20 of the best upcoming 2023 kids movies for your next family movie night

Grab the popcorn because the 2023 kids movies list of upcoming releases has something for everyone in the family. Whether you and your little ones have been anticipating the new Paw Patrol movie or maybe you’re all waiting on the next installment of Marvel’s hilarious “Guardians of the Galaxy,” there are so many great films set to come your way in the new year.

It may not always be easy to make time for movie night but if one of your new year’s intentions is to round up the whole crew for some more quality time then look no further. The stories are heartfelt as much as they are funny and these kids movies coming out in 2023 will make for great entertainment all year long. Scroll through for the best new kids movies 2023.

20 highly anticipated kids movies 2023

1. “New Gods: Yang Jian”

If you have anime fans in your house then watch out for this 2023 movie. Once a powerful god, Yang Jian is now a down-on-his-luck bounty hunter. When a mysterious woman hires him for a new job, he comes face to face with a past he’d rather forget. This action-adventure film features beautiful animation and a hero on a quest to save the world.

Streaming on Apple TV+

2. “True Spirit”

Based on a true story, this inspiring movie about Jessica Watson, a fearless young sailor, shows her incredible journey as she sets out to sail solo around the world.

Streaming on Netflix

3. “The Amazing Maurice”

What do you get when you combine the magic of Hugh Laurie’s voice, a ginger cat with street-smarts, talking rats and Emilia Clarke? A new kind of fairytale. One that puts all other fairytales in the backseat (it has a ginger cat after all). Laughs and adventures abound in this adorable family flick.

Streaming on Apple TV+

4. “We Have A Ghost”

When it turns out that their new family home has a resident ghost, Kevin and his family are a little shocked, to say the least. But, Ernest isn’t your average ghost and this haunting ends up creating a social media buzz they’re all starting to like. With Jennifer Coolidge, from “The White Lotus,” on the cast list, you know this bound to be a great movie!

Streaming on Netflix

5. “Shazam! Fury of the Gods”

The sequel to the original “Shazam!” brings back all of your favorite children-turned-superheroes for another fight to save the fate of the world. Catch Zachary Levi, Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu and more in this DC Comics film.

In theaters

6. “The Magician’s Elephant”

Peter is on a quest to find his long lost sister, Adele. But, when the fortune teller in the town square tells him that the answer to his questions lies with a mysterious elephant and a magician, he sets off on a magical journey.

Streaming on Netflix

7. “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”

Featuring the Chris we all love, Chris Pine stars in this epic fantasy film that brings a classic table-top game to life. Watch as a group of unlikely characters embark on the journey of a lifetime to search for a lost relic. Oh, and did we mention Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page is in the movie?

In theaters

Related: 5 reasons everyone and their mother is talking about Bridgerton

8. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”

Possibly one of the most anticipated 2023 kids movies, is this animated film based on Nintendo’s beloved Super Mario Bros. It’s the same classic story as in the game: Mario and his brother, Luigi, set out on a journey to save the princess.

In theaters

9. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”

Marvel’s band of misfits is back for another hilarious romp through the galaxy. This time the team is looking a little different since Gamora’s loss but they still have to play defense or else it’ll be the end of the guardians once and for all.

In theaters: May 5, 2023

10. “The Little Mermaid”

Since the first trailer of Disney’s live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” was released, fans have been waiting anxiously for this highly-anticipated film. It’s the beloved tale of Ariel following her heart, putting her father’s kingdom at risk and finding love in an unlikely place: amongst humans.

In theaters: May 26, 2023

11. “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”

Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man will travel across the multi-verse in this next installment of the Spider-Verse saga. Of course, the villains are bound to be more fearsome than ever but the friends he makes along the way will make it all worth it in the end. Include this in your family movies 2023 list.

In theaters: June 2, 2023

12. “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”

It’s been 14 years since the original “Transformers” movie captivated audiences around the world. Now, there’s a whole host of new players that will enter the battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. The best part is that it’s set against a 90’s backdrop.

In theaters: June 9, 2023

13. “Elemental”

In Element City, residents of the four elements—fire, water, land and air—coexist without much interaction. But, when an unlikely duo, Ember and Wade, cross paths they might just discover they have more in common than they think. It’s a Disney and Pixar collaboration, so you know it’s going to be great.

In theaters: June 16, 2023

14. “The Flash”

Comic book fans have a lot to rejoice about in the coming year. Although this film about the boy with super speed doesn’t have an official trailer yet, the expected story line is about Barry living in a world without the Justice League or his powers.

In theaters: June 16, 2023

15. “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”

It’s Harrison Ford, and other popular actors like Antonio Banderas and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, in another epic adventure. The 5th installment of the “Indiana Jones” series is sure to be one of the best new kids movies 2023 has to offer.

In theaters: June 30, 2023

16.  “Harold and the Purple Crayon”

Talk about a cutesy feel-good movie that’s great for older siblings who maybe are not so sure about the new kid joining the family. In Harold’s imagination, his purple crayon is so magical that he can draw up an entire other world for his new baby brother to go to, you know, instead of ruining his life in the real world. But, when there’s complications during his mother’s pregnancy this soon-to-be big brother might be the only one that can help.

In theaters: June 30, 2023

17. “Haunted Mansion”

A single mom and her son move into a house that’s riddled with ghosts. But, they’re not going to leave it that way. This is a great choice for family movie night, especially if your kiddos like a little bit of a scare. With Tiffany Hadish playing the role of the psychic, you know this tale about a haunted house will have more than a few good laughs along the way.

In theaters: August 11, 2023

18. “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie”

The pups are on a brand new adventure. A meteor crashes into the city and the pups you know and love become The Mighty Pups. But when the supervillains threaten the fate of Adventure City, even the smallest of pups has a role to play.

In theaters: October 13, 2023.

19. “Wish”

Ever wonder how the wishing star came to be so well-known? This animated musical tells the tale of a girl, Asha, who calls out a plea to the stars and forms a cosmic friendship with a little ball of energy named Star. Together they set out to save Asha’s community.

In theaters: November 22, 2023

20. “Leo”

Adam Sandler is back! In this coming-of-age musical comedy about the last year of elementary school, he plays the part of a jaded class pet who is determined to live life outside of the terrarium and the classroom. Before he knows it, he gets caught up with the mean substitute teacher and student problems. But, it’s his last year to live and he’s ready for new experiences.

Streaming on Netflix: November 22, 2023.

A version of this post was published December 24, 2022. It has been updated.