The human brain is very adaptive during young age as it is in its development age; therefore, parents must take benefit of that and try to make their children’s brain development healthy. And as you all know, our brain learns fast through visual learning, so the easiest way to boost your child’s development is through movies, documentaries, and animated series. And to help you out in this precious time Netflix has so many kids’ movies available that you can watch with your child and all of you can enjoy family time simultaneously and your child can learn some life lessons from it resulting in their development.
In this article, we will list out some of the Netflix kids’ movies that you can make your children watch for their healthy thought processes and cultural development.
10 Child Development Movies on Netflix:
1. The Bad Guys (2022)
Overview:
- Director: Pierre Perifel
- Genre: Comedy/Adventure
- Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
- IMDb Ratings: 6.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%
About The Bad Guys:
This animated comedy film is loosely based on one of the best-selling children’s books of the same name, written by Aaron Blabey. The story of this movie begins with an anthropomorphic animal criminal group, who are behind every criminal activity. But one day, they get caught by the authorities and make a deal with them that they will reform themselves as good citizens only to avoid prison.
Critics Reviews:
According to the critics, the movie’s story is not very catchy, but the animation is up to the mark with really good visuals. As this movie focuses on kids, you can surely watch it with them without skipping. Overall, it is a good movie to watch with the entire family.
2. The Short Game (2013)
Overview:
- Director: Josh Greenbaum
- Genre: Documentary/Sport
- Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes
- IMDb Ratings: 7.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 84%
About The Short Game:
If your kids have some goals and need motivation, then this is the one film that you can watch with them. This documentary film portrays the journey of the world’s best golfers, aged 7 years around the world, who travel to Pinehurst, North Carolina, for the Junior Golf World Championships. This film shows everything from the beginning of the championship and its preparation.
Critics Reviews:
From the perspective of critics, this movie is somewhere a little toxic but contains everything that a child needs to begin their passion. This film shows the true story, real struggle, and determination behind a successful sportsperson. And it teaches the kids how they can manage their school as well as their passions.
3. Labyrinth (1986)
Overview:
- Director: Jim Henson
- Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
- Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes
- IMDb Ratings: 7.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 75%
About Labyrinth:
This is a musical fantasy film starring Jennifer Connelly, David Bowie, and other characters played by puppets. This film shows the story of a 16-year-old girl Sarah and the goblin king. The story begins when the goblin king takes Sarah’s baby brother away with him. And Sarah goes through a maze journey to get her brother back.
Critics Reviews:
Critics review this film as an excellent portrayal of love and affection between brother and sister. This movie is really attractive because of its unique story and hard-to-solve maze.
The music series of this film is also interesting and catchy. And the puppets are also perfectly set with random acts. Overall, it is a fairy tale with a dark twist.
4. Dolphin Tale (2011)
Overview:
- Director: Charles Martin Smith
- Genre: Family/Drama
- Runtime: 1 hour 53 minutes
- IMDb Ratings: 6.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 82%
About Dolphin Tale:
This movie is inspired by the true story of a bottlenose dolphin named Winter, who was rescued and taken to Clearwater Marine aquarium. This movie stars Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman, Cozi Zuehlsdorff, and Nathan Gamble.
The movie’s story highlights a schoolboy named Sawyer and how he saves a dolphin, but the dolphin loses its tail while being rescued. Then Sawyer decides to provide the dolphin with a prosthetic tail with the help of a doctor.
Critics Reviews:
According to the critics, this movie is excellent as it truly portrays the original story with emotions and good acting. The challenges that, Winter the dolphin faces are exceptional and teach us to survive in any situation. The bond between the main character and the dolphin is full of love and understanding, which makes this movie impeccable.
5. The Sea Beast (2022)
Overview:
- Director: Chris Williams
- Genre: Adventure/Comedy
- Runtime: 1 hour 59 minutes
- IMDb Ratings: 7.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94%
About The Sea Beast:
This is one of the best kids’ movies with action and drama. This animated kids’ movie shows the story of an orphan little girl and a sea monster. The story begins when this little girl marks history with an epic water journey with Jacob Holland on his ship and challenges the giant sea monster.
Critics Reviews:
One of the best critically acclaimed movies because of its good animations and unique storyline. The characters in the movie are very well voiced by the renowned actors Karl Urban, Jared Harris, Jim Carter, and many more. The animation is so good that you can see each and every expression of the characters and can feel it.
6. The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl (2005)
Overview:
- Director: Robert Rodriguez
- Genre: Family/Adventure
- Runtime: 1 hour 33 minutes
- IMDb Ratings: 3.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 20%
About The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl:
This is an average 3-D movie with a superhero adventure. The visual effects in the movie are below average and are not pleasing. The story of the movie revolves around a young boy named Max, who used to create his imaginary friends and world.
So, one day he created his imaginary planet, which turned into reality. And his imaginary heroes, Sharkboy and Lavagirl, seek his help to save the planet from the evil plans of Mr. Electric.
Critics Reviews:
According to critics, this movie is below average, with poor visual effects and terrific dialogue. But according to audiences, this movie is good. Therefore, people have mixed reactions regarding this movie. But for kids, this movie is best as it has lots of action, adventure, and a fascinating story with unforgettable characters.
7. Klaus (2019)
Overview:
- Director: Sergio Pablos
- Genre: Family/Comedy
- Runtime: 1 hour 37 minutes
- IMDb Ratings: 8.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%
About Klaus:
Klaus is an animated short film based on Christmas. This film contains comedy, drama, and family-friendly visuals. The film shows a selfish postman, Jesper, who relocates to Smeerensburg because of his father.
And there, he meets toymaker Klaus, a very good person who always believes in giving. They both become friends, and together they deliver gifts to specific destinations during the Christmas holidays to spread joy and happiness.
Critics Reviews:
From the critic’s perspective, this movie is excellent as it has good animations and an outstanding storyline. The movie ratings are also good and have received so many awards.
The vocal performances in the film are also mesmerizing. It is a film you can surely watch during the holiday with your family as it reflects human reality and emotions. And teaches us to be kind and givers.
8. Over the Moon (2020)
Overview:
- Director: Glen Keane
- Genre: Musical/Family
- Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
- IMDb Ratings: 6.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 81%
About Over the Moon:
This movie shows the story of a young girl with a mesmerizing musical theme. The mother of the young girl named Fei Fei died, and after that, she remembers the story of the moon goddess that her mother used to tell her.
And her curiousness arises about the moon goddess. Therefore, she decides to build a rocket to get to the moon to reveal the existence of the goddess. And during her journey to the moon, she makes new friends who help her to achieve her goal.
Critics Reviews:
The movie is really good and is made with the basic motto that nothing is impossible if your willpower is strong. The portrayal of emotions in the film is impeccable and will make you cry. This Netflix movie a true gem for your child’s development as it easily teaches true life lessons. The movie ratings are average, but it is a must-watch movie with your kids.
9. Sing 2 (2021)
Overview:
- Director: Garth Jennings
- Genre: Musical/Family
- Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes
- IMDb Ratings: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 71%
About Sing 2:
This is one of the best musical comedy movies and it also has its theme music video. There are so many memorable songs in its jukebox, which are composed by Joby Talbot. The characters in the movie are very interesting and the allover animation is excellent.
The movie shows Buster Moon and his performer friends, who are preparing to launch their musical stage performance in the entertainment capital of the world, but before that, they must convince the world’s most famous rock star, Bono, to join them.
Critics Reviews:
According to critics, this movie is really good, with lots of music, dancing, and fun. If you are looking for enjoyment with the whole family, then this is a must-watch film for you. Not only kids but even adults will also find this musical drama good.
The storytelling and character development, with the help of background music, is really attractive. Overall, an excellent movie that will not bore you even for a second.
10. The Willoughbys (2020)
Overview:
- Director: Kris Pearn
- Genre: Comedy
- Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes
- IMDb Ratings: 6.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 91%
About The Willoughbys:
This animated comedy film contains lots of drama and an interesting story. The film is taken reference from the novel of the same name written by Lois Lowry. This movie shows the story of the Willoughby siblings, who were living a miserable life because of a lack of love and attention from their parents. Therefore they get tired of them and send them on a dangerous vacation.
Critics Reviews:
From the critic’s point of view, this movie is excellent, and the voicing done by Will Forte for the elder sibling is just amazing because of its excellent comic timing. The animations in the movie are up to the mark, and despite having a dark story, this movie portrays its message very well to the parents.
