We’ve had a fair amount of decent fare this past summer in theaters for families, including Toy Story 5, The Sheep Detectives, and, most recently, Coyote v. Acme.
Here’s what’s coming down the pipeline for the rest of the year.
Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (September 18)
One of my favorite movies from 2015 was the first Shaun the Sheep Movie, so I was delighted to learn that this one is just around the corner. If your kids enjoy silent comedy and/or claymation, this one is bound to have some wholesome, G-rated-spooky fun.
Wildwood (October 23)
The films of LAIKA Studios tend to skew towards older children, but this film looks absolutely gorgeous. Based on the 2011 novel of the same name, the film follows a teenage girl who must find her infant brother after he is kidnapped, leading her and her friend into an enchanted forest and a new adventure. Expect beautiful stop-motion animation and to bring some tissues.
Jimmy (November 6)
For fans of films like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and It’s a Wonderful Life, this film follows the life of Jimmy Stewart around the time he enlisted into the Army Air Corps during World War II, right before he went on to star in Wonderful Life. Star KJ Apa seems to be doing a terrific Stewart impression, and it looks like it may be a surprise hit later this year.
Ebenezer (November 13)
It’s unclear as of yet who this film is targeted for, but the trailer suggests it may end up being some fun PG family-fare, akin to some of star Johnny Depp’s films in the early 2000s. Early test screenings have apparently been through the roof, so if you have kids who are reading A Christmas Carol for the first time this school year, they may be interested in checking this one out.
Hershey (November 25)
From Angel Studios comes an unexpected biopic on the life of Milton Hershey, starring Finn Witrock and Alexandra Daddario. Expect a family-friendly biopic that could be great to see around Thanksgiving time!
Avengers: Doomsday (December 18)
This one will depend on how Marvel-obsessed your kids are or not, and their exposure level to superhero films. I definitely am going to be seeing this with my younger siblings and cousins when it releases, but just note that this film definitely will delve into dark themes and have the usual PG-13 comic book violence. Let’s hope it’s good!
Ray Gunn (December 18 on Netflix and in Limited Theaters)
The Iron Giant. The Incredibles. Ratatouille.
If you love all of those films, well get excited: director Brad Bird is back with his fourth original animated film, also being his first in almost 20 years. Expect this one to veer closer to The Incredibles’ blend of mature themes and storytelling with kid-oriented humor and hijinks.
For the record, this is my most-anticipated film of the year!
Zero A.D. (December 25)
Just in time for Christmas comes the newest film from Angel Studios’ resident auteur Alejandro Monteverde (Sound of Freedom). The film seems to be leaning into the epic nature of the Nativity story and hopefully will deliver on its ambitious promise.
Did I miss anything? List off below in the comments!
Um, is Jimmy really meant for families? I would say the same thing about Doomsday but you did it first. I didn't even know Ray Gunn existed. Thanks for pointing it out!