In the modern whirlwind of schedules, screen time, and competing priorities, the concept of “family time” can sometimes feel like just another item on the to-do list. We know it’s important, but finding an activity that genuinely engages everyone—from the kindergarteners to the teenagers to the parents—can feel like searching for a mythical creature. The kids want something silly and fast-paced; the parents crave something with wit, heart, and a narrative that doesn’t make them want to scroll through their phones.
Enter the golden age of animated streaming. Gone are the days when animation was merely a digital babysitter. Today, the best animated series are masterclasses in storytelling, offering layered narratives that speak to all ages simultaneously. They are visual feasts, emotional journeys, and conversation starters, all wrapped up in a 22-minute package.
As a family media specialist and a parent who has navigated these waters extensively, I’ve made it my mission to find those rare gems that truly unite the room. This list isn’t just about “good kids’ shows”; it’s about brilliant television series that happen to be animated and are perfectly suited for a shared audience. These are the shows that will have your whole family laughing at the same jokes, on the edge of your seats during the same cliffhangers, and maybe even wiping away a shared tear.
So, dim the lights, grab the popcorn, and get ready to sort your family night for the foreseeable future. Here are the top 5 Netflix animated series for kids and parents to enjoy together.
What Makes a Series “Family Night” Worthy?
Before we dive into the list, let’s establish the criteria. A show doesn’t earn a spot here by being merely tolerable for adults. It must actively engage them. The hallmarks of a top-tier family co-viewing experience include:
- Layered Humor: The comedy works on multiple levels. Physical gags and silly voices for the kids; clever wordplay, cultural references, and sophisticated satire for the parents.
- Compelling Characters & Relationships: The characters feel real, with flaws, growth, and complex dynamics. Parents will see reflections of their own family relationships, while kids connect with the characters’ struggles and triumphs.
- Rich, Engaging Storylines: The plots are more than just episodic problem-solving. They feature serialized arcs, genuine stakes, and world-building that invites speculation and theory-crafting between episodes.
- Emotional Authenticity: The series isn’t afraid to explore complex emotions like grief, insecurity, jealousy, and forgiveness, treating them with a respect that resonates with viewers of all ages.
- Stunning Artistry & Soundtrack: The animation style is a character in itself, and the music enhances the emotional and narrative impact, making the viewing experience cinematic.
With these principles in mind, let’s explore the champions of family co-viewing on Netflix.
The Top 5 Netflix Animated Series for the Whole Family
1. Hilda
The Pitch: Imagine a Studio Ghibli film infused with Scandinavian folklore and the spirit of a gentle, curious adventurer. Hilda is that, in series form.
What It’s About: Based on the graphic novels by Luke Pearson, Hilda follows the journey of a fearless blue-haired girl who moves from a vast, magical wilderness to the bustling city of Trolberg. Along with her deer-fox Twig and her mother, she navigates this new urban environment while continuing to befriend (or befriend-adjacent) all manner of magical creatures, from tiny, invisible elves to a lonely, house-sized giant.
Why It’s Perfect for Family Night:
- For the Kids: Hilda is an incredible role model—brave, kind, endlessly curious, and a fantastic problem-solver. The creatures are wonderfully designed, from the adorable Woffs to the stubborn but endearing Wood Man. The adventures are exciting but never truly terrifying, making it suitable for even younger viewers.
- For the Parents: This is arguably one of the most beautifully animated series ever made. The art style is a masterpiece of calming color palettes and elegant, flowing lines. The storytelling is patient and profound, often exploring themes of empathy, understanding different perspectives, and the challenges of change. Episodes like “The Tide Mice” offer subtle yet powerful commentary on bureaucracy and environmentalism, while the overarching narrative about Hilda and her mother’s relationship is deeply moving. It’s a show that feels like a warm hug, soothing the soul after a long day.
- The “Together” Magic: Hilda fosters a sense of wonder that is contagious. You’ll find yourselves discussing the magical creatures, the mysteries of Trolberg, and the moral dilemmas Hilda faces. It’s a show that encourages curiosity about the natural (and supernatural) world.
Key Details:
- Age Range: All Ages (especially great for 5-12)
- Themes: Adventure, Empathy, Family, Folklore, Environmentalism
- Vibe: Cozy, Whimsical, Heartwarming
2. Bluey
The Pitch: A six-minute masterclass in parenting, child development, and imaginative play, packaged as a hilarious show about a family of Australian Blue Heeler dogs.
What It’s About: At surface level, Bluey is about a 6-year-old blue heeler puppy, Bluey, her little sister Bingo, and their parents, Bandit and Chilli. Each episode revolves around the games the kids invent and the ways their parents wholeheartedly (and often exhaustedly) dive into them.
Why It’s Perfect for Family Night:
- For the Kids: It’s pure, unadulterated fun. The games are relatable and wildly imaginative—from “Keepy Uppy” with a balloon to “Shaun” the emu. The humor is physical and immediate. Kids see their own play reflected back at them with validation and joy.
- For the Parents: This is the secret weapon. Bluey is, without exaggeration, one of the best parenting guides ever televised. Parents Bandit and Chilli are realistic, flawed, but incredibly present role models. Bandit’s willingness to be silly and engage fully, and Chilli’s calm, observant wisdom, provide a blueprint for playful, connected parenting. Episodes like “Baby Race” reduce parents to tears with their poignant look at the anxieties of early motherhood, while “Takeaway” is a hilarious testament to the chaos of trying to accomplish simple tasks with young children.
- The “Together” Magic: The short episode length makes it easy to watch a few in a row. More importantly, it often sparks post-viewing play. You’ll find your kids (and you!) inventing your own “Bluey”-style games. It opens up conversations about feelings, resilience, and why Mum and Dad sometimes need a quiet minute (“The Dump” is a classic for this).
Key Details:
- Age Range: 2-7 (but its wisdom resonates with parents of kids of all ages)
- Themes: Family, Imagination, Play, Parenting, Emotional Intelligence
- Vibe: Joyful, Hilarious, Profoundly Heartfelt
3. Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
The Pitch: A vibrant, music-filled, post-apocalyptic adventure with an unshakably optimistic hero, a wildly imaginative world, and a message of radical empathy.
What It’s About: After being thrust to the surface from her underground burrow, a young girl named Kipo Oak must navigate a fantastical, dangerous surface world ruled by “mutes”—talking, intelligent animals of all sizes. On her quest to find her father, she forms a found family with a survivalist hog wolf, a laid-back boy and his insect sidekick, and a fashion-obsessed valley girl.
Why It’s Perfect for Family Night:
- For the Kids: The world-building is incredible. Giant cats that sing, frogs with empires, lumberjack wolves—every episode introduces a new, crazy concept. The action is exciting, the characters are cool (Wolf is a particular favorite), and the soundtrack of original indie-pop songs is an absolute bop that kids will love.
- For the Parents: This show is a narrative powerhouse. It tackles complex themes like prejudice, tribalism, and the cycle of violence with a sophistication rarely seen in children’s media. Kipo’s core philosophy is not to fight her enemies, but to understand and befriend them, a refreshing and powerful message. The character arcs are deep and meaningful, especially for Wolf, whose traumatic past is handled with incredible care. The art style is a stunning explosion of color and creativity, and the voice cast (including Karen Fukuhara, Sterling K. Brown, and Dee Bradley Baker) is top-tier.
- The “Together” Magic: Kipo is a binge-watcher’s dream. The serialized story will have your family demanding “just one more episode.” You’ll discuss the morals of each conflict, marvel at the creativity of the mutes, and probably find yourselves humming the “Heroes on Fire” theme song for days.
Key Details:
- Age Range: 8-13
- Themes: Empathy, Found Family, Prejudice, Courage, Optimism
- Vibe: Energetic, Imaginative, Hopeful, Epic
4. The Dragon Prince
The Pitch: From one of the head writers of Avatar: The Last Airbender, this is a classic, high-fantasy epic with intricate politics, deep lore, and a heartfelt core about bridging divides.
What It’s About: In a world where humans and magical creatures (elves, dragons) are bitterly divided, two human princes, Callum and Ezran, form an unlikely alliance with Rayla, a Moonshadow Elf assassin, to return a stolen dragon egg to its mother and prevent a devastating war.
Why It’s Perfect for Family Night:
- For the Kids: It’s a grand adventure in the tradition of Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit. There’s magic (with a unique, rune-based system), sword fights, fantastical creatures, and plenty of humor, much of it provided by the witty and verbose Bait, a glow-toad. The young heroes are relatable and inspiring.
- For the Parents: This is where the show truly shines for adults. The political landscape is complex, with nuanced villains whose motivations you can understand, even if you don’t agree with them. The show doesn’t shy away from mature themes like the cost of war, grief, redemption, and the moral gray areas of leadership. The animation style, which started with a slightly divisive “frame-rate” look, has evolved into a beautiful and cinematic experience. The world-building is meticulous and rewarding for fantasy fans.
- The “Together” Magic: The Dragon Prince is a show to get invested in. You’ll have family debates over which magical source (Sun, Moon, Sky, Earth, Ocean, Stars) is the coolest, which character has the best arc (Soren’s journey is a standout), and how you think the story will resolve. It’s a shared journey that grows in scope and emotional weight with each season.
Key Details:
- Age Range: 9+ (some darker themes and fantasy violence)
- Themes: War and Peace, Prejudice, Redemption, Legacy, Magic
- Vibe: Epic, Dramatic, Witty, Heartfelt
5. Dead End: Paranormal Park
The Pitch: A spooky, silly, and surprisingly profound series about a queer teen working at a haunted theme park, based on the graphic novels by Hamish Steele. It’s Scooby-Doo meets The Babadook with a massive, beating heart.
What It’s About: After running away from home, Barney lands a job at Phoenix Parks, a notoriously haunted theme park. Along with his talking dog Pugsley and his new coworker Norma, he becomes a resident demon-fighter, all while navigating his crush on a handsome, century-old ghost named Logan and dealing with a literal demonic curse.
Why It’s Perfect for Family Night:
- For the Kids: It’s spooky fun! The show has a great balance of genuine scares (that are never too intense) and laugh-out-loud comedy. The characters are incredibly endearing, and the mystery of the park’s demons and curses is compelling. Pugsley the pug is a scene-stealer.
- For the Parents: This show is groundbreaking in its quiet, matter-of-fact representation. The protagonist, Barney, is a transgender young man, and his journey of self-acceptance and navigating his identity with his family is handled with immense sensitivity and authenticity. The series also features a diverse cast in terms of race and neurodiversity (Norma is coded as being on the autism spectrum). The themes are deeply mature, tackling religious trauma, familial rejection, mental health (anxiety and depression are personified as a literal, terrifying “Shadow”), and the importance of found family, all wrapped in a vibrant, cartoonish package.
- The “Together” Magic: Dead End is a fantastic conversation starter. It provides a gentle, accessible framework for families to discuss important topics like LGBTQ+ identities, mental health, and empathy for those who are different. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and will make you cheer for its heroes every step of the way.
Key Details:
- Age Range: 10+ (best for tweens and up due to heavier themes)
- Themes: Identity, Found Family, LGBTQ+ Representation, Mental Health, Acceptance
- Vibe: Spooky, Hilarious, Heartfelt, Groundbreaking
Read more: From Superhero Fatigue to Original Stories: Is Mainstream Cinema at a Turning Point?
Honorable Mentions: More Family Night Gems
The world of Netflix animation is rich, and a top five can’t contain all the wonders. Before we wrap up, here are a few more series that nearly made the cut and are absolutely worth your time:
- *She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018):* A spectacular reboot that is a masterclass in character development, complex relationships, and a grand, emotional story about love, trauma, and redemption. The LGBTQ+ representation is celebratory and integral to the plot.
- The Mitchells vs. The Machines: While a movie, not a series, it’s a non-negotiable family watch. Hilarious, visually inventive, and with a core message about embracing your weird family that will resonate with everyone.
- Centaurworld: A bizarre, surreal, and deeply emotional musical journey that swings from hilarious absurdity to dealing with the psychological trauma of war. It’s an acquired taste, but a profoundly rewarding one.
- City of Ghosts: A gentle, documentary-style series about a group of kids who interview ghosts in Los Angeles, learning about the city’s diverse history and cultures. It’s unique, educational, and beautifully calm.
Crafting the Perfect Family Viewing Experience
Finding the right show is only half the battle. Turning screen time into true connection time requires a little intentionality. Here are some tips from my own experience:
- Make it an Event: Don’t just press play. Announce “Family Movie Night!” Pop popcorn, make forts, turn off the overhead lights, and put phones in a basket. The ritual builds anticipation.
- Let the Kids Choose (From a Curated List): Present 2-3 options from this list and let the family vote. This gives kids a sense of ownership and investment.
- Watch Actively, Not Passively: Laugh out loud. Gasp at the twists. Comment on the beautiful animation. Your engagement is contagious and models how to be an active viewer.
- Talk About It Afterwards: The magic happens in the post-show discussion. Ask questions: “What was your favorite part?” “What would you have done in that situation?” “Why do you think that character made that choice?” You’ll be amazed at the insights your kids have.
- Let It Inspire Off-Screen Play: Did Bluey inspire a new game? Did Hilda make you want to go for a nature walk to look for magical creatures? Lean into that! The show is a catalyst, not the final destination.
Read more: The Comeback Kid: How Robert Downey Jr. Reclaimed His Hollywood Throne
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: My kids are 4 and 7. Which of these is the best place to start?
Without a doubt, start with Bluey and Hilda. Bluey‘s short episodes and relatable themes of play and family are perfect for the 4-year-old, while its sophistication will keep the 7-year-old and you engaged. Hilda offers a slightly more narrative-driven adventure that is still very accessible and gentle for both ages.
Q2: My teen thinks they’re “too old” for cartoons. Which show could change their mind?
The Dragon Prince or Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts are your best bets. Both have the mature storytelling, complex character relationships, and higher stakes that appeal to a teenage sensibility. Pitch The Dragon Prince as a fantasy epic like their favorite live-action shows, and Kipo as a vibrant, music-filled adventure with a unique post-apocalyptic vibe.
Q3: Are any of these shows good for starting conversations about “big topics”?
Absolutely. This is one of the greatest strengths of modern animation.
- Dead End: Paranormal Park is a direct and beautiful entry point for conversations about transgender identity, mental health, and acceptance.
- Kipo and The Dragon Prince are excellent for discussing prejudice, conflict resolution, and empathy.
- Hilda is wonderful for talking about environmentalism and understanding different perspectives.
- Bluey is a constant source of mini-conversations about sharing, frustration, resilience, and family dynamics.
Q4: We’ve seen all of these and loved them! What should we watch next?
First, congratulations on having excellent taste! Once you’ve exhausted this list and the honorable mentions, consider looking at series on other platforms that fit this same mold. Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra (on Netflix/Paramount+) are the gold standard. Gravity Falls (Disney+) and Steven Universe (Hulu/Max) are also foundational pillars of the “all-ages masterpiece” genre.
Q5: I’m worried about screen time. Is “co-viewing” really better?
The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that what children watch and how they watch it is as important as how much. Passive, solitary screen time is very different from active, shared viewing experiences. Co-viewing transforms screen time into a social, interactive activity. It allows you to contextualize what they’re seeing, answer questions in real-time, and share a common cultural experience. Think of it not as “screen time,” but as “story time” or “family connection time.”
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