12 kids movies coming out in 2022 the whole family can watch

There were tons of great family movies for kids in 2021, especially thanks to streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix. Our love for family movie nights has been reignited, and we want to keep the momentum rolling with even more kids movies 2022.

From heartwarming stories about blended families and belt-worthy musicals to animated animal adventures and innocent romance, there’s something for everyone in the fam—even the older siblings who think they’re too cool for movie night.

Related: 15 TV shows about kindness for kids

As parents, we’re excited to watch movies we grew up with, like “Cheaper by the Dozen,” as they get a modern retelling. The highly anticipated “Toy Story” spinoff, “Lightyear” is at the top of our summer viewing list as well. If you’re on the lookout for new release movies to add to your family movie night queue, we have some suggestions. These 2022 kids movies will keep the family laughing and entertained. 

Check out the best new kids movies debuting in 2022

1. Turning Red

When Mei Lee gets a little too excited she turns into a giant red panda, which isn’t an ideal gift to have as a teenager who’s trying to make sense of her changing body, interests, and relationships. Her protective mom doesn’t make her situation any better. If Ming had her way, she and her daughter would spend every waking moment together.

Streaming on Disney+.

2. Cheaper by the Dozen

Cheaper by the Dozen—one of our favorite family films from the early 2000s—got the reboot treatment this year. Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff lead a blended family of 12 as they navigate school, playdates, sports, puberty, and so much more.

Streaming on Disney+.

3. Sneakerella 

Cinderella gets a modern makeover in this Disney original, which follows El, an aspiring shoe designer who lives with his stepfather and stepbrothers in NYC. When he crosses paths with fellow sneaker connoisseur Kira King, he calls on his fairy godfather for guidance and a little bit of magic fairy dust.

Streaming on Disney+.

4. Better Nate Than Ever 

Despite not being cast in the high school play, Nate still dreams of being a star on Broadway. So he and his bestie, Libby, travel to NYC to see the real stars in action. Their trip is thrown off course after a surprise run in with Nate’s estranged Aunt Heidi.

Streaming on Disney+.

5. Lightyear 

A spinoff of “Toy Story,” “Lightyear” sees Buzz Lightyear travel through space, 62 years into the future where he comes across a new planet. Emperor Zurg also makes a reappearance as Buzz’s enemy.

Streaming on Disney+.

6. The Sea Beast 

A wrench is thrown into the plans of renowned sea monster hunter Jacob Holland when a young girl named Maisie Brumble sneaks onto his ship. To Jacob’s chagrin, Maisie joins his quest to find a dangerous sea beast.

Streaming on Netflix.

7. Fireheart

A story about female empowerment, Fireheart follows aspiring NYC firefighter Georgia Nolan, who adopts the persona of “Joe” so she can get around the fire department’s rule of no women in the workforce. When a firefighter squad is in harm’s way, she volunteers as Joe to help.

Streaming on Hulu.

8. DC League of Super Pets

In connection to DC and Justice League, DC League of Super Pets centers around the pets of some of the biggest heroes in the DC Universe. Kids will get to know Batman’s dog, Ace the Bat-Hound, and Man of Steel’s labrador retriever, Krypto the Superdog. The movie hit theaters on July 29.

Coming to HBO Max, September 26.

9. Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank

When a hound gets wind that a feline village is in danger of losing their land, he sees it as an opportunity to swoop in and prove himself as the brave samurai he believes himself to be. He enlists the help of a famed trainer to get into tip-top shape, but no amount of training could prepare him for what awaits him at the village: the cats hate dogs!

Streaming on Paramount+.

10. Minions: The Rise of Gru

Gru and the minions are back at it again in the second installment of the Despicable Me spinoff film series, Minions. This movie is all about Gru’s childhood and the events that unfold after his application to join supervillain group Vicious 6 is denied. In a funny chain of events, young Gru and his minion army end up befriending the biggest supervillain of all. This sets the scene for the movie that started it all, Despicable Me. In theaters now and expected to be on streaming platforms later this year.

Streaming on Peacock.

11. Pinocchio

In this retelling of the classic Disney story about a puppet who’s turned into a real boy, Tom Hanks stars as the lonely woodcarver, Gepetto. But, even though Gepetto’s wish comes true, Pinocchio must embark on a journey of self-discovery to stay that way.

Streaming on Disney+.

12. Luck

Sam is the “unluckiest girl in the world” but she’s on a magical quest in the Land of Luck to turn things around.

Streaming on Apple TV+.

A version of this post was published May 25, 2022. It has been updated.