Netflix is a minefield of "meh" content right now, but gems like The Bad Guys 2 and The Sea Beast 2 make the subscription worth it if you know how to dodge the algorithm's "brain rot" suggestions. While the trending row is currently obsessed with shark thrillers that might be a bit much for the elementary crowd, the 2026 animation slate is actually some of the best storytelling we’ve seen in years.
TL;DR: Netflix’s 2026 lineup is dominated by high-quality sequels like The Bad Guys 2 and creative originals like In Your Dreams. For parents navigating the "trending" shark thrillers, Screenwise recommends a quick intensity check for kids under 12, as these often lean into jump scares. Check our full guide to family movie night on Netflix for more personalized picks.
We’ve all been there: sitting on the couch for 20 minutes scrolling through posters while the popcorn gets cold. Netflix is designed to keep you scrolling, often pushing "trending" content that is popular simply because it’s new, not because it’s good. In 2026, the algorithm is heavily favoring "high-concept" thrillers and low-budget animated series that can feel like a fever dream. Breaking the loop requires going in with a plan, especially when your 7-year-old is asking why a giant shark is eating a boat in the thumbnail of a "Top 10" movie.
If your kids loved the first one, the sequel is a rare case of "actually better than the original." It doubles down on the heist vibes and the "it’s good to be bad" redemption arc. According to Screenwise community data, about 68% of families with kids in grades 2-5 have watched this in the last month. It’s stylish, the soundtrack doesn’t make you want to pull your hair out, and it actually has some decent lessons about friendship that don't feel like a Sunday School lecture.
Netflix finally realized they had a masterpiece on their hands with the first one. The sequel continues the gorgeous world-building. It’s essentially "How to Train Your Dragon" but on the high seas. It’s a Screenwise favorite because it treats kids like they’re capable of understanding complex themes like legacy and environmental balance without being preachy.
This Roald Dahl adaptation finally hit the service, and it is weird. Delightfully weird. If your family enjoys the darker, slightly grosser side of humor (think The Willoughbys), this is a win. It’s a great conversation starter about why being a "twit" is more about your internal character than your looks.
This is the sleeper hit of the year. It follows two siblings who travel into the world of dreams to find the Sandman to save their parents' marriage. It sounds heavy, but it’s handled with a lot of humor and visual flair. Screenwise rates this high for emotional intelligence, making it a great pick for kids who might be dealing with big changes at home.
You’ve probably noticed movies like Under Paris or its 2026 imitators hovering in the Top 10. These shark movies are the new "slasher" films for the digital age—lots of tension, some gore, and very high "shock" value.
While your 11-year-old might swear they can handle it because "everyone at school is talking about the shark in the Seine," these are often rated TV-MA or R for a reason. They aren't Jaws. They are designed for viral clips and jump scares. If you have a kid who is prone to nightmares or asks "is that real?" every five minutes, maybe stick to Sharkdog or a National Geographic documentary on National Geographic Kids.
Ask our chatbot about specific content warnings for shark movies
Not everything with a bright thumbnail is worth your time. We’re seeing a lot of "AI-adjacent" looking animation—shows and movies that feel like they were written by a bot to hit specific engagement metrics.
- The "Toy-Unboxing" Style Movies: If it looks like a 90-minute version of a YouTube unboxing video, skip it. These are designed for passive consumption (addiction-loop design) rather than active engagement.
- Low-Effort Reboots: There are a few 2026 reboots of 80s properties that feel like cynical cash grabs. They lack the heart of the originals and are mostly there to trigger parent nostalgia while selling new merch.
Based on Screenwise's latest survey data from April 2026:
- Grades K-2: Heavily into Leo (still!) and the new Plankton: The Movie.
- Grades 3-5: The Bad Guys 2 is the undisputed king, followed by Orion and the Dark.
- Middle School: This is where the shark thrillers and Stranger Things re-watches dominate. About 40% of 7th graders have watched a TV-MA movie on Netflix in the last 90 days.
Movie night doesn't have to end when the credits roll. If your kids are obsessed with the animation in The Bad Guys 2, it’s a perfect bridge to creative tech.
- Animation Skills: Encourage them to try stop-motion using an app like Stop Motion Studio or even simple coding on Scratch to animate their own "Bad Guy" character.
- Narrative Design: Ask them, "If you were the villain, how would you have planned that heist differently?" It sounds silly, but it’s actually a lesson in logic and sequence.
Q: Is The Bad Guys 2 appropriate for a 5-year-old? It’s generally fine, though it has some "cartoon violence" and mild potty humor. If your child is sensitive to loud noises or fast-paced action, it might be a bit overstimulating, but content-wise, it’s a safe PG.
Q: Why are there so many scary shark movies on Netflix right now? Netflix follows "engagement clusters." One shark movie did well in 2024, so they greenlit five more. They are cheap to produce and have high "clickability" because of the intense thumbnails, even if the actual movie is mediocre.
Q: What's the best Netflix movie for a 10-year-old who hates 'baby' movies? Try The Mitchells vs. The Machines or Nimona. Both feel "older" because of their humor and art style but are still totally age-appropriate for a tween.
Q: How do I block specific movies on Netflix? You can't block an individual title easily, but you can set maturity ratings for each profile. For a 10-year-old, setting the profile to "PG" will automatically hide most of those shark thrillers. See our guide on Netflix parental controls.
Netflix in 2026 is a great tool if you're the one driving. If you let the algorithm drive, you'll end up with a "brain rot" marathon or a kid who's too scared to take a bath because of a Parisian shark. Stick to the high-quality animation like Ultraman: Rising or Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and don't be afraid to veto the trending row.
- Take the Screenwise Survey: See how your family's Netflix habits compare to your school community.
- Set a "Choice Limit": Give everyone 2 minutes to pitch a movie, then vote. No endless scrolling.
- Check the WISE Score: Before hitting play on a new release, check its Screenwise WISE score to see if it actually aligns with your family's values.