Is there anything better than settling down after a long week and drowning out the rest of the world with a great watch on Netflix? The streaming platform has options for everyone, from the true crime section to hit series like Wednesday, Stranger Things, Firefly Lane, and Ginny and Georgia — and that’s barely scratching the surface. You could get lost in Netflix, and if you’re being honest with yourself, you probably have a time or two.
What about the days, however, when you want to watch something feel-good and family-friendly? Netflix has plenty of viewing options for nights like those, too. In fact, some of our favorite things to watch are the G-Rated films and series that on offer. From the animated greats to the options that will leave you with warm fuzzies inside — we’ve put together some stellar things to add to your watch list. Trust me, as a mother to an incredible tiny human, we’ve put these mom-approved titles to the test.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll fall in love with everything from heartwarming stories about animals and hilarious animated films that’ll make you believe in magic again. What are the best options for your family movie night on Netflix right now? Grab your popcorn and favorite blanket, because we’ve got you covered.
Rescued by Ruby (2002)
Is there anything better than a story about a dog where you pose the question, who rescued who? We don’t think so. Rescued by Ruby caught our attention immediately because we’re suckers for any movie about a dog, but especially one where the dog survives. So many movies about pups have a high tear factor, and you’ll absolutely feel all the feels watching this one too, but it’s in the best way — we promise!
The synopsis for Rescued By Ruby reads as follows:
“Chasing his dream to join an elite K-9 unit, a state trooper partners with a fellow underdog: clever but naughty shelter pup Ruby. Based on a true story.”
We’ll warn you ahead of time; while this is definitely a feelgood kind of movie, you’ll shed a few tears, so grab your tissues before you sit down to press play.
Robin Robin (2021)
In a movie that truly proves your family is who you make it, Robin Robin sees a sweet bird being raised by a family of mice, and at first, she doesn’t question anything. As sweet Robin grows up, she starts to realize that she’s not the same as her family, and when she attempts to prove to them that she can be the best mouse of all, she ends up recognizing all of the magic she already possesses, as herself.
The synopsis for Robin Robin reads as follows:
“An optimistic young robin raised by a family of mice makes a heartfelt wish on a Christmas star to learn how to fly.”
You’ll walk away from Robin Robin feeling like you learned a lot and had a sweet little burst of the Christmas spirit while you wait for the holidays to get here. Trust us; you won’t want to miss this one.
The Babysitters Club (2021)
Having grown up on The Babysitters Club, we were thrilled when we learned that the books-turned-movie was getting new life breathed into it. The Babysitters Club was reimagined in 2021, and it stole our hearts from the very first episode. The series focuses on togetherness, friendship, and finding yourself — and anyone who sits down to watch it will walk away feeling empowered and happy, trust us.
The synopsis for The Babysitter’s Club lends a lot to the imagination, but it reads as follows:
“Based on the book series of the same name focusing on a group of young girls who start their own babysitting service.”
The Babysitter’s Club is a blast from the past at the same time it tells its own meaningful story, and you won’t want to miss a single episode.
Chicken Run (2000)
Stop the presses! News broke this week that a sequel to Chicken Run is on the horizon. That’s right, the chickens we know and love are back for round two, which means now is the perfect time to rewatch the original before Dawn of the Nugget has its debut later this year.
The synopsis for Chicken Run reads as follows:
“Tells story of a band of chickens doomed to a life of egg-laying on a Yorkshire chicken farm. When a flamboyant American rooster arrives on the scene, the hens hope he can teach them to fly to freedom. However, when a chicken-pie making machine is installed, their need becomes urgent and they must devise other means of escape.”
As we said above, with the news that a sequel to Chicken Run finally has a release window of December, now is the perfect time to rewatch this movie. Kids and adults alike will laugh and fall in love with this one.
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)
The Spirit franchise is a great watch for all ages, but Stallion of the Cimarron really feels like the perfect watch for your family movie night. It highlights a sense of bravery, love, and heroism in the most magnificent and inspiring ways. There’s a lot to enjoy in these films, and you won’t want to miss a moment of them.
The synopsis for Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron reads as follows:
“Encountering man for the first time, Spirit defies being broken, even as he develops a remarkable friendship with a young Lakota brave. The courageous young stallion also finds love with a beautiful paint mare named Rain on his way to becoming one of the greatest unsung heroes of the Old West.”
There’s nothing better than a Western you can watch as a family, and Spirit also brings the added layer of an inspiring storyline to the table. You’ll love watching this one with your family.
The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020)
The Princess Switch films are some of the cutest Netflix movies we’ve seen in a while, and Switched Again was the perfect sequel to the sweet debut starring Vanessa Hudgens. It has definite Parent Trap vibes, but it also tells a unique story, and the added bonus of a holiday feel ties the bow perfectly atop the present.
The synopsis for The Princess Switch: Switched Again reads as follows:
“Duchess Margaret unexpectedly inherits the throne to Montenaro and hits a rough patch with boyfriend Kevin at the same time. It’s up to her double Princess Stacy to get the star-crossed lovers back together.”
Another Christmas-esque movie, The Princess Switch: Switched Again, is the perfect watch any time of year, and it’ll make you believe in love and magic again.
Puff: Wonders of the Reef (2021)
There’s something special about the sea life and the magic that exists in the untapped territory. From tiny creatures to the magical way they exist to how significant of an impact humans have on their habitats, this movie is both informational and wonderful to explore. Oh, and just be prepared — once you enjoy this one, you’ll have the deeply planted urge to have a baby puffer fish of your own.
The synopsis for Puff: Wonders of the Reef reads as follows:
“A baby pufferfish travels through a wondrous micro-world full of fantastical creatures as he searches for a home on the Great Barrier Reef.”
Is there anything better than settling in for the night to watch the cutest little puffer fish on his travels? We think not.
The Land Before Time (1998)
Do we even need to explain adding this one to the list? If you didn’t grow up watching The Land Before Time, we’ve got questions for you. This movie brings us back to our childhood, and it’s lovely to share that with your kids and families, too. A central character’s death affects every piece of Littlefoot’s story early on, but we also get the reminder that those we love never truly leave us.
The synopsis for The Land Before Time reads as follows:
“Littlefoot, a young plant-eating dinosaur, is orphaned after his mother perishes while protecting him from a vicious carnivore. With her last breath, she tells him how to get to the legendary Great Valley, where he will be reunited with others of his kind. With his friend Cera, Littlefoot sets out for the fabled land, meeting a variety of new friends along the way.”
Again, we’re giving you the “grab tissues now” warning, but it’s still a phenomenal watch!
Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, and Dawn (2014)
We have to admit, we weren’t sure about this one when we first sat down to watch it, but it immediately became a favorite of ours. The series has four seasons and went off the air in 2018, but it’s the kind of show you can revisit and not tire of.
The synopsis for Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, and Dawn reads as follows:
“Nicky, Ricky, Dicky and Dawn are quadruplets with only two things in common: their birthday and parents. This dynamic foursome battle sibling rivalry at every turn, but in the end when they are together, nothing can stop them.”
This Nickelodeon series is absolutely adorable, and it’s a beautiful kind of watch with your friends and loved ones.
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)
We’re ending this rec list as we started it: with a feel-good dog movie, but this one is a bit more emotional. Hachi is the story of a dog who loves with all of his heart (like any goodest boy should) and it also proves how deeply love and affection can go, crossing the lines between life and death.
The synopsis for Hachi: A Dog’s Tale reads as follows:
“Young Ronnie reveals to his classmates that his personal hero is a dog named Hachi. Ribbed by his fellow pupils, Ronnie goes on to tell the remarkable story of his grandfather’s friendship with the dog.”
The third time’s a charm — bring your tissues for this one; there will be a few times throughout that you’ll need them.
Here’s hoping you can enhance your next family movie night with these Netflix movies, and we’ll keep updating this list with new recommendations when you need them the most.