Before Leo was born. Oli and I used to pretty much live in the cinema, back in the days where we had cash that wasn’t allocated to nappies or milk and we had this little thing called Free Time. Trips to the pictures are few and far between now but as Leo has got older we have come up with a way to continue getting our cinema fix. Instead of despairing when we can’t get a babysitter, we let our little film lover tag along with us. Yes, if you want to enjoy the cinema with your little one you are going to have to swap that action packed blockbuster for something more family friendly but, sometimes, this makes the whole experience better. I love seeing Leo’s little face light up as he gazes up at the big screen in awe, munching away on his popcorn.
2016 is going to be a great year for family friendly films and I can’t wait to start planning lots of trips to the cinema with my boys. For any other film lovers out there, I have made a list of 10 family friendly films, all due for release this year. I have included films that will hopefully appeal to children of all ages so if you have a two year old, a six year old or a thirteen year old, there should be at least one movie here you can enjoy together.
Grab some popcorn, dim the lights, get ready to enjoy the trailers and get excited for these 10 films the family will love…
1. Finding Dory
Finding Nemo is one of my favourite Pixar films and Dory is just one of the most lovable characters ever, The bright colours and under the sea adventure is sure to keep the kids entertained and being a Pixar film, the story will have enough depth to keep us grown ups happy too. Release date: June 2016
2. Kung Fu Panda 3
Jack Black is back as the voice of Po the panda, the not so masterful master of kung fu. Fans of the first two films are bound to be happy to see the return of this clumsy, excitable panda and the films are usually entertaining enough to stop us parents attempting to sneakily play on our phones. Release date: January 2016.
3. The BFG
Here is a film for any Harry Potter fans out there who need a bit of magic back on their screen. Fantastic Beasts and where to find them in based on the book by the brilliant J.K.Rowling and is about the magical creatures that live in the wizard world. This is one the whole family are sure to enjoy, who doesn’t love a bit of magic after all? Release date: November 2016
7. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
It is too soon for a trailer for this but you should get excited anyway. In case you missed it, in December the whole world went crazy for Star Wars, myself included. Kids of all ages were happily going along to the cinema with their eager, fan boy/girl parents to find out what has been happening in that galaxy far, far away. I am sure everyone will be equally excited when this next instalment hits cinemas later this year. Release date: December 2016.
8. The Jungle Book.
This year The Jungle Book is getting the live action treatment and it looks amazing. Very young children should stay at home and curl up on the sofa with the original Disney animation but this is definitely one not to be missed for families with older children. I for one can not wait to see Baloo the Bear and Mowgli come to life.
9. Captain America: Civil War.
Marvel are releasing yet another Captain America film but this time with a twist. Civil War sees The Avengers interests and loyalties divide and things start to go wrong for the Captain and his old pal Iron Man. This is certainly one to watch if you and your kids are big super hero fans. Release date: April 2016.
10. The Secret Life of Pets.
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Definitely looking forward most to Finding Dory and Fantastic Beasts, but all of these do seem amazing! (and I even discovered some new ones, so thanks for that 🙂 )
Glad I could introduce you to a few new ones. I'm looking forward to Finding Dory the most too 🙂 xx
So many good films coming out, can't wait. I think in our house we are most excited by the new Kung Fu Panda film 🙂 #anythinggoes
We are such movie buffs as well! Can't wait for Finding Dory! Thanks for sharing your list. #fartglitter
I'm so excited for Finding Dory and Fantastic Beasts! 😀 #anythinggoes
Lots of great films coming!
I can't wait for the BFG! Very excited about that! #fartglitter
I'm so excited for the BFG I can't stand it!
#fartglitter
I have watched the trailer for The BFG far too many times! I am so excited I could squeak. Sorry though, not taking the tots. This one is entirely for Mummy!! #fartglitter x
I know these are mostly aimed at kids, but I'm excited for some of these myself! The BFG especially – what a great book! #abitofeverything – Katie @ The Squirmy Popple
These look like a great selection of films. Hopefully be taking my little ones to a couple of them. #abitofeverything xx
I am ridiculously excited for The BFG. The trailer is amazing, and I reckon it'll the one not to miss x #abitofeverything
So many good movies!! I remember the BFG as a child so I'm really looking forward to that and for S I think he'll enjoy Finding Dory & The Jungle Book 🙂 #fartglitter
Kung Fu Panda 3 was adorable! We have watched them all and I think #3 was my favorite so far.
I am always out of the loop when it comes to movies. These look good! Maybe we can treat the kids to one this year.
Jungle book is one of my all time favs so I can't wait for that. I just hope they do it justice. I think my little man will love the secret life of pets though. Great round up.
I can't wait for the Secret Life of Pets. I have some serious feels about Civil War because the comic book is so dark and leads to even darker things and with them not being able to use mutants I'm still not sure it's going to work.
We're very much excited for Finding Dory in our household, my toddlers current favourite film is 'Fish' (Finding Nemo) so I think she'll be a huge fan of Finding Dory! #Abitofeverything
Thanks for sharing with #abitofeverything too!
Literally can't wait for the BFG!! As an expectant first time parent who LOVES the cinema, I really hope that we do manage to find the time to go once the little one arrives!! #abitofeverything
There's loads of good ones isn't there? I love kung fu panda too, unfortunately my little boys not so keen!xx
I can't wait either, I love Dory!Thanks for hosting xx
Me too!!xx
I know, so exciting!xx
Oh me too, I love The BFG xx
Me too!We only have to wait until July xx
Haha, the trailer is pretty good so I don't blame you!I'm not taking my boy to this one either, I want to guarantee I am going to see it all!xx
Haha, me too. Yes, lots of us are looking forward to The BFG xx
I tried to include something for everyone. Hope you get a chance to take your boys to see them xx
Definitely not be missed, I can't wait to see it either xx
Finding Dory and The Jungle book look really good. I'm excited for The BFG too xx
Ohh, glad to hear it's good. I can't wait to see it xx
Hope you enjoy the film, whatever you decide to see xx
Yes, I love The Jungle Book too!Can't wait to see the characters brought to life. I definitely think little ones are going to love The secret life of pets xx
Oh, I've not read the comic books so I have no expectations. My husband is so excited for Civil War though so I hope it's good xx
Aww 'Fish', so cute! Very excited for Finding Dory xx
Congratulations on impending parenthood! You will find the time to go to the cinema, probably not as much as do now though so make the most of it 🙂 x
I'm so excited about The Jungle Book! My hubby is excited about Civil War and Batman vs. Superman…but our son is excited about Kung Foo Panda, ha! #TwinklyTuesday
Haha, my hubby is excited for those films too. I can't wait to see The Jungle Book either, it looks so good xx
I'm SUPER excited for The Secret Life of Pets. As well as Finding Dory and The BFG. Fabulous roundup! I'm pinning and stumbling this! <3 Happy Friday!
I can't believe they're already bringing out the next SW so soon! Some good ones here. We're a massive film family and I was before kids too, like you. The challenge we have is the age gap between our youngest and eldest which is a problem when it comes to films. hey ho. #abitofeverything
Thank you :). I can't wait to go see The Secret life of Pets either xx
I know! It's easy money for Disney though, people will definitely go and watch it. Ahh I suppose the age gap is a bit difficult, you could take one to a film they want to see and hubby take the other?!xx