Highlights
- 5 Netflix Movies That Make Your Child Smarter – My Octopus Teacher; The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse; Hilda and the Mountain King; Over the Moon; Archibald’s Next Big Thing
Are you looking for ways to make screen time more meaningful for your child? Well, the right type of content can do more than just entertain. It can spark curiosity, build problem-solving skills and also improve emotional intelligence.
Netflix offers a wide range of movies that combine fun storytelling with valuable learning moments. So, if you thinking of finding some films that can actually help your child take on the world in a smarter way, here are five Netflix movies that do exactly that.
My Octopus Teacher
My Octopus Teacher is a 2020 Netflix documentary about filmmaker Craig Foster’s year‑long bond with a wild octopus in a South African kelp forest. It was directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed, produced by Craig Foster and released on Netflix on September 7, 2020.
The film has Won Best Documentary Feature at the 93rd Academy Awards (2021).
The film follows Craig Foster, a South African filmmaker, as he free‑dives daily in the cold waters of False Bay near Cape Town. He develops an intimate relationship with a common octopus, observing her intelligence, resilience and survival strategies.
Directors – Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed
Producer – Craig Foster
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse was adapted into a 2022 animated short film directed by Peter Baynton and Charlie Mackesy. It is based on Charlie Mackesy’s bestselling illustrated book. It premiered on BBC One in the UK on December 2022 and on Apple TV+ in the US on December 2022. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2023.
The film is about a curious boy who sets out on a journey to find home. Along the way, he befriends a mole, a fox, and a horse. They together explore themes of kindness, courage, empathy and friendship.
Directors – Peter Baynton, Charlie Mackesy
Screenplay – Jon Croker, Charlie Mackesy
Producers – Cara Speller, Matthew Freud, Hannah Minghella, J.J. Abrams
Voice Cast
- Jude Coward Nicoll – The Boy
- Tom Hollander – The Mole
- Idris Elba – The Fox
- Gabriel Byrne – The Horse
Hilda and the Mountain King
The Hilda movie is Hilda and the Mountain King (2021), a Netflix animated film based on Luke Pearson’s graphic novels. It follows Hilda waking up in the body of a troll and trying to return home while saving Trolberg.
Hilda must navigate troll society, understand their world and find a way to become human again. The story explores themes of identity, courage, empathy, and coexistence between humans and trolls.
It is often praised for its hand-drawn animation style, emotional depth, and faithful adaptation of the books.
Director – Andy Coyle
Writer – Luke Pearson (based on his graphic novel)
Producers – Rachel Simon, Steve Jacobson, Chantal Ling
Voice Cast –
- Bella Ramsey – Hilda
- Ameerah Falzon-Ojo – Frida
- Oliver Nelson – David
- Daisy Haggard – Johanna
Over The Moon
Over the Moon is a 2020 animated musical fantasy film produced by Netflix and Pearl Studio.
The story follows Fei Fei, a young girl who builds a rocket to the moon to prove the existence of the mythical Moon Goddess, Chang’e. On her journey, she discovers a fantastical world filled with vibrant creatures and learns about love, loss, and moving forward after grief.
The film is praised for its beautiful animation, heartfelt story, and music. It was Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards (2021).
Director – Glen Keane (legendary Disney animator, known for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast)
Co‑Director – John Kahrs (Paperman)
Producers – Gennie Rim, Peilin Chou
Screenplay – Audrey Wells (completed before her passing in 2018)
Genre – Animated musical fantasy adventure
Runtime – 100 minutes
Voice Cast
- Cathy Ang – Fei Fei
- Phillipa Soo – Chang’e
- Robert G. Chiu – Chin
- John Cho and Ruthie Ann Miles – Fei Fei’s parents
- Ken Jeong – Gobi
Archibald’s Next Big Thing
Archibald’s Next Big Thing is an animated kids’ comedy series created by Tony Hale and it is based on his book of the same name. It originally premiered on Netflix in September 2019 and later continued on Peacock as Archibald’s Next Big Thing Is Here! until 2021.
The film follows Archibald Strutter, who is a carefree chicken and often forgets chores but never misses out on fun. Each episode highlights imagination, curiosity, and life lessons that show life’s “next big thing” is often the adventure you’re already on. Themes include friendship, resilience and embracing the unexpected.
It was Nominated for Annie Awards and have been often praised for its quirky humor, positive messages and family‑friendly storytelling.
Creator – Tony Hale (also voices Archibald), Tony Biaggne, Victor Huckabee
Developer – Tony Hale, Drew Champion, Jacob Moffat
Director – Adam Gunn
Target Audience: Kids (TV‑Y7)
Episodes – 50 total across 6 seasons (short‑form episodes, 12 minutes each)
Voice Cast
- Tony Hale – Archibald (the happy‑go‑lucky chicken)
- Rosamund Pike – Narrator
- Jordan Fisher, Chelsea Kane, Adam Pally, Kari Wahlgren – Supporting voices
FAQs
Q1. What is My Octopus Teacher about?
Answer. It’s a 2020 Netflix documentary where filmmaker Craig Foster bonds with a wild octopus in a South African kelp forest.
Q2. Who directed The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse film?
Answer. It was directed by Peter Baynton and Charlie Mackesy, adapted from Mackesy’s bestselling illustrated book.
Q3. What happens in Hilda and the Mountain King?
Answer. Hilda wakes up as a troll and must navigate troll society, find a way to become human again and save Trolberg.
Q4. What is the theme of Archibald’s Next Big Thing?
Answer. It teaches kids that life’s “next big thing” is often the adventure they’re already on, focusing on friendship, resilience and curiosity.
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