9 Family-Friendly Alternatives to Netflix and Disney Plus

At some point in the past five years, I gave up on the major streaming services. Maybe it was when they began slipping R-rated content into their supposed family-friendly titles. Perhaps it was when I stumbled upon PG-13 content in a series geared toward children. Or maybe the tipping point was when I enjoyed Season 1 of a fun show, only to be blindsided by unbiblical content in Season 2.

A 2023 study by the Parents Television and Media Council found that only 15 percent of original content on Netflix is rated PG, G, TV-Y, or TV-Y7. That study did not include Disney Plus, which has since merged with the ultra-non-family-friendly service Hulu.

I still watch Netflix and Disney Plus occasionally, but nowhere near as much as I used to. Their content no longer aligns with my values. And I'm certain I'm not the only one who feels this way.

Here's the good news: Christian families are living in a Renaissance-era for faith-centric inspiring content. The days of endless searching for quality programming are over. Now, the real question is: What will you choose?

Here are nine family-friendly alternatives to Netflix and Disney Plus.

Great American Pure Flix

Pure Flix

The service, once known merely as "Pure Flix," gained a new name in 2023 when it merged with Great American Media and expanded its library of content. Great American Pure Flix celebrates "faith, family and country," according to its tagline. It includes romantic comedies, dramas, faith-based titles, and children's content, featuring such names as Candace Cameron Bure, Alexa and Carlos PenaVega, and Jen Lilley. Children's titles include VeggieTales, SuperBook, and Torchlighters. Visit PureFlix.com.

Sample titles: Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case For The Winemaker, B&B Merry, Vindication, The Blind, Legacy Peak, The Case for Christ, County Rescue, Shadrach, God's Not Dead series.

Price: $9.99 a month or $89.99 annually. 7-day free trial.

FRNDLY

20th Century Fox Television

This streaming service is not Christian but, nevertheless, offers 50-plus channels that will pique the interest of many faith-centric parents. Channels include Great American Family, UpTV, Hallmark, the Dove Channel, MeTV, MeTV Toons, BYUTV, the History Channel, the Weather Channel, and the Game Show Network. In other words, it includes much of what you'd want from a TV package minus the sports and news. Its mission is to give you "feel-good, quality TV for less," its website says. Visit FrndlyTV.com.

Sample titles: Not applicable.

Price: Monthly prices are $7.99, $9.99 and $11.99 a month, depending on the plan. (The latter two tiers offer a DVR service.) 7-day free trial.

Up Faith and Family

UP Faith & Family

This streaming service was launched by UpTV in 2022 and bills itself as the "premier streaming destination for uplifting entertainment." It's the home of Heartland, including the 17th season, as well as romantic comedies, dramas, faith-based titles, and children's series. "We curate a collection of heartwarming content that resonates with viewers seeking inspiration, faith, and family-friendly entertainment," its website says. Visit UpFaithandFamily.com.

Sample titles: Heartland, Hudson & Rex, Vindication, Lonesome Dove, Writing a Love Song, Jesus Calling, Doc, Tulsa, These Stones.

Price: $5.99 a month. 7-day free trial.

Angel

Angel Studios

The studio that helped turn Sound of Freedom into a surprise blockbuster has a streaming service that houses its growing library of titles. Its mission is to produce content that "amplifies light," a principle it defines as "whatever is true, honest, noble, just, authentic, lovely, admirable, or excellent" (Philippians 4:8). By signing up for its streaming service, members become part of the "Angel Guild" and can help vote on potential future projects. Visit Angel.com.

Sample titles: Sound of Freedom, Sound of Hope, Cabrini, Sight, The Wingfeather Saga, Drybar Comedy, His Only Son.

Price: Ranges from free to $12 a month and $20 a month.

Sight & Sound TV

Sight & Sound Theater

If Broadway-style Bible musicals are your passion, this service may be for you. Sight & Sound TV is the streaming arm of Sight & Sound Theatres, which has locations in Lancaster, Pa., and Branson., Mo., and offers live-stage productions based on biblical stories and characters: David, Esther, Moses, Noah, Samson, Ruth, and Jesus, among them. (The stage is 300 feet wide.) The streaming service is the next best thing to watching a show in person. Visit Sight-Sound.TV.

Sample titles: Jesus, David, Queen Esther, Moses, Samson, Noah, Jonah, Joseph.

Price: $89.99 a year.

Redeem TV

Fathom Events

This donor-supported, ad-free streaming service was launched by the Christian History Institute but has since grown to include more than mere educational content. Its website says it offers an "ever-growing library of over 1,500 quality dramas, documentaries, animated features, children's favorites, series and Bible studies." For example, the home page touts Vindication and Sue Thomas F.B.Eye, along with The Pilgrim's Progress and an impressive list of documentaries. Visit RedeemTV.com.

Sample titles: Vindication, Sue Thomas F.B.Eye, The Pilgrim's Progress, Princess Cut, The Torchlighters, Joni, Affectionately Yours, Screwtape: The Devil and C.S Lewis.

Price: Free (donor-supported), with an "additional donor content" tier for viewers who donate.

Minno

Minno YouTube

This Christian streaming service is geared toward children ages 3-12 and includes 123 shows and 2,524 episodes for hours and hours of "Christ-centric, kid-focused" content, according to its website. "Our catalog is handpicked and curated by our team -- it's not only safe, it's wholesome and God-centered," the site says. Each title goes through a rigorous 50-plus point checkpoint system to "ensure that it meets our high standards." Visit GoMinno.com.

Sample titles: VeggieTales, Young David, Suni the Super Unicorn, What's in the Bible?, 321 Penguins, Bibleman, Owlegories.

Price: $8.99 a month or $69.99 a year. 7-day free trial.

Dove Channel

Paxson Entertainment

Advertising itself as a home for "stories of heart and hope," the Dove Channel is simultaneously a streaming service and a linear channel that offers romantic comedies, dramas, adventures, and children's titles. "We are on a mission to curate an enriching collection of woman-centered, comfort viewing that leaves you inspired and uplifted," its website says. Visit DoveChannel.com.

Sample titles: Play, Loving Every Minute, Love at the Lodge, 12 Dares of Christmas, Couples Up for Christmas, Sue Thomas F.B.Eye.

Price: Ranges from free to $4.99 a month. 7-day free trial.

Trying out these family-friendly alternatives can spice up your screen time and offer something new for everyone. Dive into these options and enjoy fresh, fun content that brings everyone together!