Most streaming services throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. Apple TV+ is more curated, which is both good and frustrating. Good because you're not wading through mountains of mediocre content. Frustrating because if your kid becomes obsessed with something, there aren't 47 similar shows to pivot to.

The family content here skews toward:

But let's be real: if your kids want endless seasons of something familiar and comforting, they'll be disappointed. Apple TV+ is not the place for binge-watching 8 seasons of anything. It's more like "here's a really good movie, now go outside."

Luck (2022) - This animated film about a girl who finds the Land of Luck is basically Apple's answer to Pixar. It's genuinely sweet, the animation is gorgeous, and it doesn't rely on fart jokes. Your kindergartener will be entertained, and you won't want to claw your eyes out. That's a win.

Wolfwalkers (2020) - Okay, this one is stunning. Like, legitimately beautiful hand-drawn animation set in 1650s Ireland. It's about a girl who befriends a "wolfwalker" (someone who transforms into a wolf while sleeping). Slightly intense for very sensitive kids, but most 6+ will be fine. This is the kind of movie that makes you remember why animation is an art form.

Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022) - Wait, hear me out. Yes, this is technically PG-13 and deals with adult themes, but it's about a recent college grad who becomes a party starter at bar/bat mitzvahs. If you've got a tween who's navigating social awkwardness and you want something that treats growing up with respect (not Disney Channel cringe), this is it. Watch it with them and be ready to talk about relationships and life transitions.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (2022) - This 35-minute animated short is based on the beloved book and it's just... lovely. It's about kindness, friendship, and asking for help. Perfect for the 8-10 crowd who might be dealing with anxiety or big feelings. Warning: you will cry. Your kids might not, but you absolutely will.

Hala (2019) - A coming-of-age story about a Muslim teenager navigating identity, faith, and family expectations. It's rated PG-13 for mature themes, but it's an important watch for families with tweens/teens who want to see nuanced storytelling about cultural identity. Not a "fun family movie night" pick, but a meaningful one.

CODA (2021) - This won the Oscar for Best Picture, and it deserves all the praise. It's about a hearing teenage girl who's the only hearing member of her deaf family, and it's funny, moving, and real. Great for families with teens who want something substantive. Some mature themes and language, but nothing gratuitous.

Finch (2021) - Tom Hanks in a post-apocalyptic world with a dog and a robot. It's quieter and more thoughtful than your typical sci-fi survival story. Good for 12+ who can handle some intensity and existential questions about humanity and companionship.

Let's be honest: Apple TV+ doesn't have a huge kids' library. If you're looking for:

...you're going to be disappointed. Apple TV+ is a supplement to your streaming diet, not the main course. Think of it as the streaming service equivalent of that fancy organic snack you buy at Whole Foods—nice to have, but you still need the basics at home.

The family movie selection is maybe 15-20 titles total. Compare that to Disney+ (hundreds) or Netflix (thousands, though quality varies wildly). Apple is clearly betting on quality over quantity, which is admirable but also means your kids might blow through the age-appropriate content in a weekend.

While this guide is about movies, I'd be doing you a disservice not to mention the family TV shows, because honestly, that's where Apple TV+ shines brighter:

Apple TV+ is pretty family-friendly by default, but here's what you need to know:

The Good:

The Limitations:

How to set it up: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Apps > TV Shows/Movies and set the rating limit. Learn more about Apple's parental controls here.

Here's my honest take: If you're only subscribing for family movies, probably not. The library is too small to justify $10/month just for kids' content.

But if you're already in the Apple ecosystem, or you want quality over quantity, or you're willing to watch the excellent adult content too (Ted Lasso, Severance, Shrinking), then it's a solid addition to your streaming rotation.

The best approach? Bundle it. Apple One (which includes TV+, Music, iCloud, and more) starts at $19.95/month for a family plan. If you're already paying for iCloud storage and Apple Music, it's basically free TV+.

Or do what many families do: rotate your subscriptions. Subscribe for a month, watch everything that interests you, cancel, come back in 6 months when there's new stuff. Apple TV+ doesn't punish you for this—there are no contracts or cancellation fees.

Apple TV+ is the streaming service equivalent of that really nice toy store that only stocks wooden, educational toys. You appreciate the curation and quality, but sometimes your kid just wants to watch the same comfort show for the 100th time, and that's not what this is.

Best for: Families who value quality over quantity, want thoughtful storytelling, and don't mind a smaller library.

Skip if: You need endless content to keep kids entertained, want classic movies and franchises, or are looking for one-stop streaming.

The move: Try the free trial (or use those free months that came with your device), watch Wolfwalkers and CODA, let your kids enjoy Stillwater, and then decide if it's worth keeping around. No shame in canceling and coming back later—this isn't a marriage, it's a subscription service.

And if you're trying to figure out how Apple TV+ fits into your family's overall screen time strategy, Screenwise can help you map out what's actually working for your specific family rather than just guessing based on what works for everyone else.