TL;DR
Mary Poppins Returns is a rare sequel that actually respects the source material while carving out its own identity. Emily Blunt is stellar, Lin-Manuel Miranda brings the energy, and the music is catchy—even if it doesn't quite hit the "Supercalifragilistic" heights of the original. It’s a bit more somber (grief and financial ruin are central themes), but it’s a "safe" family watch for ages 6 and up.
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Released 54 years after the original, Mary Poppins Returns isn't a remake; it’s a continuation. We find ourselves back at 17 Cherry Tree Lane during the "Great Slump" (the Depression). The Banks children, Jane and Michael, are all grown up. Michael is a struggling artist and recent widower with three kids of his own: John, Annabel, and Georgie.
The family is in a tailspin. Michael is grieving his wife and facing the foreclosure of their home by the very bank his father worked for. Just as things look bleakest, the kite from the first movie flies into the park, and Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) descends from the clouds to take charge of the new generation of Banks children.
If your kids are used to the high-octane, frantic pace of modern YouTube "brain rot" or the sensory overload of Cocomelon, Mary Poppins Returns might feel slow at first. But once it gets going, it wins them over with:
- The Visual Spectacle: The sequence inside the Royal Doulton china bowl is a masterpiece of traditional 2D animation blended with live action. It’s vibrant, weird, and feels like a classic Disney fever dream.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda: If your household has listened to Hamilton or Encanto on repeat, his presence as Jack the lamplighter is a huge draw. His "street-smart" energy and Cockney (ish) accent provide a fun foil to Mary’s primness.
- The Music: Songs like "Can You Imagine That?" and "Trip a Little Light Fantastic" are high-energy production numbers that keep younger viewers engaged.
- The Magic: From a bathtub that leads to an ocean to a cousin (Meryl Streep) whose house turns upside down, the "how did they do that?" factor is high.
Ask our chatbot for more movies that feature 2D animation mixed with live action
Let’s be real: replacing Julie Andrews is an impossible task. But Emily Blunt doesn't try to be Julie Andrews. Her Mary Poppins is actually a bit closer to the P.L. Travers books—she’s vainer, sharper, and a little more mysterious. She’s "practically perfect," and she definitely knows it.
Blunt brings a dry wit that parents will appreciate. She isn't sugary sweet; she’s the kind of nanny who will give you a side-eye for having a messy room but then take you on a journey through a porcelain bowl. It’s a performance that feels modern without losing the DNA of the character.
While the original Mary Poppins had its moments of tension (the bank scene can be stressful for kids), the sequel leans harder into real-world stakes.
Grief and Loss
The movie opens with the family mourning the death of Michael’s wife. This isn't just a background detail; it’s the driving emotional force. The song "The Place Where Lost Things Go" is a beautiful, gentle way to talk about death with kids, but be prepared for some "why is the dad crying?" questions.
Financial Anxiety
The threat of losing the house is constant. For sensitive kids, the idea of being "homeless" or losing their belongings can be more frightening than a CGI monster. Michael’s stress is palpable, and he occasionally snaps at his children, which might be uncomfortable for some viewers.
Mild Peril
There is a chase sequence inside the animated world involving a "Wolf" (who represents the greedy bank manager). It’s stylized, but it can be a bit spooky for the under-5 crowd. The wolf and his henchmen kidnap the children’s toy, leading to a dark, foggy carriage chase.
Check out our guide on helping kids process themes of loss in movies
If your family enjoyed the whimsical, musical vibes of Mary Poppins Returns, here are a few other picks that hit similar notes:
This is arguably the gold standard for "wholesome family movies that aren't boring." It captures that same London charm but with a bit more humor and a lot more marmalade. It’s a 10/10 for all ages.
If your kids liked the "rebellious" energy of the Banks children and the high-production dance numbers, the Netflix adaptation of Matilda is a great follow-up. It’s a bit darker and more "Roald Dahl," but the music is fantastic.
For a throwback that matches the "eccentric inventor/magical transport" vibe, you can't go wrong here. Just be warned: the Child Catcher is still terrifying, even in 2026.
If you want to show them more of Julie Andrews being the GOAT of musical nannies, this is the obvious choice. It’s long, but the songs are foundational.
- Ages 2-5: Might get wiggly during the 2-hour and 10-minute runtime. They’ll love the bathtub scene and the animation, but the plot about bank shares and foreclosures will go way over their heads.
- Ages 6-9: The "sweet spot." They can follow the stakes, enjoy the music, and won't be too traumatized by the "scary" wolf chase.
- Ages 10-12: Might find it a bit "kiddie," but if they are theater kids or fans of Lin-Manuel Miranda, they’ll appreciate the craft and the choreography.
- Parents: You will likely cry during the balloon scene at the end. It’s okay. Dick Van Dyke’s cameo is worth the price of admission alone.
One of the best things about Mary Poppins Returns is that it encourages "active" childhood. The Banks children in this movie are actually quite responsible—they do the grocery shopping, they try to help their dad with the bills, and they look out for one another.
It’s a great jumping-off point for conversations about:
- Grief: How do we remember people we've lost?
- Perspective: The song "Turning Turtle" is all about seeing things from a different angle.
- Integrity: The contrast between the "good" lamplighters and the "bad" bank managers.
Learn more about the history of the Mary Poppins books vs the movies
Mary Poppins Returns is a "Yes" for family movie night. It’s clean, it’s beautiful, and it has a soul. While it doesn't replace the 1964 original, it stands as a worthy companion that acknowledges life isn't always "jolly holidays"—sometimes it's hard and sad, and that's when you need a little bit of magic (and a well-timed dance number) the most.
It’s currently streaming on Disney+, making it an easy win for a rainy Saturday afternoon.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of musical theater or magical realism for your kids, check out these resources: