10 Netflix movies that can enjoy both children and adults
Netflix's vast collection of movies is divided into a variety of genres, from action to drama and everything in between. The streaming giant's library includes both original and acquired content, but most of it is better suited for older viewers. However, Netflix has quite a few movies that work just as well for kids.
Writing stories for everyone may seem easy, but it requires considerable effort to balance audience expectations. Interestingly, many movies that are targeted at a specific age category are enjoyed by both adults and children.
10 The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008) remains a fun movie for the whole familyWhen their family moves, the Grace children are thrown into a hitherto undiscovered world of wonder. However, everyone believes that the mischievous Jared is responsible until they discover the secret power contained in Arthur Spiderwick's magical book.
The Spider Wick Chronicles was well received by critics, many of whom appreciated the film's "heart and imagination." Although some critics complained about the over-the-top visual effects of The Spiderwick Chronicles, it's still a fun movie for the whole family.
9 Enola Holmes (2020) focuses entirely on the women of the Holmes householdMillie Bobby Brown sheds the typecast character of Eleven in Stranger Things and plays Enola Holmes in the titular film. Enola Holmes is arguably one of the most charming expansions to Arthur Conan Doyle's universe, in part because it focuses entirely on the women of House Holmes.
Sherlock and Mycroft are present, but are sidelined by their younger sister's eagerness to prove herself up to their standard. Enola Holmes became a shining jewel in the Netflix crown upon its release, especially when it came to audience engagement.
8 Spy Kids (2001) is a thrilling experience, perhaps because it's nothing like other spy moviesSpy Kids is a delicious twist on the spy genre, focusing on Carmen and Juni instead of their parents ex-spies. In fact, legendary actors like Antonio Banderas, Danny Trejo, and Tony Shalhoub are downplayed in favor of Daryl Sabara and Alexa Vega.
SpyKids is nothing like James Bond, but that's exactly what makes it such an exciting experience. Critic Roger Ebert praised the film, calling it "smart, optimistic, and light-hearted," words that define Spy Kids in more ways than one.
7 Sleepover (2020) mixes slumber party with high-flying actionSleepover mixes slumber party concept with spectacular action. The central characters, who are all children, go on an adventure at a slumber party where they encounter threats greater than they can handle.
And yet they perform feats beyond their years, earning the respect of their parents and the public. The critic scores aren't all that impressive, but that doesn't make the movie any less engaging and relatable.
6 Stuart Little (1999) made his way into the hearts of the audience with grace and warmthStuart Little made his way into the hearts of his adoptive family with his adorable antics, leaving viewers spellbound by the film adaptation of the classic E.B. White's 1954 novel.
The film's critical reception was technically below expectations, but that didn't stop it from displacing Toy Story 2 (1999) to second place in its opening weekend. Stuart Little is a charming and humorous film for both children and adults, and is called by critics an "almost flawless family film."
5 Jumanji (1995) allows its younger characters to shine as much as its lead starJumanji was a massive box office triumph, grossing more than $260 million against a relatively modest budget of $65 million. Robin Williams is clearly the star of the film, but the characters of Judy and Peter Shepherd add a new dimension to the surreal plot.
The success of Jumanji spawned a spin-off, Zathura (2002), as well as an ongoing franchise starring Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black. That being said, the latest movies are more suitable for older viewers.
4 The BFG (2016) borrows in equal parts Steven Spielberg's vision and Roald Dahl's witSteven Spielberg's The BFG may not be as shocking as Schindler's List (1993), or as terrifying as Jaws ( 1975), but Roald Dahl's adaptation has its own merits. Though it failed to make up at the box office, The BFG earned critical acclaim for its family adventure.
Many of Dahl's stories, such as Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and James and the Giant Peach, have etched themselves into the popular consciousness. The BFG is no exception.
3 ParaNorman (2012) is riveting, unique, and the first children's film with an openly gay characterThe stop-motion animation is not without its flaws, but ParaNorman's unique take on the intersection of comedy and horror is nothing less than a tribute to the medium. Packed with a brilliant vocal cast - Anna Kendrick, John Goodman, Elaine Stritch and Casey Affleck - ParaNorman is a solid film with stunning visuals.
An important aspect of ParaNorman is the inclusion of an openly gay character, Mitch, whose presence brings queer experiences to the fore, something unprecedented in a children's animated film.
2 Hugo (2011) is bound to delight all viewers, regardless of ageMartin Scorsese is known for character-focused narratives, such as Taxi Driver (1976) and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), films clearly incompatible with young viewers. At the other extreme is Hugo, a multi-Oscar winning film starring Asa Butterfield and Chloë Grace Moretz.
Hugo was universally praised by critics for embodying "an innocence lacking in many modern children's movies." Hugo's dream world is bound to enchant any viewer, young or old.
1 Klaus is a unique perspective on the concept of Santa Claus (2019)There are countless children's movies revolving around Santa Claus, from The Santa Clause (1994) to Jingle All The Way (1996). Although based on the same idea, Klaus presents quite a different perspective on Santa Claus.
This animated film was nominated for an Oscar, an extraordinary achievement for Netflix despite the fact that Klaus lost the Academy Award to Toy Story 4 (2014). Furthermore, critics recognized that Klaus has the potential to be remembered as a modern Christmas classic.
