What the best movies for kids to watch in 2017 and 2018? Here’s the good news: Summer blockbuster season may have departed, but that doesn’t mean the best family movies are long gone. The year still features many great films hitting theaters over the course of the next several months. In fact, they’re probably better than most summer popcorn flicks. From the next chapter in the popular Star Wars franchise to new original films from Pixar and Lionsgate, family movie season is just getting started. Here are 10 of the best kids movies for 2017 and 2018 that you’ll want to tune in and catch as well.
Release: Out Now
Already a success in the U.K. and in France, this animated feature finally has hit the U.S. The film follows an orphan girl who dreams of becoming a ballerina and by chance is accepted to the Paris Opera Ballet school. The animated film looks like a sincere and inspiring tale for the wannabe dancers in your family, and with Elle Fanning voicing the lead character, you can exect a solid acting performance.
Release: 9/22
LEGO’s third feature film is the first to not feature already-known characters like Batman. Instead it’s based solely on LEGO’s successful Ninjago toy line. It follows a familiar kung-fu theme — six teens are chosen by an old ninja master to defeat the evil within the land of Ninjago. Considering how consistently entertaining LEGO’s films have been, this new release comes highly anticipated: Plus, the Drunken Master himself, Jackie Chan, voices the ninja master.
Release: 10/6
The successful reboot of this popular ’80s franchise is finally hitting the big screen. If your kids are fans of the show, you’ll know what to expect. But the big spin for the feature film is that this pony show will be a musical. Everything from the series is here, including the original cast, but there also will be all-new characters to meet in Twilight Sparkle’s biggest adventure yet.
Release: 10/6
Based on the real-life process of creation of Winnie the Pooh, Robin follows the story of author A.A. Milne and how his son, Christopher Robin, inspired the beloved children’s book series. The heartwarming film not only shows the creation of the books, but also touches on the fame that follows the Milne family and the deep bond forged between father and son.
Release: 11/22
The first non-sequel film by Pixar since 2015’s The Good Dinosaur is perhaps the studio’s riskiest movie yet. Taking a page from Mexican folklore, Coco follows Miguel, a young boy who travels to the Land of the Dead with his dog Dante by accident. We’re already excited just looking at the quality of animation and artwork alone.
Release: 11/10
It’s the story of the birth of baby Jesus, albeit seen entirely from the eyes of camels rode by the Three Wise Men. From the makers from the criminally underrated Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, its star-studded cast features Tracy Morgan, Tyler Perry and Keegan Michael Key (just to name a few), suggesting that the film could be an unexpected hit with families.
Release: 12/22
Based on the popular children’s book The Story of Ferdinand, this movie explores the same story of a fighting bull, Ferdinand, who doesn’t like violence and would rather not charge at matadors. Instead, the fighting bull would rather smell flowers and live a peaceful life. The book has inspired readers for generations (Lena Dunham even has the bull tattooed on her arm), and it’s anticipated the Hollywood version of the tale will also prove a popular favorite.
Release: 12/20
Nowadays, when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is in a film, it’s often a formula for success, and Jumanji looks not to break with tradition. Taking place 20 years after the original 1995 film, the sequel sees The Rock, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan surviving the dangers of the jungle, which also takes place inside of a video game. It sounds confusing, but the trailers look like this is a can’t-miss family classic in the making (depending on what the final rating will be).
Release: 11/17
Based on the 2012 children’s novel by R. J. Palacio, Wonder follows Auggie, a young boy with a facial deformity who has a hard time adjusting to a new school. The book was a hit with readers and critics, and the film looks to touch on the same notes of tenderness thanks to a strong cast, including Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and young actor Jacob Tremblay, who made the world cry in the heart-wrenching film, Room. Luckily, Wonder doesn’t look to be nearly as intense.
Release: 12/15
With only three films in the Star Wars series receiving a PG-13 rating (all others were rated PG), chances are the new film will be in line with the previous iterations and never reach an R rating. The Last Jedi is the second installment of the new trilogy, and so fans will finally get to see Luke Skywalker, at the very least, speaking on film for the first time in decades. Details are scarce, but the cast from The Force Awakens returns along with some newcomers, including Benicio del Toro and Laura Dern.
A native New Yorker, Carlos knows a lot(!) about pro-wrestling and still foolishly supports the Mets. Now living in New England with his wife and daughter, Carlos has written for www.Fatherly.com, ESPN, WWE, Men’s Journal, and Muscle & Fitness. When he’s not writing, Carlos is always looking for a new craft beer to drink.
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