Big movies are hitting theaters this fall and winter—and we think kids will actually enjoy them
From classic characters and stop-motion sheep to witches, superheroes and magical worlds, the final months of 2026 have plenty of family movie options. Theaters are particularly packed with animation and family franchises, including Forgotten Island, The Cat in the Hat, Hexed and The Angry Birds Movie 3.
But “family movie” doesn’t necessarily mean “appropriate for every child.” Here’s our parent-friendly breakdown of what each movie is, who it’s best suited for and what parents should know before buying those tickets.
Something to remember: Several films remain officially unrated, so these age recommendations should be treated as a practical starting point rather than a substitute for the eventual rating or a parent’s own judgment. Release dates and ratings can also change before theatrical release.
September 2026
Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass
Official Rating: PG
Release Date: September 9, 2026
Runtime: 1h 44m
Age Recommendation: 6+
Best For: Kids 6–10
Tom and Jerry accidentally unleash a mystical compass while wreaking havoc inside New York’s Metropolitan Museum. A vortex transports the duo to an ancient metropolis, where they must figure out how to get home. Expect slapstick comedy, fantasy adventure and the familiar Tom-and-Jerry chaos.
Parent verdict: A strong choice for younger elementary-school kids.
Practical Magic 2
Official Rating: NR (likely PG-13)
Release Date: September 11, 2026
Runtime: 1h 50m
Age Recommendation: 12+
Best For: Tweens, teens & parents
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman return as the witchy Owens sisters more than two decades after the original. The sequel explores the family’s magical history while introducing a younger generation. Expect romance, supernatural elements and some darker or frightening material.
Parent verdict: Better for older tweens and teens than younger kids.
Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom
Official Rating: NR
Release Date: September 18, 2026
Runtime: 1h 31m
Age Recommendation: 5+
Best For: Preschoolers & young elementary kids
Halloween arrives at Mossy Bottom Farm, where a farmer accidentally destroys the pumpkin patch. Shaun tries to use science to solve the problem, only to unleash something much more mysterious. The result is a spooky-but-silly stop-motion adventure.
Parent verdict: One of the best choices for younger children, particularly kids who aren’t ready for genuinely scary Halloween movies.
Forgotten Island
Official Rating: PG
Release Date: September 25, 2026
Runtime: 1h 38m
Age Recommendation: 8+
Best For: Older elementary kids & tweens
Two best friends facing an impending separation discover a portal to the magical island of Nakali. There they encounter creatures inspired by Filipino folklore and embark on one final adventure together. The 1990s setting also gives the movie a nostalgic appeal for parents.
Parent verdict: A promising choice for families looking for fantasy with friendship and cultural folklore at its center.
November 2026
The Cat in the Hat
Official Rating: NR
Release Date: November 6, 2026
Runtime: 1h 35m
Age Recommendation: 5+
Best For: Preschoolers & elementary kids
The mischievous Cat in the Hat sets out to help two siblings adjust to their new home. Bill Hader provides the voice of the beloved Dr. Seuss character. Expect a colorful, energetic animated adventure filled with rhymes, imagination and silliness.
Parent verdict: A natural choice for younger kids who already love Dr. Seuss.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Official Rating: NR (likely PG-13)
Release Date: November 20, 2026
Runtime: 2h 30m
Age Recommendation: 13+
Best For: Teens & longtime Hunger Games fans
This prequel follows a young Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games. Audiences already know Haymitch as Katniss and Peeta’s mentor, but this film reveals the experiences that shaped him. Violence, grief and other mature themes make this one considerably different from a typical kids’ movie.
Parent verdict: Definitely a teen movie, not a family movie for younger children.
Hexed
Official Rating: NR
Release Date: November 25, 2026
Runtime: Not yet announced
Age Recommendation: 7+
Best For: Elementary kids & families
An awkward teenager discovers she and her type-A mother posess dormant magical powers. Their discovery opens the door to a hidden realm that turns their lives upside down. The combination of magic, family dynamics and comedy makes this a strong Thanksgiving-weekend contender.
Parent verdict: Potentially one of the season’s best all-around family picks.
December 2026
Avengers: Doomsday
Official Rating: NR
Release Date: December 18, 2026
Runtime: 2h 45m
Age Recommendation: 13+
Best For: Tweens, teens & Marvel families
The Avengers face a catastrophic threat as the multiverse begins collapsing and different realities collide. With the fate of multiple worlds at stake, the movie promises huge action and an enormous ensemble of Marvel characters. Its nearly three-hour runtime and potentially intense superhero violence make this one better suited to older kids.
Parent verdict: Not a little-kid movie. Great for established Marvel fans who can handle intense action and lengthy movies.
The Angry Birds Movie 3
Official Rating: NR
Release Date: December 23, 2026
Runtime: 1h 37m
Age Recommendation: 6+
Best For: Elementary kids & holiday family outings
Red, Chuck, Bomb and the rest of the Angry Birds return for another animated adventure. The third installment continues the movie franchise based on the enormously popular video-game characters. Its December release makes it an easy candidate for a family outing during the holiday break.
Parent verdict: A straightforward choice for younger elementary-school kids and fans of the first two movies.
