Let’s face it—animated and family movies are no longer for children alone. If you’ve got kids snuggled up on the couch or you simply need to get lost in some vibrant storytelling of your own, streaming services are full of titles that walk the line of heart, humor, and a dash of magic. From recent releases to all-time classics, here’s a countdown of 10 animated and family films that are totally worth clicking play on now.
10. Plankton: The Movie
Bikini Bottom’s smallest troublemaker finally takes center stage in this SpongeBob spin-off, and it’s a blowout. Instead of being preoccupied with Krabby Patties, Plankton is on a mission to save the day when Karen, his computer wife, wakes up and decides she’s had enough and attempts to conquer the world. Desperate to get back with her, Plankton teams up with SpongeBob, Patrick, and the gang for a wacky, musical ride. It’s silly, sentimental, and downright romantic, a little reminder that even the smallest of villains can have a large heart.
9. Chickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness
Here’s a charming underdog tale with plenty of zing. Chickenhare is half chicken, half hare, and can’t quite fit in as the adopted son of a fearless adventurer king. His search for validation becomes an action-packed thrill ride full of guffaws, memorable characters, and a healthy dose of self-acceptance. Children enjoy the silly humor, but parents get something positive out of it, too. It’s fun and meaningful.
8. Wish Dragon
Filmed in Shanghai today, this new spin on the genie-in-a-bottle tale chronicles Din, a college student who discovers a magical dragon who can make wishes come true. Voiced by John Cho, the dragon’s sardonic humor is complemented beautifully by the poignant tale of friendship, love, and pursuing one’s dreams. Wish Dragon is a delightful, humorous, and unexpectedly touching experience through its rich colors and cross-cultural storytelling.
7. My Little Pony: A New Generation
Ponies, Pegasi, unicorns, and an infectious soundtrack,ck this reboot of the classic franchise is packed with sparkle. The story focuses on overcoming differences and bringing communities together, making it a perfect family film with a sweet, hopeful message. Add in catchy tunes that kids won’t stop singing, and you’ve got a movie that’s equal parts wholesome and fun.
6. The Sea Beast
If your kids enjoy a great adventure, this is it. The movie centers on monster hunter Jacob Holland and teenage stowaway Maisie as they embark to fight a frightening sea beast. But what begins as a perilous hunt turns into a tale of understanding, bravery, and redefining past customs. With stunning animation and intense action sequences, The Sea Beast is both epic and emotional.
5. Kubo and the Two Strings
Laika Studios produces one of its best efforts in this breathtaking stop-motion fantasy. Young Kubo, equipped with a mystical shamisen, embarks on a quest to vanquish ancient spirits and learn secrets about his family. The animation is stunning, the music enchanting, and the love, loss, and storytelling themes speak to audiences of all ages. This one’s as much a masterpiece as it is a film.
4. Kpop Demon Hunters
What happens when K-pop stars double as supernatural heroes? An animated action-comedy with sparkles, tunes, and monster fights. Starring the voices of Arden Cho, Ji-young Yoo, Daniel Dae Kim, and Ken Jeong, along with original songs by members of TWICE, this film is all energy. It’s cool, it’s hilarious, and full of girl-power feels, no surprise it’s been at the top of Netflix’s lists.
3. Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood
Richard Linklater marries nostalgia and fantasy in this animated return journey to 1969. Based on the true story of a boy enlisted in a covert moon mission, it combines childhood wonder with space race thrills. Headlined by Jack Black and Glen Powell in voice roles, this is half history lesson, half family comedy, half dreamlike fantasy, a film parents and children alike can watch together.
2. The Mitchells vs. The Machines
This laugh-out-loud and heartwarming road trip movie is from the genius minds of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. When the offbeat Mitchell family becomes caught up in a robot revolution, hilarity (and chaos) break out. With wacky animation, rapid-fire gags, and an emotional tale of family ties, this film is already a modern family classic for nighttimes.
1. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
Number one on the list is Guillermo del Toro’s beautifully haunting adaptation of the iconic fairy tale. Transposed to Fascist Italy, this stop-motion classic provides depth, darkness, and poignancy to the tale of the wooden boy who desires to be real. Interrogating issues of love, death, and what it is to actually live, it’s visually mesmerizing and emotionally resonant. Academy Award Best Animated Feature winner, this is evidence that animation is not merely a genre—it’s cinema in its purest form.
From talking dragons to robot apocalypses to grand sea adventures, animated and family movies today go far beyond kiddie fare. They bring together generations, spark conversations, and remind us of the joy in imaginative storytelling. So whether you’re watching with your kids, your friends, or just by yourself, these 10 picks promise to deliver magic, laughter, and maybe even a few tears.