While cartoons used to be just for kids, many family-friendly cartoons on Netflix are designed to entertain kids and parents alike. In the past, it was relatively rare for parents to fall in love with the cartoons their children were watching. Netflix has developed some of the highest-rated animated original series and cartoons made just for little kids, often driving their parents up the wall as they watch them on repeat.
Luckily, the streamer’s new catalog of family-friendly animated TV shows is not only age-appropriate but also transcends its initial demographic. It’s the perfect middle ground for adults who are tired of watching Barney for the millionth time but still want to share TV time with their kids. These 30 shows are smart cartoons that tell interesting stories and have a level of creativity that elevates them from cartoons for little kids.
Kulipari (2016-2024)
The Kulipari TV show is separated into three seasons, each with a different name. It starts with Kulipari: Army of Frogs. Kulipari: Dream Walker comes next. Then, anyone interested in continuing the show will have to switch over to Hulu for Kulipari: A King Rises. Although it's inconvenient to switch in the middle of a show, it's worth it.
The epic fantasy story is appealing to children and adults alike. The brave underdogs and high-stakes action will keep children captivated. The story promotes themes like friendship and cooperation. The lovable main character, Darel, is easy for both groups to relate to. The cast of Kulipari includes powerhouse actors who adult viewers will appreciate, such as Mark Hamill, Keith David, Josh Keaton, and Lacey Chabert.
Skylanders Academy (2016-2018)
Based on the Skylanders video game series, Skylanders Academy is a Netflix original animated series that premiered in 2016 and lasted until 2018. It has a lot of things that really catch on with little kids, as the small and energetic creatures are fun, and the adventures keep things moving at a nice pace. It also has a strong message about self-confidence and self-awareness, which are positive messages for kids and adults alike.
However, adults who enjoyed video games when they were younger will enjoy the nostalgia of seeing their favorite characters on TV. Skylanders Academy also has enough humor to keep it among the best family-friendly cartoons on Netflix, without being too childish for adults or too mature for kids. It’s the perfect balance. Plus, some parents even recognize Norm Macdonald's voice as Glumshanks.
Rise Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2018-2020)
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has seen so many iterations over the years. One of the best modern takes on the concept was Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, an animated series that premiered on Nickelodeon. The characters are well-developed, and it doesn't completely forget the fact that the turtles are teenagers who make goofy, impulsive decisions. Plus, it has the kind of action sequences that everyone can enjoy. They aren't too scary for the young people or too repetitive for parents.
On top of the show itself being well received, any family that starts it will be happy to know there's a solid ending. There won't be a feeling of disappointment about a canceled series with unfinished plotlines. The show has a spin-off movie that wraps things up, and it's also available on Netflix.
Stranger Things: Tales From '85 (2026-Present)
Stranger Things might not be the most kid-appropriate show on Netflix, but the new animated TV show Stranger Things: Tales from '85 brings the horror and sci-fi story to a younger audience, with a TV-PG rating. Parents on Common Sense Media rated the show between 7 and 10, while kids rated it between 6 and 12. Parents watching with children should know their kids' limits well enough to make a judgment call, and our Tales from '85 parent guide can help.
It's extremely similar in terms of fright level to the Jurassic Park franchise movies, compared to Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous and Chaos Theory. Tales from ‘85 certainly still includes fantastical violence, but it is nowhere near as graphic or frightening. The bright colors and action are enough to keep kids captivated, while the art style and violence will appeal to adults.
Kipo And The Age Of Wonderbeasts (2020)
Kipo And The Age Of Wonderbeasts is one of the best family-friendly cartoons on Netflix, offering what is mostly a simple plot with bright colors and fun characters that kids of all ages can catch onto. Kipo is empathetic, resilient, and kind, making her a great role model. However, it also has a nuanced story that will keep teenagers and adults entertained. What's more, the show has strong representation and messges about found family and fighting for what's right.
The worldbuilding is just as strong as the characters. The series is set in a futuristic world where mutant animals live out in the open and most humans live underground. With its visual appeal and creatively designed characters, this is a show that offers a lot for kids and their parents. There were three seasons, but all were released in 2020.
Carmen Sandiego (2019-2021)
Carmen Sandiego has been around since 1985 with the original video game Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego before expanding into comic books, book series, and television shows. In 2019, Netflix acquired the rights and created its own original animated series. Carmen Sandiego premiered in January 2019, introducing the famous sleuth to a new generation of children.
It's been almost 20 years since the last series and critics called the revival a return to form for children of the '90s. There were four seasons and 32 episodes of one of the family-friendly cartoons on Netflix. The new show gives an exciting backstory to the character, and Gina Rodriguez gave Carmen a vibrant personality. Between the nostalgia and the character development, Netflix's Carmen Sandiego is a great watch.
Tomb Raider: The Legend Of Lara Croft (2024-2025)
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is a cartoon on this list that's aimed a bit more at older audiences, but everyone can get into the main character and action. The adult-themed content comes from bits of violence. However, there is no nudity or sexual content. Only one scene includes alcohol, and the only curse word used is "a**", which is relatively mild. Obviously, every parent's boundaries will be different, so this is a judgment call situation.
The good news is that the show is easy to follow, and it spans two seasons. Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft follows the titular Lara, voiced by star Hayley Atwell, and is part of the Survivor timeline, taking place after the trilogy of games. Everything is accessible for folks who haven't played the games, though.
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023)
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, the film based on the comics of the same name, was certainly aimed at teenagers and older, but the animated spin-off, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, can work for the whole family. Sure, there are some jokes that will go over younger viewers' heads, but that's pretty common in family-friendly entertainment. Just look at the adult jokes in Disney movies.
I want to make this very clear so that nobody feels misled: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is not a straight adaptation of the graphic novels. The show starts as an animated adaptation of the film. However, the first episode ends on a shocking note that allows the remainder of the show to tell a totally new story. The visuals are stellar, the soundtrack is epic, and it's one of Netflix's best limited series.
Stretch Armstrong And The Flex Fighters (2017-2018)
Stretch Armstrong was an action figure in the '70s who had arms and legs that kids could stretch out. The Hasbro toy was turned into a new Netflix animated cartoon in 2017 with new teammates, with the show called Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters. The Netflix original cartoon saw Stretch teaming with Wingspan, who can flatten his body to fly, and Omni-Mass, who can change his size and mass.
The Netflix cartoon is made for kids but has some great action and remains a fun watch for adults sitting down for some family-friendly cartoons on Netflix. The dialogue is witty. Even though the characters are in high school, it never feels unbearably angsty. Plus, it offers a bit of nostalgia for the parents and grandparents who might have grown up with Stretch Armstrong.
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2010-2013)
Custom image by Debanjana ChowdhuryIf there's one cartoon that has seemed timeless for decades, it's Scooby-Doo. There have been so many series surrounding the titular pup on his misadventures hunting the spooky and the haunted along with his human companions, including his best friend Shaggy. Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated is one of the more modern takes on the characters and it's also one of the best.
At its heart, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorpporated is a kid show with all the goofiness that made past versions appealing. The story follows the characters in their early days solving mysteries in their hometown. Luckily, it throws in some fun for the adults. The cartoon satirizes horror media like A Nightmare on Elm Street, Twin Peaks, and the writings of H.P. Lovecraft. It also brings back characters like The Hex Girls. However, it never crosses the line into "too scary" territory for young viewers.
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