For the past 15 years, Netflix has dominated streaming thanks to the power of binge-watching. Allowing users to stream favorite TV episodes one after another has been copied, but few rivals seem to understand the value of that connection viewers have with their “comfort food” shows, the familiar beat and relatable characters.
With so many licensed series leaving Netflix and being picked up by Paramount Plus, Disney Plus, or HBO Max, families with kids at home may be wondering if the top streamer still has enough for them. After all, many Netflix Originals are driven by bold themes with explicit content. (To their credit, experts say Netflix also offers the most robust parental controls of any streamer.)
Still, Netflix has so many titles that it can be easy to miss even some of the highlights, including those aimed at families with kids. Admittedly, I grew up on Disney and know their library much better than Netflix offerings…that’s part of why I’m devouring articles on Kids & Family titles here, to get up to speed.
In my family’s years of browsing and watching various shows, here are the 10 series that stand out as must-watch kids and family TV series on Netflix.
Best family shows on Netflix for all ages
The floor is lava (2020-present)
TV-G, 11 episodes
A twist on the children’s game, The floor is lava presents various obstacles that teams of three must overcome. While some dismissed it as hokey and overly simplistic, many families enjoyed it as undeniably fun. When the world was sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic last summer, The floor is lava became a huge hit and season two is slated for 2022.
Our planet (2019–present)
TV-G, 8 episodes
Consistently the highest ranked Netflix original series on IMDB, Netflix mimics the style of the BBC Earth– and perhaps outclasses it. With a nine-figure budget, Our planet flew behind-the-scenes BBC talent and narrator David Attenborough for this educational docuseries. The views are breathtaking, up-close images of the natural world that are eye-opening.
Soufflé (2019–present)
TV-G, 24 episodes
The rarely seen art of glassblowing involves the careful arrangement of colored shards heated to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, then twisted by an artisan into elaborate shapes. In Soufflé, the world’s top glass artists come together in a custom-built “hot studio” with 10 fiery kilns in Ontario, Canada. It’s wildly unpredictable as artists race against time, with the best creations sometimes shattered. Perfect for watching occasionally with budding young artists.
Best family shows on Netflix for ages 3 and up
Dragons: Race to the Edge (2015-2018)
TV-Y7, 78 episodes
Without a doubt the best franchise from DreamWorks, How to train your dragon goes far beyond an exciting trilogy of theatrical films. Between these installments, hours of TV adventures (voiced by most of the same actors as the movies) reveal a much larger world. Caution : Race to the edge builds on characters and storylines introduced in an earlier 2012 Cartoon Network series. Netflix also needs to air those first 40 remaining episodes.
The Magic School Bus is Rolling Again (2017-2020)
TV-G, 29 episodes
“Please make this a normal excursion!” But with Miss Frizzle as their teacher, 90s kids knew that would never be the case – as science concepts were brought to life through fun, frantic adventures…often involving the bus and kids shrinking to the size of cars. an insect or even entering the human body. The reboot mimics the original show well enough, and Netflix also has 15 of the classic episodes for nostalgic parents to share with their kids.
Best family shows on Netflix for ages 7 and up
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
TV-Y7, 62 episodes
At the height of the COVID lockdowns in the summer of 2020, Netflix smartly dropped the entire 21st century’s most notable animated TV series – and it became a massive hit. Building on hero’s journey models similar to star wars Where The matrix, this multi-season journey perfectly balances intriguing villains, fantasy elements, and justice-focused heroes who often take a break to unwind. The spin-offs haven’t quite captured that magic, but Paramount+ is betting they will.
Netflix is also betting big on the franchise with its upcoming live-action series.
Carmen Sandiego (2019-2021)
TV-Y7, 32 episodes
Accurately reimagining the beloved edutainment franchise, this spy series casts brave Carmen as a student at VILE only to defect once she realizes their nefarious plans. It’s a global series that checks the name of dozens of countries and key facts, just like popular PC games of the 80s. The real twist comes in how the characters and relationships evolve over multiple seasons. While we wait for Netflix to license the original show, play the interactive episode as well. Good job, detectives.
Jurassic World: Cretaceous Camp (2020-present)
TV-PG, 37 episodes
Beginning with author Michael Crichton and director Steven Spielberg, dozens of storytellers have been involved in the making of the Jurassic franchise. Surprisingly, this 2015 TV add-on jurassic world the franchise revival is not a cheap rip-off. Presentation of a core of teenagers stranded on Isla Nublar among other places, conflicts on Camp Cretaceous stem from how their personalities (i.e. jock, nerd, social influencer) react to massive dinosaurs. Jurassic fans should note that this show is closely tied to the movies, with creatures seen here later roaring on the big screen.
Best family shows on Netflix for ages 10+
White Rabbit Project (2016)
TV-PG, 10 episodes
If your kids are obsessed with MythBusters (and they should be), this add-on series brings together the “construction crew” of Tory Belleci, Kari Byron, and the late Grant Imahara for an equally explosive apprenticeship. From hoverboards to super-fast cars to hot air balloons, this series reveals how science and technology are filled with exciting possibilities.
The toys that made us (2017–present)
TV-14, 12 episodes
You never knew there was so much thought, strategy and love in children’s toys. Certainly, serious critics dismiss this show’s hyperactive editing and frequent record cuts as fanciful. But this style seems to be ideal for the YouTube Gen Z generation, who will learn a lot from this series. Definitely jump in Toys range of franchises you know and love… but don’t miss their third season episode on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which is surprisingly moving and a series highlight in the storytelling.
Are there any top Kids & Family series missing from this list? Comment below and join the dialogue.