Cover Enjoy a movie night with your loved ones with our top picks of the best family movies on Netflix (Image: Netflix)

Nothing brings a family together like a good movie. From animated features to action-packed dramas and uplifting musicals, we’ve rounded up the best family-friendly flicks to watch on Netflix

Whether it’s gripping true crime documentaries, feel-good series or inspiring travel shows, there’s always something entertaining to watch on Netflix. The streaming giant never really gives a chance to its fans to feel monotonous with its continuous addition of new great shows and movies, but it can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide what to watch—especially when you have the whole family on the brain.  

Therefore, we’ve put together a list of the best family movies on Netflix that both the grown-ups and kids of all ages will love. Get comfy, grab a drink and get your popcorn ready for a fun family movie night. 

(Related: 9 New Netflix Series and Movies to Watch in October 2020)

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind (2019)

Based on a true story, this inspiring tale follows a young boy named William Kamkwamba (Maxwell Simba) who saved his village in Malawi from famine by constructing an electricity-producing wind turbine. The movie is filled with meaningful life lessons that teach us never to lose hope and keep doing our best to achieve our dreams.  

Watch it here

Benji (2018)

Who doesn’t know Benji? He’s one of cinema’s most adorable dogs who has captured the hearts and souls of families around the world since 1974. Directed by Brandon Camp, who’s known as the original director’s son, this film is a heartwarming, cuddly reboot of the classic movie, which tells the story of a smart orphaned dog who saves two kidnapped children and is then adopted by their family.

The movie doesn’t add any new twists to the tried-and-true formula, but it does deliver what it promises—a feel-good piece with just the right amount of tension that’s sure to delight the young crowd.  

Watch it here

(Related: 10 Feel-Good Movies To Watch On Netflix)

My Neighbour Totoro (1988)

Produced by Studio Ghibli, the famous Japanese animation film studio which co-founded by the legendary manga artist and film director Hayao Miyazaki, My Neighbour Totoro is one of the most iconic animated features that both the kids and their parents would love to watch it again and again.  
 
This beautifully hand-drawn animated film revolves around the two young sisters Satsuki and Mei Kusakabe, who move out to the countryside with their father to be closer to their hospitalised mother recovering from an illness. As the sisters explore their new home and surrounding environment, they discover different playful spirits and befriend a massive, cute creature, Totoro. If your little ones enjoy this film, they’ll also love the other famous works by Hayao Miyazaki, such as Princess Mononoke (1997) and Howl’s Moving Castle (2004).  

Watch it here

Feel The Beat (2020)

Perfect for slightly older kids and parents on the younger end, Feel The Beat is an uplifting dance comedy-drama about a talented, self-centred dancer April (Sofia Carson) who returns her hometown to pursue her ambition after blowing a Broadway audition. Not only will this movie inspire you to take some dance lessons, you’ll also be able to enjoy tons of fantastic performances with the most upbeat music and get a beautiful message: learn to see rejection as a positive step forward—don't give up easily as hard work always pays off.

Watch it here 

(Related: Dance Patrons Come Together For Singapore Dance Theatre’s Virtual Fundraiser 2020)

The Sleepover (2020)

The Sleepover is a true gem in the family movie category. In this fun, action-packed film, the two siblings Clancy and Kevin (Sadie Stanley and Maxwell Simkins) embark on an adventure to rescue their mother and learn more about her past as a former high-end thief in the witness protection program. Featuring a witty plot and good performances from the lead kid actors, this movie will offer your family plenty of laughs.

Watch it here

The Princess Switch (2018)

Arguably one of Netflix’s best holiday creations, The Princess Switch stars Vanessa Hudgens as both Stacy DeNovo, a young baker from Chicago, and Margaret, Duchess of the fictional kingdom of Montenaro. The two decide to swap identities and there begin their new adventures. While this popular teen rom-com is best left for Christmas time and winter, it’s still a worthy watch this month, especially if you just want a pleasant hour or two of easy watching. 

Watch it here 

(Related: All the Luxury Designer Brands Worn in the Hit Netflix K-Drama, It’s Okay To Not Be Okay)

Undercover Grandpa (2017)

Starring James Caan—you might remember him from the classic movie The Godfather (1972)—Undercover Grandpa is a comedy film that blends action and humour into an adventure story for the whole family. Caan plays a grandfather role with a secret past who enlists his old war buddies to help rescue his teen grandson’s kidnapped date, where you can expect an amazing storyline that’ll surely hook you in from the start.  

Watch it here

Mamamia! (2018)

Looking for something lighthearted and fun? Tune into this happy musical and get your young crowd moving and singing all the best songs from the Swedish 1970s hitmakers ABBA. The movie tells the story of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), a young bride-to-be, who was raised by a single mother (Meryl Streep). Sophie wants to know who her father is, so she invites three of her mum’s former lovers to her wedding to find it out.  

Watch it here

Hugo (2011)

While Martin Scorsese may not the first name that comes to the mind when you think of family movies, his magical adaptation of Brian Selznick’s book The Invention of Hugo Cabret, is a heartwarming adventure story that grown-ups will enjoy as much as kids. The film follows a 12-year-old orphaned boy Hugo (Asa Butterfield) in 1930s Paris, who lives in the walls of a train station and tries to solve the mystery of a strange automaton left to him by his late father (Jude Law).

Not your typical children’s film that simply offering beautiful fantasy elements, this movie is a gentle reminder that everyone has a calling in life and you should never underestimate your abilities.  

Watch it here 

Night At The Museum (2006)

Bring your kids to an exciting adventure at the Natural History Museum this weekend. This fantasy-comedy film is just as fun, heartfelt and visually striking as the beloved children book that inspired it, which follows Larry Daley (Ben Stiller), a divorced father who takes a job as a night watchman at the museum; there, he accidentally unleashes an Egyptian curse that brings the museum’s exhibits to life.

The movie’s fast-paced, action-centred plot and vast use of visual effects make the story even more enjoyable. Don’t miss the two sequels Battle Of The Smithsonian (2009) and Secret of The Tomb (2014), too, which are equally impressive.  

Watch it here 

Scooby-Doo (2002)

October is the month to binge-watch all the best Halloween movies. If you don’t want to be seriously scared and just want to enjoy an evening of light-hearted spooky fun with your kids, give Scooby-Doo a try. A classic live-action adaptation of the much-loved cartoon, the movie follows the Scooby gang’s journey to Spooky Island, where they work together to solve spooky mysteries involving ghosts and other supernatural creatures. The sequel Scobby-Doo 2 - Monsters Unleashed (2004) is also streaming on Netflix. 

Watch it here

(Related: Over 100 Singapore Shows Coming To Netflix: Here Are The Best Ones To Watch)

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