The Ultimate Guide to Top Netflix Cartoons for the Entire Family

Summary

Netflix's collection of family-friendly cartoons offers a delightful blend of entertainment that captivates both children and parents. These animated gems not only cater to the little ones but also feature intelligent storytelling and imaginative themes that transcend age boundaries.

The content of these cartoons is suitable for different age groups within the family. Their vibrant colors, enjoyable characters, and thrilling action captivate children while parents do not feel like they are watching something inappropriate. With LEGO adventures in Ninjago, positive messages in Skylanders Academy, and the mature yet responsible themes in Ben 10, there are various options to choose from.

Family-friendly cartoons on Netflix are no longer just for kids. There are now animated series that entertain both children and parents. Netflix has produced highly-rated original cartoons, some of which are specifically geared towards adults, such as Big Mouth and Bojack Horsemen, which should not be viewed by young children. On the other hand, there are also cartoons on Netflix that are specifically made for young kids, but can be quite repetitive for their parents.

But what used to be uncommon were family-friendly cartoons that appealed to both children and parents. These animated shows not only cater to different age groups, but also go beyond their intended audience. They are clever cartoons that tell captivating stories and showcase a level of creativity that sets them apart from cartoons aimed solely at young kids. However, these family-friendly cartoons on Netflix are also visually appealing, with vibrant colors, enjoyable characters, and thrilling action. This ensures that the little ones are entertained while parents don't feel like they are watching something too simplistic.

25 Ninjago (2011-2022)

24 Skylanders Academy (2016-2018)

Ninjago, available on Netflix, is a captivating cartoon that caters to both children and adults. It offers a delightful array of vibrant colors, endearing characters, and valuable life lessons, essential for any successful animated series for kids. Moreover, adults can also find a thrilling sense of adventure and enjoyment in its storyline. What truly enhances the appeal for both demographics is the fact that this cartoon is based on LEGO, a renowned brand that sparks curiosity and fascination among people of all ages. Unlike other LEGO movies, Ninjago goes beyond being a mere spoof and presents a genuinely compelling narrative from beginning to end.

Skylanders Academy, an animated series on Netflix, first aired in 2016. Drawing inspiration from the popular Skylanders video game series, it captivates young children with its lively and amusing creatures, and its engaging adventures maintain a steady pace. The show carries a powerful message about self-confidence and self-awareness, promoting positive values for kids. Moreover, it incorporates clever humor, making it a top choice for families seeking wholesome content on Netflix. Notably, some parents may even recognize the unmistakable voice of Norm Macdonald as Glumshanks.

23 Ben 10 (2016-2021)

Ben 10 is an exceptional show for younger audiences as it combines thrilling action and adventure without being overly graphic or violent, making it suitable even for the little ones. However, what sets it apart is its ability to appeal to the whole family, thanks to its slightly darker tone and clever jokes that may be lost on the younger viewers. Despite these darker elements, the show remains dedicated to showcasing a young superhero's journey of responsibility and the importance of seeking help from others to save the world. With its well-received animation and unforgettable array of alien forms, Ben 10 truly stands out among the best family-friendly cartoons on Netflix.

22 Arcane: League Of Legends (2021- )

Arcane: League of Legends is an ideal show for teenagers and older viewers. Despite its mature content, it remains suitable for families, especially when parents watch alongside their younger children. This allows parents to provide explanations for any adult situations that may arise. Drawing from the immensely popular video game, Arcane explores themes like love, death, and violence, maintaining a balance that never becomes excessively graphic. Comparable to a PG-13 movie, this show offers a suitable viewing experience for older pre-teens and above. Moreover, the much-anticipated second season of Arcane is on the horizon.

21 Kipo And The Age Of Wonderbeasts (2020)

20 Carmen Sandiego (2019-2021)

Kipo And The Age Of Wonderbeasts is not only one of the best family-friendly cartoons on Netflix but also a captivating series that appeals to viewers of all ages. Set in a futuristic world where mutant animals coexist with underground-dwelling humans, the show blends a simple yet engaging storyline with vibrant colors and entertaining characters. With three exciting seasons released in 2020, this visually appealing and creatively crafted series offers a delightful experience for both children and their parents.

Carmen Sandiego, the iconic character, first appeared in 1985 through the video game Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego. Since then, her popularity has grown, leading to the creation of comic books, book series, and television shows. In 2019, Netflix obtained the rights to Carmen Sandiego and produced an original animated series. Premiering in January 2019, this new series introduced Carmen Sandiego to a new generation of children. After almost two decades since the last series, critics praised the revival as a nostalgic return for those who grew up in the '90s. Netflix's Carmen Sandiego comprised four seasons and a total of 32 episodes, providing entertaining content suitable for the whole family.

19 Stretch Armstrong And The Flex Fighters (2017-2018)

Stretch Armstrong, an '70s action figure, possessed extendable arms and legs that brought joy to children. In 2017, Hasbro transformed the iconic toy into a captivating Netflix animated series titled "Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters," introducing new teammates to join Stretch. The revamped show featured Wingspan, an individual capable of compressing his body for flight, and Omni-Mass, who possessed the ability to manipulate his size and weight. Despite being primarily targeted towards children, the Netflix original cartoon offers thrilling action that can be enjoyed by adults seeking family-friendly entertainment on the streaming platform.

18 Ultraman (2019-2023)

Ultraman made his debut over half a century ago, and since then, the iconic Japanese series from the '60s has captivated audiences. The original storyline followed Hayata, a dedicated member of the Terrestrial Defense Force, who possessed the incredible ability to transform into the mighty Ultraman. Together, they faced off against menacing extraterrestrial creatures that posed a grave threat to our planet.

Interestingly, the Netflix series took an intriguing approach by not rebooting the story but rather continuing it. In this iteration, Ultraman did not assume giant proportions. Despite this departure from tradition, the show managed to infuse a fresh and enjoyable twist to the narrative. We were introduced to Shinjiro, a high school student who discovers his destined lineage as the next Ultraman, adding a whole new dimension of excitement to the saga.

17 Voltron Legendary Defender (2016-2018)

If there's one Netflix cartoon that evokes nostalgia for adults while captivating young newcomers with its story, it's Voltron: Legendary Defender. This Netflix original series serves as a reminder to adults of a certain age why they cherished watching the original Voltron and playing with its accompanying toys in front of the television years ago. As the entire universe faces imminent danger, a group of warriors embarks on a mission to reassemble Voltron and save the day. The awe-inspiring lion mech remains as impressive as ever, and this thrilling series consists of eight seasons and a total of 78 episodes, concluding in 2018.

16 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012-2017)

When it comes to family-friendly cartoons on Netflix, you can't go wrong with anything related to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The 2012 animated series captivates children with its lovable TMNT characters and their childlike personalities. At the same time, it offers nostalgic value for adults who grew up with the Turtles franchise. The 2012 version takes this concept even further by adding a mature twist, presenting the Turtles with complex challenges. Thus, it becomes one of the best television adaptations of the Turtles to date.

15 She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power (2018-2020)

14 Transformers: War For Cybertron (2020-2021)

: She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is not just a nostalgic revival of the iconic character, but also a captivating introduction to a new generation of viewers. This Netflix series goes beyond the realm of entertainment with its powerful messages of inclusivity, acceptance, and LGBTQ+ representation. Families can come together and witness the extraordinary journey of a diverse group of princesses, providing invaluable life lessons and inspiring role models for all.

Transformers is a popular franchise with a range of TV shows available on Netflix. While some shows are more geared towards younger children, there are also options that appeal to both kids and adults. The classic show is beloved by fans of all ages, while shows like Rescue Bots are specifically designed for little kids. However, the Transformers trilogy War for Cybertron on Netflix takes a more mature and action-packed approach. This trilogy closely resembles the movies, with intense battle scenes and thrilling action. Despite this, the Transformers franchise remains suitable and enjoyable for both kids and adults.

13 He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe (2021-2022)

When Netflix revived the beloved character He-Man in a new animated series, it provided the streaming platform with an opportunity to introduce this iconic hero to a new generation. By ensuring that the cartoon was accessible to audiences of all ages, Netflix successfully catered to both children and nostalgic adults who had grown up watching the original cartoons and engaging with the accompanying toys. The show effectively combines humor and action to entertain young viewers, while also imparting valuable life lessons and addressing social issues that are relevant to children. Moreover, for adults, the series stands out with its well-crafted storytelling, impressive animation, and as a delightful, nostalgia-inducing, family-friendly cartoon available exclusively on Netflix.

12 The Last Kids On Earth (2019-2021)

The Last Kids on Earth, based on the beloved books by Max Brallier, stands out as a top-notch, family-friendly cartoon series available for streaming on Netflix. Comprising three captivating "books," each season draws inspiration from one specific book. In a delightful twist, the third and final season even featured an interactive special in 2021. The plot revolves around a resourceful 13-year-old orphan who rallies his companions to navigate a world overrun by zombies and monsters. Although primarily targeted towards pre-teens, this animated show offers a thrilling adventure narrative with exceptional character development and an engrossing storyline that captivates viewers of all ages.

11 Justice League / Justice League: Unlimited (2001-2006)

10 Wizards (2020)

: A great way to ensure that a cartoon appeals to both children and adults is by bringing a beloved classic back on Netflix, allowing a new generation to discover it. Netflix currently features both Justice League and its sequel, Justice League: Unlimited, which have attracted viewers of all ages by showcasing the extensive roster of DC superheroes and delivering moments that stay true to the comic books. This show was adored by many comic book fans during its original run, and now they can enjoy it with their children as one of the top family-friendly cartoons available on Netflix.

Wizards, the third original animated series in the Tales of Arcadia franchise on Netflix, followed the successful Trollhunters and 3Below. Differing from its predecessors, Wizards had a single season consisting of 10 episodes. This captivating series paved the way for the movie Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans, concluding the narrative. Similar to the first two installments, Wizards earned critical acclaim, establishing itself as one of the top family-friendly animated shows on Netflix, appealing to both children and adults. With its groundbreaking animation and continuation of an already impressive storyline, Wizards earned four Emmy nominations.

9 Dragons: Race To The Edge (2012-2018)

The most successful of DreamWorks Animation's movies was the wildly popular How to Train Your Dragon series. Unlike other DreamWorks Animation features, How to Train Your Dragon took a unique approach. The Netflix DreamWorks Dragons franchise consists of three series set in between the movies and serving as a bridge between them. It starts with Riders of Berk, followed by Defenders of Berk, and culminates in the six-season Race to the Edge. The final series, Race to the Edge, is particularly noteworthy, but all eight seasons are highly recommended for enjoyable, family-friendly cartoons on Netflix.

8 The Dragon Prince (2018- )

The Dragon Prince, an original fantasy series, was released on Netflix in 2018. It quickly became a fan-favorite, leading to a second season being released just five months later, with more to follow. Ultimately, the story will span seven seasons, unraveling the complete narrative. Set in a magical, fantasy world, The Dragon Prince draws its power from the primal elements. After humans began practicing harmful black magic, leading to harm to the creatures in their surroundings, the dragons took action and forced them out of their lands. However, over a millennium has passed since then, and humans have now slain the dragon king. To prevent a devastating war, a human prince embarks on a mission to return the king's egg to the dragons.

7 3Below (2018-2019)

6 Castlevania (2017-2021)

This follow-up to Trollhunters revolutionized the narrative and deviated from the established formula, all while preserving its connection to the same fantastical universe and upholding the exceptional quality of the original series. In contrast to the protagonist in Trollhunters who grapples with the revelation of a hidden world of monstrous creatures, 3Below centers around two extraterrestrial siblings who seek refuge on Earth, accompanied by their loyal bodyguard and faithful companion. Shrouding themselves in human disguises, they evade relentless intergalactic bounty hunters. This Netflix gem, renowned for its family-friendly appeal, spans two captivating seasons and paves the way for Wizards, the franchise's thrilling third installment.

When it comes to anime on Netflix, there is a scarcity of family-friendly cartoons available. However, one show that stands out is Castlevania. Although it contains violence and is more suitable for teenage viewers, Castlevania has pleasantly surprised Netflix audiences. The series consists of four seasons, with the latest one released in 2021. Inspired by the video game of the same name, Castlevania takes place in a dark world where Dracula initiates a war against humanity in retaliation for his wife's burning at the stake. It falls upon Trevor Belmont, a renowned monster hunter, and Alucard, Dracula's son, to put an end to his destructive rampage.