New releases and classics for the whole family to enjoy together …
Fantastic Mr Fox on Netflix
Combining Roald Dahl and Wes Anderson’s genius – in his animation debut – makes this 2009 stop-motion adventure a forever favourite, in our eyes. You truly believe George Clooney has stepped into a fox costume, with an incredible supporting cast in Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman and the late Micheal Gambon, who all bring the characters to life.
Paddington on Netflix
Some of the most popular family films on Netflix between Paddington in 2014, Paddington 2 in 2017 and Paddington in Peru in 2024, Ben Whishaw plays the loveable Paddington bear alongise a star-studded cast including Julie Walters, Nicole Kidman, Imelda Staunton, Brendan Gleeson, Hugh Grant, Hugh Bonneville and Peter Capaldi in live-action roles. In the second film, he buys the perfect present for his aunt’s 100th birthday, only for the gift to be stolen. Cue mischief.
Matilda on Netflix
You can’t go wrong with Roald Dahl’s Matilda starring Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman in 1996, who develops psychokinetic abilities to deal with the injustices of life. Matilda The Musical from 2022 stars our very own Alisha Weir alongside Stephen Graham and an unrecognisable Emma Thompson as headmistress Miss Trunchbull. You and the kids will soon be singing along.
Despicable Me | Minions on Prime Video
The Despicable Me franchise features a total of 6 films, with 2 Minions spin-offs, which have led to several video games and a theme park ride. It’s not surprising given the voice actors involved including Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Sandra Bullock, Michael Keaton, Will Arnett, Danny McBride, Jason Segel and Jon Hamm; not to mention British heavyweights Julie Andrews, Steve Coogan, Jennifer Saunders and Geoffrey Rush. Expect another 6 films at this rate!
The Super Mario Bros Movie on Prime Video
Catching up with Mario and Luigi from childhood is a great trip down memory lane for us all. This 2023 animated comedy based on Nintendo’s 1980’s video game franchise has an incredible ensemble voice cast with Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen and Fred Armisen. It was the first film based on a game to gross over $1 billion at the box-office and even earned a Guinness World Record as the highest grossing film in that genre. Laughing all the way to the bank …
Paw Patrol: The Movies on Prime Video
For younger kids, Paw Patrol always goes down a treat, while adults will have fun trying to spot everyone from Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard, James Marsden, Tyler Perry, Chris Rock and Taraji P. Henson to Jimmy Kimmel, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, and North and Saint West. A third installment, The Dino Movie, is due out next year. Just be warned: you’ll never get the theme song out of your head.
The Parent Trap on Disney+
The ultimate 1990’s family flick, Lindsay Lohan shines in two roles as she plays twins separated after their parents’ divorce, who meet at camp by chance. They attempt to bring their family back together by swapping places, so hilarity ensues. Also starring the gorgeous late Natasha Richardson and Dennis Quaid. There are so many iconic moments, it’s certain to entertain the kids this Easter.
The Little Mermaid on Disney+
This 2023 live-action musical remake of the 1989 original, based on the fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen, stars the amazing Halle Bailey as the beloved Ariel, who always wows audiences with her incredible range. Melissa McCarthy is the perfect Ursula, Javier Bardem as King Triton and Jacob Tremblay as Flounder. Produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda from multi award-winning Broadway hit Hamilton, it’s sure to endure for as long as the animated version.
Elemental on Disney+
Disney Pixar films always tug at the heart-strings: full of heart, adventure, humour and incredible animation. The genius basis of Elemental is a world in which everyone is an element – fire, water, air and earth – who live together, but don’t necessarily mix until a (water) boy and (fire) girl form an unlikely friendship. The story is inspired by romantic films such as 1980’s classic Moonstruck and 2000’s Amélie, with Catherine O’Hara’s narration making this special movie with an important message even more magical.
Wish on Disney+
This 2023 animated musical-comedy welcomes audiences to the unexplored land of Rosas, where Asha makes a wish so powerful that it’s answered by a cosmic force, Star. Together, they confront a formidable foe, King Magnifico, to save their community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Starring Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Evan Peters, Victor Garber and many other familiar voices.
Wonka on Apple TV
Tee this one up for a movie night at home. Nominated for a BAFTA for Outstanding British Film of the Year, Wonka with Timothée Chalamet is a real crowd pleaser for all age groups. Based on the the extraordinary character at the centre of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Wonka tells the story of how the world’s greatest inventor and chocolatier became the Willy Wonka we know today. Full of style, dancing, humour and fun, Timothée thrives as Wonka alongside his co-stars, Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa, Olivia Colman, Matt Lucas, Downton Abbey’s Jim Carter and other familiar faces. Everyone will enjoy this and learn something from it too. Photograph courtesy of Warner Bros, IMDB.
The Lego Movies on Apple TV
This animated movie franchise began in 2014, leading to two video games, a 4D film theme park attraction, two spin-off films (The Lego Batman Movie and The Lego Ninjago Movie) and animated series all in 2017, with the sequel out in 2019. It also grossed $1 billion at the box office, so it’s safe to say they’re popular! The comedy chops of Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Elizabeth Banks, Tiffany Haddish, Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill and Michael Cera will have you in stitches. There’s even a cameo from Ralph Fiennes and Mariah Carey. Plus, the soundtrack is AWESOME …
Sonic The Hedgehog on Apple TV
This action-packed comedy film series is part of Sega’s video game franchise, with 3 films out already and a fourth in production, as well as a spin-off TV series; all of which have grossed $1 billion worldwide. Starring James Marsden, Keanu Reeves and Jim Carrey as mad scientist “Eggman” Dr Robotnik, it has enough inside jokes and slapstick laughs to keep everyone entertained.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem on Apple TV and Paramount+
This superhero film is a reboot of the famous TV series we grew up with (featuring the best theme tune), adapted by Seth Rogen. With the voice talents of Rogen, Paul Rudd, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri (who broke the mould as trusty sidekick April), Jackie Chan as mentor Splinter, Giancarlo Esposito, John Cena, Ice Cube and Post Malone, you’ll listen out for your favourites.
A Minecraft Movie in cinemas now
The much-anticipated Minecraft movie from the best-selling video game is the second highest-grossing film of the year so far and the second highest-grossing game film of all time. Jack Black stars as Steve with Jason Momoa as his comic relief, while Jennifer Coolidge steals the show as usual. Cinema goers have even started a new social media “chicken jockey” trend with viewers filming the audience’s (over)reaction as crowds go mad for the viral moment that makes sense to Gen Alpha only. As expected, a sequel is already in development.
