Finding the perfect movie to enjoy with the whole family can make for some of the best memories. Fortunately, families can expect a wonderful selection of films to choose from this year, each designed to entertain and inspire both children and adults alike.
The year 2024 brought great family-friendly movies, including The Wild Robot, Inside Out 2, and Barbie. This year is expected to add more films to your list of movies to watch with your kids. Here are six of the most anticipated family-friendly films to have on your radar.
The Unbreakable Boy (Feb. 21)
The Unbreakable Boy is an upcoming family drama film based on the true story of Austin LeRette, a young boy living with both autism and a rare brittle-bone disease called osteogenesis imperfecta. Despite his challenges, Austin has an extraordinary spirit, a love for life, and a unique perspective that inspires everyone around him.
His father, Scott (played by Zachary Levi), initially struggles with fears about his son's future but learns to embrace joy and gratitude through Austin's unbreakable optimism.
Lilo & Stitch (May 23)
Disney's Lilo & Stitch is a live-action remake of the beloved 2002 animated classic. The film follows Lilo Pelekai, a spirited six-year-old living in Kauaʻi with her older sister and guardian, Nani, after their parents' passing. Lilo adopts Stitch, a genetically engineered alien fugitive designed for destruction. Initially chaotic and self-serving, Stitch learns the meaning of love and family through his bond with Lilo.
The story emphasizes the Hawaiian concept of ʻohana,' meaning "family," where no one gets left behind or forgotten.
Karate Kid: Legends (May 30)
Karate Kid: Legends is an exciting new chapter in the beloved Karate Kid franchise. The film will bring together characters from different eras of the series, including Jackie Chan, who will play the mentor of Kung Fu prodigy Li Fong (played by Ben Wang). The movie will also feature Ralph Macchio, who played the original Karate Kid.
Elio (June 13)
Elio is Pixar's upcoming animated sci-fi adventure. The movie follows Elio Solis, an 11-year-old boy with a big imagination and a love for all things space. Elio lives with his aunt, Olga, who works on a secret military project involving signals from outer space. One day, Elio accidentally intercepts one of these signals and is unexpectedly beamed up to the Communiverse, a giant intergalactic organization filled with alien representatives from across the universe.
With the aliens believing he is the Earth's ambassador, Elio must navigate strange alien worlds, form bonds with eccentric creatures, and face challenges that could decide the fate of Earth.
Wicked: For Good (Nov. 21)
Wicked: For Good is the sequel to Wicked, which was released last November. The sequel continues the story of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch of the North). Specifically, the film will focus on how Glinda embraces her role as a leader and becomes "good" in her own right while Elphaba continues her fight for justice.
Zootopia 2 (Nov. 26)
Zootopia 2 is a sequel to Disney's 2016 hit animated movie Zootopia. The sequel follows Detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they tackle their most complex case yet. A mysterious reptile named Gary the Snake arrives in Zootopia, turning the city upside down.
To solve the mystery, Judy and Nick must go undercover, exploring new parts of the city, like Marsh Market, a bustling district filled with semi-aquatic animals like hippos, seals, and beavers. Along the way, their partnership is tested as they uncover secrets that could shake Zootopia to its core.
