Childhood Movies Now Streaming on Netflix
Netflix has become the go-to destination for families looking to revisit beloved classics or discover new favorites together. The streaming giant’s collection spans everything from timeless animated adventures to heartwarming live-action tales that have shaped countless childhoods. Whether you’re introducing your kids to movies that define your own youth or simply seeking quality entertainment for family movie night, Netflix’s current catalog delivers something special for every generation. From iconic 80s adventures to modern animated masterpieces, these films prove that great storytelling never goes out of style.
Here’s a list of 15 childhood movies that are guaranteed to bring smiles, laughter, and maybe even a few happy tears to your living room.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
ET the Extra-Terrestrial was voted most-loved childhood film.
— Photo by lucidwaters
Steven Spielberg’s touching tale of a homesick alien remains a piece of movie magic for young and old. This 1982 masterpiece follows young Elliott as he befriends a stranded extraterrestrial and helps him find his way home. The film’s blend of wonder, friendship, and adventure continues to captivate new audiences decades after its release, proving that some stories are truly timeless. Fun fact: those glowing fingertips still give kids goosebumps.
Shrek
— Photo by Piter2121
The beloved ogre’s first adventure streams with an impressive 88% critics score and 90% audience rating. This DreamWorks animation turned fairy tale conventions upside down with its irreverent humor and surprising heart. Mike Myers’ lovable ogre, alongside Eddie Murphy’s scene-stealing Donkey, created a franchise that redefined what animated movies could be.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines
This Oscar-nominated sci-fi action-comedy is sharp, funny, and touching. Features a deep bench of voice cameos too—Fred Armisen, John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Blake Griffin, and Conan O’Brien all show up. The story follows the Mitchell family as they become humanity’s last hope against a robot apocalypse during what was supposed to be a simple road trip to film school, and the film’s unique visual style meshes wonderfully with perfectly timed slapstick that’ll have you laughing out loud.
Matilda the Musical
on a wall in the corner of a street in the centre of London, England
— Photo by Miraswonderland
This charming movie-musical is based on the stage musical of the same name, which was itself based on the beloved children’s novel by Roald Dahl. Alisha Weir absolutely shines as the precocious young Matilda who develops telekinetic abilities to stand up against the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull, played brilliantly by Emma Thompson. The film combines classic storytelling with spectacular dance sequences that will leave both kids and adults mesmerized.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
— Photo by sergey.miami2you.com
Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation streams with an 83% critics score, bringing Roald Dahl’s whimsical world to life through Johnny Depp’s eccentric Willy Wonka. The film captures the magic and moral lessons of the original story while adding Burton’s distinctive visual flair. It’s a sweet treat that reminds viewers about the importance of kindness and humility—plus, those chocolate river scenes still look delicious.
Megamind
This DreamWorks animation enjoys a 73% critics score and 72% audience rating. Proof that even supervillains can have hearts of gold. Will Ferrell voices the blue-headed ‘villain’ who must learn to become a hero when his nemesis Metro Man disappears, and the film cleverly subverts superhero tropes while delivering genuine laughs and surprising emotional depth that sneaks up on you.
Nimona
Now in the hands of Spies in Disguise directorial duo Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, Nimona captures the heart of the original story while remaining a thoughtful commentary on systems of power and the othering of non-normative bodies. Based on ND Stevenson’s beloved graphic novel, this Netflix original follows a shapeshifting teen who becomes the sidekick to a wrongly accused knight. The animation style is vibrant and the story tackles themes of acceptance and identity with remarkable sensitivity.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
— Photo by parrysuwanitch
This stop-motion musical is an artistic triumph that colors Collodi’s cherished storybook characters with humanity and depth to craft a mature tale about rebellion, mortality, and growing up. Del Toro’s distinctive dark fantasy style transforms the classic puppet tale into something more profound and visually stunning. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, cementing its place among the greatest animated films ever made. Worth every frame.
The Sea Beast
Easily one of the best action-adventure animated films streaming right now, perfect for families wanting an epic story of sea captains fighting sea creatures. The Netflix original follows a legendary sea monster hunter whose life is turned upside down when a young girl stows away on his ship. The swashbuckling adventure is actually an incredibly thoughtful and layered tale about a little girl who learns the truth about the titular misunderstood aquatic creatures.
Over the Moon
This musical fantasy follows teenager Fei Fei with a mission to prove the existence of a legendary moon goddess. The Netflix original combines stunning animation with catchy songs and a heartfelt story about grief, family, and moving forward. Cathy Ang and Phillipa Soo lead the voice cast in this colorful journey that celebrates both imagination and emotional growth—and yes, you’ll probably end up humming the songs for days.
Orion and the Dark
From Charlie Kaufman comes this DreamWorks Animation creation about an 11-year-old who’s scared of everything. But mostly the dark. Jacob Tremblay voices young Orion, who gets an unexpected lesson in facing fears when Dark himself (Paul Walter Hauser) takes him on a nighttime adventure, and the film offers a unique and smart approach to childhood anxieties that feels both imaginative and genuinely helpful for worried kids.
Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood
Written and directed by Richard Linklater, this film shows the events of the Apollo moon landing through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy as he navigates life in 1969. The animation has a classic look with a modern polish, making it feel nostalgic and new at the same time. Glen Powell and Jack Black contribute to the impressive voice cast, and the humor hits that perfect sweet spot of well-placed kid jokes mixed with ones that’ll make adults chuckle too.
Yes Day
The premise is so simple, and yet so appealing: A family decides to say ‘yes’ to their children for an entire day. Jennifer Garner and Edgar Ramírez star as parents who agree to give their kids complete control for 24 hours, leading to hilarious and heartwarming chaos. The film celebrates the importance of family fun and sometimes throwing caution to the wind. Even so, you might think twice before trying this at home.
The Christmas Chronicles
This Netflix original brings holiday magic to life with Kurt Russell’s charismatic portrayal of Santa Claus—and honestly, he’s perfect casting. When two siblings accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh, they must help him save Christmas before it’s too late. The film combines festive adventure with family bonding, making it a perfect choice for holiday viewing any time of year.
Klaus
This Netflix animated original reimagines the origin story of Santa Claus through the friendship between a selfish postman and a reclusive toymaker. The hand-drawn animation style feels refreshingly classic while the story offers a heartwarming take on how kindness and generosity can transform entire communities. J.K. Simmons voices the titular Klaus with warmth and gravitas that’ll make you believe in the magic all over again.
Timeless Magic Lives On
These 15 films represent more than just entertainment—they’re bridges between generations, sparking conversations about friendship, courage, and the power of imagination. Netflix’s commitment to both preserving classic favorites and creating new family-friendly content ensures that the magic of childhood cinema continues to evolve while honoring the timeless themes that make these stories resonate. So whether you’re eight or eighty, these movies remind us that the best stories never truly grow old.
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