20 Animated Gems & Family-Friendly Favorites Streaming Now

The Art of the Reel

Filmmakers skilled in crafting family-friendly animated films masterfully blend vibrant visuals, heartfelt stories, and humor that captivate both children and adults alike. We have gathered some quotes below from filmmakers who have successfully achieved this objective ;

🌟 Ralph Bakshi (Fritz the Cat, The Lord of the Rings)

“What’s most important in animation is the emotions and the ideas being portrayed. I’m a great believer of energy and emotion.”

🎨 John Lasseter (Pixar, Toy Story)

“The medium of animation has infinite possibilities to engage and entertain.”

“Animation can explain anything.”

“If you’re sitting in your minivan, playing your computer animated films for your children… No amount of great animation will save a bad story.”

🛠 Henry Selick (Coraline, The Nightmare Before Christmas)

“Stop-motion is the only medium where we literally can make a toy come to life, an actual object.”

“What stop‑motion does best is… the electricity of someone touching… to get life out of an inanimate object.”

“Every kid has a toy… they imagine it being alive… Stop‑motion has a primal nature.”

🎥 Chris Buck (Disney):

“When you’re making a family film, you’re trying to capture that magic where kids are entertained, parents are moved, and everyone leaves feeling something. It’s about shared experiences.”

🎬 Brad Bird (Pixar/Disney):

“Animation is not a genre, it’s a medium. You can tell any kind of story—funny, sad, scary, romantic—and it’s perfect for family films because it speaks to everyone’s imagination.”

These quotes collectively portray animation as a dynamic, imaginative, and emotionally resonant medium that combines artistry, technology, and storytelling to create impactful narratives, unbound by the constraints of live-action filmmaking. Every film on this list, boasting 80%+ audience approval, has achieved the goal of entertaining the adults, while also engaging the imagination of the children. My criteria focus on 21st-century releases, rather than older releases. I categorize highly rated films released before 2000 as Classics.

The Reel Collection

Below is the list of 20 selected family-friendly contemporary films for your streaming enjoyment;

🎥 Netflix

1. Spirited Away (2001)

•    Synopsis: A family of superheroes comes out of retirement to save the world. Pixar’s action-packed comedy blends family dynamics, witty humor, and thrilling heroics in a vibrant animated adventure.

1. • MPAA Rating: PG
   • Viewer Approval: 96% (Rotten Tomatoes)
   • Source:
2. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017)
   • Synopsis: Fourth-graders George and Harold hypnotize their strict principal into becoming Captain Underpants, a superhero from their comic book. His bumbling heroics lead to hilarious chaos as they battle a mad scientist.
   • MPAA Rating: PG
   • Viewer Approval: 87% (Rotten Tomatoes)
   • Source:
3. Klaus (2019)
   • Synopsis: A selfish postman, Jesper, is sent to a remote Arctic town. He teams up with a reclusive toymaker, Klaus, to deliver toys, sparking a heartwarming origin story of Santa Claus filled with humor and warmth.
   • MPAA Rating: PG
   • Viewer Approval: 94% (Rotten Tomatoes)
   • Source:
4. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)
   • Synopsis: Quirky teen Katie Mitchell and her family face a robot apocalypse during a road trip. Their dysfunctional dynamics and creativity save the day in this fast-paced, funny animated adventure.
   • MPAA Rating: PG
   • Viewer Approval: 89% (Rotten Tomatoes)
   • Source:
5. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)
   • Synopsis: A darker, stop-motion take on the classic tale, Pinocchio explores love, loss, and rebellion as the wooden puppet seeks his place in a war-torn world, guided by a grieving Geppetto.
   • MPAA Rating: PG
   • Viewer Approval: 90% (Rotten Tomatoes)
   • Source:

🧟 HBO Max

6. Wall-E (2008)

• Synopsis: Fourth-graders George and Harold hypnotize their principal into becoming Captain Underpants, a superhero from their comic book. His bumbling heroics lead to hilarious chaos against a mad scientist.

6. • MPAA Rating: G
   • Viewer Approval: 89% (Rotten Tomatoes)
   • Source:
7. Toy Story 3 (2010)
   • Synopsis: As Andy heads to college, his toys are mistakenly sent to a daycare center. Woody leads a daring escape, blending heartfelt moments with comedic antics in this Pixar classic.
   • MPAA Rating: G
   • Viewer Approval: 89% (Rotten Tomatoes)
   • Source:
8. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
   • Synopsis: Viking teen Hiccup befriends a dragon, Toothless, defying his village’s traditions. Their bond leads to thrilling adventures and comedic mishaps, proving dragons aren’t the enemy.
   • MPAA Rating: PG
   • Viewer Approval: 91% (Rotten Tomatoes)
   • Source:
9. The Lego Movie (2014)
   • Synopsis: Emmet, an ordinary Lego figure, is mistaken for a prophesied hero. He leads a wild, funny quest to stop a tyrant, with clever humor and vibrant animation.
   • MPAA Rating: PG
   • Viewer Approval: 87% (Rotten Tomatoes)
   • Source:
10. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
    • Synopsis: Teen Miles Morales gains spider-powers and teams up with Spider-People from parallel universes to stop a multiversal threat. Its vibrant visuals and humor redefine superhero animation.
    • MPAA Rating: PG
    • Viewer Approval: 94% (Rotten Tomatoes)
    • Source:

🖥️ Peacock

11. Shrek (2001)

•       Synopsis: Fearless feline Puss in Boots, down to his last life, seeks a mythical wishing star. His swashbuckling adventure with Death (a wolf) blends humor and surprising depth.

11. • MPAA Rating: PG
    • Viewer Approval: 90% (Rotten Tomatoes)
    • Source:
12. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
    • Synopsis: Fearless feline Puss in Boots, down to his last life, seeks a mythical wishing star. His swashbuckling adventure with Death (a wolf) blends humor and surprising depth.
    • MPAA Rating: PG
    • Viewer Approval: 94% (Rotten Tomatoes)
    • Source:
13. Kung Fu Panda (2008)
    • Synopsis: Clumsy panda Po is unexpectedly chosen as the Dragon Warrior. He trains with martial arts masters to defend the Valley of Peace, delivering laughs and action.
    • MPAA Rating: PG
    • Viewer Approval: 87% (Rotten Tomatoes)
    • Source:

🍿 Amazon Prime Video

14. Your Name (2016)

• Synopsis: Teens Mitsuha and Taki mysteriously swap bodies. As they navigate each other’s lives, they uncover a deeper connection tied to a comet, blending romance, humor, and mystery.
• MPAA Rating: Not Rated (equivalent to PG)
• Popcornmeter: 94%
• Source: JustWatch.com

 

15. Zootopia (2016)
    • Synopsis: Rookie bunny cop Judy Hopps teams with sly fox Nick Wilde to solve a mystery in a city of animals. This sharp comedy tackles prejudice with humor and heart.
    • MPAA Rating: PG
    • Popcornmeter: 92%
    • Source: JustWatch.com
16. Wreck-It Ralph (2012) Leaving Amazon Prime Video: August 15, 2025
    • Synopsis: Video game villain Ralph seeks to become a hero, crashing through arcade worlds. His journey with misfit Vanellope delivers nostalgic humor and heartfelt moments.
    • MPAA Rating: PG
    • Popcornmeter: 86%
    • Source: JustWatch.com

🌟 Disney+

17. The Wild Robot (2024)
    • Synopsis: A robot, Roz, crash-lands on a wilderness island and adopts a gosling. Her journey to survive and connect with animals delivers humor, heart, and stunning visuals.
    • MPAA Rating: PG
    • Popcornmeter: 98%
    • Source: JustWatch.com
18. Moana (2016)
    • Synopsis: Moana, a Polynesian teen, sails with demigod Maui to save her island from a curse. This vibrant adventure blends humor, music, and cultural celebration.
    • MPAA Rating: PG
    • Popcornmeter: 95%
    • Source: JustWatch.com
19. Inside Out (2015)
    • Synopsis: Inside 11-year-old Riley’s mind, emotions like Joy and Sadness navigate her move to a new city. Pixar’s clever, emotional comedy explores growing up with wit and warmth.
    • MPAA Rating: PG
    • Popcornmeter: 89%
    • Source: JustWatch.com
20. Finding Nemo (2003)
    • Synopsis: Clownfish Marlin searches for his lost son Nemo, teaming up with forgetful Dory. Their ocean adventure is packed with humor, heart, and memorable characters.
    • MPAA Rating: G
    • Popcornmeter: 86%
    • Source: JustWatch.com

Hidden Gems & Personal Picks

Animation has truly flourished over the past decade, dazzling audiences with stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling. Films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and How to Train Your Dragon are just a few standouts—but with so many great options, not every worthy title could make it into a list of 20. Personally, I’ve also enjoyed the antics of Gru and his Minions, as well as Buster Moon’s mission to save his struggling theatre. You’ll find those films—and where they’re currently streaming—listed below.

🎥 Netflix

•  **Despicable Me**
•   – **MPAA Rating**: PG
•   – **Synopsis**: Supervillain Gru, a man who delights in all things wicked, hatches a plan to steal the moon. Surrounded by an army of little yellow minions and his impenetrable arsenal of weapons and war machines, Gru prepares to vanquish all who stand in his way. However, his plans are disrupted when he adopts three orphan girls who see him as a potential father, leading to an unexpected journey of love and redemption.
•   – **Release Year**: 2010

• – **Despicable Me 4**
•   – **MPAA Rating**: PG
•   – **Synopsis**: Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, forcing the family to go on the run in this latest adventure filled with Minion mayhem and family dynamics.
•   – **Release Year**: 2024

• – **Sing**
•   – **MPAA Rating**: PG
•   – **Synopsis**: In a city of humanoid animals, a struggling theater owner named Buster Moon hosts a singing competition to save his theater from closure. With a diverse group of contestants including a shy elephant, a punk rock porcupine, and a gangster’s son, the event becomes a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and musical triumph.
•   – **Release Year**: 2016

🖥️ Peacock

• – **Despicable Me 2**
•   – **MPAA Rating**: PG
•   – **Synopsis**: Now a reformed villain turned family man, Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help stop a new threat involving a stolen mutagen. Balancing his new role as a father with his mission, Gru teams up with agent Lucy Wilde, leading to action-packed adventures and unexpected romance.
•   – **Release Year**: 2013

• – **Despicable Me 3**
•   – **MPAA Rating**: PG
•   – **Synopsis**: After being fired from the Anti-Villain League, Gru discovers he has a twin brother, Dru, and teams up with him to stop the 1980s-themed villain Balthazar Bratt. The Minions add chaos with their own subplot, blending family ties with high-stakes heists and dance fights.
•   – **Release Year**: 2017

• – **Sing 2**
•   – **MPAA Rating**: PG
•   – **Synopsis**: Buster Moon and his singing troupe take their talents to the big city to stage a dazzling new show, aiming to impress a reclusive rock star legend, Clay Calloway. Facing new challenges and rivalries, they learn about perseverance and the power of music to unite.
•   – **Release Year**: 2021

🏠 Fandango At Home – Paid (Buy/Rent)

• – **Despicable Me**
•   – **MPAA Rating**: PG
•   – **Synopsis**: Supervillain Gru, a man who delights in all things wicked, hatches a plan to steal the moon. Surrounded by an army of little yellow minions and his impenetrable arsenal of weapons and war machines, Gru prepares to vanquish all who stand in his way. However, his plans are disrupted when he adopts three orphan girls who see him as a potential father, leading to an unexpected journey of love and redemption.
•   – **Release Year**: 2010

• – **Despicable Me 2**
•   – **MPAA Rating**: PG
•   – **Synopsis**: Now a reformed villain turned family man, Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help stop a new threat involving a stolen mutagen. Balancing his new role as a father with his mission, Gru teams up with agent Lucy Wilde, leading to action-packed adventures and unexpected romance.
•   – **Release Year**: 2013

• – **Despicable Me 3**
•   – **MPAA Rating**: PG
•   – **Synopsis**: After being fired from the Anti-Villain League, Gru discovers he has a twin brother, Dru, and teams up with him to stop the 1980s-themed villain Balthazar Bratt. The Minions add chaos with their own subplot, blending family ties with high-stakes heists and dance fights.
•   – **Release Year**: 2017

• **Despicable Me 4**
•   – **MPAA Rating**: PG
•   – **Synopsis**: Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, forcing the family to go on the run in this latest adventure filled with Minion mayhem and family dynamics.
•   – **Release Year**: 2024

• – **Sing**
•   – **MPAA Rating**: PG
•   – **Synopsis**: In a city of humanoid animals, a struggling theater owner named Buster Moon hosts a singing competition to save his theater from closure. With a diverse group of contestants including a shy elephant, a punk rock porcupine, and a gangster’s son, the event becomes a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and musical triumph.
•   – **Release Year**: 2016

• – **Sing 2**
•   – **MPAA Rating**: PG
•   – **Synopsis**: Buster Moon and his singing troupe take their talents to the big city to stage a dazzling new show, aiming to impress a reclusive rock star legend, Clay Calloway. Facing new challenges and rivalries, they learn about perseverance and the power of music to unite.
• **Release Year**: 2021