Top TV shows and films to keep your kids entertained

Weekends don’t need to be expensive when you have all this free content to keep the kids happy! Now sit back and relax as your children discover some of your favourite shows as well as some excellent new films! From TV shows for the littlest ones to exciting books brought to life, we’ve rounded up some of our absolute faves!

Films for all | For the little ones | Books brought to life 

Movies for the whole family

Minions (2015)

Watch now on ITVX

Did someone say BANNANA? Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are backkkkk, and this time we are treated to a blast from the past as we follow their journey to meeting Gru. On a mission to find a new master, the Minions head on a global trip, meeting Scarlett Overkill, a female super-villain who recruits them to take over the world! 

Surfs Up (2007)

Watch now on ITVX

This animated mockumentary comedy follows teenaged penguin Cody Maverick who is no ordinary penguin as he sets out to become the world’s greatest surfer! Leaving his chilly home behind, he dives headfirst into the ultimate competition, where he makes new friends, faces epic wipeouts, and discovers that being a true champion is about more than just riding the waves.

The Gruffalo (2009)

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

A clever little mouse sets off through the deep, dark wood, outsmarting every hungry predator he meets. But when he comes face-to-face with the terrifying Gruffalo, will his quick thinking be enough to keep him safe?

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Stream on ITVX

This wonderful movie tells the story of a very clever fox with a taste for stealing (particularly chickens)! After the local farmers get fed up with his thieving ways, they decide to try and destroy the foxes home, however Mr Fox hatches a plan for the biggest heist to date and the farmers soon discover that this is one fox they can’t outfox! 

Zog (2018)

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

Young Zog is desperate to learn how to fly, roar and breathe fire in his first years at Dragon school and wants to impress his teacher! However, he is an accident-prone dragon and is helped every year by a king young girl who patches up his cuts and bruises. In his fourth year he gets his toughest challenge yet, to capture a princess! Will the young girl help him? Age 5+

Madagascar

Watch now on ITVX

A mooooovie for everyone! Four spoilt zoo animals escape captivity and find themselves stranded on the island of Madagascar and must quickly adjust to life in the wild!

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Available now on ITVX

Set in a mythical fantasy world, young Viking teenager Hiccup decides to follow his tribe’s tradition of becoming a dragon slayer! However after finally capturing his dragon he finds he no longer wants to harm it and instead names him Toothless and they become friends!

Tabby McTat (2024)

Stream on BBC iPlayer

This wholesome family favourite follows a cat named Tabby McTat a singing cat who busks in London with his friend Fred, the pair are purrrrfectly happy until a thief steals the money and Fred ends up in hospital. When Tabby McTat meets Sock, they fall in love but Tabby McTat continues to wonder if he will ever find Fred and sing again! All ages

Miss Potter (2006)

Stream on 5

Journey into the life of the author behind Peter Rabbit with Miss Potter. This family friendly movie explores her childhood and her perseverance to do what she loves most – drawing animals and writing stories!

TV shows for the little ones

Wallace and Gromit

Available now on BBC iPlayer

A timeless classic that everyone must see! This series centres of Wallace, a warm-hearted, cheese-loving inventor and his loyal human-like beagle Gromit! This clever show with its deep moral messages is suitable for all ages!

Megamind Rules!

Stream on ITVX

This series picks up after the not-so-evil genius hangs up his villain cape and tries to go full time hero – which, spoiler alert, is wayyyyy messier than he thought! With his friend and Al, Megamind attempts to save the day… proving over and over again that being good can be just as chaotic as being bad!

Dennis & Gnasher Unleashed!

Stream in BBC iPlayer

Ideal for ages 6 and up, Dennis & Gnasher Unleashed explores the adventures of Dennis, his dog Gnasher, and their best friends JJ, Rubi and Pieface, where mischief is a requirement, and no days go by without a whoopee cushion or two! Dennis and the gang turn everyday in Beanotown into a prank-fuelled adventure with big laughs, big hearts and a very cool catapult!

Pocoyo

Available now on ITVX

This show is perfect for the very little ones! Join little Pocoyo the curious toddler as he enjoys exploring the world around him with Pato the yellow duck, Elly the pink elephant, Loula the dog and many other friends! Loved by children up to six!

Thomas and Friends

Stream now on 5

Located on the imaginary island of Sodor, Thomas the blue steam locomotive and his friends face the most exciting of adventures! From pulling tricks on new engines to playing in the snow, the trains have the best time! Suitable for all ages!

Arthur

Available now on BBC iPlayer

This series is perfect for children ages 4 to 8! Arthur follows the life of intelligent eight-year-old Arthur the aardvark who lives in the exciting town of Elwood City with his chef father David, accountant mother Jane and two little sisters Dora Winifred and Kate, oh and you mustn’t forget his dog Pal!

If you are looking for a show to pop on while you get some chores done or even just to have some time to yourself, Arthur is the perfect show for learning and growing!

Polly Pocket

Stream now on ITVX

Perfect for all ages! There’s no dream too big for Polly! Every time Polly is told she is ‘too little’ to do what she wants, she proves what every kid knows, being little isn’t a limitation! Suitable from five plus!

Thunderbirds Are Go

Stream on ITVX

Set in the year 2060, Thunderbirds Are Go follows the Tracy brothers- Scott, Virgil, Alan, Gordon, and John who work for International rescue: a life-saving organisation that operate from a very secret base in the Pacific ocean! This shows fun-packed and full of adventure, targeted at those aged 8 and older!

Books brought to life 

Famous Five 

Stream now on BBC iPlayer

Based on the world-famous books by Enid Blyton, The Famous Five tells the tale of four children and their dog Timothy as they solve mysteries and battle sinister forces all whilst having the most magical summer of their lives! For ages 6 and up!

Mallory Towers

Stream now on BBC iPlayer

Another Enid Blyton classic, this series is all about young Darrel Rivers and her exciting adventures at the boarding school Mallory Towers! With a midnight feast or two, many pranks thanks to trickster Alicia and a lot of drama due to drama queen Gwen, Darrel’s first term at Mallory Towers certainly has a lot in store! Age 7 plus!

The Worst Witch

Available now on BBC iPlayer

Broomsticks at the ready? Dive into the magical world with Mildred as she enters her first term at the magical Gradstein’s academy! With an excellent talent for attracting mischief and trouble and not much talent with magic, Mildred manages to create chaotic situations for herself and her friends! Age 6 and up!

His Dark Materials

Available now on BBC iPlayer

For the older ones aged 12 plus, this fantasy drama is based on the trilogy of novels by Phillip Pullman. In a parallel world ruled by the sinister Magisterium, a battle rages over a mysterious particle called dust. Can orphan Lyra stop the fight from spilling into our time?

For fans of the books this is a must see! 

Did you enjoy our recommendations? Why not check out our best family films and tv shows article for the slightly older children! And if you want to stay even moreee in the loop then sign up to our Freely Press newsletter!