As 2025 unwinds, the silver screen (and our home screens!) have been ablaze with vibrant colors, heartwarming stories, and thrilling adventures, all crafted especially for the young and young-at-heart. Finding the perfect film for family movie night can be a quest in itself, but fortunately, this year has delivered a fantastic lineup of kids movies and best family movies 2025 has to offer, ensuring there's something to delight every member of your household.
From dazzling animation to exciting live-action tales, the films of 2025 have not only entertained but also inspired, teaching valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and the power of imagination. So, if you're wondering “what to watch with family 2025” has provided, grab your popcorn and let's explore the standout cinematic journeys of the year!
The Magic Formula: What Makes a Great Family Movie?
The best family movies 2025 brings us aren't just about captivating visuals or catchy songs (though those certainly help!). They're about stories that resonate across generations, offering genuine humor for kids and subtle wit for adults. They often feature universal themes of courage, acceptance, and the importance of family, all wrapped up in engaging narratives that leave everyone with a smile or a lesson learned. From G-rated adventures to slightly older, but still family-friendly, tales, this year's slate has hit all the right notes.
Early 2025 Highlights: Adventures Big and Small
The first half of 2025 has already treated us to some truly memorable experiences that make perfect additions to your family movie night rotation.
- “Inside Out 2” (Pixar/Disney): The Emotional Rollercoaster Continues Following the immense success of its predecessor, Pixar's “Inside Out 2” dived deeper into the mind of Riley, now a teenager, as new emotions like Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment join the familiar crew. Critics hailed it for its insightful portrayal of adolescent emotions, vibrant animation, and the clever expansion of its unique world. It's a film that resonates deeply with teens while offering plenty of laughs and talking points for younger kids and parents alike. This movie perfectly captures what to watch with family 2025 has provided for emotional depth and humor. You can check out its glowing reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
- “Elio” (Pixar/Disney): An Interstellar Journey Another promising offering from Pixar, “Elio,” introduced audiences to an imaginative young boy who unexpectedly becomes an intergalactic ambassador. This film leverages Pixar's signature stunning animation to tell a story of discovery, courage, and finding your place in a vast universe. Early buzz suggests it's a visually spectacular adventure that will spark wonder in children and provide thoughtful themes for adults. It's a definite contender for the best family movies 2025.
- “Lilo & Stitch” (Disney Live-Action): Ohana Means Family The live-action adaptation of the beloved Disney+ kids classic, “Lilo & Stitch,” brought the heartwarming tale of a Hawaiian girl and her alien “dog” to life in a new way. While some live-action remakes face an uphill battle, this one focused on retaining the original's charm, humor, and powerful message about family (“Ohana”). It's a fantastic option for family movie night, introducing a new generation to Stitch's mischievous antics and Lilo's unwavering love, making it a key part of what to watch with family 2025 has delivered.
- “Freakier Friday” (Disney): Double the Swaps, Double the Fun! Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan returned for “Freakier Friday,” a sequel that expanded the body-swapping chaos to include their daughters. This film capitalized on nostalgia while injecting fresh comedic scenarios. The multi-generational swaps lead to hilarious misunderstandings and heartwarming lessons about empathy and understanding. It's a classic example of kids movies that also provide abundant laughs for parents, a perfect G-rated romp. You can find more about its anticipated release among other 2025 films on Cineworld's blog.
Upcoming Delights: Perfect for the Holiday Season and Beyond
As we approach the latter half of the year, especially the holiday season, more exciting kids & family movies are on the horizon, promising continued adventures and joy.
- “The Wild Robot” (DreamWorks Animation): A Breathtaking Adventure Based on the beloved novel, this animated feature follows a robot who awakens on a wild island and must adapt to its environment, befriending animals along the way. With a voice cast including Lupita Nyong'o and Pedro Pascal, the film promises stunning animation and a profound, moving story about nature, survival, and belonging. It's poised to be a critically acclaimed and heartwarming addition to family movie night. Learn more about its release on Screen Rant.
- “The Smurfs Movie” (Paramount Animation): A Musical Adventure Another highly anticipated animated film set to bring iconic characters back to the big screen is “The Smurfs Movie.” This musical adventure, with a star-studded voice cast including Rihanna, promises vibrant animation, catchy songs, and the timeless charm of the little blue creatures. It's a guaranteed hit for younger audiences and a nostalgic treat for parents.
Stream the Fun: Disney+ Kids and Beyond
One of the greatest advantages for families in 2025 is the ease of access to these fantastic films. Many of the best family movies 2025 has produced, especially those from Disney and Pixar, will quickly become available on Disney+ Kids, allowing you to stream kids movies conveniently from the comfort of your home. Other platforms will also offer a wide array of choices, ensuring that no family is left searching for what to watch with family 2025.
The USA and global audiences alike have embraced this year's offerings, demonstrating the universal appeal of well-crafted animation and live-action stories that speak to the heart. Whether you're planning a quiet evening in or looking for the perfect cinematic escape, 2025 has truly spoiled us with options that promise to create lasting memories for the entire family.
2025 has already delivered cinematic gold, with box office hits that combine spectacle, emotion, and strong storytelling. Whether you're an action junkie or an animation fan, there's something for everyone.
Want more big-screen brilliance? Read our blog on the top-grossing movies of 2025 here. https://trendimint.com/2025/05/28/top-grossing-movies-2025/
What’s been your favorite movie of 2025 so far? Drop your pick in the comments below!
