Best Non-Animated Family Movies on Netflix

Some of the best family-friendly movies are animated, but there are so many non-animated family movies on Netflix to watch too!

If your house is like ours, the kids would be happy to watch cartoons every night. However, the adults don’t necessarily enjoy watching them all the time.

Netflix has a huge library of non-animated family movies. There are so many amazing options to choose from, so I put together a list of the best family movies to make it easy for you to find something your family will love.

This list is kept up to date, so be sure to bookmark (or pin) it and come back regularly to look for a new addition to the list. You’ll always find the best movies, including new releases, for the whole family right here. If you’ve already watched all of these family movies, check out the best alternatives to Netflix.

And if you’re actually looking for animated movies, you can find them in my list of the Best Animated Family Movies on Netflix.

Best Non Animated Family Movies on Netflix

Yes Day

Feel the Beat

Rated PG. 1 hour 49 minutes.

After failing to find success in her Broadway dreams, April returns home to the small town she grew up in. She is surprised to find a new spark in life while coaching young girls for a big dance competition. One of my favorite Netflix originals!

Finding Ohana

The Sleepover

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 48 minutes.

When your parents are kidnapped by international thieves, it’s time to gear up and save them. Cute and fun movie enjoyed by all family members.

Benji

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 28 minutes.

This Netflix original takes a new spin on the classic story of Benji. In this movie, Benji uses his skills to help a family in need find connection again.

Malibu Rescue

Rated TV-G. 1 hour 9 minutes.

Kids compete to join Malibu Rescue, an elite junior lifeguard program. This movie is the prelude to the series of the same name.

The Princess Switch

Rated TV-G. 1 hour 42 minutes.

The Princess Switch is a delightful romantic comedy that tells the story of a duchess and a baker who switch lives for the Christmas season and find unexpected love. With Vanessa Hudgens in dual roles, the film offers a charming and lighthearted experience. The second film adds a delightful twist as a third look-alike enters the mix. And, in the third installment, The Princess Switch: Switched Again, the story continues with more delightful switch-ups and romantic entanglements.

Good Sam

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 30 minutes.

Mysterious bags of cash start showing up on people’s doorsteps. A curious reporter pursuing the story finds love in the process.

After Life of the Party

Rated PG. 1 hour 46 minutes.

When a self-obsessed party girl dies in a freak accident, she realized she has some wrongs to right here on Earth before she can move on to a happy afterlife.

We Can Be Heroes

Rated PG. 1 hour 40 minutes.

In this long awaited sequel to Shark Boy and Lava Girl, the kids must work together to save their parents and the planet from Aliens.

Blue Miracle

Rated PG. 1 hour 36 minutes.

To save their struggling orphanage, a guardian and his kids partner up with a washed-up boat captain for a chance to win cash in a fishing competition.

Tall Girl

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 42 minutes.

Jodi has spent her whole life being the Tall Girl and trying to hide. That is until a new tall boy arrives at school who she wants to get to know. Through a series of events, Jodi finds herself and her confidence. Don’t miss Tall Girl 2!

Enola Holmes (1 & 2)

Rated PG-13. 2 hours 4 minutes.

If you’re familiar with the Sherlock Holmes franchise, you’ll love this movie. The little sister of the famous detective has a vibrant personality and a desire to follow in her big brother’s footsteps. One of the best films made by Netflix according to my kids.

We all also loved part 2 in the Enola Holmes series and can’t wait for a third film!

Holiday in the Wild

Rated PG. 1 hour 26 minutes.

When their daughter leaves for college, Kate’s husband unexpectedly ends their marriage. She goes on their second honeymoon alone and discovers new love.

Nightbooks

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 43 minutes.

A “soft” scary story for kids, Nightbooks tells the story of Alex, a young boy who gets trapped by a witch and is forced to write scary stories every day for her. A great story of self acceptance for kids who struggle with being “different.”

The Main Event

Rated TV-G. 1 hour 40 minutes.

An awkward kid finds a magical wrestling mask that makes him a star when he’s wearing it. He chases his dream to become a WWE star.

Slumberland

Rated PG. 2 hours.

Starring Jason Momoa as Flip, Slumberland tells the story of a young girl named Nemo who finds a secret map who wades through good and bad dreams in the hopes of finding her late father. Based on the comic strip Little Nemo in Slumberland.

Family Switch

Rated PG. 1 hour 45 minutes.

Family Switch is a comedy film, directed by McG and starring Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms, featuring a unique twist where multiple family members switch bodies during pivotal life moments. This heartwarming and humorous film explores themes of empathy and the importance of family, offering a charming blend of laughter and life lessons.

Rip Tide

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 27 minutes.

A viral video sends a New York model running away to Australia to stay with an aunt and changes the trajectory of her life.

Greater

Rated PG. 2 hours 10 minutes.

Greater is a 2016 biographical sports drama film that tells the inspiring story of Brandon Burlsworth, considered to be one of the greatest walk-ons in the history of college football. The film chronicles Burlsworth’s journey from a walk-on player at the University of Arkansas to becoming an All-American offensive lineman, highlighting his remarkable work ethic, faith, and determination.

Spy Kids

Rated PG. 1 hour 28 minutes.

Spy Kids is an action-adventure film that follows the story of Carmen and Juni Cortez, two ordinary children who discover their parents are secretly super-spies. Thrust into a high-stakes world of espionage, the siblings embark on a daring mission to save their parents from an evil mastermind, using a variety of gadgets and their own ingenuity. Be sure to catch the sequels too!

Think Like a Dog

Rated PG. 1 hour 31 minutes.

Think Like a Dog is a family-friendly comedy film, centered around a 12-year-old tech prodigy named Oliver who accidentally discovers a way to hear his dog’s thoughts. This leads to a series of heartwarming and humorous misadventures as Oliver and his dog Henry embark on a journey to save his parents’ marriage and possibly the world, using their unique connection.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 53 minutes.

Based on a true story, this movie follows William Kampwamba who is inspired to build a wind turbine to save his Malawian village.

Casper

Rated PG. 1 hour 40 minutes.

Casper is a family fantasy film that tells the story of a kind young ghost named Casper, who peacefully haunts a Maine mansion. When specialist Dr. James Harvey and his daughter Kat move in, Casper quickly befriends Kat, leading to heartwarming adventures as they try to uncover the mysteries of Casper’s past and confront other mischievous spirits inhabiting the house.

A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 38 minutes.

A high school babysitter’s charge gets kidnapped and she’s inducted into an elite society of monster hunting babysitters.

Uncharted

Rated PG-13. 1 hour 56 minutes.

Starring Tom Holland (as Nathan Drake) and Mark Wahlberg (as Sully), Uncharted is a family-friendly action-adventure film. These two treasure-hunters cross the globe searching for Magellan’s lost treasure.

Dog Gone

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 35 minutes.

A young man and his beloved dog set out on a hike across the Appalachian Trail when they become separated. The boy and his father work together to search for the lost pup before the run out of time. This family movie is based on a true story.

Rescued by Ruby

Rated TV-G. 1 hour 33 minutes.

This Netflix Original Film is based on a true story. When one state trooper decides to chase his dream of becoming part of an elite K-9 unit, he does it with Ruby, a shelter pup with a clever but naughty disposition.

The Water Man

Rated PG. 1 hour 31 minutes.

Eleven-year-old Gunner finds himself desperate to save his ailing mom. So he ventures off on his own into the remote Wild Horse forest in search of a mythical creature who has been rumored to be able to defy death.

The Adam Project

Rated PG-13. 1 hour 46 minutes.

Fighter pilot Adam travels back in time to team up with his 12-year old self. With everything we know about time travel (from the movies), what could go wrong?

Vicky and Her Mystery

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 24 minutes.

When a young girl’s mom passes away early, the girl and her Dad movie to the beautiful area of Cantal. She meets a unique creature that just might be able to help heal her grief. Inspired by a true story.

Home Team

Rated PG. 1 hour 39 minutes.

Starring Kevin James, Taylor Lautner and Rob Schneider, Home Team tells the story of a washed up football coach who tries to reconnect with his son by coaching his youth football team. Coming of age story for boys.

Roped

Rated PG. 1 hour 40 minutes.

A traveling rodeo rider falls in love with a local girl who happens to be the town councilman’s daughter.

The Royal Treatment

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 37 minutes.

Izzy, a New York hairdresser, gets invited to work at a prince’s wedding. In the process, a connection is built between the hairdresser and the prince. Will he choose love or duty?

Goosebumps

Rated PG. 1 hour 43 minutes.

Many kids grew up with R..L. Stine’s Goosebumps books. His monster-filled world comes to life in this film when a high school student tries to rescue his crush and realizes the monster world is real.

F.R.E.D.I.

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 29 minutes.

A boy must save an intelligent robot he discovers in the woods from an evil plot.

A 2nd Chance

Rated PG. 1 hour 35 minutes.

A struggling gymnast gets a new coach who just might be able to help her achieve her dream of competing on the national team. Also available: A Second Chance: Rivals! – a new Netflix Original sequel to the first film where country and city girls battle it out on the beam.

Raising the Bar

Rated TV-Y. 1 hour 36 minutes.

An elite gymnast has to give up her spot on her team when her family moves to Australia. She finds new use of her talents in helping a friend in her new home.

Jessica Darling’s It List

Rated TV-Y. 1 hour 20 minutes.

Junior High and all its drama on are spotlight in this movie. Entertaining focus on popularity and how its pursuit can affect teens’ lives.

Walk. Ride. Rodeo.

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 39 minutes.

Based on a true story. A champion rodeo rider vows to get back on her horse after being paralyzed.

Rim of the World

Rated TV-14. 1 hour 39 minutes.

A group of teens find themselves stuck at summer camp in the mountains when the planet is invaded by aliens. They decide they must band together to save planet Earth.

Mixtape

Rated PG. 1 hour 37 minutes.

In this heart warming family film, 12-year-old girl Beverly finds a broken mixtape that was created by her late mom and dad. In an effort to learn more about her parents, she sets on a mission to learn what the songs on that tape were and why they were important.

True Spirit

Rated PG. 1 hour 49 minutes.

In True Spirit, a determined 16-year-old Australian sets out on an audacious journey to become the youngest solo sailor to circumnavigate the globe. Embarking on this voyage not only allows her to chase her dreams, but also confront her deepest fears head-on.

The Karate Kid

Rated PG. 2 hours 20 minutes.

The Karate Kid is a classic coming-of-age martial arts film that tells the story of Daniel LaRusso, a teenager who moves to a new city and faces relentless bullying. With the help of a wise and skilled karate master, Mr. Miyagi, Daniel learns not only the physical techniques of self-defense but also valuable life lessons about discipline, perseverance and inner strength.

Be sure to watch The Karate Kid 2 and 3 after you watch this classic family film.

Nanny McPhee

Rated PG. 1 hour 38 minutes.

Nanny McPhee is a 2005 fantasy-comedy film in which Emma Thompson plays the title character, a magical nanny who appears when she’s wanted the least but needed the most. Employed by a widower to handle his seven unruly children, Nanny McPhee uses mystical powers to teach the kids important lessons, transforming their lives and behavior in the process.

If you can’t find a family movie to watch on Netflix for family movie night, you may be able to find something new to watch on Hulu, STARZ, Disney+ (where you find most Disney movies these days) or Amazon Prime Video.

If documentaries are more your thing, check out our post on the Best Documentaries on Netflix or Curiosity Stream, a streaming service dedicated to documentaries. It’s less than $20 for the whole year!

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