Home Entertainment & Movies 22 New Family-Friendly Movies to See in 2022 by Kipp Jarecke-ChengJanuary 4, 2022 Search more like this disneyanimated filmwalt disneywarner brosbest sellerdreamworks animationlive actionmusiccult classicfamily friendlyhocus pocushow topuss in bootsacademy awards Advertisement Trending Now Viral & Trending School’s Cell Phone Policy Goes Viral after Mom Refuses to Comply: ‘Nope’ News California Becomes 1st State to Provide Free Meals to Public School Kids News CDC’s New COVID Guidelines: Kids Can Stay in Class If Exposed News Nanny Job Listing Goes Viral Because It’s Bonkers News The ‘Sweet Magnolias’ Cast Is Posting Sneak Peeks of Season 3 on Instagram Advertisement After nearly two years of social distancing and watching movie premieres at home via streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max and Disney+, housebound popcorn lovers and cinephiles will be delighted by the prospect of increasingly more theaters reopening in the new year. Luckily, studios are happy to satisfy moviegoers’ pent-up demand for the big-screen cinema experience, and 2022’s diverse roster of family-friendly films promises to entice fans of all stripes. Check out our list of 22 must-see family-friendly movies. © 2021 Studio Chizu Belle Academy Award-nominated director and writer Mamoru Hosoda’s latest animated film Belle will appeal to children and parents alike. Set in a not-so-distant, high-tech future, this stylish anime follows a shy school girl named Suzu who leads a double life as a globally beloved online pop singer named Belle. The theme of being true to oneself while navigating the pressures of always-on social media will resonate with many viewers.Directed by: Mamoru HosodaStarring: Kylie McNeill, Julie Nathanson and Aaron PhillipsStudio: Studio ChizuRated PGTheatrical release: January 14, 2022 © Sony Pictures / Amazon Studios Hotel Transylvania: Transformania The fourth installment in the popular Hotel Transylvania series takes a wacky turn as Van Helsing’s “Monsterfication Ray” goes haywire and transforms Dracula and his monster colleagues into humans while turning Drac’s human son-in-law Johnny into a monster. The gang needs to figure out how to switch back to their authentic selves before they drive each other crazy and are permanently stuck in their transformations.Directed by: Derek Drymon and Jennifer KluskaStarring: Brian Hull, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kathryn Hahn, Steve Buscemi, David Spade and Keegan-Michael KeyStudio: Sony Pictures Animation and Amazon StudiosRated PGAmazon Prime release: January 14, 2021 © Gravitas Ventures The King’s Daughter Partly filmed in the appropriately regal Palace of Versailles, this fantasy adventure features enough period opulence and grandeur to fill Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors. The movie tells the fictional story of King Louis XIV’s quest for immortality, which led him to capture and steal a magical mermaid’s life force. The king’s plans are disrupted when his daughter arrives at the palace. Based on the 1997 novel The Moon and the Sun by Vonda N. McIntyre.Directed by: Sean McNamaraStarring: Kaya Scodelario, Bingbing Fan, Pierce Brosnan, William Hurt and Benjamin WalkerStudio: Gravitas VenturesRated PGTheatrical release: January 21, 2022 © The Avenue Entertainment The Tiger Rising Based on Newbery Medal-winning author Kate DiCamillo’s best-selling 2001 children’s book, The Tiger Rising tells the story of Rob Horton, a 12-year-old boy mourning the recent loss of his mother. When Rob discovers a caged tiger in the woods near his home and befriends an opinionated new girl at school, the pair are faced with setting the tiger free and dealing with their anger and grief. Lead actor Christian Convery was most recently seen in the title role of Netflix’s fantasy series Sweet Tooth.Directed by: Ray GiarratanaStarring: Christian Convery, Madalen Mills, Sam Trammell, Katharine McPhee, Dennis Quaid and Queen LatifahStudio: The Avenue EntertainmentRated PGTheatrical release: January 21, 2022; Apple TV release: February 8, 2022 © Disney / Pixar Turning Red Growing up is hard, but it’s especially so if you’re anything like Mei Lee. Whenever the precocious 13-year-old becomes overly excited or agitated, she transforms into a giant red panda. Mei’s parents explain that the onset of this life change is related to her family’s ancestral connection to the adorable red-tailed creatures. How will Mei learn to live with her newly discovered powers? This fun animated film features music by Billie Eilish.Directed by: Domee ShiStarring: Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, James Hong and Jordan FisherStudio: Walt Disney Pictures and PixarNot Yet RatedTheatrical release: March 11, 2022 © Lionsgate The Unbreakable Boy Despite living with a rare brittle-bone disease and autism, Austin is a young boy with a unique and life-affirming worldview that has the power to engage everyone around him. Based on the best-selling book by Scott LeRette and Susy Flory, The Unbreakable Boy is a heartwarming movie about the power of faith and living life to the fullest.Directed by: Jon GunnStarring: Zachary Levi, Gavin Warren, Jacob Laval and Bruce DavisStudio: LionsgateRated PGTheatrical release: March 18, 2022 © 2021 Paramount Pictures / Sega of America, Inc. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Coming fast on the heels of the original 2020 hit movie, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 once again has our speedy, furry hero going head-to-head with Dr. Robotnik and his new partner Knuckles. As the bad guys pursue an emerald that has the power to build and destroy civilizations, Sonic partners with new sidekick Tails to chase down the powerful green gem before it falls into the wrong hands. The mix of live action and CGI animation makes this a fun, fast-paced adventure.Directed by: Jeff FowlerStarring: Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, Jim Carrey and James MarsdenStudio: Paramount PicturesRated PGTheatrical release: April 8, 2022 © Warner Bros. Pictures Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore The third installment of J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them series follows the adventures of Newt Scamander and features a young Albus Dumbledore (from Rowling’s Harry Potter series). While plot details are scarce, Potterheads and Beast fans are anxiously awaiting this film’s spring release.Directed by: David YatesStarring: Jude Law, Mads Mikkelsen, Katherine Waterston and Eddie RedmayneStudio: Heyday Films and Warner Bros. PicturesNot Yet RatedTheatrical release: April 15, 2022 © DreamWorks Animation The Bad Guys Based on the irreverent graphic novel series by Aaron Blabey, The Bad Guys follows the story of five misfit animals—Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark and Ms. Tarantula—who try to redeem their past villainous ways, only to be drawn back to the dark side in order to pull off one more ultimate heist.Directed by: Pierre PerifelStarring: Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina and Anthony RamosStudio: DreamWorks Animation and Universal PicturesNot Yet RatedTheatrical release: April 22, 2022 © Warner Bros. Pictures DC League of Super-Pets Following the untimely kidnapping of Superman and the rest of the Justice League, crime-fighting super-dog Krypto enlists a ragtag pack of shelter animals—ranging from Merton the turtle to Chip the squirrel to PB the pot-bellied pig—to harness their newfound powers to help rescue the waylaid superheroes.Directed by: Jared SternStarring: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski, Vanessa Bayer, Natasha Lyonne, Diego Luna and Keanu ReevesStudio: Warner Bros. PicturesRated PGTheatrical release: May 20, 2022 © 20th Century Studios The Bob’s Burger Movie Now in its 11th season, the cult favorite animated TV series is finally getting a full-length movie treatment and Bob’s Burgers fans can’t wait for the film’s spring release. Plot details have yet to be disclosed, but the fandom has suggested that the movie should focus on the origin story of the restaurant’s opening.Directed by: Loren Bouchard and Bernard DerrimanStarring: H. Jon Benjamin, Kristen Schaal and Dan MintzStudio: 20th Century StudiosRated PG-13Theatrical release: May 27, 2022 © Disney / Pixar Lightyear While it’s not quite a prequel, Lightyear tells the origin story of the fictional astronaut who inspired the Buzz Lightyear toy line in the Toy Story universe. The animated film reveals how the young test pilot became the space ranger he is today—and inspired kids everywhere to dream of going to infinity and beyond.Directed by: Angus MacLaneStarring: Chris EvansStudio: Walt Disney Studios and PixarNot Yet RatedTheatrical release: June 17, 2022 © Illumination Studios Minions: The Rise of Gru After several delayed openings, this much-anticipated prequel to Despicable Me tells the origin story of lovable super-villain-slash-not-actually-a-villain Gru. Growing up in 1970s suburban America, young Gru is a fanboy of a supervillain supergroup known as the Vicious 6 and he hatches a plan to become evil enough to join them.Directed by: Kyle BaldaStarring: Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin and Russell BrandStudio: Universal Pictures and Illumination StudiosRated PGTheatrical release: July 1, 2022 © Jerry Bruckheimer Films Secret Headquarters A young boy named Charlie Kincaid discovers a superhero’s secret headquarters under his house and he starts to suspect that maybe his estranged father is leading a double life. When villains attack the secret headquarters, Charlie enlists his friends to defend the newly found headquarters.Directed by: Henry Joost and Ariel SchulmanStarring: Owen Wilson, Michael Peña and Jesse WilliamsStudio: Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Paramount PicturesNot Yet RatedTheatrical release: August 12, 2022 © Lionsgate White Bird: A Wonder Story Based on R.J. Palacio’s best-selling collection of stories, Augie and Me, which expands on characters from Palacio’s beloved novel Wonder, White Bird tells the story of a young Jewish girl hidden away by a boy and his family in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. This family drama about friendship and salvation will tug at moviegoers’ heartstrings.Directed by: Marc ForsterStarring: Gillian Anderson, Helen Mirren and Olivia RossStudio: LionsgateNot Yet RatedTheatrical release: September 16, 2022 © DreamWorks Animation Puss in Boots: The Last Wish While the character Puss in Boots is ostensibly from the Shrek universe, this time the courageous cat realizes that his passion for adventure has taken its toll. Burning through eight of his nine lives, Puss set out on an epic journey to find the mythical Last Wish in order to restore his nine lives.Directed by: Joel CrawfordStarring: Antonio Banderas, Chris Miller and Miguel GabrielStudio: DreamWorks AnimationNot Yet RatedTheatrical release: September 23, 2022 © Walt Disney Pictures Hocus Pocus 2 Following the 1993 cult classic, Hocus Pocus 2 reunites Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson Sisters in this highly anticipated Disney+ sequel. Three young women accidentally bring back the Sanderson Sisters to modern-day Salem and subsequently need to figure out how to stop the witches from once again wreaking havoc on the world.Directed by: Anne FletcherStarring: Hannah Waddingham, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Doug Jones and Tony HaleStudio: Walt Disney PicturesNot Yet RatedDisney+ exclusive release: Fall 2022 Common Sense Media Monster High: The Movie This animated musical set at Monster High features the offspring of famous monsters, including Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolfman, who undergo the trials and tribulations of high school. Directed by: Todd HollandStarring: Kyle Selig, Steve Valentine, Mila Jones, Ceci Balagot, Case Walker, Marci T. House, Lilah Fitzgerald and Jy BrishkulnikStudio: Universal Pictures, Storyline Entertainment and Mattel TelevisionNot Yet RatedStreaming release: October 29, 2022 © Skydance Animation Spellbound This animated musical follows the adventures of Elian, a spirited teenager who comes of age using her magical powers to defend her family when opposing forces of light and darkness threaten to divide her kingdom. Alan Menken, who led music production for countless Disney animated musical classics including The Little Mermaid and Tangled, is slated to lead music for Spellbound.Directed by: Vicky JensonStarring: To be announcedStudio: Skydance Animation and Paramount PicturesNot Yet RatedApple TV release: November 11, 2022 Common Sense Media Lyle, Lyle Crocodile Based on the 1965 children’s book classic by Bernard Waber, Lyle is a city-dwelling croc who lives with the Primm family in a Victorian brownstone in New York’s Upper East Side. While the Primms consider Lyle to be part of the family, others believe he belongs in a Zoo. This live-action and animated film follows Lyle’s quest to show that he’s not like other reptiles.Directed by: Josh Gordon and Will SpeckStarring: Javier Bardem, Constance Wu and Winslow FegleyStudio: Sony PicturesNot Yet RatedTheatrical release: November 18, 2022 © Tunche Films Kayara Courageous and athletic, 16-year-old Kayara is destined to be the first female to break into the Incan Empire’s male-only group of Chasqui Inca messengers. As she learns what it takes to be a Chasqui along with its challenges, she succeeds in every mission and discovers the ancient stories of her land and her people.Directed by: César ZeladaStarring: Anna TenneyStudio: Tunche FilmsNot Yet RatedTheatrical release: December 1, 2022 Common Sense Media Super Mario Bros.: The Movie Nearly 30 years after Disney’s original live-action movie adaptation fizzled at the box office, Nintendo is once again lending its most famous mustachioed brothers to Illumination Studios for an animated movie reboot. The film’s storyline hasn’t yet been announced, but the all-star cast and seasoned superhero cartoon directors are sure to make this a popular 2022 holiday hit.Directed by: Aaron Horvath and Michael JelenicStarring: Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen and Fred Armisen Studio: Illumination Studios and Universal PicturesNot Yet RatedTheatrical release: December 21, 2022 —Kipp Jarecke-Cheng Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Copy (Opens in new window) Search more like this disneyanimated filmwalt disneywarner brosbest sellerdreamworks animationlive actionmusiccult classicfamily friendlyhocus pocushow topuss in bootsacademy awards Welcome to our Tinybeans family! Be sure to check your email for new activities, recipes and parenting hacks – and to see if you’ve won! Do you have a dog or cat? Select YES below and click submit to start receiving FREE pet ideas and inspiration, news about new pet products, exclusive offers and limited-time promotions. Yes, I have a pet! Submit GET READY FOR SUMMER! Enter to Win a $250 Gift Card! Enter your email and zip code below for a chance to win a Mastercard Gift Card. We’ll pick one winner per month through August 31, 2022 – 5 lucky winners in all! email zip_code campaign_name Enter Now! I agree to the official rules and to receive email communications from Tinybeans. By providing my email address, I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience possible. Accepting the use of cookies enables important site functionality including personalization and analytics. Accept Decline Create an account to save this content on Tinybeans Choose how you would like to sign up. Continue with Apple Continue with Facebook Continue with Google or Continue with Email By signing up, you agree to Tinybeans Terms of Service and acknowledge you have read and agreed to our Privacy Policy. Sign in to your Tinybeans account Don’t have any account? Create an account here. Forgot your password? Reset it here. Sign In or Continue with Apple Continue with Facebook Continue with Google Personalized recommendations Tinybeans uses personal information to share useful recommendations and ideas for your family. This may include your previous activity, family profile and your hometown. Tinybeans keeps your data safe and does not sell personal information to any third party. Learn more about your privacy and location choices. Close