Netflix Instant: The Best Family-Friendly Films Available to Stream Instantly - October 2014
The Best Family Films on Netflix
Getting any progress with Netflix is a pain in terms of finding a great film in the genre of ones desire. This is why I got the idea, to create a list for each genre of the TOP10 films available this month, to make every Netflix Instant viewers life that bit easier.
Today we are taking a look at the family-friendly films which are the best available for instant viewing on Netflix Instant. As a huge film buff who loves all film genres, but only watch the best as well, what's the point watching the films which aren't of a high standard. Most of the family-friendly films listed are very well-known but it is likely that most were not aware of their availability on Netflix Instant.
So, stop wasting time watching the bad movies and get straight to the best which are available at the touch of a button.
Note: If you are not currently a Netflix user, then subscribe at the following link:
UK - This is the link for UK subscribers, simply click on the link, which will take you to the Netflix home page, with a button, which should state, "Start your free month", which will lead to a page asking to fill out personal details. First month is FREE, thereafter the set price each month is £5.99 per month. Now, enjoy streaming instant films/TV series.
US - A similar process to the above. First month is FREE, thereafter the set price each month is $7.99 per month.
Without further ado, here is the list of the best Netflix instant family-friendly films available at the moment, to stream instantly:
#10 - Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
Short Review: This is an adventure | drama | Family. A heart-warming film with childhood imagination coming alive, which the whole family, children and adults can relate to.
However sadness is inevitable for audiences in this film, as the film soon turns from a playful, fun, adventurous family-friendly experience, into a not-so-happy experience but still more-than acceptable for children to watch.
I personally found this film to be one of the better family-friendly films, not only on Netflix Instant, but also in the family genre as a whole. So get the family together, and enjoy a delightful adventure film, with drama you'll never see coming.
Stars: Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel
Age: PG (Parental Guidance)
Personal Rating: 7.8/10
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
#9 - The Smurfs (2011)
Short Review: This is an animation | adventure | comedy | family. The mix of animation and live-action seemed to work for this family adventure film, but the Smurfs characters can be a little annoying to watch. However for fans of the Smurfs cartoon, will probably enjoy this film as it is true to the original characters and the storyline is Smurf-tastic, with plenty of good guys evading the bad guy moments.
It's a little like Marmite, as you'll love The Smurfs or you'll downright hate the blue creatures, which makes this a risky viewing but there are worse family films out there.
Stars: Hank Azaria, Katy Perry, Jonathan Winters
Age: U (UNIVERSAL- can be viewed by all audiences)
Personal Rating: 5.9/10
IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
#8 - The Muppets (2011)
Short Review: This is a comedy | family | musical. 'The Muppets' are back again in this modern remake of a classic which is loved by millions around the globe. All of the original characters are brought back to form 'The Muppets' gang, also introducing Amy Adams and Jason Segel to the cast, which were a welcome addition to the film.
A fun film with songs, comedy, and a bit of Disney magic with 'The Muppets'. The storyline is good and this has to be the best 'Muppet' film ever created, and their have been a few.
Stars: Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Chris Cooper
Age: U (UNIVERSAL- can be viewed by all audiences)
Personal Rating: 7.5/10
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
#7 - Secretariat (2010)
Short Review: This is a drama | family | history. A great film which tells a wonderful story with glorious results, which leave audiences stunned, which should come as no surprise for a Disney film. Diane Lane (owner of Secretariat, the horse) plays her role as Penny Chenery believably and really gets into the character, helping to add to the greatness of the film.
An emotional storyline with great acting, a brilliant sports setting, and its all based on a true story.
Stars: Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Margo Martindale
Age: PG (Parental Guidance)
Personal Rating: 7.7/10
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
#6 - Bedtime Stories (2008)
Short Review: This is a comedy | family | fantasy. A magical storyline brought to life with fantasies from bedtime stories which create a world we can only imagine. Adam Sandler is brilliant as Skeeter Bronson, telling the stories which come to life before his eyes.
A children's film which is also perfect for the whole family, with some funny moments and plenty of magic to go around.
Stars: Adam Sandler, Keri Russell, Courteney Cox
Age: PG (Parental Guidance)
Personal Rating: 7/10
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
#5 - The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
Short Review: This is an action | adventure | comedy. A good Disney family adventure with some good performances from Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, and the whole cast.
All about magic with the sorcerer's good and bad colliding over control with their powers, which has a great storyline which has been underrated, which has plenty for everyone to enjoy.
In being well aware as I'm sure most are, Nicolas Cage isn't known at the moment for his appearances and performances in great (or even good) films, but this ones an exception as it certainly hits the mark for a descent family film.
Stars: Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina
Age: PG (Parental Guidance)
Personal Rating: 7/10
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
#4 - Holes (2003)
Short Review: This is an adventure | comedy | family | drama. It has all of the elements which make up for a great family film, including great acting, a great storyline, and a great backstory. Personally I feel this is a film everyone should see at least once, if anything just to see Shia LaBeouf in his younger years as an actor.
Brilliantly put together with plenty of funny moments, some emotional moments, and a great cast which suited the film. Not the best family film ever produced, but it is certainly up there with the best.
Stars: Shia LaBeouf, Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight
Age: PG (Parental Guidance)
Personal Rating: 7.5/10
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
#3 - Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
Short Review: This is an adventure | comedy | family. A series of spectacularly put together events with a great performance from Jim Carrey and the whole cast. This is an edge of your seat family film for sure with evil constantly lurking in the dark, which is always a must for an all time entertaining film.
The narration from Jude Law was perfectly suited for this wonderful film which is definitely a pleaser for kids and adults alike, as the film accomplishes comedy and adventure superbly well.
Stars: Jim Carrey, Jude Law, Meryl Streep
Age: PG (Parental Guidance)
Personal Rating: 7.5/10
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
#2 - National Treasure (2004)
Short Review: This is an action | adventure | mystery. Nicolas Cage is brilliant as Benjamin Franklin Gates in this family favourite of mine, which has the mix of adventure and mystery laid out perfectly, which cannot always be said for films in the family genre.
Anyone into their history will likely find themselves drawn into this film quicker than others but the whole cast perform well, the direction for the film was done well, and the whole film leaves an eager taste in your mouth for a sequel (which they have already made, however sadly isn't on Netflix Instant).
Stars: Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha
Age: PG (Parental Guidance)
Personal Rating: 7.5/10
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
#1 - TRON: Legacy (2010)
Short Review: This is an action | adventure | family | sci-fi. Every gamers dream comes to life in this Disney creation which leaves a great feel lingering after the film finishes. Fans of Tron (1982) will be thrilled by this modern piece which captures everything one could hope for from a film of this calibre.
A visual masterpiece with a great soundtrack which fits perfectly with the feel of the film, and the acting couldn't have been any better with all of the cast performing at their best.
The storyline captures the viewer not letting go until the final moment when the film has finished and the credits start rolling on the screen.
A must watch for action, adventure, and sci-fi lovers as this film takes film-making to a whole new level.
Stars: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde
Age: PG (Parental Guidance)
Personal Rating: 7.6/10
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
"TRON: Legacy" Clip
Best Family-Friendly Film!
Which family-friendly film is the best?
Summary...
All of the films listed are great films with more potential than any of the others available on Netflix Instant at the moment, in entertaining with the highest standards.
I hope this list is helpful in deciding on what family-friendly films are worth watching in the next search for a great family film worth watching next time on Netflix Instant.
I'm on a mission to make Netflix Instant browsing far more simpler, with lists of the top 10's for each genre.
Note: There are plenty other good family-friendly films available on Netflix Instant, but these are by far the top 10 this month.
To find more information on these films check out the following link:
The following link takes you to the IMDb (internet movie data base) home page, which has information on all things movies. Simply search the movie, and find out everything there is to know about the movie.
Thank you for checking out this hub, if you liked it then please don't forget to leave a comment below, and if there are any films which you believe should have been on the list, then please leave their names in the comments box below.