indulge in hours of family entertainment. The only limit is bed time! Start a Shrek or Harry Potter movie marathon right now, risk-free with our 45-day money-back guarantee.
👍 Goodbye Buffering
What’s worse than watching a B-grade kids’ movie? Watching the spinning wheel of death while waiting for it to load! You need a fast VPN if you want to watch first-rate movies in crystal-clear UHD, without any buffering.
Connect to CyberGhost VPN and stream the best family movies with zero interruptions – from your connection anyway, we can’t guarantee your kids won’t interrupt. Choose between the fastest VPN protocols available, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, or WireGuard®. As long as your internet connection is up to speed, our VPN won’t hold you back.
The CyberGhost team is constantly working to make sure you can always watch Netflix in the best possible quality! Grab the kids, the popcorn, and the remote. The main feature is about to start, with no intermission!
👍 Forget ISP Throttling
Families often watch movies during daylight hours – the very same time when ISPs are doing all they can to manage server congestion. You may find your internet connection starts acting up or the video starts to buffer if your ISP throttles data-intensive activities like streaming.
Don’t let your overbearing ISP spoil the fun!
CyberGhost VPN routes your data through an encrypted tunnel. That way, your ISP can’t see what your family is up to and can’t interrupt your movie time.
Stream Netflix US with improved privacy. No one needs to know how many times y’all have watched Yes Day.
Other Streaming Services that Work with CyberGhost VPN: Feel like all the best family movies have left Netflix? You’re probably right. Luckily, CyberGhost VPN lets you watch content on 35+ international streaming platforms.
Revisit classics like The Lion King and Ratatouille on Disney+, Rio and Sonic the Hedgehog on Hulu, and Happy Feet on HBO Max, or catch the just-released Fantastic Beasts – The Secret of Dumbledore on Amazon Prime Video.
Family Time Is Here to Stay
It might seem like the days of piling onto the sofa with the family to watch a movie are slipping away, but not if you know where to find the movies everybody loves. Make new memories and relive the magic with the next generation using CyberGhost VPN!
Connect in a click for the widest selection of family movies on Netflix. It’s fast and easy! You’ll get the fastest VPN speeds, unlimited bandwidth, access to servers in 91 countries, and the ability to protect 7 devices simultaneously! The best part? You can get started, right now, with our 45-day money-back guarantee!
FAQ
DreamWorks’ Shrek (2001) is easily one of the best family movies of all time, followed closely by the Netflix hit Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). You’ll need an IP from the UK or South Africa to watch them, though, as they were recently removed from Netflix US.
Subscribe to CyberGhost VPN to stay safe while streaming any family movie on this list. It’s 100% risk-free with our 45-day money-back guarantee.
My youngest son loves Stalks, Next Gen, Flushed Away and the Secret Life of Pets, while my older son is a Potterhead who also loves anything from Marvel or DC Comics. Netflix keeps changing up its selection, which is the cause of many tears and much frustration…
Fortunately, many of the top titles are still on other Netflix libraries. Change your IP with CyberGhost VPN and enjoy safe streaming in an instant. Before you know it, all the titles your kids are begging for reappear like magic!
Yes. Netflix has different libraries with different family movies depending on what country you’re in. To access your local library while traveling, use CyberGhost VPN to change your IP address to one in the relevant location.
Binge Netflix’s best kids’ entertainment on streaming-optimized servers, and enjoy a smooth connection from opening title to closing shot. CyberGhost VPN will also help you dodge ISP throttling and encrypt your data to keep your streaming habits – and everything else you do online – private.
Join the Ghostie squad and experience limitless freedom to enjoy family time, anytime, anywhere!
You need a VPN proven to consistently access services like Netflix on any local network. For that, it’ll need a large server network, strong encryption, and fast connections. CyberGhost VPN lets you bypass work or school blocks and access any streaming service through our global network.
We’ve optimized our servers to give you the speeds you need for streaming. In one click, you get fast and stable connections, perfect for streaming full-length, family movies on any platform. Contact our 24/7 customer support team if you ever run into any streaming issues. They’ll sort them out before the popcorn is ready.
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