For parents who want their kids to avoid scary movies and most things related to Halloween, October can be a difficult month to find new streaming options.
Thankfully, though, the major streaming platforms are offering a handful of family-friendly, non-frightening releases this month, even if the list of their new titles is dominated by ghosts and goblins.
This month, parents can watch a classic television series, an interactive nature show and a kid-friendly animated movie, among others.
And none of them will frighten you.
Here are seven new family movies and television shows streaming this month:
1. Little House on the Prairie (Peacock TV)
It’s a classic television series based on a series of classic books by Laura Ingalls Wilder about her childhood. The show tells the story of Wilder and her 1800s pioneer family as they try to make a living in Walnut Grove, Minn. It won four Primetime Emmys and starred Melissa Gilbert, Michael Landon and Karen Grassle. All nine seasons are available on the free side of Peacock TV. TV-PG.
2. Among the Stars (Disney Plus)
This six-part documentary series follows NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy as he trains for and performs tasks in the International Space Station. The film includes footage from Earth and space and was made in collaboration with NASA and space agencies in Europe, Japan and Russia. (The documentary was filmed prior to SpaceX launching manned missions, so Cassidy boards a Russian rocket on his way to the ISS.) TV-PG.
3. Smartest Kids in the World (Discovery Plus)
It’s a fascinating look at the strengths of education systems in four different countries that are known for their academic achievements: South Korea, Finland, Switzerland and the Netherlands. The documentary is based on a book of the same name and follows four American exchange students who study abroad. It asks the question: What could America learn from other nations? Rated TV-PG.
4. You vs. Wild Out Cold (Netflix)
Bear Grylls once again fights for survival in deadly natural conditions – only this time, you’re in charge of what he does. Out Cold is the third interactive You vs. Wild Netflix title that allows the user to control Grylls’ actions (via your remote control or your keypad). In the plot of Out Cold, Grylls faces major challenges after a plane crash. TV-PG.
5. Nothing But the Truth (Streaming)
It’s a documentary that features some of the top minds in evangelicalism as it tackles a question at the heart of Scripture: What is truth? The film was produced by Love Worth Finding ministries and includes interviews with Lee Strobel, Tony Evans and Albert Mohler, among others. It also features research from George Barna and the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. Visit NBTmovie.com.
6. Spirit Untamed (Hulu)
It’s a feature-length animated film about Lucky Prescott, the spunky 12-year-old frontier girl who has a passion for horses and who develops a bond with a Mustang named “Spirit.” The film is based on the Netflix series and provides a cinematic backstory to Lucky’s life in Miradero. It’s 100 percent kid-friendly and launches on Hulu on Oct. 31. Rated PG for some adventure action.
7. Growing Up Animal (Disney Plus)
This six-part original National Geographic series provides an intimate look at animal “babies” in the wild as they and their moms battle various trials in order to survive. Tracee Ellis Ross narrates it. Each episode follows a different animal, beginning with grizzlies and continuing with sea lions, elephants, wild dogs, chimpanzees and lions. TV-PG.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Monkey Business Images
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.