There are tons of awesome movies coming out for families in 2019, but we narrowed it down to what we think will be the 10 absolute must-sees. Check out this list of the most buzzed about new flicks for kids and teens and find theatrical release dates, director and cast information, details about anticipated mature content, and more.
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part picks up five years after the events of 2014's hilarious animated adventure The Lego Movie. In the aftermath of the "Taco Tuesday" alien invasion, the city of Bricksburg has fallen into chaos. When a new villain arrives and starts kidnapping citizens, optimistic everyman Emmet must find a way to save his friends, their home, and the Lego universe itself. As with the first film, you can probably expect lots of fast-paced action and some peril, in addition to plenty of laughs. Like all things Lego-related, it's sure to feature a wide variety of the brand's most popular figures and building sets.
Directed by Mike Mitchell and Trisha Gum
Cast: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Stephanie Beatriz
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World continues the story of Hiccup, now chief of the peaceful Viking/dragon utopia of Berk, and his Night Fury dragon friend, Toothless. The appearance of a new female "Light Fury" dragon—a potential mate for Toothless—leads to the discovery of a hidden dragon world. But when the safety of Hiccup's village is threatened by a powerful dragon hunter, Hiccup must find a way to fight back and lead his people (and the dragons) to safety. The original films had some rude humor and fantasy action sequences that could be too intense for little kids, so expect the same from this threequel. But you can also likely look forward to an exciting adventure story that's full of positive messages and role models and should be fine for big kids and up.
Directed by Dean DeBlois
Cast: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Cate Blanchett, Kristen Wiig, Kit Harington
Dumbo is a live-action remake of the 1941 Disney animated classic. It tells the story of a baby circus elephant named Dumbo who's teased for his enormous ears. When his handler, Holt, and Holt's children discover that Dumbo can fly, owner Max Medici realizes that the elephant could save his circus. Dumbo's success attracts even more fame and recognition, especially from V.A. Vandevere, the persuasive owner of an extravagant spectacle called Dreamland that has some dark secrets. With imaginative director Tim Burton at the helm, you can expect this remake to have impressive visuals, as well as a potentially dark/creepy tone that might be too scary for younger or sensitive kids. But this version should also do away with some of the original's racial stereotypes while keeping the positive messages about family and appreciating differences.
Directed by Tim Burton
Cast: Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, Eva Green, Michael Keaton
Pokémon Detective Pikachu is the first live-action movie in the popular franchise about powerful creatures and their human trainers. After his father goes missing, 21-year-old Tim Goodman sets out to find him -- with the help of wisecracking wannabe gumshoe Pikachu. The two team up when Tim realizes that he's the only one who can understand Detective Pikachu's speech (most pokémon just repeat their names over and over). Together, they search for Tim's dad, uncovering a plot to destroy their city along the way. Although it's based on a kid-friendly Nintendo game also called Detective Pikachu, this movie will likely be edgier than its source material and earlier animated pokémon movies and series so it could be too intense for younger kids. Expect some rude humor, action sequences, and possibly swearing and violence
Directed by Rob Letterman
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, Suki Waterhouse
Toy Story 4 continues Pixar's beloved series almost a decade after the release of Toy Story 3. It follows the further adventures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear with their new kid owner, Bonnie. This time around, the gang embarks on a new adventure: a road trip where they meet new toys like Bunny, Ducky, and spork/reluctant toy Forky. Nearly the whole cast returns, too, including Jessie, Bo Peep, Rex, Barbie, and Ken. The first three Toy Story films featured some rude language, intense elements, and emotional moments but were ultimately great picks for kids and families, so you can likely expect the same here.
Directed by Josh Cooley
Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Jordan Peele, Keegan-Michael Key, Tony Hale, Joan Cusack, Michael Keaton
The Lion King is a realistic CGI remake of the same-named 1994 Disney classic. Young lion cub Simba son of the king, Mufasa can't wait to rule his tribe and the pride lands But when tragedy strikes, Simba's sinister Uncle Scar tells him to run away to the jungle. He meets a meerkat named Timor, and a warthog named Pumbaa, who teach him about the "Hakuna Matata" lifestyle. But when Simba's childhood friend/sweetheart, Nala finds him and begs him to return, Simba must decide whether to fight his uncle or leave his destiny behind. The original featured memorable songs and a great story, but some scary moments. Expect the more-realistic animation in this version to heighten the scariness for younger and more sensitive kids. But it also looks like it will stay true to the original story, as well as feature a talented voice cast of primarily African American actors.
Director: Jon Favreau
Cast: Donald Glover, James Earl Jones, Beyoncé, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Seth Rogen
Artemis Fowl is a sci-fi fantasy adventure based on the best-selling series by Eoin Colfer. Artemis Fowl (Ferdia Shaw) is a 12-year-old genius and the descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds. When his father goes missing, along with the family fortune, Artemis kidnaps fairy officer Holly Short (Lara McDonnell) and dives into the dark, hidden world of magic and fairies to try to restore them both. The book series is tween-friendly and features plenty of excitement and action—but also lots of violence and iffy role models, so you can likely expect the same from the movie. But this could be the next big tween/teen franchise on the level of Harry Potter or The Hunger Games.
Frozen 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the Disney blockbuster that taught us all to "Let It Go." It continues the story of Elsa, a queen with icy powers, and her warmhearted sister, Anna. Although details of the movie haven't been announced yet, it's safe to expect the return of Kristoff, kind snowman Olaf, and reindeer Sven, too, as well as newcomers voiced by Evan Rachel Wood and Sterling K. Brown. The original Frozen featured great music, strong female role models, and some scary elements, but for the most part was OK for little kids; you can likely expect the same here.
Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee
Cast: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Evan Rachel Wood, Sterling K. Brown, Josh Gad
Star Wars: Episode IX is the third and final movie in the most recent trilogy of the Star Wars saga. It follows the events of Episode VII: The Last Jedi and supposedly wraps up the battle between the evil First Order and the plucky team of Resistance fighters. The balance of the Force will also be at stake, as Darth Vader's heir, Kylo Ren tries to pull Rey with him to the Dark Side. Although the movie's plot details are under wraps, it's safe to say that many of the movies' heroes and villains will return, including Stormtrooper-turned-Resistance fighter Finn. Resistance pilot Poe Dameron and the First Order's General Hux. General Leia Organa also returns, with a posthumous performance by Carrie Fisher, as does Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker (though possibly as a ghost). Expect another intense, action-packed sci-fi adventure; hopefully, it will provide a satisfying conclusion for older tweens, teens, and up.
Directed by J.J. Abrams
Cast: Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
In theaters December 20, 2019
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