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The best kids’ movies of 2024: What you should see in theaters next

Don't miss these kids' movies this year

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From tickets to popcorn, seeing movies in the theater can give parents sticker shock. Watching movies at home is fun, but not as much as in a movie theater. There’s just something about that big screen, surround sound, and of course, the popcorn that just tastes better.

If you’re going to go to the movies as a family, you want to make sure what’s on the screen is awesome. As always, there’s a sizzling list of fantastic movies still slated to premiere this year. Now that school’s out for summer, there’s plenty of time to plan some family time at your local movie theater. So, here’s your family-friendly guide to kids’ movies 2024, which you will want to get tickets to before the ball drops on 2025.

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Kids’ movies: 2024

Mother and two daughters at a 3D movie
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Don’t like Mondays? Well, you and Garfield have that in common. Garfield is eating his way into movie theaters in 2024, as are those unforgettable Minions. There’s more, too, from put-out emotions to a timeless children’s classic. If you’re looking for movies to take the family to in 2024, we’ve got your go-to guide for kids’ movies you won’t want to miss in 2024.

The Garfield Movie

The whole family will get a kick out of Garfield and Odie’s latest on-screen adventure. Chris Pratt voices Garfield, as fans of this sassy cat get a chance to see how it all began. Spoiler alert: Garfield is an extremely cute kitten. The Garfield Movie came out in May, but it’s still hanging around in theaters. Don’t miss his latest adventure that brings Garfield face to face with the dad who abandoned him. You may need tissues for the ending and plenty of popcorn.

Inside Out 2

Inside Out was a huge hit in 2025. Movie-goers just loved the story of how Riley’s emotions helped her manage the sudden family move from the Midwest to San Francisco. It was a movie that definitely tugged at the heartstrings, but one that lots of kids could relate to. The long-awaited sequel was released on June 14 and introduced some new emotions, Anxiety, Embarrassment, Envy, and more, as Riley enters those eye-rolling, dramatic teen years. Get ready to laugh and yes, cry a little, too.

Despicable Me 4

They’re back! Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, Agnes, and of course, the Minions took the theaters by storm with a July 3 release of the next installment of the Despicable Me franchise. New to the family is adorable baby Gru Jr. There’s a lot going on with the family as they enter witness protection because Gru’s arch nemesis, Maxime Le Mal, is back. The previous Despicable Me movies were huge hits and the latest won’t disappoint.

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Harold and the Purple Crayon

Fans of Crockett Johnson’s beloved children’s book will not want to miss seeing this imaginative story brought to life. Imagine Harold stepping out of the pages of the book, of course, with his purple crayon. If parents loved Zachary Levi in Shazam, they won’t be napping during Harold and the Purple Crayon. This movie is a fun ride the entire family will enjoy. Harold and the Purple Crayon hits theaters on August 2.

Transformers One

If you grew up playing with Transformers and watching the old animated series, you will want to mark the calendar for the newest release from the Transformers series. Unlike the previous movies, Transformers One takes audiences back to the beginning in more ways than one. The plot shows how the Transformers came to be, and it is animated, just like the cartoon that started it all. There are plenty of celebs in the movie, too. Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Keegan-Michael Key, Scarlett Johansson, Jon Hamm, and Laurence Fishburne all voice characters. Transformers One storms into movie theaters on September 20.

The Wild Robot

Another film based on a children’s book, The Wild Robot, hits theaters on September 27. Peter Brown authored the NY Times bestseller about a robot that ends up stuck on an island in the middle of nowhere. The robot must learn how to adapt without technology in his island surroundings.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The holidays come early with a new movie. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever skates into movie theaters on November 8. This movie is also based on a popular kids’ book. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was written by Barbara Robinson. It’s a laugh-out-loud book that was also made into a play. Kids and parents will love this holiday romp that has the town’s most unruly kiddos attempting to take down the annual holiday show. The results are certainly not your mom’s classic Hallmark movie, but still a definite movie do for the family.

Mufasa: The Lion King

Parents are set when it comes to movies to see during the annual holiday break. Coming out on December 20 is this highly anticipated prequel to Disney’s smash The Lion King. Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner are back as the fun-loving Timon and Pumbaa. Lion King fans will learn where it all went wrong between Mufasa and Scar. Unlike the original, done in classic Disney animation, Mufasa: The Lion King features CGI technology.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

The Sonic franchise has risen almost as fast as this hedgehog can run. There have already been two hit movies and a series. The third movie is set to release on December 20, just in time for winter break. Don’t worry: There will be plenty of Sonic-style pandemonium and Knuckles and Tails return, too.

What’s coming in 2025

Popcorn with sunglasses and movie tickets
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It’s still a bit early to start marking the calendar for kids’ movies hitting the big screen next year, but there are a couple on the watch list. Fans of Dog Man will be looking forward to the animated release of a movie based on Dav Pilkey’s popular book series in January 2025. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a smurf-tacular musical will be singing and dancing its way into the hearts of Smurf lovers in February 2025.

There’s just something so exciting about seeing the latest hit movie in the theater. It’s a super-fun, family-friendly activity everyone enjoys from the snacks to the trailers to the feature film. If you’re looking to plan ahead for what’s coming out in the back half of 2024, we’ve got your list. Kids’ movies for 2024 still have plenty of hits to roll out, from the summer blockbusters and the back-to-school flicks to those holiday movies to see together between Christmas and New Year’s. So, get your tickets early.

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