While schools are closed and the majority of Americans are cooped up at home, parents may be searching for more streaming content, educational or entertaining, to keep kids occupied inside.
Based on the inexplicable popularity of "The Angry Birds Movie 2" on Netflix, you've likely already given that one a spin.
But if not, give it a whirl. This kooky sequel nails the sweet spot of smart jokes for parents with enough colorfully wild anarchy for kids. It's got the vibe of the best Cartoon Network classics, like "The Powerpuff Girls," thanks to director Thurop Van Orman. Check it out for a moment of silliness.
All the Aardman Animation projects are treasures. These dialogue-free claymation films featuring a variety of farm animals are delightful, especially the ones following breakout star Shaun the Sheep. Shaun has a new feature film on Netflix, "Shaun the Sheep: Farmageddon." If you have yet to watch it, it's yet another sweet tale of interspecies adventure, as Shaun befriends a young extraterrestrial wreaking havoc on the farm. If you exhaust Shaun content, move on to "Wallace & Gromit," featuring the bumbling Wallace and his intelligent dog, Gromit. The whole video collection is streaming on Amazon Prime, and "The Curse of the Were-Rabbit" is available on Hulu and HBO. Plus, it feels slightly more cultured, being British.
For something more mature, or live-action, one of my favorite films from childhood is available on Netflix, Amazon and Tubi. Directed by future Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuaron, "A Little Princess" (1995), adapted from the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett, is a beautiful, heartbreaking and heartwarming film, anchored by an unforgettable lead performance by Liesel Matthews. For further exploring, have kids read the book, or watch the 1939 version starring Shirley Temple, available for free on Tubi.
