Movies The 16 best PG movies on Netflix to stream now From animated fare to magical musicals, here's a watchlist the whole family can enjoy. By Danny Horn and Kevin Jacobsen Updated on October 3, 2024 11:46AM EDT Close 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse'; 'Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio'; Alisha Weir in 'Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical'. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing/Marvel Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection; Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection; Dan Smith/Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection 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 Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023). The only problem is deciding which film to start with. Here's your guide to the best PG movies on Netflix. 01 of 16 The Angry Birds Movie (2016) Red in 'The Angry Birds Movie'. Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Ready, aim, fire! The Angry Birds have launched themselves out of their popular phone app and onto the big screen. On an island of high-flyers, Red (Jason Sudeikis) is known for his bad temper and furious outbursts, but when a crew of green pigs suddenly appears and seems to be interested in the colony's eggs, Red is the only one who recognizes the porcine threat. EW's critic writes that the movie "delivers a mildly diverting mix of winky meta-jokes and moral lessons, cannily aimed at both the next generation of tiny consumers and their more sophisticated parents." —Danny Horn Where to watch The Angry Birds Movie: Netflix EW grade: B (read the review) Directors: Clay Kaytis, Fergal Reilly Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph The best Saturday Night Live cast members, ranked 02 of 16 Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017) Captain Underpants 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." —D.H. 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 Scholastic pulls Captain Underpants book over 'passive racism' toward Asian people 03 of 16 Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023) Bunty, Mac, Rocky, Molly, Ginger, Fowler, and Babs 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 'No one in the U.S. would understand it': Inside the making of Chicken Run 04 of 16 Field of Dreams (1989) (From left to right) Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones, Kevin Costner, and Amy Madigan in 'Field of Dreams'. Everett Collection This beloved sports drama unapologetically wears its heart on its sleeve, and we wouldn't have it any other way. In one of his most memorable roles, Kevin Costner stars as Ray Kinsella, a farmer who hears a mysterious voice urging him, "If you build it, they will come." Ray resolves to build a baseball field on his corn farm, where the ghosts of various players appear, helping him go down an unconventional path of resolving his relationship with his deceased, baseball-loving father. Be sure to have tissues handy. —Kevin Jacobsen Where to watch Field of Dreams: Netflix Director: Phil Alden Robinson Cast: Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Burt Lancaster Kevin Costner honors late Field of Dreams costar James Earl Jones: 'Only he could bring that kind of magic' 05 of 16 Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022) Pinocchio 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 Guillermo del Toro explains why his Pinocchio has so much fascism in it 06 of 16 The Monkey King (2023) Monkey King and Lin 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 How American Born Chinese remixes the mythology of the Monkey King 07 of 16 Nimona (2023) Nimona in 'Nimona'. NETFLIX 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 The story of Nimona, the groundbreaking animated film that refused to die 08 of 16 The Prince of Egypt (1998) Moses (voice: Val Kilmer) in 'The Prince of Egypt'. DreamWorks/Everett This gorgeously animated retelling of the story of Moses from DreamWorks rivals the best of the Disney Renaissance. Val Kilmer voices Moses, who grows up as the adopted son of the Egyptian pharaoh. He eventually discovers his lineage and the disturbing truth behind his father's reign, which compels him to lead an uprising to free the enslaved Hebrew people. The power of The Prince of Egypt lies in its deft blending of well-drawn characters, memorable songs, and mature themes with an inspiring message: There can be miracles, when you believe. —K.J. Where to watch The Prince of Egypt: Netflix EW grade: N/A (read the review) Directors: Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, Simon Wells Cast: Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Goldblum, Danny Glover, Patrick Stewart, Helen Mirren, Steve Martin, Martin Short This Saturday Night Seder performance of 'When You Believe' makes us believe in miracles 09 of 16 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 Nominated for Nothing: Matilda the Musical's grade A take on a classic Roald Dahl story deserved more love 10 of 16 The Sea Beast (2022) Jacob and Maisie 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 The 17 best animated movies on Netflix 11 of 16 Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) Spider-Man/Miles Morales in 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse'. Sony Pictures Animation Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a standout in the crowded field of recent superhero blockbusters and an imaginative, stunning sequel to 2018's Into the Spider-Verse. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), a teenage Spider-Man of Black and Puerto Rican descent, is drawn back into the kaleidoscopic multiverse where he meets endless iterations of alternate Spider-People — and discovers a devastating truth that threatens his family. EW's critic says the movie "totally exceeds expectations when it comes to visual aesthetic and character development." (But be prepared for a cliffhanger ending that leads directly into a third film currently in production.) —D.H. Where to watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: Netflix EW grade: B+ (read the review) Directors: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson Cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Jake Johnson How Hobie Brown/Spider-Punk became the coolest character in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse 12 of 16 Spy Kids: Armageddon (2023) Gina Rodriguez, Everly Carganilla, Connor Esterson, and Zachary Levi 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 videogames 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 Here's a first look at Netflix's Spy Kids reboot with Gina Rodriguez and Zachary Levi 13 of 16 Trolls (2016) Princess Poppy and Branch in 'Trolls'. DreamWorks Animation If the kids are having a down day, Trolls is guaranteed to pick them up with a dazzling Day-Glo rainbow of cheer. The high-coiffed Trolls spend their time partying in a foam-and-fleece forest where everyone loves fun, especially the peppy Princess Poppy (Anna Kendrick). When their community is assailed by the goblin-like Bergens, Poppy has to team up with Branch (Justin Timberlake, who also co-wrote the film's Grammy-winning original song "Can't Stop the Feeling"), the only gloomy Troll. EW's critic writes that "the movie’s serotonin pumps like a fire hose. It’s almost impossible not to surrender to the bliss." —D.H. Where to watch Trolls: Netflix EW grade: B+ (read the review) Director: Mike Mitchell Cast: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, Gwen Stefani, James Corden Get a first look at NSYNC's troll transformation in Trolls Band Together 14 of 16 Vivo (2021) Vivo and Gabi 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 Lin-Manuel Miranda says he talked Weird Al 'out of working' with him when they met: 'I really pooped the bed' 15 of 16 The Willoughbys (2020) Nanny, Jane, Barnaby A & B, Tim, and Commander Melanoff 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 Why Netflix's The Willoughbys are the perfect quarantine companions 16 of 16 Yes Day (2021) Jennifer Garner and Jenna Ortega 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 The 10 best Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows, ranked