New Kids Movies to Stream at Home
Choosing a movie for the kids can feel like finding a needle in a haystack these days. The internet is jam-packed with films, but not all of them are sunshine and rainbows for little eyes. You don’t want anything too scary or grown-up, just pure fun and adventure.
Well, look no further! I’ve put together a list of awesome new kids movies that are perfect for your little ones. Each pick is squeaky-clean (G or PG rated), came out in the past few years, and won’t cost you a dime extra because it works with Netflix, Disney+, or your other streaming services (some are even free).
So grab the popcorn, snuggle up, and get ready for some movie magic!
Tip: You and the older kids might like to watch these free movies on YouTube.
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)
Release date: 2023
Genre: Animation, Action & Adventure, Comedy
Director: Sam Fell
Cast: Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, Bella Ramsey
Synopsis: In this exciting sequel to the stop-motion animation film “Chicken Run,” our feathered friends have found a safe haven on an island after escaping from the farm. Led by Ginger and Rocky, along with the adventurous Molly, the chickens build a peaceful community. When Ginger senses potential threats, they go into hiding. Molly’s curiosity leads her to Fun-Land Farms, but it turns out to be a not-so-friendly place. With the help of friends Nick and Fetcher, the chickens uncover a poultry processing plant where birds wear collars to make tastier nuggets. This discovery sparks a daring rescue mission to save their friends from Mrs. Tweedy and Dr. Fry.
Sing 2 (2021)
Release date: 2021
Genre: Adventure, Comedy
Director: Garth Jennings
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson
Synopsis: After their first big hit, Buster Moon and his talented crew – Johnny, Meena, Rosita, Gunter, and Miss Crawly – team up again in their newly rebuilt theater. When Crystal Entertainment rejects them, they come up with a plan: a space-themed sci-fi musical featuring songs from the rock star lion, Clay Calloway. The catch? Clay’s been in seclusion since his wife’s passing. The crew faces challenges during rehearsals, like Rosita’s fear of heights and Johnny’s tough choreographer. Buster also deals with threats from mogul Jimmy Crystal, who wants a hit show. Despite obstacles, Ash, Johnny, and others step up to ensure the performance is a success.
The Little Mermaid (2023)
Release date: 2023
Genre: Family, Fantasy, Musical
Director: Rob Marshall
Cast: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy
Synopsis: In a magical underwater kingdom, Ariel, a spirited mermaid princess, defies her father King Triton’s rule and rescues the charming Prince Eric from a shipwreck. Intrigued by the human world, Ariel faces Triton’s anger, leading to the destruction of her beloved human treasures. Enter Ursula, Triton’s banished sister, with an enticing offer: Ariel can become human temporarily, but she must give up her voice. At Eric’s castle, their connection deepens, but Ursula’s wicked spell poses a threat to their love.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Release date: 2023
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Action & Adventure
Director: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic
Cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogan, Fred Armisen
Synopsis: In the bustling borough of Brooklyn, Italian-American brothers Mario and Luigi find themselves on an unexpected adventure. A mysterious Warp Pipe transports them to different kingdoms – Mario to the Mushroom Kingdom, ruled by Princess Peach, and Luigi to the Dark Lands under the control of Koopa king Bowser. Bowser, with plans to marry Peach and wreak havoc on the Mushroom Kingdom, poses a serious threat. With the help of loyal allies like Toad and the primate Kongs, Mario sets out on a heroic quest to thwart Bowser’s wicked plans. Along the way, he faces challenges, including a showdown with Donkey Kong and an ambush on the risky Rainbow Road.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Release date: 2023
Genre: Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Fantasy
Director: Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, Joaquim Dos Santos
Cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfield, Bryan Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Jake Johnson, Oscar Isaac
Synopsis: In Earth-65, Gwen Stacy reveals her Spider-Woman identity, escaping with Spider-Society members. On Earth-1610, Miles Morales faces the portal-powered Spot, blamed for his powers. Gwen joins Earth-1610, teaming up with Miles against the Spot. They discover the Spider-Society’s Earth-928 headquarters, learning about the multiverse’s fragility. Conflict arises as Miles realizes his father’s attack is a “canon event.” Gwen reunites with her father on Earth-65, while Miles faces unexpected challenges on Earth-42. The Spot initiates a multiversal attack, prompting Gwen to assemble a team to find Miles, setting the stage for more adventures.
Leo (2023)
Release date: 2023
Genre: Musical, Family, Comedy
Director: Robert Marianetti, Robert Smigel, David Wachtenheim
Cast: Adam Sandler, Bill Burr, Cecily Strong, Jason Alexander, Sadie Sandler, Sunny Sandler, Rob Schneider, Jo Koy, Stephanie Hsu, Jackie Sandler
Synopsis: In the fifth-grade classroom, class pets Leo the tuatara and Squirtle the box turtle have a grand adventure. When strict substitute teacher Ms. Malkin takes over during Mrs. Salinas’s maternity leave, Leo’s secret ability to talk becomes a source of wisdom for the students. However, jealousy surfaces when Squirtle exposes Leo, causing a rift in the class. As Ms. Malkin discovers Leo’s positive impact, she has a change of heart.
Elemental (2023)
Release date: 2023
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Director: Peter Sohn
Cast: Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendopun-Covey, Catherine O’Hara
Synopsis: In Element City, fire elements Bernie and Cinder Lumen overcome xenophobia to establish the Blue Flame and the Fireplace convenience store. Bernie plans to retire, passing the store to their daughter, Ember. Trouble arises when water element Wade Ripple threatens closure due to a plumbing issue. Ember and Wade join forces to fix a dam leak, saving the store and forging a bond.
PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (2023)
Release date: 2023
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Animation
Director: Cal Brunker
Cast: Dan Duran, Kristen Bell, James Marsden
Synopsis: Meteor expert Victoria Vance’s theft of an electromagnet causes chaos in Adventure City, leading to a fire extinguished by Ryder and the PAW Patrol. Vance’s plan to capture a magical meteor goes awry, resulting in its destructive path towards the city. The meteor destroys the PAW Patrol headquarters, and Vance is apprehended. The pups discover crystals in the meteor, granting them special powers.
The Wolf and the Lion (2021)
Release date: 2021
Genre: Drama, Kids
Director: Gilles de Maistre
Cast: Molly Kunz, Graham Greene, Charlie Carrick
Synopsis: Alma returns to her childhood home on a remote island after her grandfather’s death. There, she stumbles upon the wreckage of a plane carrying two orphaned cubs: a wolf pup and a lion cub. Alma, against her better judgement, decides to raise them herself. Despite their different instincts and natural predator-prey relationship, they form an unlikely bond, growing up together as playful siblings. Their unconventional family faces challenges from the outside world: Wildlife authorities threaten to take the cubs away, while a poacher seeks to exploit the pup for his valuable fur. Alma must fight to protect her furry friends and find a place where they can all belong.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Release date: 2022
Genre: Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy
Director: Joel Crawford
Cast: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek Pinault, Harvey Guillen, Florence Pugh
Synopsis: In the lively town of Del Mar, legendary hero and outlaw Puss in Boots dazzles the crowd at a party, defeating a giant but facing an unfortunate accident under a church bell. The town doctor delivers grim news – Puss has lost eight of his nine lives and should retire. Initially resistant, Puss changes his mind after a duel with a wolf leaves him wounded. Traumatized, Puss follows the doctor’s advice and seeks refuge with Mama Luna, an elderly cat lady. Months pass, and Puss encounters Perrito, an optimistic Chihuahua in disguise. Goldilocks and her Three Bears Crime Family approach Puss to help them steal a map revealing The Wishing Star’s location. However, they leave upon discovering Puss’s “grave.” Determined to regain his lost lives, Puss sets off on a quest to find The Wishing Star.
Find out how to watch on Netflix if Puss in Boots is not in your region.
The Hill (2023)
Release date: 2023
Genre: History, Sport, Drama
Director: Jeff Celentano
Cast: Dennis Quaid, Colin Ford, Joelle Carter, Randy Houser
Synopsis: In a Texas town, young Rickey Hill, wearing leg braces due to a spinal disease, defies discouragement and finds joy in playing baseball. Despite his strict father and a pastor urging him to avoid the sport, Rickey becomes a “baseball phenomenon.” Years later, as he strives to try out for a renowned major league scout, family conflicts arise. Despite the divisions, Rickey pursues his dream and signs with the Montreal Expos in 1975, enjoying four seasons before his spine succumbs to the strain.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Release date: 2020
Genre: Action & Adventure, Comedy
Director: Jeff Fowler
Cast: Ben Schwartz, Jim Carrey, James Marsden
Synopsis: On a distant planet, Sonic, a speedy blue hedgehog, faces an unexpected attack from an echidna tribe. His owl guardian, Longclaw, sends him to Earth using rings that open portals. She stays behind to fend off the echidnas, leaving Sonic alone. A decade later, teenage Sonic secretly resides in Green Hills, Montana, longing for friendship. He admires local sheriff Tom Wachowski and his wife Maddie, unaware of their plans to move to San Francisco. Feeling lonely, Sonic accidentally triggers a power outage. Dr. Robotnik investigates, forcing Sonic to consider leaving Earth. Tom discovers Sonic, and their journey begins to retrieve Sonic’s lost rings. Bonding along the way, they face challenges posed by Robotnik, with Tom helping Sonic complete his bucket list.
Nimona (2023)
Release date: 2023
Genre: Family, Fantasy, Mystery & Thriller, Sci-Fi, Comedy
Director: Troy Quane, Nick Bruno
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint
Synopsis: In a medieval-futuristic kingdom, protected by the Institute for Elite Knights, Ballister Boldheart is set to be knighted alongside his boyfriend Ambrosius Goldenloin. Breaking tradition, Queen Valerin aims to redefine heroism for everyone. During the ceremony, Ballister’s sword accidentally kills the queen. Distraught, Ambrosius cuts off Ballister’s arm, turning him into a fugitive. Ballister, crafting a prosthetic arm, is joined by Nimona, a shapeshifter facing persecution. Nimona becomes Ballister’s sidekick as they aim to clear his name.
Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
Release date: 2022
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Kids & Family
Director: Anne Fletcher
Cast: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Sam Richardson, Doug Jones, Whitney Peak
Synopsis: In 1653 Salem, Reverend Traske banishes Winifred Sanderson for defying church authority. Alongside her sisters Mary and Sarah, Winifred seeks the help of Mother Witch, who gifts her a magical book. The trio, warned against casting the powerful Magicae Maxima spell, curses the Reverend’s home in revenge. In 2022, during Halloween, teenagers Becca and Izzy accidentally resurrect the Sanderson sisters with a Black Flame Candle. Outwitting the sisters in a Walgreens, the girls discover that they were tricked by Gilbert, the magic shop owner, into bringing the witches back. The adventure unfolds as Becca and Izzy navigate the chaos caused by the resurrected Sanderson sisters.
The Sea Beast (2022)
Release date: 2022
Genre: Comedy, Kids & Family, Fantasy, Animation
Director: Chris Williams
Cast: Karl Urban, Zaris-Angel Hator, Jared Harris, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Dan Stevens
Synopsis: In a world plagued by sea beasts, Captain Crow and his legendary crew, the pride of the seas, the Inevitable, have been humankind’s loyal defenders. With the support of the Three Bridges Society and the Crown, their feats have become the stuff of legends. However, a modern naval vessel threatens to replace them due to cost and technology concerns. Undeterred, Captain Crow, his first mate Sarah, and Jacob propose a daring test of worthiness: a contest against the Imperator’s crew to decide who will continue the noble tradition of hunting sea beasts in the name of the Crown. The stage is set for an epic showdown on the high seas, where the legacy of the Inevitable hangs in the balance. May the best crew prevail and the adventure continue!
The Willoughbys (2020)
Release date: 2020
Genre: Animation, Comedy
Director: Kris Pearn
Cast: Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Ricky Gervais, Alessia Cara, Terry Crews, Martin Short
Synopsis: Meet the quirky Willoughby siblings – Tim, Jane, and the Barnabys – as they navigate the challenges of their unusual family. Living in a home without love, food, and music, these kids long for the glory days of the Willoughby legacy. When a baby unexpectedly enters the picture, chaos ensues, leading to the siblings’ eviction from their own home. Still, they embark on a colorful adventure, discovering a candy factory and leaving baby Ruth in what they hope will be a better place. The clever siblings then cook up a wild plan to transform their lives by creating a brochure showcasing deadly destinations, aiming to become orphans and escape their neglectful parents. Join the Willoughbys on this journey full of mischief and surprises as they redefine family and forge their own destiny.
The Magician’s Elephant (2023)
Release date: 2023
Genre: Fantasy, Animation, Comedy, Drama
Director: Wendy Rogers
Cast: Noah Jupe, Mandy Patinkin, Brian Tyree Henry
Synopsis: Noah Jupe voices Peter, a character on a quest to find his long-lost sister. When he encounters a fortune teller in the market square, his burning question is whether his sister is still alive. The answer propels him into a challenging mission: locating a mysterious elephant and the magician who can summon it. This kicks off a gripping journey for Peter as he tackles three seemingly impossible tasks, reshaping the destiny of his town and embarking on the adventure of a lifetime.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (2022)
Release date: 2022
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Drama, Musical
Director: Matthew Warchus
Cast: Alisha Weir, Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch
Synopsis: This musical is most known by its first adaptation, the 1996 film by the same name, which are both based on the Roald Dahl novel Matilda. Matilda lives with her unappreciative family; a brother and parents. Isolation leads her to find solace in books. Unaware of proper schooling, Matilda’s teacher, Miss Honey, suggests Crunchem Hall. But all she finds at school are bullies. Matilda discovers she has telekinetic abilities and uses them to settle the score.
Soul (2020)
Release date: 2020
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Animation, Drama, Musical
Director: Pete Docter
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Angela Bassett, Ahmir-Khalib Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Daveed Diggs
Synopsis: Part-time music teacher Joe Gardner dreams of a jazz career. A chance to join Dorothea Williams’ quartet excites him, but a mishap lands him in the afterlife. Desperate to return, he befriends stubborn soul 22 in the “Great Before.” Joe aims to help 22 find her “spark” to use her badge for his return. After failed attempts, they discover “the Zone,” meeting Moonwind, who helps find Joe’s comatose body in a hospital. The journey between realms unfolds with music, passion, and unexpected connections.
The Rescue (2021)
Release date: 2021
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Documentary, Action & Adventure, Drama
Director: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin
Cast: Amp Bangnoen, Lt. Gen. Bancha Duriyapunt, Radm. Apakorn Youkongkaew, Woranan Ratrawiphukkun, Vern Unsworth, Weerasak Kowsurat
Synopsis: This documentary is based on the Tham Luang cave rescue. In 2018, a youth soccer team and their coach were trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand, sparking a global rescue effort. After days of uncertainty, British divers found the group alive. The complex operation involved international teams considering various extraction methods. With the threat of impending monsoon rains, a massive recovery effort of 10,000 people led to the rescue of 12 boys and their coach.
Bubble (2022)
Release date: 2022
Genre: Romance, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Sport, Animation, Action & Adventure
Director: Tetsuro Araki
Cast: Jun Shison, Riria, Alice Hirose, Mamoru Miyano, Yuki Kaji, Tasuku Hatanaka
Synopsis: In a futuristic world engulfed by reality-defying bubbles, Tokyo becomes uninhabitable after an explosion at Tokyo Tower. Brave youth, like Hibiki of the Blue Blazes parkour team, navigate the chaos, using parkour tournaments for survival. Tokyo Tower remains an unreachable mystery due to gravity anomalies. When Hibiki, driven by a mysterious song, attempts the climb, he falls into the ocean, giving rise to a new being named Uta. Hibiki and Uta train together, triumphing over rivals, but a heartbreaking twist occurs.
Lightyear (2022)
Release date: 2022
Genre: Sci-Fi, Animation, Action & Adventure, Drama
Director: Angus MacLane
Cast: Chris Evans, Keke Palmer, Peter Sohn, Taika Waititi, Dale Soules, James Brolin
Synopsis: On a Star Command mission to T’Kani Prime, Buzz Lightyear and his team encounter hostile lifeforms, forcing them to evacuate for repairs. Buzz volunteers as a test pilot for a hyperspace fuel crystal to return home. A year later, they discover time dilation effects, with four years passing on T’Kani Prime for every test flight. Over sixty-six years elapse, during which the crew builds a colony. Buzz witnesses the passage of time, bringing unexpected changes to their interstellar journey.
A Whisker Away (2020)
Release date: 2020
Genre: Fantasy, Animation, Drama, Romance
Director: Junichi Sato, Tomotaka Shibayama
Cast: Mirai Shida, Natsuki Hanae, Johnny Yong Bosch
Synopsis: Miyo Sasaki, an unhappy 8th grader, harbors feelings for Kento Hinode but faces rejection. After receiving a magical Noh mask, she transforms into a cat named “Tarō” to get closer to him. As Tarō, she listens to Hinode’s struggles and wishes to confess her true identity. A dramatic incident at school prompts Hinode to show unexpected kindness to Miyo. Discovering that Hinode’s family is closing their pottery shop, Miyo, as Tarō, decides to confess her love. The story unfolds with a mix of magical elements and the complexities of teenage emotions.
Pretending I’m a Superman: The Tony Hawk Video Game Story (2020)
Release date: 2020
Genre: Documentary
Director: Ludvig Gür
Cast: Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Rodney Mullen, Chad Muska, Christian Hosoi
Synopsis: This documentary dives into the fascinating journey behind the creation of the ultra-popular video game series, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. The film explores the convergence of skateboarding culture and the gaming industry, highlighting the role played by both skaters and developers in shaping one of the most influential games of all time. Watch the behind-the-scenes narrative unfold, chronicling the challenges, innovations, and creative processes that went into making a game that not only revolutionized the gaming landscape but also left a persistent mark on skateboarding and pop culture.
