The best kids movies from 2021—that the whole family can enjoy

It may not have been the year you expected, but 2021 still delivered lots of joy terms of new movies for kids! There were a number of hilarious, heart-warming and charming live-action and animated films that were packed with everything from musical moments to life lessons. We saw a handful of sequels like The Addams Family 2, remakes like Cinderella, and a plethora of original concepts released. Oh, and even some festive holiday-themed ones that absolutely sleighed.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out each of these 22 films—ranging from adventure to comedy to even animated documentaries—we recommend you give it a glance before your next family movie night! With this list of the best kids movies from 2021, it’s hard to go wrong.

Luca

Friends Luca and Alberto have an adventurous and fun summer in the town of Portorosso, Italy—until the threat of a true identity starts bubbling to the surface. Voiced by Jacob Tremblay and Jack Dylan Grazer, this coming-of-age animated fantasy comedy is all about making new friends and becoming comfortable in your own skin.

Streaming on Disney+

Cruella

Starring Emma Stone as the iconic Disney villain, this family crime-comedy follows a young and lively girl named Estella and her journey to becoming the lady we know as Cruella. Set in 1970s London, this film is nothing short of outlandishly over-the-top and entertaining. 

Streaming on Disney+

Boss Baby: Family Business

The third installment in the Boss Baby franchise features adult brothers Tim and Ted, who join forces to create a formula that turns them back into babies. Masked as their younger selves, Tim, Ted and Tim’s daughter go undercover to stop an evil villain from transforming toddlers into brats.

Streaming on Hulu

Vivo

For any parents who are fans of Hamilton, this musical comedy is a fun choice for family movie night! Featuring numerous songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Vivo covers the journey of an endearing kinkajou who travels from Havana to Miami to share the gift of song. 

Streaming on Netflix

Home Sweet Home Alone

Home Sweet Home Alone, part of the Home Alone franchise, is a remake that closely follows the original Home Alone tropes! Featuring Archie Yates as Max Mercer, a young boy endures a number of hilarious challenges when he’s left home alone—including fending off a wife and husband burglar team. The film stars comedy icons Ellie Kemper, Pete Holmes, Kenan Thompson and Chris Parnell.

Streaming on Disney+

Sing 2

This adorably funny story follows koala Buster Moon and his quest to convince a rock star to join his troupe’s live show.  A sequel to the popular animated musical film Sing, Sing 2 brings back all the same charming characters including Matthew McConaughey as Buster Moon, Scarlett Johansson as Ash and Reese Witherspoon as Rosita. You can watch Sing 2 in select theaters.

The Loud House Movie

Lincoln Loud and his mom, dad and 10 sisters head to Scotland for a family vacation. The Loud family is in for a shocking surprise when they stumble across their forgotten lineage during the trip—which may or may not include something to do with royalty! This animated musical film is charming, vibrant and packed with life lessons about the importance of family. 

Streaming on Netflix

Flora & Ulysses

In this beautiful and quirky film, 10-year-old comic-obsessed Flora is forced to find a new perspective in how she views the world. While she deals with the hardship of her parent’s split, Flora ignites her imaginative side to bring a special friend to life and to help the people around her heal. 

Streaming on Disney+

Wish Dragon

This animated comedy features Din, a teen who meets a magical dragon on his quest to find an old friend. Influenced by the same fable as Aladdin, Wish Dragon is a burst of fantasy, whimsical characters and imaginative storylines.

Streaming on Netflix

Back to the Outback

This animated kids comedy follows a crew of friendly zoo animals with bad raps who flee their cages and return to the wild. Hilarity ensues when a new animal—a zealous and curious koala—joins their motley crew and changes the group dynamics. 

Streaming on Netflix

Ron’s Gone Wrong

In this fantasy world, humans and robots coexist—like friends Barney (a human) and Ron (a robot). When Ron is malfunctioning, Barney does everything he can to help fix Ron—including standing up to a high-power executive and pushing out of his own shell. This animated film stars the voice of Liam Payne, alongside comedy legends Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis. You can find Ron’s Gone Wrong in select theaters.

Clifford the Big Red Dog

Based on the popular kids book series, this live-action animated film is about 12-year-old Emily Elizabeth. Surprised that her little puppy has grown to be 10-feet tall, Emily Elizabeth and Clifford get into all sorts of comedic adventures as they romp around New York City—including a close-call that leaves Emily Elizabeth having to save Clifford.

Streaming on Paramount+

The Addams Family 2

A sequel to the popular animated children’s comedy The Addams Family, the second iteration in the franchise features the Addams family on a road trip. Filled with surprising run-ins, unintended detours and hilariously offbeat family dynamics, this fast-paced film will bring many laughs. Watch The Addams Family 2 in select theaters or On Demand.

Encanto

This animated musical is about a city in Columbia that’s filled with magical children. Unfortunately, teen Maribel wasn’t given the gift of magic, but that doesn’t stop her from taking on the challenge of saving her city when she realizes it’s being threatened. This family film is touching yet light, and includes songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. You can watch Encanto in select theaters.

Tom & Jerry

The famous animated cat-and-mouse pair is back! In Tom & Jerry, Tom is tasked with somehow making the pesky Jerry leave a hotel venue prior to an A-list wedding. Featuring the likes of Chloe Grace Mortez, Colin Jost and Rob Delaney, Tom & Jerry packs in a punch of action, wild shenanigans and plenty of laughs.

Streaming on HBO Max

Raya and the Last Dragon

This animated fantasy film features Raya, a young warrior, who works to save humanity and defend the last dragon left on Kumandra. It features the voices of Awkwafina, Sandra Oh and Kelly Marie Tran.

Streaming on Disney+

Cinderella

This new musical adaptation of Cinderella features superstars Camila Cabello, Pierce Brosnan, Billy Porter and Minnie Driver. Similar to the original film, this iteration is about the orphan Cinderella and how her fabulous fairy godperson helps her transform into a more confident version of herself. 

Streaming on Amazon Prime

Puff: Wonders of the Reef

This animated documentary narrated by Rose Byrne is about the Great Barrier Reef, and the baby puffer fish that inhabit it. This film is great for any kids who are budding marine biologists—or just lovers of the ocean! 

Streaming on Netflix

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

The popular book-series-turned-film-franchise is back with an animated version! Based on the first novel in the series, this iteration features middle-schooler Greg who yearns to be popular and rich. Greg’s journey includes his charismatic friend Rowley and Greg’s trusted journal.

Streaming on Disney+ as of December 3

Spirit Untamed

Spirit Untamed is about Lucky, a girl who befriends a mustang named Spirit after moving to a new town. After Spirit and his horse herd are taken by a wrangler, Lucky embarks on a journey to save the horse crew. You can watch this beautiful animated adventure film, featuring the voices of Julianne Moore and Jake Gyllenhaal, on Blu-Ray and On Demand.

Space Jam: A New Legacy

Starring basketball legend LeBron James, this story follows the athlete and his son as they get trapped in digital space and team up with the Looney Tunes crew to escape. This animated live-action film is packed with star power beyond just LeBron—watch to hear the voices of Zendaya and Gabriel Iglesias, and to see appearances from Michael B. Jordan, Sarah Silverman and Don Cheadle. Available to watch On Demand.

Jungle Cruise

Starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, Jungle Cruise follows the story of odd couple Dr. Lily and skipper Frank. As the two embark on their journey down the Amazon River, they keep an eye out for a healing tree that’s said to have magically impactful powers. This adventure action film is based on Walt Disney’s Jungle Cruise ride.

Streaming on Disney+

Now all that’s left to do is get the popcorn ready and enjoy!

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