Check out our picks for some of the family-friendly films that will be hitting movie theatres in 2019 and get set for another fantastic year of cinematic entertainment!
There is an exciting selection of remakes, sequels and new movies so if you are feeling nostalgic, keen to know what happens next, or ready for a new experience, there will be something that suits.
NB Please note that expected release dates may change. Check with your local cinema for the audience ratings for these movies at the time of release. Find more information on ratings and classifications. Parental discretion is always advised.
New Movies
A Dogs Way Home
A Dog’s Way Home chronicles the heartwarming adventure of Bella, a dog who embarks on an epic 400-mile journey home after she is separated from her beloved human.
Release date: February 2019
For more, visit A Dogs Way Home
Wonder Park
Wonder Park tells the story of June, whose imagination comes alive after the death of her mother. Bought to life with stunning animation, June stumbles across a theme park that she had previously built in her imagination. It is now falling into disrepair so June, and her cute animal friends, set about putting the wonder back in to Wonder Park.
Release date: March 2019
For more, visit the Wonder Park
Shazam!
The next offering from DC/Warner Bros. Shazam! is the story of a young orphan who by saying ‘Shazam!’ turns into an adult superhero. Since he is really just a kid he has a bit of fun with his new superpowers, before reality sets in – he needs to be fully functioning to fight the deadly forces of evil.
‘Shazam’ was first featured in 1940 in a comic as Captain Marvel and went on to become a really popular character but nothing like the same character created by Marvel. To confuse things even more, a new Captain Marvel movie (made by Marvel) is being released just before Shazam!
Release date: April 2019
For more, visit the Shazam!
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu
Ryan Reynolds has the enviable job of voicing the first-ever live action, big screen, Pokémon adventure! Detective Pikachu is a likeable super-sleuth who helps track down a missing ace private eye. Featuring a diverse range of Pokémon characters, the story follows the well worn plot of our heroes saving their world from a shocking fate.
Release date: May 2019
For more, visit the Detective Pikachu movie
Artemis Fowl
The much loved book by Eoin Colfer gets the Disney treatment. 12 year old Artemis Fowl and his sidekick Butler seek to restore the family fortune. Originally to be produced by Harvey Weinstein, Artemis Fowl is being produced and directed by é and since Judy Dench is in it, we can be confident it’s going to be great!
Release date: September 2019
Spies in Disguise
Cool. Cool. An animated, bumbling spy movie. One spy is debonair, the other not so much. Industrial espionage, Will Smith, Tom Holland, and comedy – it’s going to be a rib-tickler.
Release date: September 2019
For more, visit the Spies in Disguise
Dora the Explorer
I wasn’t expecting this – Dora is going live! After years as an animated explorer, Dora is now featuring in a full length movie. Cute Isacela Moner is playing Dora as she embarks on her most dangerous expedition ever – starting High School!
Release date: August 2019
Playmobil: The Movie
For the Europhiles amongst us comes the French live-action/computer animated movie based on the German toy. There are some famous voices including Meghan Trainor, Daniel Radcliffe and Adam Lambert and the official movie blurb promises “epic”, “hilarious” “fantastic” “endearing”, “thrilling”, “breath-taking”, “uniquely fun” and “original” – so that’s got all the superlatives covered 🙂
Release date: August 2019
For more, visit the Playmobil: The Movie
Sonic the Hedgehog Movie
Based on the Sega video game franchise, this movie features a blue hedgehog battling against Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) with the help of a small town sheriff. Early previews have some fans of the original video game a bit upset because Sonic seems have hit the gym and bulked up a bit and added a bit of body hair (fur) in the place of traditional hedgehog quills
Release date: November 2019
For more, visit the Sonic the Hedgehog
What happened next…?
The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part
5 years after the first movie, we again we visit Bricksburg where all the old heroes return to save their beloved city from invaders from outer space. Combining 3D, computer animation, science fiction and musical comedy means pretty much all genres are covered so there will be something for everyone!
Release date: August 2019
For more, visit the LEGO Movie
Secret Life of Pets 2
Chloe and Snowball are back with more adventures – but only when their owners are out. With the same writer and director it’s sure to be another riot!
Release date: June 2019
For more, visit the Secret Life of Pets 2
The Angry Birds 2
…. or as I like to call it ‘Still Angry’ follows the Birds and scheming green pigs as they battle with 2 baddies (one being King Mudbeard, ruler of the Bad Piggies – such an excellent title) to get their eggs back
Release date: September 2019
For more, visit the Angry Birds 2
Frozen 2
If I’m honest I am only just recovering from the onslaught of “Let it Go” from the first movie back in 2013 so the news of the impending juggernaut of Frozen 2 heading our way is slightly disconcerting. It’s not being released until November so we are still some way from the start of the pre-season marketing. We don’t know much about the sequel however do know that Kristin Bell is back as the voice of Anna, and that the executives involved will want to live up to the phenomenal success of the original.
Release date: November 2019
For more, visit the official Frozen
Spiderman: Far from Home
Poor old Peter Parker can’t seem to get a chance to relax. One minute he’s hanging out on holiday with friends, the next he’s having to save Europe!
Release date: July 2019
For more, visit the Spiderman: Far from Home
Toy Story 4
Woody, Buzz and friends have a new lease of life and meet some new friends. For the romantics, Woody reunites with his old girlfriend Bo Peep – but she’s more than just a delicate porcelain exterior! Randy Newman returns with the music.
Release date: June 2019
For more, visit the Toy Story 4
New interpretation
Aladdin
The remake of this classic fairy-tale, directed by Guy Ritchie, and shot on location in Jordan and also on in a studio in England, is set to be visual and oral feast. Will Smith as the amiable (if somewhat blue) genie anchors the movie while the old classic songs are complemented by a few new ones.
Release date: May 2019
For more, visit the Aladdin
The Lion King
We just can’t seem to get enough of The Lion King so 2019 will see a photo-realistic remake of the 1994 animated film. Pretty sure the quality of the imagery will evoke even more emotion that than the animated version did so tip of the week is to take some tissues with you.
Some of the old favourite tunes are being reworked and Elton John, Tim Rice and Beyonce are collaborating to write a new song for the end credits.
Release date: July 2019
For more, visit the Lion King
Written by Robyn Taylor
Robyn creates content on Kidspot NZ. Her hobbies include buying cleaning products and wondering why things don’t then clean themselves, eating cheese scones with her friends, and taking her kids to appointments.
Favourite motto to live by: “This too will pass.”
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