Being home with your family during social isolation can present some challenges. Sure, you love each other, and time together is precious. That doesn't stop each member of your family from missing other friends and people they'd normally see in their day-to-day lives.
You may be able to remedy that distance a bit thanks to Netflix Party. This easy-to-use Google Chrome browser extension helps you watch your favorite Netflix movies simultaneously with friends. The person starting a "party" picks a film, then hits the NP button in their browser. That generates a URL to send to friends to join the party. There's also a chat function that allows you to share messages while the movie's on.
During social distancing, Netflix Party offers a great opportunity to have a movie night with family and friends. For many families, that little bit of normalcy can go a long way. Here are some of the best family-friendly Netflix movies streaming now that you can start a party for.
'Next Gen'
Sentient robot technology rules Mai Su's world. The lonely, rebellious teen girl finds a friend in 7723, a top-secret weaponized robot. The two team up to take on a plot to put weaponized robots in every home to keep an eye on those living there.
'Space Jam'
Since the much-anticipated Space Jam sequel will likely be among the movies held up by production delays, it's a good time to revisit the original. Your favorite Looney Tunes characters team up with Michael Jordan. Their fight against the Monstars is a fun watch.
'A Little Princess'
This is a sweet remake of the 1939 Shirley Temple classic. A little girl finds herself living in a boarding school, as she believes she's been orphaned. Despite a bleak reality, Sara holds onto her belief that all little girls are princesses and creates her own magic.
'Spider–Man: Into the Spider-Verse'
The first-ever full length animated Spider-Man film does not disappoint. Miles Morales has big web-slingers to fill, and he does so despite what it means to the rest of his life. This one is absolutely deserving of all the award love it got.
'Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back — Evolution'
Pokémon's lasting power is for good reason. This film is a new adventure featuring Ash, Brock, and Misty and holds some nostalgia value for parents of a certain age. It's an action-packed adventure story with heart.
'Minecraft: Story Mode'
Netflix's interactive titles are an awesome way to get everyone engaged in movie night. With this Minecraft title, your choices allow you to shape an adventure. You can make it a team effort as you collect items, solve puzzles, and more.
'Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2'
Wreck-It Ralph was already huge with kids. Once you incorporate not one, but ALL of the Disney princesses, it becomes unstoppable. Ralph and Vanellope are on a mission to save her broken game, and they'll stop at nothing.
'Incredibles 2'
The long-awaited sequel to The Incredibles shows the ultimate mom struggle. As Elastigirl heads back to work, Mr. Incredible is in charge at home. The family has to work together while keeping the world from turning their back on superheroes.
'Captain Underpants Epic Choice-O-Rama'
This could be a fun reward for some Captain Underpants readers. Another interactive pick, you get to lead pranksters and comic book artists George Beard and Harold Hutchins through their adventure. Help them stop Mr. Krupp from destroying their treehouse.
'A Wrinkle in Time'
Meg and Charles are missing their dad. It's been five years since he used a tesseract to travel to a new planet that he discovered. Thanks to three mysterious astral travelers, they have a shot at seeing him again.
'Carmen Sandiego: To Steal or Not To Steal'
The most recent Netflix interactive title brings the beloved Carmen Sandiego back to her video-game roots. Carmen has to save Zack and Ivy after they've been kidnapped by V.I.L.E. If you make the right choices, you have the chance at unlocking a bonus scene.
'Monster Island'
Coming of age is a little different when you find out you're not quite human. As Lucas tries to figure out this part of his identity that he's just finding out about, he also deals with the usual pitfalls of being a teen. He returns to Monster Island for answers, where he learns about more than his family history.
'Good Burger'
What starts as a necessary summer job turns into the adventure of a lifetime for Dexter. He and his unusual coworker, Ed, find themselves fighting to save Good Burger from the competitive, sinister Mondo Burger. Along the way, the two teens discover that an unlikely friendship can get them through.
'The Rugrats Movie'
The first film adaptation of a beloved animated series touches on the moment a new baby joins the family. Tommy is excited to be a big brother, but that changes when Dil comes home. With his friends' help, he tries to bring Dil back to where he came from but ends up tracking a little farther from home than anticipated.
'Mary Poppins Returns'
When you need a bit of magic, look no further than Mary Poppins. Michael Banks and his three children are having a tough time when his childhood nanny returns. She brings some light back into their world at the time they need it most.
'Chicken Little'
Chicken Little becomes the butt of town jokes when he mistakes a falling acorn with the sky falling. He tries to make things right and make his dad proud. When something out of the ordinary starts happening, Chicken Little and his friends have to think fast to save the town.
'National Treasure'
This fun-filled adventure is entrenched in history. Modern treasure hunters are looking for some of the world's rarest treasures, rumored to be hidden by the founding fathers. A simple mission turns into a lot more than this team bargained for.
'Yours, Mine & Ours'
This beloved remake is one of the early depictions of life in a blended family. A mother of 10 and a father of eight are all ready to walk down the aisle. The only ones standing in the way of their happily ever after are their kids.
'Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer'
Judy Moody is a remarkable third grader who always seeks out an adventure. In search of the best summer of her life, Judy challenges her friends to accumulate "thrill points" as the weeks of summer pass by. When she finds herself lagging behind, she finds a chance to catch up thanks to Bigfoot.
'Hook'
Peter Pan is out of the game until his young children are kidnapped by Captain Hook. As Peter remembers who he is, with the help Tinker Bell, he recalls what life was like in Neverland. They enlist the Lost Boys in their adventure to rescue Peter's kids, but the boys aren't so thrilled to see the old duo.
