Summer vacations are on, and all the kids are free with too much time on their hands. Of course, the summer break this year already has its own defining moments given the COVID-19 situation, but one thing that remains the same is this – the kids are free and looking for things to help pass their time. Due to this coronavirus pandemic, all family vacations and travel plans have been put on hold; the kids can’t even go out to play in the park. So, we put our heads together to bring you a comprehensive list of 19 movies on Netflix that you can watch with your whole family. There’s no shocking violence or sex in any of these, so they’re perfect for all age groups.
1. Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History
Maturity rating: 7+
Given the revolutionary fight across the world to end racism, this seems like an interesting way to start your kids’ education about black history in an entertaining yet educational way.
Watch it here.
Related: How To Talk To Your Kids About Racism And #BlackLivesMatter
2. The Breadwinner
Maturity rating: 13+
Nominated for the Academy Awards and Golden Globe awards in 2018, The Breadwinner is the story of an 11-year-old girl who disguises herself as a boy to take up jobs to provide for her family.
Watch it here.
3. Spelling the Dream
Maturity rating: ALL
What is the secret to success behind the decades-long reign of Indian-American children at the biggest spelling contest in the United States? Watch this documentary to find out.
Watch it here.
4. The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
Maturity rating: 13+
Based on a true story, this movie shows the life of a 13-year-old boy, William Kamkwamba, who builds a turbine in his Malawian village to save it from a famine.
Watch it here.
5. Tall Girl
Maturity rating: 7+
What would life be like for a girl who is ‘too tall’ for her peers? This is the life of Jodi, a 6’1″ teenager who fights to overcome her insecurities as a tall girl.
Watch it here.
6. I Am Kalam
Maturity rating: 7+
I Am Kalam won the National Award for the Best Child Artist, Harsh Mayar, who played the role of Chhotu. I Am Kalam is the story of an intelligent boy, born into a poor family, who dreams of pursuing an education like President APJ Abdul Kalam.
Watch it here.
7. Sitara: Let Girls Dream
Maturity rating: ALL
Released in 2020, this is the story of a 14-year-old girl in 1970s Pakistan who dreams of becoming a pilot. But can she pursue that dream when her family plans to marry her off to a much older man? Watch to find out.
Watch it here.
8. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
Maturity rating: 13+
This movie needs no introduction. This is, in fact, one of the most loved family films of all times that appeals to all generations of the family. Harrison Ford and adventure? Yes, please!
Watch it here.
9. Klaus
Maturity rating: 7+
We all know the story of how Santa Claus comes down the chimney to drop off presents for kids who have been good. But what was the story that sparked the legend?
Watch it here.
10. Good Sam
Maturity rating: 7+
Labelled as a ‘feel great mystery’ this is the story of a reporter who sets out on a mission to cover a unique story. There is a mysterious character in New York City who is leaving bags of cash lying around for random strangers.
Watch it here.
11. The Blue Umbrella
Maturity rating: 7+
An outstanding creation based on a story by Ruskin Bond, The Blue Umbrella shows some interesting views on greed, loneliness, loss, and longing. It features in several lists of the best Netflix family movies.
Watch it here.
12. Hope Aur Hum
Maturity rating: 13+
How do multi-generational households in India find a balance between the old and new mindsets? Hope Aur Hum is a movie that gives an insight into one such household in India.
Watch it here.
13. Walk. Ride. Rodeo
Maturity rating: 13+
Walk. Ride. Rodeo. is the story of persistence and following your dreams to achieve the unbelievable. After an accident that leaves her paralyzed, a rodeo rider decides to get her life back together to become a champion again.
Watch it here.
14. Raising the Bar
Maturity rating: ALL
After having to give up her spot in an elite US gymnastics programme, a young girl decides to enter an Australian competition to help her friend. This is the story of fighting for what you believe in, despite all odds.
Watch it here.
15. Benji
Maturity rating: 7+
A dog is a man’s best friend, isn’t it? Benji is one such dog on a mission to heal a broken family. This is truly one of the best feel-good Netflix family movies of all time!
Watch it here.
16. The Karate Kid (2010)
Maturity rating: 7+
The Karate Kid is another movie that needs no introduction. This remake of the 1984 classic casts Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan in pivotal roles. The story is all about how persistence and determination can get you through any obstacle.
Watch it here.
17. Free Willy
Maturity rating: 7+
Free Willy is one of my personal favourites. It’s about a boy who bonds with the most unexpected creature ever – a killer whale at an exhibit.
Watch it here.
18. The Polar Express
Maturity rating: 7+
The Polar Express is a beautifully animated piece about a boy who takes the Polar Express journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
Watch it here.
19. Fan of Amoory
Maturity rating: 7+
How many of us dream of making it big but actually work towards it? This is the story of a young boy who follows his passion of becoming a professional soccer player like his idol Omar Abdulrahman. It is an Arabic film that can be watched with English subtitles.
Watch it here.
Gather the family for a movie night that everyone will enjoy.