Do you ever scroll through Netflix looking for something for your children to watch that’s not just completely mindless or sassy nonsense? In the spirit of summer and because I’ve gotten lots of questions about appropriate movie and TV shows for children, I’ve done some research and pulled together a list of wholesome TV and movie options available on Netflix, Amazon, and more.
If you’ve been reading DoSayGive for a while, you likely know that I don’t let my girls watch some of the sassy shows on Netflix (especially after they started to pick up some of the disrespectful behaviors). I have kept a running list of good options for family shows and movies (sans the sassiness) — that I’ve found and that DoSayGive readers have recommended over the years — and wanted to share our updated list with you!
Disclaimer: I haven’t watched all of these listed, so definitely screen before watching with your children. Common Sense Media is a good resource to check for age-range recommendations and appropriateness.
CLASSIC MOVIES
Shirley Temple films
Dennis the Menace (love the one with Walter Matthau)
Matilda (the 1996 version; this DVD has Madeline, Matilda, and Annie!)
Madeline (several versions on Amazon Prime including one with Shirley Temple)
American Girl movies (we’ve liked Kit, McKenna, Samantha)
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
CLASSIC TV SERIES
Beatrix Potter Stories (old episodes from the 90s on YouTube; watch the first video here)
The Andy Griffith Show (on Netflix)
SPORTS & INSPIRATION
Rise (A great movie about basketball players Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo with themes of family, hard work, and honesty)
Woodlawn (A football movie set just after desegregation that’s a true story of reconciliation and faith)
The Speed Cubers (A documentary about two speed cubers who are unlikely friends)
Jesus Storybook Bible (If you love this Bible you will prob like the animated DVDs!)
EXERCISE
Cooking
The Great British Baking Show
The Great British Baking Show: Juniors
MasterChef Junior
EDUCATIONAL
Nature of God with Peter Schriemer
ANIMATED
The Jetsons (On Netflix)
Creative Galaxy (About making art projects!)
Speed Racer (A series from the 1960s)
Veggie Tales (On Netflix)
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Super Wings (On Netflix)
Spirit (On Netflix)
Disney Short Films (On Netflix)
Bluey (On Disney+)
Tip: Shows and movies that are available on Amazon Prime Video won’t necessarily show up automatically as you are scrolling through the children’s menu. So while you are logged into your Prime account on your computer or phone, search for the title you want and then click “add to watchlist.” When I did that the shows I selected popped up on our TV. Basically there is more on Amazon Prime that what they show is available!
Do you have any good TV shows or movies that would be a great addition to this list? Share below! Also, don’t miss my post on favorite quality audiobooks for children.
Thanks Lee! My girls, especially the 3 year old, is into “Disney Three Little Pigs” on Netflix! What about Leap? I have it on “My List” but we have yet to watch it.
LOVE this!! Thank you!!!
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt on Amazon. Based on the book and very sweet :).
I love this! We still love Curious George in our home as well as other PBS programming. We have also stumbled upon classic sitcoms – Father Knows Best and Family Affair are some of our favorites!
And I am waiting on pins and needles for your Nordstrom Anniversary Sale posts. I so look forward to them and your Holiday Gift Guide!!
You’re so sweet! Thank you! I’ve been working on it a lot today and will get up in the middle of the night to finish it!
My boys loved Gentle Ben, the live-action tv series from the 60s with Clint Howard and a bear, set in the Florida Everglades. I bought the dvds at Cracker Barrel on a road trip, but I would seek it out elsewhere. A hit.
On YouTube we watch Old Bear stories by Jane Hissey. So sweet. There are picture books too.
The Perfect Game
Sports movie
Bedknobs and Broomsticks is fun- magic, war, romance. My girls struggling with speech therapy also loved My Fair Lady!
The Secret Garden!