From sassy babies with a penchant for business to classic kids toys come to life, 2017 was a year of stand-out new family movies for pint-sized popcorn lovers. But don’t worry if you weren’t able to make it to the theater to watch these blockbusters on the big screen—it will be just as fun to rent or stream one for your next family movie night. Read through our curated list below to find your favorite!
Coco
Pixar's Coco was a box office smash this year—one you'll definitely want to add to your weekend watch list. Based on the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, Coco tells the tale of 12-year-old Miguel who finds himself in the Land of the Dead and with the help of his musician great-great-grandfather dives deep into his family history (and their generations-old ban on music!). There are strong family vibes in this blockbuster, and your kids will love the whimsically colorful, melodic story!
Rated PG
A note for parents—this movie deals with the concept of mortality and could be slightly upsetting for young kids.
The LEGO Batman Movie
If your littles are LEGO lovers, the LEGO Batman Movie does not disappoint. We all know the original LEGO Movie was a big hit and while sequels aren't always on point, this superhero spin is a fun twist to watch the brick-built Batman battle the joker in a tiny toy-clad Gotham.
Rated PG
Despicable Me 3
The minion saga continues! In the third installment of Despicable Me, super-villain Gru meets his long-lost twin brother Dru and the two team up on a hilarious heist. There's more action, more minion shenanigans, and of course, tales of the importance of family and friendships!
Rated PG
Power Rangers
Chances are you're familiar with this group of crime-fighting teenagers! In their 2017 movie, the Power Rangers use their superpowers to save the world (or at least, their town) from aliens. The good-triumphs-over-evil plotline makes this a great option for the kiddos, and the action will keep them hooked.
Rated PG-13
The Boss Baby
A hilarious seven-year-old perspective of a new baby's arrival, chaos ensues when Boss Baby (the new sibling in town) shows up donning a suit and toting a briefcase. The kids will laugh out loud at this flick featuring brotherly love and how the two set aside their differences to save their furry friends from the CEO of Puppy Co.
Rated PG
Cars 3
If your mini movie-goers can't get enough of Lightning McQueen, Mater, and the gang, they'll love this three-quel flick detailing McQueen's come back to the sport he loves. The addition of Cruz Ramirez, a technician with her own agenda to win, introduces a fresh new face to the auto crew and a character your little girl gang will love to cheer on!
Rated G
Smurfs: The Lost Village
They're adorable, they're blue, and they're back in this family-friendly reboot all about uncovering big Smurf secrets! Your kids will love hearing how you watched these magical mini creatures when you were a tot and with a menacing character like Gargamel in the mix, you'll be able to help root for Smurfette and the crew all over again!
Rated PG
Beauty and the Beast
It's a tale as old as time, you know the one. This live-action remake of the 1991 classic shares the ever-important motto not to judge a book by its cover. The film is enchanting, filled with the characters and songs we loved as kids that you can now share with your own!
Rated PG
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
If your bitty bookworms enjoyed turning the pages of the hilarious Captain Underpants books, the First Epic Movie in the series is a must-see. George Beard and Harold Hutchins, co-creators of their own comic books, accidentally hypnotize their principal after he threatens to separate them into different classes. Just like your kids, you'll find it hard not to laugh after the dynamic duo trick him into thinking he's silly superhero Captain Underpants.
Rated PG
A Dog's Purpose
You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to hug your dog—A Dog's Purpose follows a sweet canine who, throughout his many lives, learns his true purpose of teaching the humans he encounters important life lessons. This heart-warming film shares the depths of a dog's devotion and will give your kids an inside look at what your precious pooch might be thinking. A serious 2017 feel-good flick!
Rated PG
Ferdinand
Based on the classic 1936 tale, Ferdinand tells the story of a big-hearted young bull who would much rather smell flowers than fight. After being mistaken as dangerous, sweet Ferdinand is taken from his home and sets out on a journey to get back to his family, picking up a crowd of friends along the way. Showing your little movie-goers that you can’t judge a book (or bull!) by its cover, this kid-friendly flick will have you giggling AND give you the warm fuzzies. Rated PG
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What was your family’s favorite movie this year? Tell us below!
—Kaitlyn Kirby
