20 of the best kids' films to stream right now

How to watch films on demand?

With lots of services offering free trial offers, you can watch loads of films for a limited time without having to pay a penny. The main streaming services offer some great introductory offers for new users, including free trials for various lengths of time.

Amazon Prime

You can stream movies and TV shows from lots of devices with Amazon Prime as well as renting or buying films to keep. The service offers new users a free trial for 30 days.

Get 30 day free trial at Amazon Prime

Now TV

Now TV have a choice of passes like the Sky Cinema Pass and Entertainment pass to access lots of films and extra channels that you won’t find on Freeview.

Unlike other platforms, you can purchase one-off passes which last for, for example, one month, rather than an ongoing contract. You can get a seven day trial online to see what you think.

Get seven day free trial at Now TV

Disney+

The latest streaming service to launch is Disney+ which went live on 24th March 2020. The service offers entertainment from Disney, Pixar, Marvel Star Wars and National Geographic. Disney+ is currently offering a 7-day free trial, then it’s £5.99 a month or £59.99 a year.

Get Disney+ 7 day trial

Best kids' films on Amazon Prime

Paddington 2

Release date: 2018 | Age Rating: PG | Running time: 99 minutes

The highly anticipated sequel to Paddington sees the lovable bear embark on an epic adventure to find the thief of a prized pop-up book before his Aunt Lucy's 100th birthday.

We love the all star cast of British actors including Hugh Grant, Julie Walters, Sally Hawkins, Peter Capaldi to name a few, who really bring the story to life. And don't worry, it's not as scary as the first film in the series.

Stream on: Amazon Prime

Fantastic Mr Fox

Release date: 2009 | Age Rating: PG | Running time: 86 minutes

Based on Roald Dhal's classic children's story, Fantastic Mr Fox follows the story of mischievous Mr Fox. (voiced by George Clooney) who finds his life's in danger when he gets caught stealing from a nearby farm. Directed by Wes Anderson, expect witty and whimsical humour made in wonderful stop-motion animation style.

Stream on: Amazon Prime

Early Man

Release date: 2018 | Age Rating: PG | Running time: 88 minutes

From the creators of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, Early Man takes you back to prehistoric times to tell the story of brave caveman Dug (voiced by Eddie Redmayne) and his best friend Hognob as they fight against villain Lord Nooth to save their home. A lighthearted, easy to follow story that's sure to provide plenty of laughs.

Stream on: Amazon Prime

Charlotte's Web

Release date: 2006 | Age Rating: U| Running time: 96 minutes

This sweet adaptation of E.B. White's popular children's book tells the story of Wilbur the pig and his barnyard friends, but particularly Charlotte the gentle spider (voiced by Julia Roberts) who comes up with a clever plan to save the pig's life.

We particularly like that the film stays true to the book as one reviewer highlighted saying, "Much of the dialogue is lifted straight from the text and the settings are so close to the descriptions in the book."

Stream on: Amazon Prime

James and the Giant Peach

Release date: 1996 | Age Rating: U | Running time: 76 minutes

Jumping from live action to stop-animation, this follows the story of orphaned boy, James Henry Trotter, who escapes from his wicked aunts by climbing inside the magical world of a giant peach the starts growing outside their home.

Although over 20 years old, this brilliant adaptation of Roald Dhal's beloved children's story is still one the whole family will enjoy today.

Stream on: Amazon Prime

Best kids' films on Disney Plus

Aladdin

Release date: 2019 | Age Rating: PG | Running time: 134 minutes

With stunning visuals and recognisable songs like "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me", this is a great way to introduce little ones to the classic tale of Aladdin.

And as highlighted it many reviews it's Will Smith's performance as the Genie, with his "charismatic flair and energy", which really makes him the star of the show and a character kids will love.

Stream on: Disney Plus

Dumbo

Release date: 2019 | Age Rating: PG | Running time: 114 minutes

Another fantastic live-action remake from Disney tells the story of loveable little elephant Dumbo, who helps a struggling circus make their comeback when they discover he can fly.

The storyline is slightly different from the 1941 animated version but kids will love the vibrant and colourful CGI animation, and it has important themes around celebrating differences.

Stream on: Disney Plus

Toy Story 4

Release date: 2019 | Age Rating: U | Running time: 100 minutes

Woody, Buzz and the rest of the Toy Story gang are back for another adventure, but this time they are joined by some new faces which kids will love including daring stuntman, Duke Caboom, and quirky plastic spork, Forky. Staying true to the original films, you can hear many of the same voices return of characters we've grown to love like Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear.

The previous three films are definitely worth a watch if your kids haven't seen them before, and you can catch them all on Disney Plus:

• Toy Story
• Toy Story 2
• Toy Story 3

Stream on: Disney Plus

The Lion King

Release date: 2019 | Age Rating: PG | Running time: 124 minutes

This live-action remake of The Lion King includes many of the iconic scenes featured in the 1994 animated version. It starts with the "Circle of Life" as Simba the lion cub is born and goes all the way through to his journey in becoming the king of Pride Rock.

With incredibly detailed and realistic CGI that brings the animals in the African savanna to life, you'll almost forget that you're watching computer animations.

Stream on: Disney Plus

Finding Dory

Release date: 2016 | Age Rating: U | Running time: 97 minutes

The sequel to the hit Pixar film, Finding Nemo, focuses on forgetful blue tang Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres) who goes on adventure with clownfishes, Nemo and Marlin, to find her long lost family.

Much like the first time round, Dory is a loveable and funny character that kids will love. And with themes around self-acceptance and teamwork, it also has many important messages.

Stream on: Disney Plus

Best kids' films on NOW TV

Lego Movie 2: The Second Part

Release date: 2019 | Age Rating: U | Running time: 103 minutes

Following the hugely popular Lego Movie, Emmet and his friends are on a mission to rescue some of the residents of Bricksburg, who are kidnapped by the evil General Mayhem.

This sequel is just as good as the first film, with a fun, fast paced story and amazing graphics that are sure to impress little Lego fans.

Stream on: NOW TV

Monster's University

Release date: 2013 | Age Rating: U | Running time: 100 minutes

Monster's University takes you back to the story of how Mike and Sulley first met at university, before Monsters Inc, and how they become Scarers.

Many reviews comment on the high quality, vivid animation which kids will love along with a heartwarming and humorous storyline which made the first film so popular.

Stream on: NOW TV and Disney Plus

Matilda

Release date: 1996 | Age Rating: PG | Running time: 94 minutes

Another Roald Dhal classic brought to life sees Matilda Wormwood, a bright young girl, use her powers of telekinesis to fight back against her dysfunctional family and her wicked headmistress Ms Trunchbull.

As one reviewer describes, there are some real "laugh out loud" scenes with a mixture of heartwarming moments that have you rooting for little Matilda.

Stream on: NOW TV

Mary Poppins Returns

Release date: 2019 | Age Rating: U | Running time: 125 minutes

Jane and Michael Banks are are back on our screens, following the tragedy of their father's death. As they find themselves struggling Mary Poppins, their beloved nanny from their childhood, returns to take them all on a magical adventure.

Julie Andrews will always be known as Mary Poppins but, as one review describes, Emily Blunt makes a "worthy successor" with a gorgeous singing voice. And we loved the cameo from Dick Van Dyke who starred in the 1964 version. A lovely way to introduce little ones to the classic musical story.

Stream on: NOW TV and Disney Plus

Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone

Release date: 2001 | Age Rating: PG | Running time: 146 minutes

Whether your kids are Harry Potter superfans or are yet to be introduced to the wizarding world, we love the idea of having a Harry Potter movie marathon.

NOW TV has all the films available to stream with its Sky Cinema Pass so you could start with the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and watch a new one each week - just bear in mind that some of the later films may not be suitable for younger children.

Stream on: NOW TV

Best kids' films on Netflix

Peter Rabbit

Release date: 2018 | Age Rating: PG | Running time: 95 minutes

Join the adventurous and cheeky Peter Rabbit, along with all of his animal friends, for this delightful story where he attempts to win back the coveted vegetable garden from Mr McGregor. Peter Rabbit is brilliantly voiced by James Corden alongside an all-star voice cast including Margot Robbie and even singer Sia.

Stream on: Netflix

The Willoughbys

Release date: 2020 | Age Rating: PG | Running time: 92 minutes

New to Netflix, The Willoughbys tells the story of four siblings who come up with a plan to leave behind their evil parents. Although featuring some pretty dark themes, there are plenty of funny and witty moments that make this a great kids film.

Stream on: Netflix

Hotel Transylvania 2

Release date: 2015 | Age Rating: U | Running time: 89 minutes

The doors to Hotel Transylvania are now open to humans, but Dracula is worried for his half-human, half-vampire Grandson Dennis who isn't embracing his vampire side.

As well as the vivid animation and quirky characters, we like that the film is based around positive messages on unity and diversity.

Stream on: Netflix

Horrid Henry: The Movie

Release date: 2011 | Age Rating: U | Running time: 92 minutes

See the characters that kids know and love, like Horrid Henry, Perfect Peter and Moody Margaret, team up to take on the terrifying, Miss Battleaxe, and save their school from being shut down. It has a light-hearted, easy to follow plot with fun and silly humour that kids are sure to enjoy.

Stream on: Netflix

Annie

Release date: 2014 | Age Rating: PG | Running time: 119 minutes

Annie has lived a hard-knock life as an orphan but when billionaire and mayoral candidate, Will Stacks, adopts her, her life massively changes.

With a mix of the original score from the Broadway musical and new songs, fans of the older version will enjoy this as well as little ones who are watching for the first time.

Stream on: Netflix

Have a family movie night - here's what you'll need

Once you've chosen a film for you and the kids to watch, why not turn into a movie night with food and themed props to make your living room feel like a cinema.

We spotted these fun retro popcorn boxes (1.99 for 8 from Amazon) which you can fill with delicious snacks. They come in a pack of 8 and are reusable for any future film nights you have at home.

Or if hot dogs are more your thing, you can get these hot dog trays (£1.59 for 8 from Amazon) in the same red and white design.

And not forgetting tickets of course! You can buy a roll of tear off tickets (£2.95 for 200 tickets from Amazon) or print out these free ticket templates to give to everyone entering the cinema (aka the living room).

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