Best Kids Movies on Netflix to Stream Right Now in Canada – [December 2021]

Let’s face it, we all know how hard it is to grab a kid’s attention. And when it comes to movies, well, only a handful of them manage to work and make them sit quietly. The good news is, this list of movies includes all those titles.

From the magical world of Harry Potter and his friends to the utterly delicious world of the famous chocolatier Willy Wonka, these titles are not just the best kids’ movies, but they also have a soft spot with a few adults (yep! That’s me!).

Technically if you ask us, there are numerous amazing shows and movies on Netflix that you can watch. So, before your own attention span gets in the wind we will head straight to the list of the best kids movies on Netflix Canada to stream right now in 2021:

The Grinch

IMDb: 6.3

Directors: Yarrow Cheney, Scott Mosier

Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Cameron Seely, Rashida Jones

Stop being a Grinch! Christmas is just around the corner, and the festive season is killing Grinch to the core; what should he do to ruin the festive Christmas spirit of the people of Whoville? We won’t spoil that for you, tune in and watch this one of the funniest movies on Netflix.

Mary Poppins Returns

IMDb: 6.7

Director: Rob Marshall

Stars: Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw

Released a decade after the original film on Mary Poppins, the nanny with extraordinary magical powers have returned, and this time she is all-hands-on-deck to help the siblings get back on their feet after facing a serious mishap.

Wish Dragon

IMDb: 7.2

Directors: Chris Appelhans

Stars: John Cho, Bobby Lee, Constance Wu, Will Yun Lee

Make a wish and it’ll come true, huh? Well, sometimes it’s not that easy and Long’s luck proved that! After obtaining a questionable lamp, Long’s life turns around when he realizes a Wish Dragon lives inside it. His wish? Well, he doesn’t have many but the ones he does seem unobtainable. He wants to impress a girl and he also wants to make the whole family happy. What is his decision? Watch this adorable movie right away!

The Princess and the Frog

IMDb: 7.1

Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker

Stars: Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Oprah Winfrey, Neil Patrick Harris

Tania, a waitress, and an ambitious person is stuck with the arrogant frog Prince Naveen who must turn back into a human with the help of Tania, the modern touch of the classic Frog Prince fairy tale from back in the days, definitely one of the funniest movies on Netflix. But adults can watch it too; it’s that evergreen.

Madagascar Escape 2 Africa

IMDb: 6.6

Directors: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath

Stars: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer

It’s good to know your roots, but it’s even more fun when you accidentally land in a place that would have been your home otherwise but is a foreign country, and that’s where you come to know that a simple zoo lion is also the Prince of the Lion Pride. One of the best animated adventure movies on Netflix, Madagascar, is a treat for sore eyes.

Bee Movie

IMDb: 6.1

Directors: Simon J. Smith, Steve Hickner

Stars: Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick

This Paramount Pictures production is about Barry the Bee, who is not so thrilled to work in the same job for the rest of his life, yet his choices are limited until he meets Vanessa and discovers that their hard work is all going down the drain as humans consume their honey. So he being a responsible bee, sues humans only to release a catastrophic disaster on nature.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (2009)

IMDb: 6.9

Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

Stars: Anna Faris, Bill Hader, Bruce Campbell

Before Phil Lord and Chris Miller joined in with wildly enjoyable films such as The LEGO Movie and Jump Street movies – They wrote and directed the animated 2009 feature Cloudy with a chance of meatballs. And it is enjoyable.

An ambitious young inventor stuck in a typical mainstream town had crazy ideas, which eventually turns into an accidental success when it starts raining food and things get out of his hand soon after that. Phil Lord has nailed his role as a director.

Miracle (2004)

IMDb: 7.5

Director: Gavin O’Connor

Stars: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Nathan West

An inspirational story for the kids and adults about Herb Brooks, the player-turned coach for the Ice Hockey team of the United States, tries his hard-luck against the unbeatable Soviet team and wins his country the 1980 Olympics. If you are looking for a perfect movie for the next family movie night, we bet this one will make the whole family happy.

The Rugrats Movie (1998)

IMDb: 5.9

Directors: Igor Kovalyov, Norton Virgien

Stars: Elizabeth Daily, Christine Cavanaugh, Kath Soucie

Childhood cartoons turning into feature films do not always do justice. However, this family-oriented cartoon is an ode to the classic nickelodeon cartoon back from the days and is still one of the best movies not only for kids but for the whole family on Netflix for the modern generation.

Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001)

IMDb: 6.0

Director: John A. Davis

Stars: Debi Derryberry, Rob Paulsen, Megan Cavanagh

Speaking of Nostalgia, how can we forget the genius young boy Jimmy Neutron and his robotic dog and his friends. But he is still a geek amongst his popular friends, but his lack of wits is not an issue when he has to save his parents from an alien kidnapping. This Paramount Pictures production is made so well that it land an Oscar nomination for best animated movies.

Joseph: King of Dreams (2000)

IMDb: 6.5

Directors: Rob LaDuca, Robert C. Ramirez

Stars: Ben Affleck, Mark Hamill, Richard Herd,

Story of the Prophet Joseph who could interpret dreams, if you want to educate your children about religion, this is the best way to do so, which will help them learn better and remember the message. Plus, these movies are filled with life lessons that even adults need a reminder of at times.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

IMDb: 7.6

Director: Chiwetel Ejiofor

Stars: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Maxwell Simba, Felix Lemburo

Education is a vital asset for every child, and if deprived of the things you love, it can lead to grave consequences. The movie holds the true story of a young boy.  The 13 years old William is here to prove to everyone that the young boy deserves it all, and to save his whole family from unfortunate events due to famine, he builds a windmill from scratch. This is undoubtedly the best family picture ever.

The Willoughbys (2020)

IMDb: 6.4

Directors: Kris Pearn, Cory Evans(pre-production co-director), Rob Lodermeier

Stars: Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Alessia Cara

When parents become selfish, children must take things into their own hands to make their lives better. And that’s what The Willoughbys siblings did, by sending their self-centered parents on vacation and going on an adventure of their own to realize the true essence of family.  Will Forte, one of the best voice actors, has given Tim’s voice in the movie. This is a good family film. For best family movies, check out our blog about the best family movies on Netflix.

Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution (2019)

IMDb: 6.3

Directors: Kunihiko Yuyama, Michael Haigney

Stars: Veronica Taylor, Rachael Lillis, Eric Stuart

The name and franchise of Pokemon are enough to attract children of all ages, even the now adults who have grown up watching all the cartoons and collecting the infamous Pokemon cards. This is just another best animated feature film based on one of the famous, powerful Pokemons. Check out the best animated films on Netflix here.

Spy Kids: All the Time in the World (2011)

Animation, Adventure, Comedy

IMDb: 3.5

Director: Robert Rodriguez

Stars: Jessica Alba, Jeremy Piven, Joel McHale

What’s a better way to bond with your stepkids than to bring them over to your workplace? Of course, things turn even more adventurous and fun when you are a retired secret agent with some mad fighting and brain skills to do your job, that is, to save the world. Watch Spy Kids with your family on the next movie night and it will become your family’s favorite movie.

Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle (2018)

IMDb: 6.5

Director: Andy Serkis

Stars: Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch(

Live-Action version of the famous old Disney Jungle Book starring the lone boy Mowgli, raised by a pack of wolves and has found a home in the jungle within the different species of animals. It is one of the best family movies on Netflix.

Paranorman (2012)

IMDb: 7

Directors: Chris Butler, Sam Fell

Stars: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

Norman is highly misunderstood by the people of his ill-fated town because of his ability to talk to the creatures of death and beyond. But when in time of need, this very boy and his connections to the beings of life after death will be the first to help the town from its troubled fate. This is no doubt one of the best family movies.

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (2012)

IMDb: 6.4

Directors: Chris Renaud, Kyle Balda

Stars: Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Danny DeVito

In a town that collapsed due to an environmental crisis and an exploitative mayor, Ted must play his part to save it from further damage and also impress the young girl of his dreams by finding her a long-extinct real tree. This is a must-watch animated film.

The Smurfs (2011)

IMDb: 5.4

Director: Raja Gosnell

Stars: Hank Azaria, Katy Perry, Jonathan Winters

Stuck in a vortex after the evil wizard Gargamel drives the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, leading them to land amid New York City with no navigation whatsoever. They must find a way back home before the wizard takes over their home altogether.

Quest for Camelot (1998)

IMDb: 6.3

Director: Frederik Du Chau

Stars: Jessalyn Gilsig, Cary Elwes, Andrea Corr

In order to walk in her father’s footsteps and become the best Knight of all times, she must extract the lost sword of Kind Arthur and show the world her true potential. Accompanying her in this adventure is a blind hermit, his falcon, and a crazy two-headed dragon.

Song of the Sea (2014)

IMDb: 8.1

Director: Tomm Moore

Stars: David Rawle, Brendan Gleeson, Lisa Hannigan

Ben is amazed to find out that his mute sister can turn into a seal and has the ability to help the supernatural beings of her world by freeing them from the rule and spell of a Celtic goddess.

Enola Holmes (2020)

IMDb: 6.6

Director: Harry Bradbeer

Stars: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin

The infamous detective Sherlock Holmes has a sister almost half his age, and she is a brilliant one if you ask us. With a sharper mind and a feminist wit, she refuses to rely on her brothers after her mother’s disappearance and hides behind different disguises to find the mysterious disappearance of her mother.

The Secret Life of Pets II (2019)

IMDb: 6.3

Directors: Chris Renaud, Jonathan del Val(co-directed by)

Stars: Patton Oswalt, Kevin Hart, Harrison Ford

Nothing new going on here, just a continuation of the first part of the secret life franchise. The origin story continues with Max and his friends leading a separate, personal life after their respective owners leave them for work. The Secret Life is the best-animated picture.

Rango (2011)

IMDb: 7.2

Director: Gore Verbinski

Stars: Johnny Depp(voice)Isla Fisher(voice)Timothy Olyphant

Rango, a chameleon, wants to be a hero, and life gives him a chance by landing him in a lawless town that is in desperate need of a sheriff and a savior. Will it be able to enlighten Rango’s potential, or will it label him as a failure once and for all?

The Muppets (2012)

IMDb: 7.1

Director: James Bobin

Stars: Amy AdamsJason SegelChris Cooper

Short on good family movies? The Mxuppets is one of the best family movies available on Netflix. The old-school franchise of “The Muppets” is back; this time, the three fans, Gary, Mary, and Walter, are on a mission to reunite them all in order to bring back the Muppet Theater from closing down once and for all. The hunt will be a great adventure, but a tough one for sure.

Hugo (2011)

IMDb: 7.5

Director: Martin Scorsese

Stars: Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Lee

Spending all his young life in a train station, Hugo knew a thing or two about it and the engineering that goes in most of the mechanical things in that station. But what remains unknown to him is his dead father’s automation that requires a unique key that Hugo must find soon. Don’t forget to check out our blog about education content on Netflix.

All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989-1998)

IMDb: 6.8

Directors: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, Dan Kuenster

Stars: Dom DeLuise, Burt Reynolds, Daryl Gilley

Dogs are a man’s best friend, this is a well-known fact, and in order to make them happy, they will rejoin earth as angels because, in the end, friendship is the most heavenly gift of all times. This one is definitely one of the best films on Netflix for kids, and it doesn’t end there; it is a great source for parents to encourage animal love in their children.

Over the Moon (2020)

IMDb: 6.4

Directors: Glen Keane, John Kahrs

Stars: Glen Keane, Brycen Hall, Ruthie Ann Miles

Fei Fei is an adventurous and curious little girl, and this curiosity of hers leads her to create a space rocket that will help her meet the mythical goddess of mood. It’s okay for kids to be curious, and it’s a parent’s job to encourage them to be better thinkers and learn new things. If you are an animated film lover, you must not miss this one.

The Karate Kid (1984)

IMDb: 7.3

Director: John G. Avildsen

Stars: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita(as Noriyuki ‘Pat’ Morita), Elisabeth Shue

Karate kid is one of the best American martial arts movies of all time, and the one which kids will definitely enjoy a lot and learn a lot from it too. Daniel is constantly bullied by Johnny, who is a master in his martial arts skills. In order to counter him, Daniel approaches his apartment’s handyman, who teaches him all the ins and outs of Karate.

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012)

IMDb: 6.8

Directors: Eric DarnellTom McGrathConrad Vernon

Stars: Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock

Madagascar is back once again, in our list of the best films on Netflix, and this time Alex, Marty, Gloria, and Melman are trying hard to escape the capture of their beloved Animal Control. Where will they go now? The road is endless, and the adventure is there for them up for grabs. It is undoubtedly one of the best family movies on Netflix.

Real Steel (2011)

IMDb: 7.0

Director: Shawn Levy

Stars: Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Dakota Goyo

Charlie, played by Hugh Jackman, discovered his fatherhood quite late, and the fact that his boxing skills were no good as robot boxing is the real future now. Together with his son and a discarded robot, Charlie aims to win the robot boxing championship and his son’s heart altogether.

Zathura (2005)

IMDb: 6.2

Director: Jon Favreau

Stars: Josh Hutcherson, Kristen Stewart, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard

While playing a board game. The two brothers end up in a totally different universe unknown to mankind. They have to work hard to find their way back home before it’s too late for them to return—one of the best sci-fi films on Netflix for kids, directed by the infamous Jon Favreau.

Zookeeper (2001)

IMDb: 5.8

Director: Frank Coraci

Stars: Kevin James, Adam Sandler, Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb

Griffin is a lovable Zookeeper who is not so lucky when it comes to human companionship. But as his time comes close to retirement, the animals let him in on a little secret of their own that they can talk about.

Hotel for Dogs (2009)

IMDb: 5.4

Director: Thor Freudenthal

Stars: Emma Roberts, Jake T. Austin, Lisa Kudrow

So what if Andi and Bruce are not allowed to bring in dogs at their own house, an abandoned hotel plays an excellent role by turning into an ultimate paradise for dogs and a shelter for homeless creatures. How cute is that!

Matilda (1996)

IMDb: 6.9

Director: Danny DeVito

Stars: Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Mara Wilson

We can never forget this one, can we? The most iconic kids’ movie on Netflix, Matilda, is an evergreen classic if you ask us. With her powerful title character and a big shut-up call for all the bullies out there, it is an excellent movie with individual lessons. Moreover, let’s not forget the delicious chocolate cake! If you know it, you know it.

Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)

Director: David Yates

Writer: J. K. Rowling

IMDb: 8.1

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint

This one is a no-brainer for sure, Harry Potter has always been the kid’s favourite, but the primary query that people ask is that how can you watch it on Netflix. The franchise is readily available, but you will find Harry Potter on Netflix Turkey only. So, happy streaming!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

IMDb: 6.6

Director: Tim Burton

Stars: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly, etc

Charlie is all excited to be a part of the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory tour with his grandfather, and learn all about the hidden world of the imaginative chocolatier played by Johnny Depp in a wonderfully manicured attire, also teaching him a lesson or two about family and relationships. This is one of the must-watch movies available on Netflix.

Monster House

Director: Gil Kenan

Writer: Dan Harmon; Rob Schrab

Cast: Steve Buscemi, Nick Cannon, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kevin James, Jason Lee, Catherine O’Hara, Kathleen Turner, Fred Willard

Animation always has the advantage of creating a fantasy that is far from the real world. In the movie, three kids accidentally land in a house that was actually a monster. The entire movie is filled with amazing effects and heaps of emotions.

Pee wee’s Big Holiday (2016)

Director: John Lee

Writers: Paul Reubens, Paul Rust

Stars: Paul Reubens, Jordan Black, Doug Cox

Pee-Wee Herman leaves his hometown and travels across the country to celebrate Joe Manganiello’s birthday celebration, before getting himself involved in zany escapades and mischief. Pee Wee’s Big Holiday is a bunk film school movie.

John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch

Director: Rhys Thomas

Writers: John Mulaney, Marika Sawyer

Stars: John Mulaney, Alexander Bello, Tyler Bourke

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Netflix released John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch on December 24, 2019. The show was inspired by iconic children’s television shows such as Sesame Street and The Electric Company. Mulaney is joined on stage by 15 young actors and singers ranging in age from 8 to 13.

We can be heroes

Director: Robert Rodriguez

Writer: Robert Rodriguez

Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Yaya Gosselin, Pedro Pascal

This is also one of the top best new family movies on Netflix. This movie is based on slightly older kids who possess real superpowers and perform the duty of spy kids as well. From super-intelligent Wheels to A-Capella, who can move things around him by singing, this gang is brimming with super enthusiastic youngsters. Watch them take on risky tasks as they go about doing exactly what they are best at. This movie is somewhat similar to a karate kid movie.

Rocko’s Modern Life

Directors: Joe Murray, Cosmo Segurson

Writers: Joe Murray, Mr. Lawrence, Martin Olson

Stars: Carlos Alazraqui(voice), Tom Kenny(voice), Charlie Adler(voice)

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Rocko’s Modern Life: ​Static Cling is a 2019 American animated streaming television special. It is based on Joe Murray’s Nickelodeon series, as well as a continuation of it. It is a great film by Sony Pictures and common sense media.

My Octopus Teacher

Directors/ Writers: Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed

Stars: Craig Foster, Tom Foster

Are you tired of Netflix animated movies with animals who talk and prattle on for far too long? Are you looking for a different kind of movie night for your kids? My Octopus Teacher is a documentary about a filmmaker who needs to get away from it all — and flees to the coastlines of South Africa. It will appeal to audiences aged 8 and older, according to Common Sense Media. The filmmaker encounters an octopus who becomes his new companion while diving in the local kelp forest. They’ve been together for about a year, and their bond is genuine and powerful. My Octopus Teacher is a must-watch documentary.