Entertainment

20 Family-Friendly Movies to See in Theaters This Winter

EntertainmentPublished Jan 30, 2019
By Bethany Quinn
The Lego Movie 2 filmWarner Bros.

Winter is in full swing, and needless to say, it's cold outside. From blizzards to freezing temperatures, ice storms, and the return of the polar vortex, it's safe to say that most of the country's population will be stuck indoors for the next few months -- which, after some time, can lead to a serious case of the stir-crazies. Snow days are cool and all, but they really end up being a lot of work ... for parents, that is. But don't fret just yet. There are tons of family-friendly movies out now and headed our way in weeks to come. Getting the family together and out the door to catch a flick is one of the best ways to spend time together and could just be the taste of sanity parents desperately need.

After all, going to the movies means popcorn and snacks, comfy seats, heat, and no need for a big clean up afterward. Parents can also enjoy a few hours free of whining, nagging, and sibling fights. We might even know a parent or two who uses going to the movies with their kids for a much-needed nap (no shame in their game). And with so many amazing films out now and that will be released soon, we see many family trips to the movies on the horizon.

Parents and kids can look forward to highly anticipated action films while younger kids will love new live-action flicks getting ready to hit screens soon! There might even be a sequel or two on this list, which we're sure kids will get a big kick out of. From animated classics to action-packed spin-offs, these 20 movies are sure to please the whole family and keep them warm in the process.

Get ready to plan the next trip to the movies!

1/20
'Bumblebee'-placeholder
'Bumblebee'
Jaimie Trueblood Courtesy Paramount Pictures

'Bumblebee'

Rated: PG-13

A teenage girl finds an old VW Bug in a junkyard and gets way more than new wheels in this action-packed Transformers spin-off. Hailee Steinfeld stars in this surprisingly adorable film.

2/20
'Aquaman'-placeholder
'Aquaman'
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

'Aquaman'

Rated: PG-13

Jason Momoa wows as Aquaman in this highly anticipated superhero flick. Kids will love the action and story line

And moms will love, well, Jason Momoa!

3/20
'Mary Poppins Returns'-placeholder
'Mary Poppins Returns'
Jay Maidment/Disney Enterprises

'Mary Poppins Returns'

Rated: PG

Emily Blunt stars as everyone's favorite magical nanny in this classic story. Keep in mind this is a sequel (not a remake) but still features amazing songs from Blunt and costar Lin-Manuel Miranda.

4/20

'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse'

Rated: PG

This Golden Globe winning film, (yes, it just won for Best Animated Feature), is great for parents and kids alike. It follows Miles Morales, a young kid from Brooklyn, as he uncovers secrets of one of the most famous superheroes.

5/20
'The Grinch'-placeholder
'The Grinch'
Universal Pictures/Illumination Entertainment

'The Grinch'

Rated: PG

For families not ready to give up their Christmas spirit, The Grinch is still playing in some theaters. It features that famous characters we know and love, like Cindy-Lou Who, Max, and of course, The Grinch himself.

6/20
'Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2'-placeholder
'Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2'
Disney

'Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2'

Rated: PG

Ralph and his little buddy, Vanellope, are tasked with saving the Sugar Rush game and must travel via a Wi-Fi router to the Internet to find the right piece. This adorable duo features the voice talents of John C. Riley and Sarah Silverman and is truly a day at the movies well spent.

7/20
'Instant Family'-placeholder
'Instant Family'
Paramount Pictures

'Instant Family'

Rated: PG-13

It's so great this one is still in theaters! In Instant Family, Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne star as parents who quickly get in over their heads when they decide to foster three children.

8/20

'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald'

Rated: PG-13

Another that's still lingering around in certain theaters is Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. This is the second film in the five-film series based on J.K. Rowling's characters from the beloved books. The film follows a young Dumbledore who tries to thwart an evil wizard's plan for domination.

9/20
'Dragon Ball Super: Broly'-placeholder
'Dragon Ball Super: Broly'
Fox International Productions

'Dragon Ball Super: Broly'

Rated: PG

Dragon Ball fans are likely pumped over this film. It picks up where the television show, Dragon Ball Super, left off. New characters are introduced in this film that some are saying is the biggest and best yet.

10/20
'A Dog's Way Home'-placeholder
'A Dog's Way Home'
Courtesy Columbia Pictures

'A Dog's Way Home'

Rated: PG

This story follows Bella, an abandoned dog who gets adopted by a boy named Lucas, only to be separated due to unfortunate circumstances. Two years pass, and we see everything Bella had to go through to finally make it back where she belongs.

11/20

'Bernie the Dolphin'

Rated: G

A brother and sister find an injured dolphin in St. Augustine, Florida. While trying to help the dolphin, the siblings uncover a dark plan that could destroy the beach they love.

12/20
'Stan and Ollie'-placeholder
'Stan and Ollie'
Entertainment One

'Stan and Ollie'

Rated: PG

One of the greatest comedy acts of all time get their turn at a biopic. Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly star as Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel in a this heartwarming film.

13/20
'Norm of the North: Keys to the Kingdom'-placeholder
'Norm of the North: Keys to the Kingdom'
Lionsgate Films

'Norm of the North: Keys to the Kingdom'

Rated: PG

Norm becomes crowned Polar Bear King of the Arctic. But the celebration doesn't last long as he gets framed for a crime he didn't commit. It all comes down to a hockey match that will help clear his name and save his kingdom.

14/20
'The Kid Who Would Be King'-placeholder
'The Kid Who Would Be King'
Twentieth Century Fox Film

'The Kid Who Would Be King'

Rated: PG

An ordinary boy is met with an epic feat when he is able to pull the mythical sword, Excalibur, from its stone. He and his friends then get together to stop a wicked enchantress.

15/20

'The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part'

Rated: PG

Hits Theaters: February 8

The Lego Movie 2 looks just as funny as the first as the characters face an invasion of Lego Duplo's from outer space. Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, and Will Arnett all return. But this time are joined by the hilarious Tiffany Haddish.

16/20
'Run the Race'-placeholder
'Run the Race'
Reserve Entertainment

'Run the Race'

Rated: PG

Hits Theaters: February 22

Two high school-aged brothers, with differing points of view, find themselves faced with conflict. High school sports and small-town life inform their choices and ultimately strengthen their bond.

17/20
'How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World'-placeholder
'How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World'
DreamWorks Animation

'How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World'

Rated: PG

Hits Theaters: February 22

The third movie in the trilogy finds Hiccup and Toothless in the Dragon utopia they'd always dreamed of creating. However, its future is threatened by a dragon hunter who wants to add trophies to his collection.

18/20
'Captain Marvel'-placeholder
'Captain Marvel'
Marvel Studios

'Captain Marvel'

Not Yet Rated

Hits Theaters: March 8

Brie Larson stars as Carole Danvers in this latest Marvel superhero film. She becomes Captain Marvel after Earth gets caught in between an epic alien battle.

19/20
'Wonder Park'-placeholder
'Wonder Park'
Courtesy Paramount Pictures

'Wonder Park'

Rated: PG

Hits Theaters: March 15

June is a young girl with a very active imagination -- so active, in fact, that she has created her own amusement park filled with rides and talking animals.

20/20

'Dumbo'

Rated: PG

Hits Theaters: March 29

Tim Burton directs the live-action version of this animated classic. When it's discovered that a young elephant can fly because of his large ears, the struggling circus capitalizes on his talents. But things take a dark turn behind the scenes.

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