Choosing what to watch at night is rarely simple. What's perfect for a three-year-old can bore a ten-year-old in seconds, and what a teenager loves might be far too intense for a preschooler.
To make it easier, we've rounded up 15 titles that give younger kids, school-age children and teenagers each something worth pressing play on. Just scroll to the right age group and pick.
Ages 3 to 6: simple stories and friendly characters
At this age, a long or complicated plot isn't the point. What matters most are familiar characters, gentle humor and an easy-to-follow story.
Look for shows with few scary moments that work well in short episodes. Several of these can even stand in for a calm bedtime story.
Peppa Pig
Peppa and her family's everyday adventures tell simple, easy-to-understand stories full of situations little ones recognize from their own lives. The short episodes make it a great choice when you don't want a long stretch of screen time. It's currently available on Netflix and rated for all ages.
PAW Patrol
Ryder and his six rescue pups help someone in trouble in every episode, so alongside the adventure, teamwork and problem-solving take center stage. The vehicles, the variety of dogs and the straightforward missions are especially exciting for younger viewers. Netflix lists it as an all-ages kids' show.
True and the Rainbow Kingdom
True and her best friend Bartleby solve all kinds of problems in a colorful, magical world, with friendship and kindness woven through every story. The show's playful, imaginative universe suits little ones perfectly, and Netflix recommends it for all ages.
Hank and the Trash Truck
Six-year-old Hank and his enormous trash-truck friend explore the world together, stumbling into small adventures along the way. It's a gentler, slower-paced series that puts friendship, curiosity and everyday discovery front and center. Two seasons are available on Netflix, rated for all ages.
Mighty Little Bheem
Bheem is a tiny, curious toddler with astonishing strength who tumbles into a new adventure almost every day. Because the stories run just a few minutes each, it's a great fit for children who can't yet sit through a full-length movie. Netflix offers several Bheem series and specials.
Ages 7 to 13: bigger adventures and richer stories
For school-age kids, you can bring in longer stories, more thrilling adventures and more layered characters. Animation that's funny while carrying a slightly deeper message tends to land especially well at this age.
The next five picks include films and series that parents won't just leave on as background noise, either.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
A family road trip takes a wild turn when robots take over the world, and the wonderfully quirky Mitchell family has to save humanity. Packed with humor, the film explores family bonds, acceptance, and how being a little different can actually be a superpower. Netflix rates it as a 7+ kids' title.
Leo
Leo, the beloved class pet, is a lizard watching the final year of elementary school from a very unusual point of view. This musical comedy is funny and touching at once, tackling themes like growing up, friendship and the changes that come with school. Available on Netflix as a 7+ film.
The Sea Beast
A young girl stows away on a legendary monster hunter's ship and finds herself in an adventure that sparks an unlikely alliance. It's a spectacular, big-scale story in which courage, overcoming prejudice and friendship all play a key role. Also recommended from age 7.
Nimona
A shape-shifting teenager and a knight wrongly accused of a crime team up to clear his name. The story is far more modern and sharper in its humor than a traditional cartoon, while touching on identity, acceptance and what it feels like to be an outsider. Netflix lists it as a 10+ animation.
The Willoughbys
Four siblings decide to get rid of their selfish parents and take their family's fate into their own hands. Despite the slightly morbid premise, what unfolds is a funny, lovable story about family, belonging and love. Netflix lists it as a 10+ kids' title.
Ages 14 and up: bolder, more mature animation
Animation aimed at teenagers can occupy an entirely different world: more complex stories, more serious conflicts and darker themes. At this age, the goal isn't classic cartoons but animation that can go toe-to-toe with teen series in both story and visuals.
Arcane
Arcane follows the story of two sisters into a stunning fantasy world where social divides, power and family conflict all matter deeply. Its visuals are extraordinary and its story far more serious than a typical animation. Netflix rates it 16+.
KPop Demon Hunters
The story follows three K-pop superstars who secretly battle supernatural threats when they step off the stage. Alongside the fast-paced action, music and dazzling animation, friendship and teamwork are central to the plot. Netflix lists it as a 10+ animation, making it an especially easy watch for teens.
The Dragon Prince
Two princes and an elven assassin form an unlikely alliance to try to bring peace between warring nations. With seven seasons, the series offers a longer story arc, so it's ideal for anyone who loves to sink into an entire fantasy world for a while. Netflix currently lists seven seasons with a 10+ rating.
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
Kipo tries to survive in a post-apocalyptic world full of mutant animals, making unusual friends and discovering her own powers along the way. The series is colorful and funny, yet it also explores heavier themes like exclusion, friendship and belonging.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
Adora discovers her true self with the help of a magical sword and joins the rebels, while her former best friend stays on the enemy's side. This fantasy adventure is built around friendship, identity and courage, which makes it easy for teens to connect with the characters.
The best Netflix show for kids isn't necessarily the one that fits a specific age rating exactly, but the one that matches your child's interests and maturity. So beyond the age label, it's always worth considering which themes your particular child is ready to handle.
How do I know which show is right for my child's age?
Start with the Netflix age rating, then match it to your child's interests and maturity. The right pick fits both the label and what your particular child is ready to handle.
Which shows are best for very young children?
For ages 3 to 6, titles like Peppa Pig, PAW Patrol, True and the Rainbow Kingdom, Hank and the Trash Truck and Mighty Little Bheem work well thanks to their short episodes and gentle, easy-to-follow stories.
Are there Netflix animations that parents will enjoy too?
Yes. Picks like The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Leo and Arcane blend humor with deeper themes, so they're more than just background noise for adults watching along.
What should teenagers watch on Netflix?
For teens, look for animation with more complex stories and bolder themes, such as Arcane, KPop Demon Hunters, The Dragon Prince, Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts or She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.
