Kids’ movies aren’t just for kids anymore. The most successful family films of the past few years have proven that they can be just as entertaining for adults, often dominating the box office and breaking streaming records. In 2023 alone, animated films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse raked in over a billion dollars each, while Disney+ and Netflix doubled down on their family-friendly offerings. And now, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years yet for kids’ movies.
From long-awaited sequels to surprise indie hits, here are the 16 must-watch kids’ movies of 2025 that will have everyone talking.
1. Dog Man: A New Chapter in Kids’ Movies
Based on Dav Pilkey’s beloved graphic novel series, Dog Man is set to bring humor and action-packed fun to the big screen. Pilkey’s previous adaptation, Captain Underpants, was a surprise success, and Dog Man is expected to follow in its footsteps with its mix of slapstick comedy and heartwarming moments. DreamWorks Animation is behind this adaptation, and if the trailers are anything to go by, fans can expect vibrant animation that stays true to the quirky art style of the books.
Behind the scenes, the animators have worked closely with Pilkey to ensure the film stays true to the books’ unique, kid-drawn aesthetic. The voice cast includes top comedic talents, and early test screenings have hinted at a film packed with hilarious gags and a strong emotional core.
2. Snow White: Disney’s New Spin on Classic Kids’ Movies
Disney’s live-action remake of the 1937 classic is finally here. Starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, this highly anticipated film is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the fairy tale while staying true to its magical roots. Directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man), this adaptation promises to feature stunning visual effects and a more modern take on Snow White’s character, emphasizing her bravery and leadership.
The film’s production has been under close scrutiny, with debates about its modernization and how it will balance tradition with innovation. The sets have been built to mirror the storybook feel of the original, while the music—composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land)—aims to introduce new songs while honoring the iconic “Someday My Prince Will Come.”
3. Minecraft: The Movie – A Pixelated Journey in Kids’ Movies
The long-awaited Minecraft adaptation is finally arriving, featuring Jack Black as Steve and Jason Momoa in an undisclosed role. The live-action film promises to bring the pixelated world of Minecraft to life in a way that will excite both longtime players and new audiences alike. Warner Bros. has worked closely with Mojang Studios to ensure the film stays true to the game’s endless creativity. Given Minecraft’s immense popularity, this movie could be one of the biggest gaming adaptations to date.
Filming took place in a mixture of CGI and practical sets, blending digital landscapes with real-world elements to create an immersive experience. The creative team faced a unique challenge in translating Minecraft’s blocky aesthetic into a visually engaging film. Leaks from the set suggest a mix of adventure and humor that will appeal to both kids and nostalgic adult gamers.
4. Lilo & Stitch: A Heartfelt Live-Action Kids’ Movie
One of Disney’s most beloved animated films is getting a live-action adaptation. Lilo & Stitch follows the heartwarming story of a Hawaiian girl and her mischievous blue alien pet. With Chris Sanders returning as the voice of Stitch and Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On) directing, expectations are high for this remake to capture the charm and emotional depth of the original. Filming took place in Hawaii, adding authenticity to the story’s setting.
Reports from the set indicate a strong emphasis on practical effects, blending CGI with real-world environments to make Stitch look as believable as possible. The film is said to feature new music inspired by traditional Hawaiian melodies, paying homage to the cultural significance of the original.
5. Elio: Pixar’s Bold New Kids’ Movie
Pixar’s latest animated feature follows a young boy named Elio who is mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador by an intergalactic organization. With its imaginative premise and Pixar’s signature emotional depth, Elio is expected to be one of the standout animated films of the year. Adrian Molina, the co-director of Coco, is at the helm, which suggests the movie will blend humor with a heartfelt message about identity and belonging.
Early concept art reveals stunning cosmic landscapes, and Pixar’s signature attention to detail is expected to shine. The film explores themes of self-discovery, curiosity, and what it means to belong, making it relatable for kids and adults alike.
6. How to Train Your Dragon (Live-Action): A New Era for Kids’ Movies
DreamWorks is taking one of its most beloved franchises and bringing it to live-action. Fans of the original animated trilogy will finally see Hiccup and Toothless in a new, realistic cinematic format. With Dean DeBlois, the original director, returning, there’s confidence that the magic of the original will be preserved. The cast includes Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid, promising a fresh yet faithful adaptation.
7. The Bad Guys 2: The Return of Slick Kids’ Movies
Following the success of The Bad Guys in 2022, this sequel continues the story of Mr. Wolf and his gang of reformed villains as they take on new adventures. The first film’s slick animation and heist-style action made it a hit, and the sequel aims to up the ante.
8. Wicked Part 2: The Musical Magic Continues in Kids’ Movies
The second part of the Wicked film adaptation continues the origin story of the witches of Oz. The first film set the stage for Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship and their gradual shift into opposing forces. This grand conclusion will showcase their climactic battle in spectacular fashion.
9. Zootopia 2: More Mystery and Adventure in Kids’ Movies
Disney is finally giving fans a sequel to Zootopia, one of the most critically acclaimed animated films of the past decade. The film will introduce new districts of Zootopia, expanding the worldbuilding and diving deeper into the animal metropolis’ societal complexities.
10. Untitled SpongeBob SquarePants Movie: The Absurd Fun of Kids’ Movies
Nickelodeon has hinted at new characters and a wild, imaginative story that embraces the absurd humor of the TV series.
11. A Sloth Story: The Heartwarming Adventure of Kids’ Movies
This film is expected to deliver a heartfelt message about resilience and environmental conservation, using beautiful animation to tell its story.
12. Henry Danger: The Movie – Superhero Kids’ Movies on the Big Screen
Fans of the show can expect plenty of action and comedy as Henry tackles his biggest challenge yet.
13. Freakier Friday: A New Take on Classic Kids’ Movies
A sequel to the 2003 hit Freaky Friday promises a fresh take on the classic body-swap comedy.
14. The Electric State: Sci-Fi Adventure in Kids’ Movies
A visually stunning sci-fi adventure, this film is expected to be a must-watch for families and sci-fi enthusiasts.
15. Mickey 17: A Sci-Fi Twist in Kids’ Movies
Bong Joon-ho’s adaptation of Mickey7 is an ambitious, mind-bending sci-fi tale starring Robert Pattinson.
16. Mufasa: The Lion King: Exploring Iconic Characters in Kids’ Movies
A prequel exploring the origins of Mufasa, featuring breathtaking visuals and an emotional story directed by Barry Jenkins.
With so many exciting releases on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for kids’ movies. Which film are you most excited to see? Check more out here! Share your thoughts in the comments below!
