Rainy summer days are perfect for one thing: heading to the movies. For kids and parents alike, there’s nothing quite like escaping into a cool, dark theater and enjoying the latest big-screen adventure together. And with a packed slate of new releases, summer 2025 is shaping up to be another exciting season for family-friendly films.
Whether you’re excited for live-action remakes like Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon, or eagerly awaiting sequels such as The Bad Guys 2, this year’s lineup has something for every kid.
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Prepare to be swept away by waves of joy as you dive into the new year’s upcoming kids movie catalog, with plenty live-action remakes, highly anticipated sequels and brand new stories to add to your kids’ favorites!
‘Elio’
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Rating: TBD
Where to Watch: In Theaters
What happens when a young boy is accidentally beamed up into space and becomes Earth’s official ambassador to the galaxy? You’ll find out this summer when Pixar’s Elio lands in theaters. Full of humor and cosmic misadventures, Elio follows a young boy who suddenly finds himself responsible for representing all of humanity — no pressure! With colorful alien worlds, quirky interstellar traditions and a touching story about identity and belonging, Elio is shaping up to be another unforgettable Pixar journey.
‘How to Train Your Dragon’
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: In Theaters
How to Train Your Dragon was an instant success, capturing hearts with its breathtaking animation, unforgettable characters and emotional storytelling. So, it’s no surprise that Universal is joining the wave of live-action remakes by bringing this fan-favorite tale back to the big screen — with real-world visuals and a fresh new cast. Get ready to return to the Isle of Berk, where the bond between a boy and his dragon defies all odds once again.
‘Smurfs’
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: In Theaters
The Smurfs are set to return to theaters in the summer of 2025 with a brand-new movie. This time around, Rihanna lends her voice to Smurfette, who teams up with her Smurf friends (voiced by plenty of icons including Natasha Lyonne, Hannah Waddingham and Nick Kroll) on a mission to rescue Papa Smurf from the clutches of wicked wizards. Get ready for a vibrant, colorful and exciting adventure that’s sure to be a hit with children.
‘The Bad Guys 2’
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: In Theaters
The Bad Guys are back! Following the hit 2022 animated film, a brand-new adventure hits theaters this August. Watch the reformed villains emerge from retirement for one final job, joining forces with an unexpected crew.
Watch The Bad Guyswhile you wait!
Kids Movies Already Released in 2025
But wait! Check here for kids movies that have already been released for streaming to watch today!
‘Lilo & Stitch’
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: In Theaters
Another live-action remake on the docket is Lilo & Stitch. This Disney classic follows the unlikely friendship between a lonely girl, Lilo, and a fuzzy blue alien creature, Stitch. Get ready to not only see Stitch wreak the same havoc we know and love with Lilo by his side while also rediscovering the film’s core themes of chosen family, the meaning of ohana and the power of kindness.
‘Sneaks’
Release Date: April 18, 2025
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: PVOD
Trying to teach your kids how to put themselves in other people’s shoes? Sneaks has got you covered. The upcoming animated kids movie centers on Ty, a designer shoe who has gotten a bit too used to his life of luxury, that is, until his sister is stolen by a thieving shoe collector. It’s on his mission through the city that he meets all different kinds of shoes and realizes that life isn’t about how much you cost, but about how you treat those around you.
‘A Minecraft Movie’
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: PVOD
Starring Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks and Emma Myers, A Minecraft Movie will be a thrill for any fans of the iconic video game, young and old! When four misfits go through a portal and end up in the Overworld, they have no idea what to expect. They soon find out that if they want to return to the real world, they need to master the cubic universe they’re in with the help of an expert crafter (Jack Black).
The film is certain to draw in your kids, thanks to the colorful animation and lots of Piglins and Zombies, but the best part is, there are plenty of lessons for them to take away from the movie, too!
‘Disney’s Snow White’
Release Date: March 21, 2025
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: PVOD, Disney+ as of June 11
A live-action remake of the 1937 classic fairytale, the new Snow White will bring the same charm and delight from the original film into a brand-new world.
‘The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie’
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: PVOD
When Earth is threatened with an alien invasion, Porky and Daffy, two loveable, yet unlikely heroes, must work together to save the day. As the first-ever fully animated Looney Tunes feature-length film created for theaters, this sci-fi adventure is a delight for children and their parents.
‘A Sloth Story’
Release Date: February 28, 2025 (US Release Date)
Rating: PG
Streaming Service: PVOD
When a family of sloths are forced to leave their countryside home, they pick up and move to the big city, with hopes of reviving their old food truck. Originally released in Australia in 2024, A Sloth Story is colorful, cute and is a perfect watch for your little one.
‘Paddington in Peru’
Release Date: February 14, 2025 (limited theater release)
Rating: PG
Streaming Service: Netflix
Our favorite traveling bear is back – this time in Peru! As Paddington and the Brown family travel to visit their beloved Aunt Lucy, they encounter a mystery that draws them into an adventure they never expected.
Watch Paddington the movie while you wait for the new release!
‘Dog Man‘
Release Date: January 31, 2025
Rating: PG
Streaming Service: PVOD, Peacock
What happens when the head of a dog is surgically placed on the body of a police officer? You get Dog Man, of course, an iconic comic book superhero from the minds of the Captain Underpants creators.
‘Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’
Release Date: Jan. 3, 2025
Rating: PG
Streaming Service: Netflix
Parents, two of your favorite characters from your childhood are back on the big screen for a new adventure: Wallace and Gromit. And now, your kids can experience the hilarity of this dynamic duo, too!
Watch Old & New Kids Movies on DIRECTV
While waiting for these exciting new films to be released, you and your kids can watch any of the hundreds of available kids movies on DIRECTV right now. You can browse the movie catalog now and start planning your movie nights for months to come.
And make sure to check back here throughout 2024 to get even more information on upcoming children’s movies to watch.
Looking for even more kids movies to watch with your family? Check out this list of the best kids movies to watch right now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kids movies are coming out in 2025?
Some of the most anticipated movies for kids and families coming out in 2025 are: Dog Man, Snow White, Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon.
When does the live action 'How to Train Your Dragon' come out in theaters?
June 13th, 2025
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