A family fun date! 6 kids movies to enjoy together in 2024

2024 is going to be a big year for streaming shows, as well as movies on the big screen! Lots of those are for a more mature audience, but don’t worry. We haven’t forgotten about the kiddos. There’s also great films coming that the younger ones can enjoy. Get ready for a list of kids movies to look forward to in 2024!

Some of the ones we’re most excited about are Inside Out 2, Garfield, and Despicable Me 4. Hopefully there will be more added in the new year, but we have 6 kids movies that we know are coming for sure in 2024 that are worth getting excited about. Check out (and click on) the list below:

Are you ready to learn more about the movies? When are there release dates and what can you expect to see? Read on below for all the details about our recs, or click on the title of one of the films above to jump right to that movie!

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire 

Release date: In theaters March 29, 2024

Most likely to later stream on Netflix

If there's something strange in you neighborhood, who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!

The supernatural comedy universe continues to grow, with Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire making its way to us in early 2024! This movie is a direct sequel to Ghostbusters: Afterlife and the fifth film in the franchise overall. Frozen Empire is centered around the Spengler family as they go back to “where it all started - the iconic New York City firehouse,” per the synopsis. The ghost-hunting fam decides to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who now have a “top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level.” But when an ancient artifact releases an “evil force,” everyone needs to work together to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.

Reprising their roles from the previous production are Paul Rudd as Gary Grooberson; Carrie Coon as Callie Spengler, Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard as Trevor Spengler, Mckenna Grace as Phoebe Spengler; Celeste O’Connor as Lucky Domingo; Dan Aykroyd as Raymond “Ray” Stantz; Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore; Young Sheldon’s Annie Potts as Janine Melnitz; and Logan Kim as Podcast. We’ve got two new exciting additions to the cast - Kumail Nanjiani and Patton Oswalt! It’s amazing to see how the franchise is still going and relevant, as well as some of the original cast members along for the ride!

Kung Fu Panda 4

Release date: In theaters March 8, 2024

Most likely to later stream on Peacock

Though there’s been television episodes and specials throughout the years, we haven’t gotten another film in the franchise since 2016. Well, that’s about to change when Kung Fu Panda 4 makes its debut on March 29, 2024! The martial arts comedy film has taken main character Po on many emotional journeys, and he’s grown throughout the years. It will be interesting to see what he’s up to in the next film. 

The next installment seems to be as exciting as its predecessors. And there's going to be a lot in store for our favorite Panda, Po! He's going to be called on to become the "Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, is tasked with training the new Dragon Warrior, and will face new villain Chamelon," per the synopsis. The films have done a great job of telling intriguing stories throughout the years, and portraying Po’s emotional growth as well. I have know doubt the fourth movie will be the same! Check out the official synopsis from Universal Picture below:

"After three death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains with his unmatched courage and mad martial arts skills, Po, the Dragon Warrior, is called upon by destiny to … give it a rest already. More specifically, he’s tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.

That poses a couple of obvious problems. First, Po knows as much about spiritual leadership as he does about the paleo diet, and second, he needs to quickly find and train a new Dragon Warrior before he can assume his new lofty position.

Even worse, there’s been a recent sighting of a wicked, powerful sorceress, Chameleon, a tiny lizard who can shape-shift into any creature, large or small. And Chameleon has her greedy, beady little eyes on Po’s Staff of Wisdom, which would give her the power to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm.

So, Po’s going to need some help. He finds it (kinda?) in the form of crafty, quick-witted thief Zhen, a corsac fox who really gets under Po’s fur but whose skills will prove invaluable. In their quest to protect the Valley of Peace from Chameleon’s reptilian claws, this comedic odd-couple duo will have to work together. In the process, Po will discover that heroes can be found in the most unexpected places."

Returning cast members include Jack Black as Po, Dustin Hoffman as Kung Fu master Shifu, James Hong as Mr. Ping, Bryan Cranston as Li, and Ian McShane as Tai Lung. New actors lending their voices are Viola Davis as the new villain Chameleon, Awkwafina as Zhen, and Ke Huy Quan as the leader of the Den of Thieves, Han.

Garfield

Release date: In theaters May 24, 2024

Most likely to later stream on Netflix

Chris Pratt did a great job of voicing Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and now he’s bringing another beloved and iconic character to life - Garfield - in the the new animated movie will be in theaters May 24, 2024! Him being cast as Mario may have been decisive between audience members, but I do think he’s a great fit as Garfield. You can listen to him as the furry character in the trailer we shared below!

The star-studded cast also includes Samuel L. Jackson as the titular character’s long lost father Vic; as well as Hannah Waddingham; Ving Rhames; Nicholas Hoult; Cecily Strong; Harvey Guillén; Brett Goldstein; and Bowen Yang. Check out the official synopsis below:

"Garfield, the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic – Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist."

Inside Out 2

Release date: In theaters June 14, 2024

Will later stream on Disney+

I’ll be honest. Even as an adult, Inside Out was such an enjoyable watch! It’s a wonderful emotional journey that teaches everyone that all your emotions, even the ones we don't want to feel sometimes, play a role in who we are. And the characters are just great and delightful! That’s why it’s so exciting not just for your kids, but even for you, that there’s an Inside Out 2 coming to theaters June 14, 2024! I personally can’t wait and will be getting myself a ticket for the first showing.

The new animated movie will introduce a new emotion to the group - Anxiety. Now that Riley is a teenager, headquarters is going through some changes - new Emotions are showing up, per the synopsis. With Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust used to running things alone, will they be able to make room for Anxiety and everyone else who shows up too?

Stranger Things’ Maya Hawke voices new character “frazzled, but lovable orange Emotion,” Anxiety. She joins Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Lewis Black as Anger, Tony Hale as Fear, and Liza Lapira as Disgust.

Despicable Me 4

Release date: In theaters July 3, 2024

Most likely to later stream on Peacock

The minions are back in an all-new adventure! Get ready for Despicable Me 4, arriving July 3, 2024 on the big screens. We’re still waiting for details like what the movie is all about. However, Collider did share who’s returning: Steve Carell as villain Gru; Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde; Miranda Cosgrove as Margo; and Steve Coogan as Silas Ramsbottom.

Though not confirmed, Nev Scharrel as Agnes Gru; Dana Gaier as Edith Gru; Will Arnett as Mr. Perkins; and Julie Andrews as Marlene Gru are also expected to return. The Despicable Me movies and the minion characters have been very popular with kids throughout the years, and it’s still seen today. Though too many sequels can get a bit much sometimes, I think this story is still going strong!

Mufasa: The Lion King

Release date: In theaters Dec. 20, 2024

Will later stream on Disney+

The story of The Lion King is a sad one with the beloved Mufasa dying at the hands of his brother Scar. This leads to Simba growing up without his father, and the ultimate betrayal within the family happening. Even still, Simba also goes on an emotional journey and grows up to be the King of the Jungle his father would have been proud of. Now, we’re getting a prequel of sorts to the story we all know and love in Mufasa: The Lion King. The film hits theaters towards the end of next year - Dec. 20, 2024. 

Details about the plot are still scarce, though it seems like we’re going to get more of the backstory between Mufasa and his brother Scar, including when they were younger. The movie is meant to be a prequel to the 2019 live-action remake film. And so Billy Eichner as iImon; Seth Rogen as Pumbaa; and John Kani as Rafiki reprise their voice roles. Aaron Pierre voices a younger Mufasa, and a younger Scar is played by Kelvin Harrison Jr. Even though his screen time is limited, the Mufasa character leaves an impact on us as viewers, as well as is a big part of Simba’s story of course. I’ve always wondered what it was like between the brothers in their younger years, so I’m actually really looking forward to this prequel production!