The entertainment industry, in many ways, is still playing catch up from the various SNAFUs and snags that resulted from the pandemic. And so it was up to 2022 to work out the kinks, and we got a slew of funny, heartfelt movies the whole family could enjoy. But with several(!!!) new projects from Pixar and Marvel, a number of franchise sequels, and films released from brand new studios what were our favorite family movies of 2022? We have opinions.
Was it hard to choose? Yes. But mama didn’t raise us to back down from a challenge and we ranked our 10 favorite family movies from 2022. But! There were so many we wanted to offer honorable mentions to others we think you and your kiddos will enjoy as well. (We, too, understand how long that holiday break can feel.) On this list, we’ve noted where you’ll be able to see these films (most are currently available to stream) as well as movies that haven’t come out yet (yes, still) that we’re looking forward to in the last days of 2022.
Astronauts, dragons (plural!), mad scientists, and more, here’s our list of everything movie-loving families have enjoyed in the past year...
#1. Turning Red
This one definitely made us Pixar-cry (which is like an emotional ugly cry, but more powerful), both as parents and as people who remember growing up at the turn of the millennium.
It’s Toronto in the early 2000s, and Mei and her friends are gearing up for a great year, that is until an ancient family “quirk” unleashes itself on Mei, turning her into a giant red panda every time her emotions run high. All of a sudden, what was going to be the best year ever has turned into a nightmare, where the teenager has to maintain composure through all the trials and tribulations of high school.
Stream Turning Red, rated PG, on Disney+
#2. Lightyear
Buzz Lightyear and his compatriots have been trapped on a hostile planet for years, but when a test run for an escape somehow launches Buzz 60 years into the future, he finds the situation has become even more dire. His friends are mostly all gone (their grandchildren appear in their stead) and robots have taken over. He and his ragtag crew, voiced by Taika Waititi, Keke Palmer and Dale Soules — as well as his robotic cat companion, Sox — must work together to defeat them.
Stream Lightyear, rated PG, on Disney+.
#3. Marcel The Shell With Shoes On
Marcel is an adorable, 1-inch-tall shell who lives a small but colorful existence with his grandma Connie and their pet lint, Alan. It’s common knowledge that it takes at least 20 shells to have a community — and Marcel and Connie used to be part of one. But their family all just... went away, leaving them the sole survivors of a mysterious tragedy. When the pair find themselves the subject of a curious documentarian, they receive the attention of millions around the world... enough attention, perhaps, to find their family. Adorable, hilarious, and surprisingly poignant: we just loved this one.
Stream Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, rated PG, on Amazon Prime.
#4. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
This movie gave us the opportunity to go back to Wakanda and we. had. all. the. feelings.
The movie mostly takes place after the death of T’Challa, King of Wakanda aka The Black Panther T'Challa, king of Wakanda. A year later, the kingdom struggles to find its way in the wake of the tragedy and the loss of the “heart-shaped herb,” destroyed by Killmonger in the first movie, which has the power to create a new Black Panther... but is a new Black Panther what the kingdom needs?
At the same time, the underwater kingdom of Talokan, led by Namor, confronts Wakanda with an ultimatum... and refusal has dire consequences.
See Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in theaters now; the film will be available for streaming on Disney+ on an undisclosed date.
#5. Guillermo del Torro’s Pinocchio
Guillermo del Toro may be best known for his ability to terrify, but his retelling of the Italian fairy tale Pinocchio is artfully and beautifully done.
Using stop-motion animation (think Coraline or The Nightmare Before Christmas), this musical version of the Carlo Collodi fairytale takes place in 1930s Fascist Italy, so you can bet it’s going to be a bit darker than the Disney animated feature. But, then again you probably guess that when you read “Guillermo del Toro” – this is the same guy who gave us Pan’s Labyrinth and Crimson Peak! The cast includes the likes of Ewan McGregor, Cate Blanchett, Finn Wolfhard, Ron Pearlman, Christopher Waltz, Tilda Swinton, and Gregory Mann as Pinocchio.
Stream Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, rated PG, on Netflix.
#6. The Sea Beast
This swashbuckling adventure is the perfect balance of excitement, excellent storytelling, and a valuable lesson about knowing whose stories you believe.
For hundreds of years, sea monsters have risen from the waves to plague humans. Ships full of intrepid sailors take the the seas to hunt these beasts, and none are as revered as Augustus Crow, Captain of the Inevitable. His adopted son, Jacob, is a legend in his own right and is set to follow in Crow’s footsteps... that is until an orphan (and super-fan) named Maisie finds him, setting the world on a path to reconsider everything they’ve ever believed about these monstrous creatures...
Stream The Sea Beast, rated PG, on Netflix.
#7. The Bob’s Burgers Movie
We can’t think of a TV family we love more than the Belchers — as much, maybe, but none more — so we’ve been waiting years for this film and it did not disappoint.
After a ruptured water main creates a sinkhole right in front of Bob’s Burgers, the Belchers fear their critical summer season is ruined. As Bob and Linda struggle to save their business, the kids take drastic measures to ensure that Bob’s Burgers doesn’t go down the sinkhole! The main cast & writers from the show were all involved in the project it delivered all the same laughs and impromptu musical numbers as the series.
Stream The Bob’s Burgers Movie, rated PG-13, on Hulu.
#8. The Bad Guys
We love a good reimagined fairy tale, and this movie lets us take a look at the motivations behind storybooks’ baddest baddies.
Based on the popular children’s book of the same name, The Bad Guys is the story of legendary criminal masterminds Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark, and Ms. Tarantula who have seen the error of their ways and wish to reform. But this might just be their hardest job yet! The cast features the voice talents of Sam Rockwell as Mr. Wolf, Awkwafina as Ms. Tarantula, Anthony Ramos as Mr. Piranha, Craig Robinson as Mr. Shark, and Marc Maron as Mr. Snake.
Stream The Bad Guys, rated PG, on Netflix.
#9. DC League of Super-Pets
Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are BFFFs (that extra F isn’t a typo: it stands for Best Flying Friends Forever). They share the same super powers and have the same burning need to fight for truth, justice, and the American way! But when Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must pull together his own team of canine heroes to rescue them... of course, there a little less “professional” than the Justice League, so, as you can imagine, hilarity ensues. It’s the antidote for everyone who says DC movies are too dark!
Stream DC League of Super-Pets, rated PG, on HBO Max.
#10. Minions: Rise of Gru
What can we say: we’re a sucker for Minions!
It’s the early 1970s and 12-year-old Gru is just like any other suburban kid... with dreams of super-villainy and world domination, that is. His heroes are the Vicious 6, a cadre of the baddest bad guys around and what do you know: they’ve recently had an opening for a new member after kicking out former leader Wild Knuckles. But when Gru and his Minions steal a precious stone from the Vicious 6, he has to go on the run. While in hiding he accepts the mentorship of Wild Knuckles himself.
Stream Minions: The Rise of Gru, rated PG, on Peacock.
Honorable Mentions
Of course, our top 10 aren’t the only movies we enjoyed with our kids this year. Here are some 2022 family movies that made the year more entertaining.
Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers
It’s been 30 years since the last episode of Chip and Dale: Rescue Rangers aired as part of the “Disney Afternoon” line up and the shows stars haven’t faired super well. Monterey Jack has a cheese problem. Dale succumbed to vanity (or the cartoon chipmunk version of it) and got CGI surgery that’s completely changed his appearance. There’s tension between Dale and the ever-collected Chip. So when they’re given a chance at a reboot, they’re uncertain if it’s a great idea. A potent dose of Millennial nostalgia and a bevvy of late ‘80s/early ‘90s cameos!
Stream Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, rated PG, on Disney+.
Luck
Sam Greenfield is the unluckiest girl in the world. At least that’s what it feels like. But when she stumbles into a magical and fantastic undiscovered world, she learns the truth: that there are forces of good luck and bad luck that rule the world of humans, and have for a millennia! Not only that, it’s up to her (naturally) to set these worlds back in order! The movie stars Jane Fonda as the Dragon, the energetic, elegant, chic, and impossibly persuasive CEO of Good Luck and luckiest ancient being in the whole world. Whoopi Goldberg plays the enigmatic “Captain.”
Stream Luck, rated PG, on Apple TV+.
Jurassic World: Dominion
Touted as “the epic conclusion of the Jurassic era,” the latest (and possibly last) installment of the prehistoric franchise brought eeeeveryone back, including stars from the original 1993 film.
Four years after the destruction of Isla Nublar, dinosaurs are now simply a part of the human world. They can be found everywhere on the planet: in the country, in the city, on plains and (in one particularly harrowing scene from the trailer) on a plane. It’s a fragile balance that will reshape the future and determine once and for all, who is Earth’s dominant apex predator.
Stream Jurassic World: Dominion, rated PG-13, on Peacock.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
As Grindelwald's (Mads Mikkelsen, replacing Johnny Depp) power grows, Dumbledore (Jude Law) must rely on his confidante, Newt (Eddie Redmayne) with a mission to stand up against Grindewald’s impressive and terrifying army of dark wizards. But there’s another war that has Dumbledore worried, far beyond the hallowed halls of Hogwarts (but perhaps not as far as he might hope) – World War II, which looms on the periphery of the wizarding world. This third installment of Fantastic Beasts is set in the 1930s and explores wizarding communities around the world, including in Germany, Bhutan, China, the United States, Britain and more.
Steam Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, rated PG-13, on HBO Max.
Cheaper By The Dozen
In this remake of the 2003 classic of the same name starring Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt (which was itself a remake of another film of the same name from 1950) Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union star as Paul and Zoe Baker, who get married and create a household of 10 children. Together they navigate a chaotic but loving home life as they balance family with their business: Baker’s Breakfast.
The film is directed by Black-ish producer Gail Lerner. Kenya Barris and Jennifer Rice-Genzuk wrote the screenplay, and have worked with Lerner on Black-ish and Grown-ish.
Stream Cheaper By The Dozen, rated PG, on Disney+.
Secret Headquarters
Charlie’s dad is loving and fun, but always seems to be busy at work. He gets called away to a lot of random IT conferences at all hours of the night. One night, he and his friends discover a secret headquarters under his home. Not only that, the place is loaded with alien-like technology that can make them stronger, faster, and capable of feats they’d never dreamed of. But before long, they’re not the only ones who’ve discovered his father’s secret, and these guys don’t just want the technology to be able to pitch a perfect Little League game...
Starring Owen Wilson, Michael Peña, and Jesse Williams.
Stream Secret Headquarters, rated PG, on Paramount+.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home and the first season of Loki, Dr. Stephen Strange bcasts a forbidden spell that opens a portal to the multiverse... a move that gets him in trouble with the ultimate powers that be. With the help of both old and new allies, he travels into the multiverse to face a formidable new adversary.
Being a Marvel movie, the film features a lot of familiar faces from the MCU, including Elizabeth Olsen as the Scarlet Witch and Patrick Stewart as Professor X. It’s considered an important aspect of Marvel’s recent trend to focus on the more magical and mystical aspects of the MCU.
Stream Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, rated PG-13, on Disney+.
Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformania
Strange things are afoot in Transylvania. Van Helsing's remarkable new invention has transformed Drac and his ghastly friends into humans, and Johnny into a creepy (but still friendly) monster! Now they must travel to South America in their new, unfamiliar bodies before the switch becomes permanent.
This is the first movie in the franchise that did not feature Adam Sandler as the voice of Drac (the role has been taken over by noted voice actor Brian Hull), but the movie does not want for star power. Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg, Steve Buscemi, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan Michael-Key, David Spade, Jim Gaffigan and others all reprise their roles from previous Hotel Transylvania movies.
Stream Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformania, rated PG, on Amazon Prime.
Disenchanted
What happens after happily ever after? For Giselle and Robert: it’s a move to the suburbs! The pair and Morgan now live in the town of Monroeville. The community is overseen by Malvina Monroe and, based on the name alone, we are probably safe in guessing she’s up to no good. When Giselle wishes that her life was once again a fairytale, the wish, as wishes do, backfires. Now it’s up to her to save her family – and her homeland, the Kingdom of Andalasia – before (what else?) the stroke of midnight.
Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey return as Giselle and Robert. Gabriella Baldacchino steps into the role of Morgan.
Stream Disenchated, rated PG, on Disney+.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Dr. Robotnik has been defeated (and banished to a planet full of mushrooms for good measure), so Sonic can really enjoy his alone time when Tom and Maddie leave him home alone as they go on vacation. But what do you know: that’s just when Dr. Robotnik (who now calls himself Dr. Eggman) returns from the mushroom planet with a new partner, Knuckles, at his side. They are in search of an emerald that can give the power to build and destroy civilizations. But Sonic has a new friend now, too – Tails – who go on a journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.
Stream Sonic the Hedgehog 2, rated PG, on Paramount+.
Marmaduke
Some dogs are meant to be champions... and some dogs are just meant to be dogs. Everyone’s favorite Great Dane (who doesn’t live in a van and solve mysteries) is back in a new animated feature. When Marmaduke’s wacky antics go viral, he is deemed by local media as untrainable. A legendary and uptight dog trainer sees this as a challenge and is determined that Marmaduke will be the first Great Dane eve to win the Westminster Champion Contest. But can you teach an old dog new tricks...?
Starring Pete Davidson as Marmaduke with J.K. Simmons as his rival, Zeus.
Stream Maramduke, rated TV-Y7, on Netflix.
Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank
Mild-mannered Hank, a dog, wants to be a samurai. He’s from a rough neighborhood and is tired of getting pushed around. But he needs a teacher: enter Jimbo, a down on his luck master in need of a student. It will take all their hard work, training, and skill to be able to defeat the wicked Ika Chu and his army of flatulent cats!
No: we did not misspeak — the cats use farts as a weapon. But, in addition to plenty of slapstick, juvenile humor, you can also look forward to a full cast of celebrity voices including Michael Cera, Samuel L. Jackson, Ricky Gervais, and more.
Stream Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank, rated PG, on Paramount+.
Monster High: The Movie
Clawdeen Wolf is a werewolf (and, as such, half-human), who is attending her first year at Monster High where they really have a lot of school spirit... or, rather, spirits. The halls are haunted by witches, vampires, demons, mummies, and more. She quickly makes friends with her classmates Frankie Stein and Draculaura (we bet you can guess what kind of monsters they are). She feels as though she’s finally found a place where she belongs... which is why she feels she must keep her human side under wraps. But when a devious plan to destroy Monster High threatens to reveal her real identity, Clawdeen must learn to embrace her whole self to save the day.
Stream Monster High: The Movie, rated PG, on Paramount+.
13: The Musical
When Evan Goldman's parents divorce, the tween is taken from his fast-paced life in New York City life and brought to a sleepy, middle-of-nowhere town in *gulp* Indiana to live with his mom and grandma. Surrounded by middle schoolers so unlike the kids he's used to, Evan finds himself desperately trying to find a comfortable place on the social ladder... fortunately, he's a clever kid, and he has a plan: he's going to throw the best (only?) bar mitzvah this little town has ever seen! Starring Eli Golden, Josh Peck, and Debra Messing.
Stream 13: The Musical, rated PG, on Netflix.
Robert Zemeckis’ Pinocchio
This latest live-action remake of a classic Disney movie, will be familiar to fans, but, of course, will have a few new, more modern twists on the 1940 classic. Tom Hanks stars as the kindly Italian toy-maker Geppetto (because the unspoken rule of Hollywood clearly states that if you need a beloved father figure you call Tom Hanks!), Cynthia Erivo as the Blue Fair, and Joseph Gorden-Levitt as the voice of Jiminy Cricket. It is directed by Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forest Gump), so, as you can imagine there is no small amount of whimsy and heartfelt, human connection.
Stream Pinocchio, rated PG, on Disney+.
Hocus Pocus 2
It’s been 29 years since we last saw the Sanderson Sisters in theaters... which may seem like a long time until you realize that their last break between appearances was 300 years! In this highly anticipated sequel to everyone’s favorite Halloween movie, two young women accidentally bring the sisters back to life and Salem will never be the same again.
In addition to all three of the original witches — Kathy Najimy, Bette Middler, and Sarah Jessica Parker — reprising their roles, Doug Jones will return as the zombiefied Billy Butcherson. While Omri Katz, Thora Birch, or other original stars did not return to Salem for this Halloween romp, the sequel introduces Tony Hale as Salem’s mayor, and Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham as “Mother Witch.”
Stream Hocus Pocus 2, rated PG, on Disney+.
Ice Age: Adventures of Buck Wild
Hoping to spread their wings (and put a little space between themselves and their older sister, Ellie), adventurous possums Crash and Eddie set off on their own, but soon find themselves plummeting into an underground cave: the Lost World, a land where dinosaurs still exist! After they’re rescued by the wily, wonderful, and weird weasel, Buck Wild (voiced by Simon Pegg), they must work together to save the lost world from devious dinosaurs. This latest installment of the inveterate series brings the kind of laughs and kooky character’s we’ve come to know and love over the past 20 years.
Stream Ice Age: Adventures of Buck Wild, rated PG, on Disney+
Lyle Lyle Crocodile
In a house on East 88th Street in New York City, lives the Primm family, and a small crocodile named Lyle. He loves helping around the house and playing with the neighborhood kids, but one neighbor, Mr. Grumps, is skeptical of the little reptile, and insists Lyle belongs in a zoo. Lyle is determined to prove him wrong and show him not to judge a book by its cover... oh, and did we mention this little guy has the voice of an angel?
The beloved children’s book character come to life via CGI and is flanked by a tremendous cast of humans, including Javier Bardem, Constance Wu, and Brett Gelman.
Stream Lyle Lyle Crocodile, rated PG, on Amazon Prime.
Movie We’re Still Looking Forward To
The year is not over yet! And you know studios are delivering a heady mix of family movies to watch during the holiday break and Oscar contenders. Here are the family pics we’re excited about!
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Everyone’s favorite swashbuckling kitty, Puss in Boots (aka the Stabby Tabby aka El Macho Gato aka The Leche Whisperer) is back for his greatest adventure. After an epic (temporarily) fatal battle with a giant, Puss realizes he’s used eight of his nine lives. Now that he has to be less cavalier with his personal safety, how will he continue to go on? It turns out that when you only have one life to live, that’s when it really counts! And with Goldilocks and the Three Bears on a crime spree, he’s going to need all his courage to defeat them!
See Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, rated PG, in theaters beginning Dec. 21
Strange World
The 61st animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios will follow the fantastical (and dangerous) of a family of explorers, who must work together to succeed in their mission and remain connected. In this “journey beyond what is possible” where “nothing is as it appears...” a legendary family of explorers, The Clades, explore the rugged, mountain-ringed world of Avalonia. When son Searcher discovers a mysterious plant on their travels, which they call Pando, they find it can be used as a power source. However, decades later, a glitch with the plant forces them to get back to their explorer roots.
Stream Strange World, rated PG, on Disney+ beginning Dec. 23.
Matilda
Roald Dahl’s favorite heroine (no disrespect to Miss Spider) is coming back to the big screen. Matilda doesn’t really fit in with her superficial, mean-spirited family. Her mother chooses “looks” over books and her father is a slippery used car salesman. Her pent-up intellectual energy gives Matilda telekinetic powers that she uses to her advantage at Crunchem Hall, a strict school run by the tyrannical and sadistic former Olympic shot-putter Agatha Trunchbull. But Crunchem isn’t all bad: there’s Miss Honey, her sweet and loving teacher who just might be able to help Matilda finally assert herself in a world that doesn’t understand her.
Stream Matilda, rated PG, on Netflix beginning Dec. 25.
We can’t wait to see what 2023 has in store!
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