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.

My Girl

Rated PG. 1 hour 42 minutes.

A classic family movie starring Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, Macaulay Culkin and Anna Chlumsky, My Girl follows the story of a young girl who lost her mother at an early age. She leans on her best friend and dad as she goes through the changes of life at age 11. Grab your tissue box if you haven’t seen this film.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pan

Rated PG. 1 hours 51 minutes.

Based on the classic story of Peter Pan, this movie is essentially the origin story of Peter Pan. Watch him be whisked away from the orphanage and help stop the evil Blackbeard from destroying Neverland.

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.

A League of Their Own

Rated PG. 2 hours 4 minutes.

A League of Their Own is a captivating sports comedy-drama that follows the journey of an all-female baseball team during World War II. With a stellar ensemble cast, including Geena Davis and Tom Hanks, the film showcases the resilience, camaraderie, and triumphs of these trailblazing women athletes, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of viewers.

Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events

Rated PG. 1 hour 48 minutes.

Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events is a darkly whimsical film adaptation of the beloved book series. With its gothic aesthetic, clever storytelling, and the exceptional performance of Jim Carrey as the eccentric Count Olaf, the film captures the misadventures of the Baudelaire orphans in a visually stunning and delightfully gloomy way.

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?

Jinxed

Rated TV-Y. 1 hour 9 minutes.

A teen tries to break the curse that has caused her entire family to have bad luck for over a century.

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.

A Witch’s Ball

Rated PG. 1 hour 34 minutes.

Beatrix is waiting to achieve her dream of being inducted as a witch. But that dream might be threatened due to an unfortunate accident.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library

Rated TV-Y. 1 hour 8 minutes.

A group of kids get the chance to navigate an elaborate scavenger hunt through a library full of traps and tricks created by a game designer named Mr. Lemoncello.

Liar, Liar Vampire

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 8 minutes.

A new kid at school decides to play up the rumor that he’s a vampire.

Legends of the Hidden Temple

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 8 minutes.

Three siblings are trapped in a hidden temple they have to navigate their way out of. Based on the 90s game show of the same name.

The Boy Who Cried Werewolf

Rated TV-Y. 1 hour 26 minutes.

When a high school girl becomes a werewolf, she must hide it from her brother so he won’t slay her.

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.

Mix Tape

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.

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), HBO Max 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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