6 Best Nanny and Childcare Movies

By Vlad Zakh · June 22, 2026

Whether magical, menacing, or hilariously reluctant, the caretaker entrusted with someone else’s children has long been irresistible movie material. In Mary Poppins (1964): A magical, no-nonsense nanny transforms the lives of a troubled London family with whimsical adventures. Just as strong is Mrs. Doubtfire (1993): A recently divorced father disguises himself as an elderly nanny to stay close to his children.

The Nanny Diaries (2007)

TMDB ★ 6.0

A recent college graduate takes a nanny job for a wealthy Manhattan family with a dysfunctional home life.

Directed by Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini · 1h 45m · Rated PG-13

Where to watch

Stream: Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel · Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

Nanny McPhee (2005)

IMDb ★ 6.6 RT 74% Metacritic 59

A mysterious, magical nanny uses unconventional methods to tame a widower's seven unruly children.

Directed by Kirk Jones · 1h 37m · Rated PG

3 wins & 4 nominations

Where to watch

Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

IMDb ★ 7.1 RT 71% Metacritic 54

A recently divorced father disguises himself as an elderly nanny to stay close to his children.

Directed by Chris Columbus · 2h 05m · Rated PG-13

Won 1 Oscar11 wins & 10 nominations

Where to watch

Stream: Disney Plus, Hulu, FXNow · Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992)

TMDB ★ 6.6

A vengeful widow infiltrates a family as their nanny, secretly plotting to destroy their happiness.

Directed by Curtis Hanson · 1h 50m · Rated R

Where to watch

Stream: Peacock Premium, Peacock Premium Plus · Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

Uncle Buck (1989)

TMDB ★ 6.6

A slovenly, irresponsible uncle is unexpectedly left in charge of his brother's three unruly children.

Directed by John Hughes · 1h 40m · Rated PG

Where to watch

Stream: Netflix, YouTube TV, Netflix Standard with Ads · Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

Mary Poppins (1964)

IMDb ★ 7.8 RT 95% Metacritic 88

A magical, no-nonsense nanny transforms the lives of a troubled London family with whimsical adventures.

Directed by Robert Stevenson · 2h 19m · Rated G

Won 5 Oscars23 wins & 17 nominations

Where to watch

Stream: Disney Plus, BroadwayHD, Broadway HD Amazon Channel · Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

Streaming availability data from JustWatch, via TMDB. Availability changes often, so check the service before you plan a movie night.

Vlad Zakh

Founder, Movieix

Founder of Movieix, built to fix a specific annoyance: most recommendation sites are just algorithm-driven noise. Our lists are researched and organized by who's in a film, where it's from, and the mood you're actually in tonight.

6 Best Nanny and Childcare Movies

The Nanny Diaries (2007)

Nanny McPhee (2005)

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992)

Uncle Buck (1989)

Mary Poppins (1964)

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