Ages: 6+
Runtime: ~100 minutes
What it is: Pixar's latest about an 11-year-old space enthusiast who gets beamed up to an intergalactic summit and accidentally becomes Earth's ambassador.

Pixar's been in a weird place lately (we're all still processing what happened with Lightyear), but Elio feels like a return to form. The animation is gorgeous, the alien designs are creative without being nightmare fuel, and there's actual humor that lands for both kids and adults.

The good: The representation here is genuinely thoughtful—Elio has anxiety and it's portrayed as just part of who he is, not his entire personality or something that needs "fixing." Plus, the voice cast (Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Jameela Jamil) brings real warmth to the characters.

The watch-out: There are a few intense sequences where Elio is genuinely in danger. Nothing traumatizing, but if you've got a particularly sensitive 6-year-old, maybe wait a year. Also, prepare for your kids to suddenly become very interested in astronomy and want a telescope for their birthday.

Ages: 7+
Runtime: ~110 minutes

Disney's live-action remake train continues, and honestly? This one doesn't completely miss the mark. The CGI Stitch is less uncanny valley than you'd expect, and they kept the core emotional beats about grief, family, and belonging that made the original work.

What works: They didn't try to modernize it too much or add unnecessary subplots. The Hawaiian setting is treated with more cultural respect than the 2002 version, and the Elvis soundtrack still slaps.

What doesn't: It's just... fine? If your kids have never seen the original, they'll probably love it. But if you've watched the animated version 47 times (and let's be real, you have), this feels like ordering the same meal at a restaurant and being mildly disappointed it doesn't taste exactly like you remember.

Ages: 8+ (if you must)
Runtime: Too long, whatever it is

I'm just going to say it: this movie is a mess. The "girlboss" reimagining of Snow White feels forced, the dwarfs are... a choice, and the whole thing can't decide if it wants to be a musical, an action movie, or a meditation on leadership.

Rachel Zegler is talented and deserves better material. The production drama leaked into the final product, and it shows. Your kids will be bored, you'll be checking your phone, and everyone will wish you'd just put on Encanto again.

Skip it. Seriously. There are so many better options this year.

Ages: 8+
Runtime: ~105 minutes

If you have a kid who plays Minecraft, you're seeing this movie. That's just how this works. The question is: will you enjoy it?

Surprisingly... kind of? It's not high art, but it's also not the disaster many of us feared. Jack Black as Steve is doing his Jack Black thing (which works here), and the plot—four misfits get pulled into the Minecraft world and have to find their way home—is serviceable enough.

The reality check: This is a movie made for kids who spend hours watching Minecraft YouTube videos. The humor is very "Minecraft meme culture," which means you'll understand about 60% of the jokes. Your 10-year-old will understand 100% and will explain them to you in excruciating detail on the car ride home.

Parent tip: If your kid hasn't played Minecraft yet and this movie sparks interest, here's what you need to know about Minecraft before saying yes.

Ages: 3-7
Runtime: ~75 minutes

For the preschool crowd who've been watching Gabby's Dollhouse on Netflix, this is basically an extended episode with slightly better animation. It's colorful, sweet, teaches basic emotional regulation, and won't make you want to claw your eyes out.

That's it. That's the review. Sometimes "perfectly fine for a rainy afternoon" is exactly what you need.

Ages: 8+
Runtime: ~115 minutes

Another live-action remake, but here's the thing: the original How to Train Your Dragon trilogy is legitimately great filmmaking. The question was whether they could capture any of that magic with real actors and CGI dragons.

Early word is... they might have pulled it off? Mason Thames (from The Black Phone) brings real vulnerability to Hiccup, and the dragons look incredible. The flying sequences are apparently worth seeing on a big screen.

The concern: The original movies dealt with some heavy themes—disability, war, loss. This version seems to be leaning into that rather than softening it, which is good for storytelling but means this isn't for your sensitive 6-year-old.

Ages: 10+
Runtime: ~130 minutes

Marvel's been hit-or-miss lately (mostly miss), but this reboot is getting surprisingly positive buzz. Set in the 1960s with a retro-futuristic aesthetic, it's apparently more about the family dynamic than CGI battles.

Why it works for families: It's rated PG-13, but on the lighter end—more adventure than violence. The cast (Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby) has real chemistry, and the story is accessible even if your kids haven't seen 47 previous Marvel movies.

The superhero fatigue question: If your family is burnt out on Marvel, this won't change your mind. But if you've got kids who are just getting into superheroes, this is a solid entry point.

Ages: 11+
Runtime: ~115 minutes

This is either going to be really cool or completely incomprehensible to anyone under 40. It's a sequel to Tron: Legacy (which came out in 2010, making you feel ancient), with Jared Leto as an AI program that escapes into the real world.

Why it's on this list: The visual design is stunning, and if you've got tweens who are interested in AI, gaming, or just really cool aesthetics, this could spark some interesting conversations. It's also one of the few family-appropriate movies this year that actually tries to engage with technology in a thoughtful way.

The caveat: This is not for younger kids. It's dark, the pacing is slow in places, and the themes are pretty heady. But for 11-14 year olds? Could be exactly their thing.

Ages 3-6:

Ages 7-10:

Ages 11+:

As always, you know your kids best. These are guidelines, not rules. Some 9-year-olds can handle more intense content, some 12-year-olds still get scared easily. Check out our movie rating system if you want more detailed breakdowns.

The theater experience matters. Some of these (How to Train Your Dragon, Tron: Ares) are designed for big screens. Others (Gabby's Dollhouse) will be just fine when they hit streaming in a few weeks. Consider whether the $80+ theater trip is worth it for your family.

Post-movie conversations are valuable. Movies like Elio and Fantastic Four touch on themes of belonging, anxiety, and family that can open up good discussions with your kids. Don't waste the opportunity by immediately moving on to "what do you want for dinner?"

Marketing is everywhere. If your kid sees Minecraft or Lilo & Stitch, prepare for the merchandising avalanche. Set expectations before you go about whether this is a "just the movie" outing or a "yes, you can get one thing from the gift shop" situation.

Streaming vs. theaters: In 2025, most of these will be on streaming within 45-60 days. If you're on a budget or have a kid who can't sit still for two hours, waiting is totally fine. The movie police will not come to your house.

2025 isn't a banner year for family movies, but there's enough good stuff to make it work. Elio and How to Train Your Dragon are your best bets for actual quality family time. Minecraft is fine if you're already in that ecosystem. Skip Snow White unless you enjoy suffering.

And remember: a "good family movie" doesn't mean everyone loves it equally. It means nobody is miserable and you get 90+ minutes where your kids aren't asking for snacks or fighting with each other. Sometimes that's the real win.

Want more recommendations? Check out our guides on best family movies on Netflix, movies that teach emotional intelligence, or how to talk to kids about what they watch.