The Best Family Films & Shows To Watch On Netflix
A Series of Unfortunate Events, Series 1-3
This weird and wonderful series follows the tragic tale of three orphans – Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire – who are investigating their parents' mysterious death. The siblings are saddled with an evil guardian named Count Olaf (Emmy-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris), who will do whatever it takes to get his hands on the Baudelaires' inheritance. The three must outsmart Olaf at every turn, foiling devious plans and disguises
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Our Planet – Series 1
Experiencing the planet's natural beauty through an examination of how climate change impacts all living creatures in this ambitious documentary of spectacular scope. Utilising the latest technology, Our Planet was filmed in over 50 countries, from exotic jungles to the deepest seas. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
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Spirited Away
In this animated feature by noted Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki, ten-year-old Chihiro (Rumi Hiiragi) and her parents stumble upon a seemingly abandoned amusement park. After her mother and father are turned into giant pigs, Chihiro meets the mysterious Haku who explains that the park is a resort for supernatural beings who need a break from their time spent in the earthly realm, and that she must work there to free herself and her parents.
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A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon
When an alien possessing strange powers crash-lands near Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun the Sheep quickly makes a new friend. Together they must run from a dangerous organisation who wants to capture the intergalactic visitor. A perfect stop-motion animated sequel.
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The Boss Baby
Seven-year-old Tim gets jealous when his parents give all their attention to his little brother. But Tim soon learns that the baby can talk and the two team up to foil the plans of the CEO of Puppy Co. Starring Alec Baldwin, Steve Buscemi, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow and Tobey Maguire.
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Peter Rabbit
In this first film, Peter's feud with Mr McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) escalates to greater heights than ever before as they rival for the affections of the warm-hearted animal lover who lives next door (Rose Byrne). James Corden voices the character of Peter, alongside Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki and Daisy Ridley performing the voice roles of the triplets, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail.
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Sugar Rush – Series 1-2
Older children who love to bake will love this. Four teams of bakers showcase their kitchen skills in each episode as they whip up cakes and other confections with the hope of leaving with the $10,000 grand prize. Pastry chefs Candace Nelson and Adriano Zumbo – along with a roster of guest judges that includes restaurateur Richard Blais and actor Colin Hanks – critique the bakers' culinary creations.
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The BFG
Directed by Steven Spielberg, Disney’s The BFG tells Roald Dahl’s imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. When Sophie befriends him, however, things change after the other giants decide to hunt her down.
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Annie
In this 2014 remake – starring Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz and Rose Byrne – we meet Annie, a young girl, who has lived all her life in the foster care of the cruel Miss Hannigan. But her life takes a drastic turn when New York mayoral candidate William Stacks decides to adopt her. A decent adaptation.
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Hotel Transylvania
Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula's lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up. However, the peace is shattered at overprotective Dracula’s high-end resort when he attempts to keep his daughter from falling in love with Jonathan, a human.
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My Neighbour Totoro
Another classic by Hayao Miyazaki (most of his Studio Ghibli films have just landed on Netflix – and all are excellent), My Neighbour Totoro follows sisters Mei and Satsuki as they shift to a new house to be closer to their mother who is in hospital. They soon become friends with Totoro, a giant rabbit-like creature who is a spirit. Absolutely uplifting.
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Gangsta Granny
Ben hates spending time with his boring granny while his parents are off ballroom dancing, but little does he know his granny has a secret – she’s a high-profile international thief. Together they go on an adventure to pull off a high-profile heist and become the closest of friends. Based on the best-selling children’s book by David Walliams.
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Charlotte’s Web
Here’s a chance to see 11-year-old Dakota Fanning in action. In this live-action film, Wilbur the pig is adopted by young Fern. When grows up, she sells it to her uncle who intends to slaughter it for food. And so Charlotte – a spider – vows to save the pig's life. Also stars Oprah Winfrey and Julia Roberts.
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Horrible Histories – Series 1-5
Based on the incredible series of books by Terry Deary, Horrible Histories informs kids of historical events while being stuffed full of blood, battles and black humour. Each episode features sketches representing a selection of different eras and civilisations throughout history – perfect if they’re off school for the foreseeable future…
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You Vs. Wild – Series
If you’ve got older children, they’ll love this adventurous show. In this interactive series, viewers make key decisions to help Bear Grylls survive, thrive and complete missions in the harshest environments on Earth.
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The NeverEnding Story
Parents born in the early 80s will be very familiar with this 1984 classic. To escape from his dull life and bullies at school, Bastain takes refuge in an old bookstore. There he begins reading an old storybook and finds himself drawn into the mythical world of Fantasia.
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