Best Kid Movies On Netflix That Support Character Growth
Best kid movies on Netflix right now
The best kid movies on Netflix for 2026 include Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, Spirited Away, Klaus, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Paddington, and Ponyo-all PG or G-rated, with strong educational values around kindness, curiosity, resilience, and community that align with Marist pedagogy's focus on holistic formation.
Top picks for curious minds and kind hearts
Parents and educators seeking values-driven storytelling will find these titles especially relevant: Matilda the Musical celebrates intellectual courage and justice; Klaus models selfless generosity and transformation; Wonder teaches empathy and inclusion; and Spirited Away nurtures resilience and moral growth through a richly symbolic journey.
- Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (2022, PG, 1h 57m): Empowerment through literacy and moral courage; Common Sense Media rate 5/5 for ages 8+
- Spirited Away (2001, PG, 2h 05m): Courage, empathy, and identity; IMDb 8.6, Rotten Tomatoes 96%, Common Sense Media 5/5 for ages 9+
- Klaus (2019, PG, 1h 36m): Generosity and community building; IMDb 8.2, RT 95%, Common Sense Media 4/5 for ages 6+
- The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021, PG, 1h 54m): Family cohesion and creative problem-solving; RT 97%, Common Sense Media 4/5 for ages 8+
- Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022, PG, 1h 42m): Humility and facing fear; IMDb 7.8, RT 95%, Common Sense Media 3/5 for ages 8+
- Paddington (2014, PG, 1h 35m): Kindness, belonging, and intercultural respect; RT 97%, Common Sense Media 4/5 for ages 6+
- Ponyo (2008, G, 1h 41m): Wonder, stewardship of nature; RT 91%, Common Sense Media 4/5 for ages 5+
Educational value by theme
Marist educators prioritize integral formation-intellectual, moral, spiritual, and social. These films each deliver measurable learning outcomes through narrative engagement, making them ideal for guided family viewing or school media sessions.
| Title | Core Values Taught | Subject Links | Age | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matilda the Musical | Justice, literacy, courage | Literacy, Ethics, Music | 8+ | IMDb 7.0, RT 93%, CSM 5/5 |
| Spirited Away | Resilience, empathy, identity | Culture, Philosophy, Art | 9+ | IMDb 8.6, RT 96%, CSM 5/5 |
| Klaus | Generosity, community | Social Studies, Ethics | 6+ | IMDb 8.2, RT 95%, CSM 4/5 |
| The Mitchells vs. the Machines | Family unity, creativity | STEM, Media Literacy | 8+ | RT 97%, CSM 4/5 |
| Paddington | Kindness, inclusion | Social-Emotional Learning | 6+ | RT 97%, CSM 4/5 |
| Ponyo | Stewardship, wonder | Science, Environmental Ed | 5+ | RT 91%, CSM 4/5 |
| Wonder | Empathy, anti-bullying | SEL, literature | 10+ | IMDb 7.9, RT 86%, CSM 4/5 |
How to choose by age group
For younger viewers (5-7), begin with G-rated, gentle narratives like Ponyo and Shaun the Sheep Movie that model cooperation and care. For middle childhood (8-10), select stories with layered moral dilemmas such as Matilda the Musical, The Sea Beast, and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish to prompt discussion. For tweens (11-12), choose films with stronger thematic complexity like School of Rock and Wonder that invite reflection on identity and responsibility.
- Check the maturity rating (G or PG) and Common Sense Media age recommendation before viewing
- Pick a title that aligns with a current classroom theme (e.g., kindness, environmental stewardship)
- Prepare 2-3 guided questions (e.g., "What did the protagonist do that showed courage?")
- Pause at key moments to discuss values and choices
- Follow up with a short activity (journaling, drawing, or role-play) to reinforce learning
Why these films fit Marist education
Marist pedagogy emphasizes presence, simplicity, and family spirit-qualities visibly modeled in these movies. Paddington exemplifies intercultural hospitality; Klaus demonstrates how service transforms communities; Matilda affirms the dignity of the learner and the power of truth. These narratives provide concrete moral exemplars that educators can connect to Gospel values and real-life school initiatives.
"Finding educational content that captivates and inspires can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Thankfully, Netflix has curated an impressive selection of movies that not only entertain but also educate young minds."
Frequently asked questions
Quick lookup: 2026 favorites by star rating
When selecting for family movie night, prioritize titles with 90%+ Rotten Tomatoes and 4-5/5 Common Sense Media ratings for consistent quality and age appropriateness.
| Film | RT Score | CSM Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spirited Away | 96% | 5/5 | Cultural depth, resilience |
| Matilda the Musical | 93% | 5/5 | Literacy, justice |
| The Mitchells vs. the Machines | 97% | 4/5 | Creativity, family bonds |
| Paddington | 97% | 4/5 | Kindness, inclusion |
| Klaus | 95% | 4/5 | Generosity, community |
What are the most common questions about Best Kid Movies On Netflix That Support Character Growth?
What are the best Netflix kids movies for ages 5-7?
Ponyo (G, 5+), Shaun the Sheep Movie (G, 5+), and Klaus (PG, 6+) are top picks for their gentle pacing, clear moral messages, and high critical ratings.
Which Netflix kids movies teach empathy and anti-bullying?
Wonder (PG, 10+) is the definitive choice for empathy and anti-bullying, based on R.J. Palacio's novel and rated 4/5 by Common Sense Media.
Are there Netflix original kids movies with strong educational value?
Yes-Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, Klaus, and The Mitchells vs. the Machines are Netflix originals with strong literacy, ethics, and STEM/creative problem-solving themes.
What's the highest-rated kids movie on Netflix right now?
Spirited Away holds the highest IMDb score (8.6) and a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, with Common Sense Media rating it 5/5 for ages 9+.
Can I use these movies for classroom media sessions?
Absolutely-these titles are school-appropriate and support SEL, literacy, and ethics curricula. Begin with short clips and guided discussion to align with learning objectives.
