No one saw KPop Demon Hunters coming when it dropped on Netflix in 2025. The animation, the songs, the dancing—it all filled a need that was obviously missing for audiences.
KPop Demon Hunters took over the living rooms of every household, whether kids were there or not. While Netflix is known for its originals, the Huntrix trio is on another level. You may never get the song “Golden” out of your head again. You should watch these Netflix movies that are even more heartwarming and visually stunning.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio Gently Explores Darker Life Themes
This isn’t the Disney version of the wooden puppet you think you know. Based on the 1883 children’s novel by Carlo Collodi, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is a darker thematic telling of the story. The screenplay was co-written by del Toro and Patrick McHale (Over the Garden Wall, Adventure Time), with Mark Gustafson (Fantastic Mr. Fox) co-directing. There’s nothing dark about the movie’s well-deserved 96% RT score.
Taking place in Fascist Italy right before WWII, the tale follows a grieving Geppetto who lost his child 20 years earlier in WWI. A puppet carved by Geppetto from the wood of a tree planted at his son’s grave comes to life thanks to a Wood Sprite. The voice cast is as phenomenal as the story, with Ewan McGregor, Ron Perlman, Cate Blanchett, Christoph Waltz, and Tilda Swinton breathing life into the characters.
While the film is told via breathtaking stop-motion, it’s not exactly an animated movie for kids. The profound themes of grief and death, covering topics like war and fascism, are too heavy for the little ones to take in. If you know del Toro’s style, there are creepy visuals that could even haunt adults. From the visuals to the storytelling to the message behind the nose, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is an emotional journey everyone needs to go on.
Roma Honors Mexican History and the Director’s Upbringing
Not only did Alfonso Cuarón write and direct the 2018 historical drama Roma, but he put his heart and soul into it. Based on his personal experiences growing up in Mexico City in the ‘70s, Cuarón turned his family memories into a tribute to women of that time. With a 96% RT score, Roma went on to be nominated over 220 times, winning 134 of them, as well as multiple Academy Awards.
The film follows Cleo, an indigenous live-in housekeeper for an upper-middle-class Mexican family. Audiences are taken through betrayals, heartbreak, and grief, while showing that family can be what you make it to be. Roma also tackles the differences in class and wealth, as well as the political climate of an uncertain Mexico undergoing increasing violence.
To create a more timeless look, Cuarón chose black-and-white cinematography for a smooth transition between the political and personal aspects. Roma takes everyday routines and gives them a depth we forget life has. It’s one epic piece of art dedicated to memories. Adding to the film’s emotional pull is that lead actress Yalitza Aparicio made her acting debut as Cleo.
Klaus Should Be Everyone’s Favorite Holiday Movie
When you think of your favorite holiday kids’ movies about how Santa became Santa, The Santa Clause probably pops into your head first. But there is one gorgeously told tale about Father Christmas that has more heart and warmth. The 2019 animated Christmas adventure, Klaus, shows us Santa used to be just a man who wanted to be left alone. With a 95% RT score, it’s clear no one is leaving this holiday classic out in the cold. Director Sergio Pablos (idea man for Despicable Me) also came up with the story for the film and helped to co-write the screenplay.
Klaus reveals the lore behind the character. The movie follows spoiled postal worker Jasper as he gets sent North to a secluded, frozen town for being the worst at his academy. While trying to meet his father’s ultimatum, Jasper encounters a recluse who happens to be really good at making toys.
Klaus renews our love for 2D, hand-drawn animation that has nostalgic ties, but also just looks so beautiful on screen. The film interestingly explains the magical elements of Christmas, like flying reindeer, as something that was stumbled upon practically. The tale of how Santa Claus went from a recluse living in the woods to the most magical man of all time is also a beautiful story about friendship and how kindness conquers all.
The Mitchells v. the Machines Blends Science Fiction With Family Fun
Hilarious dialogue? Check. Stunning animation? Check. AI takedown? Check. Heartwarming family story that will make you hug your kids tighter? Check. The 2021 family comedy The Mitchells vs. the Machines has it all, making it the perfect movie to gather the troops with. It’s uproariously funny and chaotically entertaining, making it a favorite of all ages.
Every parent has thought their family was a little disconnected from each other, and every child has thought a parent was out of touch with life. The Mitchells vs. the Machines forces a dysfunctional family to come together for survival against the uprising of AI-controlled robots.
The hybrid, back-and-forth use of 2D and 3D animation adds visual excitement. While The Mitchells vs. the Machines explores AI and family units, it also displays how awkward and vulnerable humans are, especially young adults. Written by Jeff Rowe (Gravity Falls, Disenchantment) and Mike Rianda (Gravity Falls) and directed by Rianda, the quirkiness of family is captured beautifully. The 97% RT score proves the elements of tackling changing technology, generational miscommunication, and embracing your weirdness came across beautifully.