What are the best new kids movies to stream in May?
It’s a new month, which means there’s a new batch of family movies arriving on all your favorite streaming platforms. To help narrow down options for your next movie night, we rounded up 10 of the best family flicks to enjoy with kids of all ages.
If you’re in the mood for something musical, “Wicked” streams on Peacock (starting May 21) and “School of Rock” is on Paramount+. If talking animals are your family’s speed, check out “Swapped” on Netflix and “The Secret Life of Pets” on Peacock. Or if you’re looking for something that caters to more of the tween set, there’s “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” on HBO Max and “Holes” on Hulu.
For more options, check out our complete list of movies that are hitting streaming platforms in May.
“Wicked” (2024) | Peacock | May 21
This “Wizard of Oz” origin story follows Elphaba’s journey from star sorcery student to the Wicked Witch of the West. At her side is frenemy and lover of all things pink, Glinda the Good. And the dashing Prince Fiyero makes things interesting as the Casanova-turned-love interest of both witches.
Nothing beats the thrill of watching Cynthia Erivo belt it out or Ariana Grande flitting around in dainty pink ensembles. And the dramatic backstory is helped immensely by the sumptuous sets and costumes. (Note to any diehard “Wicked” fans in the family: Peacock is also streaming a singalong version of the movie.)
Where to watch “Wicked”
At the time of writing, you can stream “Wicked” on Peacock with a subscription or rent it through VOD outlets like Prime Video and Apple TV.
“Swapped” (2026) | Netflix | May 1
What do you get when a small furry mammal and a large winged predator clash and tumble into a magical, iridescent plant? A good old-fashioned body-swapping tale, of course!
The unlikely duo traverses a valley in search of the same magical plant to reverse their body swap. In the meantime, they learn what it’s like to live in the other’s shoes. Bonding ensues, as they survive common foes and befriend valley creatures, including a goofy purple fish voiced by Tracy Morgan. This animated adventure flick is perfect for younger kiddos and suckers for body-swapping movies.
Where to watch “Swapped”
At the time of writing, you can stream “Swapped” on Netflix with a subscription.
“Gabby’s Dollhouse” (2025) | Netflix | May 23
If you’re looking for a sunny, unapologetically upbeat movie for the G-rated set, this checks off all the boxes. Based on the popular TV series, the movie combines live action and animation as it follows Gabby on a hunt to take back her treasured dollhouse—and all her beloved friends inside—from a wealthy cat lady played by the perfectly cast Kristen Wiig.
This is a must-see if any of your kids love the “Gabby’s Dollhouse” series or own the popular dollhouse. But it’s still plenty enjoyable for kids who’ve never seen the show.
Where to watch “Gabby’s Dollhouse”
At the time of writing, you can stream “Gabby’s Dollhouse” on Netflix with a subscription or rent it through VOD outlets like Prime Video and Apple TV.
“School of Rock” (2003) | Paramount+ | May 1
If I could pick one family movie to play on repeat in my house, this flick would be one of my top choices. Jack Black plays a struggling musician who tries to earn some quick money by pretending to be a substitute teacher at an elite private school. When he sees glimpses of musical talent in his well-mannered pupils, he teaches them to channel their inner rock ‘n’ rollers—and build confidence along the way.
This pitch-perfect movie from Richard Linklater is utterly heartwarming without feeling sappy. Jack Black gets lots of moments to be Jack Black, but the students are just as entertaining. And getting to see kids authentically shine is what makes this such a great movie for the entire family.
Where to watch “School of Rock”
At the time of writing, you can stream “School of Rock” on Paramount+ with a subscription or rent it through VOD outlets like Apple TV and Google Play.
“Despicable Me” (2010) | HBO Max | May 1
Before there were Minions movies, there was “Despicable Me”—the movie that launched the little yellow cuties into stardom. Margo and her sisters are adopted by supervillain Gru as part of his nefarious plan to steal the moon. But as anyone familiar with the franchise knows, the girls melt Gru’s heart and throw a wrench in his grand plans for villainy.
I love it when movies pair a big old meanie with fearless kids who won’t be deterred in the face of grumpiness. And stealing the show, of course, is Gru’s army of Minions, whose antics somehow never get old.
Where to watch “Despicable Me”
At the time of writing, you can stream “Despicable Me” on HBO Max with a subscription or rent it through VOD outlets like Prime Video and Apple TV.
“Elf” (2003) | Paramount+ | May 1
In a role that seemed tailor-made for him, Will Ferrell stars as Buddy the Elf—who leaves his adopted elf family in the North Pole after learning he has a human father living in New York City. Once in the Big Apple, his joy and exuberance for everything he encounters—revolving doors, crosswalks, spaghetti—is met with skepticism by jaded New Yorkers. And his cranky dad is the most jaded of all.
With so many meme-worthy moments, this is an easy one to watch on repeat. Because who can resist Will Ferrell skipping around New York City in elf tights like a 6-year-old trapped in a grown-up’s body?
Where to watch “Elf”
At the time of writing, you can stream “Elf” on Paramount+ with a subscription or rent it through VOD outlets like Prime Video and Apple TV.
“The Secret Life of Pets” (2016) | Peacock | May 1
Animated movies about talking pets are hardly breaking the mold, but “The Secret Life of Pets” is in a class of its own as it explores what pets do when their humans leave them home alone.
Max is a Jack Russell Terrier who’s living the good life, until his owner brings home a new doggo—a thuggish Newfoundland named Duke. Max and Duke’s rivalry escalates and eventually lands them in the clutches of animal control. Their journey home takes them through sewers, rooftops, and the mean streets of New York. Anyone who’s owned a pet will find lots of relatable, humorous moments, but this is also still funny for non pet-owners.
Where to watch “The Secret Life of Pets”
At the time of writing, you can stream “The Secret Life of Pets” on Peacock with a subscription or rent it through VOD outlets like Prime Video and Apple TV.
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (2023) | HBO Max | May 1
It’s hard for superhero movies to feel innovative or refreshing, but “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” pulls it off—as did its predecessor, “Into the Spider-Verse.” Miles Morales is one of many Spidey alter egos across the universe, and he’s having trouble balancing superhero duties with academics and life in general. It doesn’t help when he’s confronted with a nemesis named Spot, whose transdimensional powers grow exponentially throughout the movie.
Miles reunites with Gwen Stacy and teams up with a crew of fellow Spideys whose job is wrangling dangerous “anomalies” that have landed in the wrong universe. The kinetic storytelling and hypnotic visuals will keep your eyes glued to the screen. Just be prepared for a doozy of a cliffhanger.
Where to watch “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
At the time of writing, you can stream “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” on HBO Max with a subscription or rent it through VOD outlets like Prime Video and Apple TV.
“Holes” (2003) | Hulu | May 1
If you haven’t watched “Holes” with your kids yet, I highly recommend moving it to the top of your list if you’re looking for a live action movie like none you’ve ever seen.
It stars Shia LaBeouf as a teen who’s sent to a detention camp for wayward boys after he’s wrongfully convicted of shoe thieving. But this is not your average detention camp: Boys are forced to dig holes all day long for reasons that remain known only to the warden (Sigourney Weaver), and which are revealed over time.
There’s a little bit of magic, a little bit of Western lore, and a little bit of wilderness survival, all mixed together. And best of all, the dialogue doesn’t pander to kids—always a plus in my book when it comes to family movies.
Where to watch “Holes”
At the time of writing, you can stream “Holes” on Hulu with a subscription or rent it through VOD outlets like Prime Video and Apple TV.
“Arco” (2025) | Hulu | May 1
A boy named Arco travels from the year 2932 to 2075 using a magical gemstone and time travel cape—but gets stuck in the past when he loses the gemstone. A girl named Iris tries to help him get home, with an assist from her robot caretaker.
There are some heavy undertones about the future of our planet—turns out humans live in the clouds in the 30th century because the Earth is in ruins and needs time to heal. But post-apocalyptic vibes aside, this movie is so awash in rainbow hues, you’ll spend most of the time mesmerized by the vivid animation.
Where to watch “Arco”
At the time of writing, you can stream “Arco” on Hulu with a subscription or rent it through VOD outlets like Prime Video and Apple TV.
More May kid movies that we love
Still looking for the perfect movie? Below is a complete list of family flicks that you can stream in May.
More recommended kid movies coming out in May
May 1
- “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl” (Paramount+)
- “The Bad News Bears” (Netflix)
- “The Boss Baby 2” (Paramount+)
- “The Boss Baby” (Peacock)
- “Charlotte’s Web” (Peacock)
- “Descendants” (Hulu)
- “Descendants 2” (Hulu)
- “Descendants 3” (Hulu)
- “Descendants: The Rise of Red” (Hulu)
- “Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat” (2003) (HBO Max)
- “Harriet the Spy”
- “Home” (Netflix)
- “Hugo” (Peacock)
- “Jumanji” (Netflix)
- “The Land Before Time” (Netflix)
- “The Last Airbender” (Peacock)
- “Mrs. Doubtfire” (Peacock)
- “Nacho Libre” (Paramount+)
- “The Road to El Dorado” (Netflix)
- “Robots” (Netflix)
- “Rogue One” (Netflix)
- “Spirit: Stallion of Cimarron” (Peacock)
- “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (Hulu)
- “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (Hulu)
- “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” (Hulu)
- “Stardust” (Peacock)
Best new kids movies streaming FAQ
What are the top 10 kids movies on Netflix right now?
The top 10 kids movies on Netflix right now are “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” “KPop Demon Hunters,” “The Secret Life of Pets,” “Trolls,” “Madagascar 3,” “Sing,” “Hotel Transylvania 2,” “Madagascar,” “Despicable Me 3,” and “Paw Patrol: The Movie.”
What is the most liked kids movie ever?
If you’re judging a movie’s likeability by the amount of money it earned, then “Zootopia 2” is the winner. It’s currently the highest grossing animated film of all time, beating “Inside Out 2” and “Frozen 2.”
What are the top 10 kids movies?
Based on box office earnings, the top 10 kid-friendly movies of all time are “Avatar,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Zootopia 2,” “Inside Out 2,” “Jurassic World,” and “The Lion King.”
