Each year brings a brand-new set of new movies to look forward to, and 2024 certainly did not disappoint when it came to new kids movies. From teenage emotions (Inside Out 2) and seafaring adventures (Moana 2) to minions and imaginary friends (Despicable Me 4; IF), these entertaining and creative stories brought to life on the big screen have been a treat for kids and families alike.
Luckily, 2025 is also expected to be a good year for new kids movies. From highly anticipated sequels to fresh, original films spanning both animated and live-action genres, the upcoming lineup of kids movies offer a diverse array of entertainment to suit both kids and the entire family.
And the best part is, many of the movies on this list for 2024 are now available to watch on DIRECTV! Check out the new releases and watch today!
New Kids Movies Coming out in 2024 & 2025
Prepare to be swept away by waves of joy as you dive into the new year’s upcoming kids movie catalog, with plenty live-action remakes, highly anticipated sequels and brand new stories to add to your kids’ favorites!
Below, we’ve curated a list of standout new releases slated for the rest of 2024 into 2025, promising an exciting range of movies you’ll want to add to the family calendar. Plus, below the upcoming features are new kids movies that have already been released this year. There’s more than enough to enjoy!
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Rating: PG
Disney is back with another live action remake, this time a sequel to the 2019 The Lion King. In this film, Rafiki shares the legend of Mufasa to the cub of Simba and Nala. With the help of Timon and Pumbaa, the audiences and the little cub will learn the story of how her family came to be, and the journey it took to get there. Directed by Barry Jenkins and starring the voice of Aaron Pierre as Mufasa, this origin story will be a delight for adults and kids alike.
‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Rating: PG
Get ready for another iteration of everyone’s favorite blue hedgehog running around big screens near you soon! While the trailer has yet to be released, you can expect all the things your kids loved about the previous films, with a brand-new twist! Stay tuned for more information!
Watch Sonic the Hedgehog & Sonic the Hedgehog 2 while you wait!
‘Paddington in Peru’
Release Date: February 14, 2025 (limited theater release)
Rating: PG
Our favorite traveling bear is back – this time in Peru! As Paddington and the Brown family travel to visit their beloved Aunt Lucy, they encounter a mystery that draws them into an adventure they never expected.
Watch Paddington the movie while you wait for the new release!
‘Disney’s Snow White’
Release Date: March 21, 2025
Rating: TBD
A live-action remake of the 1937 classic fairytale, the new Snow White will bring the same charm and delight from the original film into a brand-new world.
‘A Minecraft Movie’
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Rating: TBD
Starring Jack Black and Emma Myers, A Minecraft Movie will be a thrill for any fans of the iconic video game, young and old!
‘Lilo & Stitch’
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Rating: TBD
Another live-action remake on the docket is Lilo & Stitch. Get ready to see Stitch wreak the same havoc we know and love with Lilo by his side.
‘Elio’
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Rating: TBD
What happens when a young boy is accidentally beamed up into space and becomes the official ambassador to earth? You can find out this summer when Pixar’s Elio comes to a theater near you.
‘How to Train Your Dragon’
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Rating: TBD
How to Train Your Dragon was an instant success, so it’s no surprise Universal is following the trend of live-action remakes.
Kids Movies Already Released in 2024
But wait! Check out this list of highly anticipated kids movies that have already been released this year. Check them out for yourself at home now!
‘Moana 2’
Release Date: November 27, 2024
Rating: PG
Moana is back and better than ever, as the ocean once again calls her to her true destiny. Moana, along with new friends and old, must travel farther than ever before to help her wayfinding ancestors. Kids and parents alike can get excited for the catchy songs and amazing animation we can expect to see in this highly anticipated sequel.
Watch the original Moana while you wait for the sequel to hit streaming!
‘The Wild Robot’
Release Date: September 27, 2024
Rating: TBD
Get ready for an animated adventure with The Wild Robot, an upcoming family & kids movie about an intelligent robot named Roz who becomes stranded on a mostly uninhabited island. To survive, Roz must quickly learn the ways of the island and rely on the animals already there to do so. Parents and kids alike will enjoy this heartwarming story, brought to life by an iconic set of voices including Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal and Catherine O’Hara.
‘Harold and the Purple Crayon’
Release Date: August 2, 2024
Rating: PG
Everyone’s favorite purple crayon is lifting off the page and onto the big screen this summer with the cinematic release of Harold and the Purple Crayon. The adventurous Harold loves to bring his drawings to life, even as he grows up and enters the intimidating real world.
And while his imagination and purple crayon have gotten him into some tricky situations before, it isn’t until the magic falls into the wrong hands that things really go wrong. A story of friendship, imagination and above all – fun – this will be a film the whole family loves.
‘Despicable Me 4’
Release Date: July 3, 2024
Rating: PG
In the latest instalment of the Despicable Me franchise, Gru finds himself navigating the uncharted territory of parenthood as the family welcomes a new addition, Gru Jr. As if dealing with the antics of Gru Jr. wasn’t enough, Gru also encounters a new adversary in Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, whose sinister plans threaten not only Gru’s tranquility but also the safety of his loved ones.
Forced to confront their greatest challenge yet, Gru and his Minion clan embark on a thrilling adventure, navigating many unexpected twists and turns. With danger lurking at every corner, the family must rely on their wits and unity to outmaneuver their adversaries and protect each other.
‘Inside Out 2’
Release Date: June 14, 2024
Rating: PG
After nine years, we will finally be treated to a sequel to the 2015 hit film Inside Out, celebrated for its genuine portrayal of children’s emotions. The movie garnered widespread praise, earning the coveted Best Animated Feature Film Oscar. Its universal appeal touched families globally, seamlessly intertwining humor and sharp storytelling, exemplifying the hallmark synergy of Disney and Pixar.
Inside Out 2 will follow Riley in her teenage years, as Headquarters experiences an unexpected demolition to clear space for new emotions, catching Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust off guard. Their encounter with Anxiety, the first new emotion to arrive, reveals layers of emotional baggage, adding more complexity to their world.
‘The Garfield Movie’
Release Date: May 24, 2024
Rating: PG
Since his 1978 debut in Jim Davis’s comic strip, Garfield has become an iconic cartoon pet, inspiring TV series, films, merchandise and more. Despite a loyal fanbase, only two live action/CGI films, both starring Bill Murray, have been made. Now, after nearly two decades, a new Garfield movie is finally here, answering fans’ long-awaited hopes.
In this upcoming animated adventure, Garfield, the lasagna-loving indoor cat voiced by Chris Pratt, embarks on an impromptu outdoor journey after an unexpected reunion with his scruffy street cat father, Vic, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson. Forced from their pampered life, Garfield and his canine friend Odie join Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.
‘If’
Release Date: May 17, 2024
Rating: PG
From the creative mind of John Krasinski, known for his work on the acclaimed A Quiet Place series, comes If. But don’t worry, this kids movie will not be anything like A Quiet Place.
This enchanting tale follows a young girl who uncovers her extraordinary ability to see everyone’s imaginary friends. This ability, though, comes with added responsibility, as she makes a remarkable journey to reunite forgotten imaginary friends with their companions.
Starring Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw and featuring the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., Steve Carell and a host of other talented performers, If introduces audiences to a whimsical world filled with uniquely endearing characters that celebrate the boundless power of a child’s imagination.
‘Kung Fu Panda 4’
Release Date: March 8, 2024
Rating: PG
Find yourself back in the serene Valley of Peace as Po embarks on a journey to assume the role of spiritual leader. However, as he prepares for this significant responsibility, he realizes the necessity of finding a successor to take on the mantle of the Dragon Warrior.
Po must train a new kung fu prodigy to fill his coveted role, which may not be as easy as he’d hoped. Along the way, he confronts a formidable adversary, whose dark powers summon forth the spirits of the master villains Po has previously defeated, challenging him in a battle that transcends the physical realm.
Watch Old & New Kids Movies on DIRECTV
While waiting for these exciting new films to be released, you and your kids can watch any of the hundreds of available kids movies on DIRECTV right now. You can browse the movie catalog now and start planning your movie nights for months to come.
And make sure to check back here throughout 2024 to get even more information on upcoming children’s movies to watch.
Looking for even more kids movies to watch with your family? Check out this list of the best kids movies to watch right now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kids movies are coming out in 2024?
Some of the most anticipated movies for kids and families coming out in 2024 are 'Despicable Me 4,' 'If,' 'The Garfield Movie,' Moana 2' and more.
When does 'Inside Out 2' come out?
'Inside Out 2' will be released in theaters on June 14, 2024.
What are some new kids movies available to stream now?
Newly released kids movies to stream now include 'Orion and the Dark,' 'Migration,' 'Wish' & 'Trolls Band Together,' among many others across streaming platforms.
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