Every parent has been there: you need a quick break, but finding a movie the whole family will enjoy is a challenge. With so many streaming services available, it's tough to know which one actually has the right content. Let's cut through the noise and show you exactly what each service offers for families in 2026. Finding the right family movies streaming service can make all the difference.
Key Factors to Consider
Not all streaming services are created equal when it comes to family content. Before you pick one, think about these things:
- Price: How much are you willing to spend? Some services offer cheaper plans with ads, while others are pricier but ad-free.
- Content library: Do they have shows your kids actually like? Think preschoolers, older kids, or teens.
- Parental controls: Can you easily block content you don't want your kids to see?
- Offline viewing: Will you need to watch without internet, like on a road trip?
- Ads: Some services have ads, which can be annoying for kids during shows.
| Service | Price (2026) | Best For | Parental Controls | Offline Viewing | Ads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $11.99 | Preschoolers, originals like 'Cocomelon' | Age-based profiles | Yes | No (basic plan) |
| Disney+ | $12.99 | Classic Disney, Marvel, Star Wars | Dedicated Kids section | Yes | No (ad-free tier) |
| Amazon Prime Video | $14.99 (with Prime) | Variety, including free content | Custom profiles | Yes | Ad-supported tier available |
| Hulu | $7.99 (ads) | Live TV, some classics | Basic parental controls | Yes | Yes (ad-supported) |
| Max | $9.99 | HBO family films, Sesame Street | Profiles with age limits | Yes | Yes (ad-supported) |
| Apple TV+ | $6.99 | High-quality originals | Content restrictions | Yes | No |
Netflix: Great for Preschoolers and Originals
Netflix is a streaming service with a vast library of family-friendly content, including original shows like 'Cocomelon' and 'Paw Patrol'. It offers multiple subscription tiers starting at $11.99 per month.
Netflix is a top choice for parents of toddlers and preschoolers. Shows like Cocomelon and Paw Patrol dominate the kids' section. The platform's profile system lets you set up a dedicated kids' profile with age-appropriate content. You can also download episodes for offline viewing, which is perfect for car rides. The downside? Netflix doesn't have many classic Disney films. If your family loves Disney, you'll need another service.
Disney+: The Home of Classic Disney
Disney+ is a streaming service focused on Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content. It starts at $12.99 per month.
If your family loves Disney movies, Disney+ is the obvious pick. It has every classic Disney animated film, including The Lion King and Toy Story. You'll also find newer hits like Bluey and Star Wars: The Bad Batch. The service has a dedicated 'Kids' section that filters out anything not suitable for children. Plus, you can download content for offline viewing. The only downside? Disney+ lacks some non-Disney content, so you might need another service for variety.
Amazon Prime Video: Value with Prime Membership
Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service included with Amazon Prime membership, offering a mix of original shows and licensed content. The Prime membership starts at $14.99 per month.
Amazon Prime Video is a solid option because it's part of a Prime membership, which includes free shipping and other perks. For families, it has shows like The Powerpuff Girls reboot and Rugrats. The service allows you to create a kid's profile with content filters. You can also download shows for offline viewing. However, the library isn't as focused on kids as Netflix or Disney+, and some content requires extra fees. If you already have Prime, this is a great add-on for family viewing.
Hulu: Live TV and Classic Shows
Hulu is a streaming service with a strong selection of current TV shows and some family-friendly content. The ad-supported plan starts at $7.99 per month.
Hulu stands out for its live TV options and a decent library of older shows. Families will find classics like The Simpsons and Family Guy, though some content is more for older kids. The service has parental controls, but it's not as robust as Netflix or Disney+. The ad-supported plan is affordable, but ads can interrupt shows. If you want live TV for family events, Hulu's live TV package is a good choice.
Max: HBO's Family-Friendly Picks
Max is a streaming service that includes HBO content plus additional shows and movies. It starts at $9.99 per month with ads.
Max might not seem like a family service at first, but it has some great options. Sesame Street is a major draw, along with HBO family films like Harry Potter (yes, the whole series is here!). The service has a kids' section with age-appropriate content. You can also download shows for offline viewing. The downside? Max's main focus is on adult content, so you'll need to dig a bit to find family-friendly stuff. If you want HBO shows and some solid kids' content, Max is worth a look.
Apple TV+: Quality Over Quantity
Apple TV+ is a streaming service focused on high-quality original content. It starts at $6.99 per month.
Apple TV+ is all about premium originals. Shows like Stillwater and DuckTales are made with families in mind. The content is top-notch, but the library is small. There's no ad-supported plan, so it's a bit pricier for what you get. However, if you want high-quality, ad-free shows for kids, Apple TV+ is a great choice. Just don't expect a huge selection.
Best Picks for Different Family Needs
Here's how to choose based on your family:
- Preschoolers: Netflix and Disney+ are the top picks. Netflix has Cocomelon and Paw Patrol, while Disney+ has Bluey and classic Disney films.
- Teens: Max and Netflix offer more mature content. Max has Harry Potter and HBO shows, while Netflix has teen-oriented series like Stranger Things (with parental controls enabled).
- Budget-friendly: Hulu's ad-supported plan at $7.99 is the cheapest. Amazon Prime Video is also affordable if you already have Prime.
- Ad-free experience: Netflix (basic plan), Disney+, and Apple TV+ are ad-free. Max has an ad-supported tier, but you can pay more for ad-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which streaming service has the best classic Disney movies?
Disney+ is the clear winner for classic Disney films. It includes the entire library of Disney animated classics, Pixar movies, and Marvel films. Titles like 'The Lion King', 'Toy Story', and 'Frozen' are all available here. Other services might have some Disney content, but nothing compares to the depth of Disney+.
How do I set up parental controls on Netflix?
Netflix makes it easy. Go to your account settings, select 'Parental Controls', and set a PIN. Then create a profile for your kids and choose the maturity level (e.g., 'Kids' or 'Teens'). This blocks content above that level. You can also set up different profiles for each child.
Is there a free streaming option for kids' content?
Most major services require a paid subscription, but some offer free trials. YouTube Kids has free content with ads, and services like Pluto TV have free ad-supported family channels. However, these lack the depth of originals and classics you'll find on paid platforms.
Which service has the best educational content for kids?
Netflix and Disney+ lead here. Netflix has shows like 'Molly of Denali' and 'The Magic School Bus Rides Again', while Disney+ offers 'Nature's Wonderland' and 'Eureka!' for science learning. Max also has 'Sesame Street', which focuses on early education.
Can I watch these services on multiple devices at once?
Yes, but the number varies. Netflix allows 1-4 streams depending on your plan. Disney+ supports up to 4 streams. Amazon Prime Video offers 3 streams, Hulu 2, Max 3, and Apple TV+ 6. Check your plan details before subscribing.