Do you and your kids feel like you’ve run out of things to watch on Netflix, or are waiting for something new to drop? The thing about Netflix is that it’s full of hidden gems – and sometimes they’re films you might not have seen or thought of in over a decade. It’s a little bit fun to get nostalgic, and best of all, older kids movies are normally films that mum and dad enjoy too! Check out our list of 5 Nostalgic Kids Movies You Can Watch On Netflix in 2020 and let us know what your favourites are! 

1. Howl’s Moving Castle

Disney movies may have been taken off the platform, but there’s no need for parents of animation fanatics to worry — the new selection of Studio Ghibli films that have been added to the library are Japan’s whimsical equivalent. Best of all, these films are enjoyed by both the young and the young at heart – meaning mum and dad will still enjoy themselves on the next family movie night. 

In this Studio Ghibli favourite, young and ‘plain’ Sophie is working in a hat shop, when Howl – a known wizard, and eater of beautiful girl’s hearts – comes flying through the town. Sophie doesn’t think she has anything to worry about, and worries even less when she becomes cursed to live in the body of an elderly woman. Old Sophie befriends Howl, and a fire demon named Calcifer, and becomes entangled in Howl’s resistance against the king’s war.

There are so many twists and turns, and if you have never seen it before you’ll probably need to watch it twice. Director Miyazaki set out to convey the message that life is worth living, and it will get you there, while tearing your heart up, before piecing it gently back together.

2. Matilda

Another favourite that caters to all ages, Matilda is the story of a girl-genius born into a family that doesn’t value education. Based on Roald Dahl’s novel for children, Matilda is neglected and forgotten. She finds her way to her local public library and after reading every book on every shelf, develops the power of telekinesis and gets her own back on her bad parents and worse primary school principal. This is a movie every child needs in their life. It has everything good kids’ movies should. A kick-ass six-year-old. A delightfully wicked villain. Danny DeVito. Cake. Newts. And mischief.

3. Happy Feet

Is there anything cuter than dancing penguins? Didn’t think so. Happy Feet was one of the breakout animated kids films of the 2000’s and it’s really fun for the whole family, following the story of Mumble, the little tap-dancing Emperor Penguin. With character voices from iconic actors including Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman and Hugo Weaving, it won a string of awards and will no doubt get the kids up and dancing along.

4. Space Jam

Michael Jordan is a timeless superstar, and 1996’s Space Jam has stood the test of time as well as any of his on the court records. Critics might say it’s a little silly and over the top, but it’s Looney Tunes: what else are you expecting? It’s a ’90s classic, featuring Bill Murray in its supporting cast.

With a LeBron James-led sequel set to arrive in July 2021, now is the perfect time to refresh your memory of this classic. 

5. Stuart Little

The little mouse with the big heart is the perfect family film, and its effects have aged surprisingly well. A human family adopts an orphan mouse that has the ability to talk, but the family cat wants to get rid of him. Geena Davis and a pre-House Hugh Laurie star as the parents, while Michael J. Fox features as Stuart. With the instantly recognisable voice of Nathan Lane as the cat, too, it’s a reminder that good things sometimes come in small packages.  

Looking for more ideas on what to watch for family movie night? Check out our selection of most loved kids movies that mum and dad will enjoy too.