The Best Kids' Movies of 2024

It’s time to look ahead and plan those fun-filled movie nights for your family to share together throughout 2024. This year’s slate does not disappoint and includes something that kids (and adults!) at every age and stage can enjoy.

From returning favorites and sequels to brand-new adventures, 2024 is a big year for family fun at the movies.

The Pixar hits Soul, Turning Red, and Luca, which did not get a theatrical release thanks to the pandemic, were all finally shared on the big screen. Of course, a brand-new Pixar movie—which is also one of the most anticipated sequels—is on the way as the sequel to Inside Out hits theaters this summer.

For parents, there’s plenty of throwbacks and nostalgia in the mix, including Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, which takes the beloved franchise back to where things first started getting spooky—that infamous firehouse in New York City. And for throwback favorites, Garfield, the comic strip cat from the 80s, best known for the cat that hates Mondays and loves lasagna, is ready to be introduced to a new generation.

Then there's a new adventure called IF, starring Ryan Reynolds and written and directed by John Krasinski, about a little girl who can see the imaginary friends that grown-ups left behind. This is going to be one of those transcendent family films that will delight the kids while giving adults all the feels!

Whether you’re heading to the theater or cozying up on your couch, here’s your month-by-month guide to the best family-friendly flicks coming your way. Just add popcorn (maybe some Sno-Caps, too) and enjoy the show(s)!

JANUARY

Soul

When and Where to Watch: Now on Disney+

Starring: Jaime Foxx, Tina Fey

The Academy Award-winning animated film Soul missed its moment in theaters as it was released in 2020—when the world was still shut down. My family found so much solace in this film from the safety of our couch, but we cannot wait to see this beautiful movie, about living life to the fullest, as it was intended—on the big screen. Disney is releasing two more Pixar films that debuted on streaming during the pandemic, including Turning Red and Luca.

What Parents Should Know: Be prepared for questions—especially if your child has yet to experience the death of a loved one. Soul touches on complex themes including life, death, the afterlife, and searching for purpose and meaning in our lives.

FEBRUARY

Orion and the Dark

When and Where to Watch: Now on Netflix

Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Paul Walter Hauser

In this animated adventure, Orion (Tremblay) is a young boy with many fears ranging from heights to pets. But the one that has him the most rattled? The dark! To help change his tune, the Dark (Hauser) takes Orion on a nighttime trip to prove the famous adage you’ve likely told your own kids once or twice—the only thing to fear is fear itself!

What Parents Should Know: Orion sketches out his anxieties and fears in a book and some of those images—which include murderous clowns, bugs, public humiliation, and bullying at school—start to come alive (though still in his imagination). Over all, the film encourages kids to push through fears so they can enjoy life and live it to the fullest.

Tiger's Apprentice

When and Where to Watch: Now on Paramount+

Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding, Brandon Soo Hoo

Tom (Soo Hoo) is a normal boy who lives with his grandmother (Yeoh) in San Francisco's Chinatown. It turns out that despite being a little eccentric, his grandmother is actually the Guardian of the Phoenix Egg! When she perishes in battle, Tom must apprentice with an unlikely mentor—a tiger named Mr. Hu (Golding)—to learn ancient magic he needs to know to become the egg's new protector.

What Parents Should Know: Overall, this film promotes courage, family bonds, and lots of teamwork. But you can expect some mild (and humorous) violence with monster-like demons, plus magical powers that do it all from turning people to stone to causing fart explosions from a goat.

Turning Red

When and Where to Watch: Now on Disney+

Starring: Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh

Turning Red is one of three Pixar movies that never made it to theaters thanks to Covid, and if you have a tween or teen daughter—it’s a must-watch. This beautiful coming-of-age story focuses on 13-year-old Mei Lee (Chiang) going through all the normal turmoil of puberty—butting heads with her mom (Oh), emotional roller coasters, drama with friends . . . except Mei Lee has it a little tougher than your average girl. Why? She transforms into a giant red panda whenever she gets over-excited!

What Parents Should Know: Puberty and adolescence are the main themes in this film so there's plenty of references to periods and crushes, which can open up discussions about changing bodies and hormones. There's some mild language, but overall this is a story that encourages many positive family discussions.