While Hulu is certainly home to some adrenaline-pumping action films and a bevy of innovative indies, the streaming service also boasts a solid selection of family movies — if you know where to look. Luckily, we’ve combed through the Hulu library to pick out the best of the best when it comes to family and kids viewing options, from animated features to family-friendly blockbusters to even somewhat offbeat choices that might just become your kids’ new favorite movie. Peruse our selection below of the best family movies on Hulu right now.
For more family-friendly recommendations, check out our list of the best children's movies on Netflix, Prime Video, and HBO, or browse our list of the best movies on Hulu.
Editor's note: This list was updated October 2023 to include The Princess Diaries, The Lego Movie, and Hocus Pocus.
Flicka (2006)
Run Time: 1 hr 35 min | Director: Michael Mayer
Cast: Alison Lohman, Tim McGraw, Maria Bello
Flicka is a country song in film format. Directed by Michael Mayer, Flicka tells a moving coming-of-age story about an ambitious yet somewhat rebellious teenage girl named Katy (Alison Lohman) who’s determined to prove herself worthy of taking over the family ranch. With an unexpectedly authentic performance from country superstar Tim McGraw as Katy’s uptight father, Flicka weaves a story of family, love, and tenacity through a gorgeous landscape. Supported by Maria Bello (NCIS) as Katy’s mother and Ryan Kwanten (True Blood) as the love interest, Flicka blends the line between romance and an equestrian-focused YA novel. – Yael Tygiel
The Princess Diaries (2001)
Run Time: 1 hr 55 min | Director: Garry Marshall
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, Hector Elizondo
Starring Anne Hathaway as fifteen-year-old Mia Thermopolis, The Princess Diaries follows the aftermath of Mia learning she is heir to the throne of Genovia and, in an attempt to evolve her shy teenage self into the societally determined standard for a princess, is tutored by her grandmother and current Queen of Genovia, Clarisse (Julie Andrews). With fun oozing from every scene, The Princess Diaries basks in the best aspects of its formula, leaning into Hathaway’s delightful and endearing lead performance. Produced by Walt Disney Pictures, the film has a fairytale-like quality synonymous with the best of Disney’s princess collection and is a magical and encapsulating watch for children everywhere. - Jake Hodges
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The Lego Movie (2014)
Run Time: 1 hr 40 min | Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Cast: Will Ferrell, Chris Pratt, Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Charlie Day
A stunning voice cast performs at their very best in this family feature based on the world-famous toy brand. The Lego Movie follows Emmet Brickowski (Chris Pratt), a seemingly average worker in the LEGO universe who is branded “special” and destined to stop the tyrannical Lord Business (Will Ferrell) from gluing all of LEGO creation together. Fun, fast-paced, and brilliantly animated, The Lego Movie boasts an impressive cast, including the likes of Pratt, Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, and Morgan Freeman. Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Dan Hageman’s script is witty and clever, allowing the film to jump from page to screen with explosive energy. Fun for the entire family, The Lego Movie is action-packed mayhem with a heart of gold. - Jake Hodges
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Hocus Pocus (1993)
Run Time: 1 hr 36 min | Director: Kenny Ortega
Cast: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz
A cult classic of the Halloween season, Hocus Pocus follows the resurrection of three viciously funny witches by a young boy, Max (Omri Katz), on October 31st in the sleepy town of Salem, Massachusetts. Played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, the three witches are the true draw of Hocus Pocus, with their captivatingly funny performances casting a spell over the audience. The film thrives in its moments of pause, with the excellent rendition of “I Put A Spell on You” a mainstay on Halloween party playlists to this day. Directed by Kenny Ortega, Hocus Pocus is lighthearted, taking its family audience into account but not shying away from its spooky setting that combines to make a cauldron full of fun. - Jake Hodges
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
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Run Time: 1 hr 55 min | Director: Tim Burton
Cast: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly, Helena Bonham Carter,
Frequent collaborators director Tim Burton (Wednesday) and stars Johnny Depp (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald) and Helena Bonham Carter (Ocean’s 8) once again work together to create a visual experience with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Bates Motel star Freddie Highmore holds his own on screen as the young and kind Charlie Bucket, performing well opposite Depp’s quirky candy factory owner, Willy Wonka. Reviving the story based on Roald Dahl’s novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a vivid and colorful symphony of cinema with a tremendously impressive production design, enhanced brilliantly by the clever decision to focus on practical effects. – Yael Tygiel
Rabbit Academy: Mission Eggpossible (2022)
Run Time: 1 hr 16 min | Genre: Adventure Comedy | Director: Ute von Münchow-Pohl
Cast: Noah Levi, Friedrich von Thun, Senta Berger, Elise Eikermann, Katharina Straßer
Rabbit Academy: Mission Eggpossible is an adorable Easter tale straight from Germany. In this magical adventure, a city bunny named Max (Noah Levi) joins forces with other students to protect the Rabbit Academy from a sneaky rabbit working with foxes to destroy Easter. Directed by Ute von Münchow-Pohl, Rabbit Academy: Mission Eggpossible delivers a unique mythology for these fluffy characters and an enthralling story that captivates with vivid colors, delicate magic, and overflowing amounts of whimsy. Along with Levi, Rabbit Academy: Mission Eggpossible includes the voice talent of Friedrich von Thun, Senta Berger, Elise Eikermann, and Katharina Straßer. – Yael Tygiel
Curious George (2006)
Run Time: 1 hr 27 min | Genre: Animated Adventure | Director: Matthew O'Callaghan
Cast: Will Ferrell, Drew Barrymore, David Cross, Eugene Levy, Dick Van Dyke
Based on the beloved children’s books about the inquisitive monkey, Curious George is an adorable animated movie directed by Matthew O'Callaghan and featuring the voice of Will Ferrell (Spirited) as Ted, George’s keeper, often called the man in the yellow hat. Along with Ferrell, Curious George stars a slew of big names, including Drew Barrymore, David Cross, and Eugene Levy. Presented as an origin story for Ted and George’s friendship, this version of Curious George is a delightful addition to the previous rendition, especially in O'Callaghan’s ability to balance the oddball humor with the moving message. – Yael Tygiel
The Best Children & Family Movies on Netflix Right Now
From Disney classics to forgotten 80s movies, we've got your all-ages demographic covered.Mummies (2023)
Run Time: 1 hr 28 min | Genre: Comedy, Adventure | Director: Juan Jesús García Galocha
Cast: Joe Thomas, Eleanor Tomlinson, Sean Bean
Mummies is a computer-animated film from Spain that follows three mummies from the Egyptian underworld into the concrete jungle of modern-day London. When playboy chariot rider Thut (Joe Thomas) is chosen to marry the princess, he sends the royal ring to the world of the living to get out of the engagement, unwittingly putting it in the hands of a greedy archeologist. Thut and Princess Nefer (Eleanor Tomlinson) now have to retrieve the ring while navigating a whole new world. If they fail, it means the end for Thut and dire consequences for the underworld.
Spy Cat (2018)
Run Time: 1 hr 31 min | Genre: Comedy, Adventure | Director: Christoph Lauenstein, Wolfgang Lauenstein
Cast: Alexandra Neldel, Axel Prahl, Sylvain Urban, Addison Rae
Spy Cat is a loose adaptation of the German fairy tale Town Musicians of Bremen brought to life by brothers Christoph Lauenstein and Wolfgang Lauenstein, who wrote and directed this animated feature. The story follows Marnie, a cat who loves detective shows, as she embarks on an adventure to foil a string of robberies with the help of three silly animal friends: a rooster, a dog, and a zebra. The movie is a nice tale about friendship and finding one’s courage. Also, for any Addison Rae fans out there, if you watch the dubbed version, you get to hear her as the voice of the main detective cat Marnie.
Teen Spirit (2018)
Run Time: 1 hr 32 min | Genre: Musical Drama | Director: Max Minghella
Cast: Elle Fanning, Rebecca Hall, Zlatko Burić
Teen Spirit is a Cinderella story for the post-American Idol generation. Although music reality programming is no new concept, Max Minghella’s directorial debut explores how such a program could change the life of a poor girl from the Isle of Wright. It's a remarkably stylistic project from a first-time filmmaker. Is Teen Spirit riddled with cliches and entirely predictable? Absolutely. However, Teen Spirit transcends the “inspirational rise to stardom” hallmarks thanks to the phenomenal star performance from Elle Fanning. The determination, anxiety, and confusion that a young girl feels when she is thrust in front of the spotlight are evident thanks to Fanning’s authenticity.- Liam Gaughan
Rio (2011)
Run Time: 1 hr 36 min | Genre: Animated Musical Adventure Comedy | Director: Carlos Saldanha
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, will.i.am, Jamie Foxx, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Mann, George Lopez, Tracy Morgan
Rio is a truly delightful tale of a bird named Blu who grew up in Minnesota returning to his roots in Brazil in order to save his species from extinction. On their journey, Blu and his friends must work together against the evil exotic bird smuggler Marcel and his henchman. With A-list talent and stunning, colorful animation, Rio is a journey you’ll want to go on again and again. - Taylor Gates