The best family movies of 2025; From “Minecraft” to “Paddington 3”

The year 2025 was spent in the best way for children’s cinema – and family works – and we saw the release of works that became a cultural trend beyond the film; Like the animation “Kpop Demon Hunters” that made a big wave. On the other hand, we saw the return of popular franchises; Works like “Zootopia 2” and “Paddington in Peru” that satisfy almost anyone of any age and taste. But what are the best family movies of 2025?

There are plenty of well-made family films in 2025, but the titles we have chosen for this article are undoubtedly the flagships of this year’s productions. These films captivate children but do not neglect adults and are a fun experience for all ages.

The best family movies of 2025 that you must see

10- Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie

• Director: Ryan Kargo
• Actors: Leila Lockhart Kerner, Gloria Stephen, Kristen Wiig, Jason Mentzoux, Donavan Patton, Eduardo Franco, Tara Strong
• Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 5.5 out of 10
• Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 85 out of 100

“Gabby’s Dollhouse” is one of the most popular animated series on Netflix, 12 seasons of which have been released so far; Therefore, it was obvious that sooner or later, it would open its feet to the world of cinema. The story revolves around Gabby (Lila Lockhart Corner), who goes on a trip with her eccentric grandmother, JJ (Gloria Stephen), and takes a dollhouse with her; A house that falls out of a van in the middle of the road and ends up in a department store, where it is bought by Vera (Kristen Wiig). Gabby must now find a dollhouse and save her cats.

Made by Ryan Kergo, it has a mood close to the family works of the 90s and tries to be more emotional than the original animation. This movie is worth watching because the audience knows its purpose well and at the same time, its story is attractive enough that we never feel like we are dealing with an unnecessary and additional work. Movie adaptations of TV works are usually not very high quality, but “Gabby’s Dollhouse” is acceptable and conveys sweet messages.

Kristen Wiig’s comedic skills have also helped the film; Of course, he is present in the film with the aim of attracting the attention of the adult audience, and of course he succeeds in this field. Of course, “Gabby’s Doll’s House” never leaves its safe margin and does not try to innovate; The story is completely predictable and we have seen similar ones; Despite this, the film never becomes annoying and in fact it can be considered a longer episode than the original series.

9- Freakier Friday

• Director: Nisha Ganatra
• Actors: Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Mark Harmon, Chad Michael Murray, Cristina Vidal, Haley Hudson, Steven Tobolowski
• Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 6.5 out of 10
• Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 74 out of 100

No one expected Disney to go for “Freaky Friday” after two decades; A film that was both a successful family comedy in its time and became a memorable cult hit thanks to the incredible chemistry of Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. However, returning to this fictional world – that too with the presence of the main actors – could have been a film that has nothing new to say and just wants to sell based on nostalgia. Fortunately, “Freaker Friday” is more than just a commercial revival: a film that both respects the past and tries to find an independent place for itself in the present.

Adventures Twenty years after that, the famous story of body switching begins; Where Anna (Lindsay Lohan) is no longer the rebellious teenager and is now struggling with professional and family challenges as a music producer, as well as her mother, Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis). The mother-daughter relationship of the film has an additional layer: Harper, Anna’s daughter, who herself is on the verge of experiencing the same crises and resistance that Anna once showed against Tess. But the main tension starts when Anna decides to remarry.

One of the strengths of the film is its conscious caution in using nostalgia. Nisha Ganatra, the director of the film, prefers to include the emotional and thematic links between the new version and the 2003 film in a natural way in the heart of the narrative, instead of being satisfied with the simplest and easiest references. Jokes, comic situations and even dramatic conflicts, rather than reproductions of the past, are logical extensions of the same concerns in today’s context. The chemistry between Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan is still lively and believable, and this is the main pillar of the film’s appeal; As if the passage of time has not only worn out this relationship, but has given it more depth.

The “Freaky Friday” sequel teaches us how to return to a beloved franchise without falling into the trap of nostalgia or profiteering. The film may not be able to fully step out of the original’s shadow, but it’s at least entertaining, honest, and clever enough to warrant a watch. However, it is still recommended to check out the 2003 film before seeing this version; Not just to better understand the references, but to remember why “Freaky Friday” became such an enduring work in the first place.

8- A Minecraft Movie

• Release year: 2025
• Director: Jared Hess
• Actors: Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Daniel Brooks, Emma Myers, Sebastian Hansen, Brett McKenzie, Matt Barry, Jamin Clement
• Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 5.6 out of 10
• Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 47 out of 100

Since its initial introduction in 2014, the film has been constantly changing hands; Names like Sean Levy and Rob McElhenney came and went until Jared Hess, the filmmaker best known for his quirky humor and eye for the absurd in Napoleon Dynamite, took the helm. This choice in itself promised a different approach, but the main problem remained from the beginning: how to pull a coherent cinematic story out of a sandbox game that is basically based on freedom of action and the lack of a linear narrative? The reactions to the first trailer of the film were completely negative; Not just because fans are sensitive to adaptations, but more because of the visual choices that didn’t fit the minimalistic spirit of the game. The hyperreal design of the creatures seemed awkward and even annoying to many; It was as if the film was stuck in an uncertain limbo between being faithful to the simple form of the game and trying to make the world seem more real. With the release of the film, it became clear that these negative feedbacks were not without reason.

The story is about four not-so-ordinary people, Garrett (Jason Momoa), Henry (Sebastian Hansen), Natalie (Emma Myers) and Dawn (Danielle Brooks), who are each involved in their own personal problems and crises, until they suddenly enter an unusual cubic world called Overworld through an unknown blue portal. A world whose rules are different from Earth; Everything is made of blocks that can be destroyed, built and changed. This land is under the threat of piglins and nocturnal zombies, and these four people have to learn the rules of this world and join Steve (Jack Black) to survive and find their way back. They are also forced to rely on their creativity and protect the overworld by building defensive structures and tools.

The movie is somewhat faithful to the mechanics of the game “Minecraft”. Characters must learn to not only protect themselves by building tools, shelters, and defensive structures, but also take control of the situation. However, the problem begins where these concepts, rather than growing in the heart of the narrative, are presented in the form of a set of predetermined situations; Situations that are often reminiscent of the familiar pattern of films like “Jumanji” rather than an attempt to approach the world of “Minecraft”.

“A Minecraft Movie” conquered the box office, but the reaction of critics and fans showed that this success does not necessarily mean the satisfaction of the audience. The visual effects of the film are still the subject of discussion and the weaknesses of the script are not hidden from anyone. However, it cannot be denied that the film is entertaining for younger audiences and at least succeeds in conveying a sense of adventure. A Minecraft Movie, for all its problems, is one of the best family movies of 2025.

7- Ne Zha 2

• Director: Jiaozi
• voice actors: Yanting Lu, Mo Han, Qi Lu, Jiaming Zhang, Deshun Wang, Yongshi Zhuo
• Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 8 out of 10
• Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 92 out of 100

Although Neja 2 has not been talked about much, it has been the highest-grossing movie of 2025 so far, and it doesn’t look like Avatar 3: Fire and Ashes will be able to harm its position. “Neja 2” is not a simple Chinese fantasy animation, it is a cultural phenomenon and undoubtedly one of the best animations of 2025. The film shows that Hollywood is no longer the undisputed king of mainstream animation, and that Chinese cinema has reached a stage where it can appeal to mass audiences on a global scale by relying on its vernacular and mythology.

Adventures happen around Neja; A rebellious youth who has been considered a potential threat by the gods since birth due to his supernatural powers. Watching the first episode will give you a better understanding of the sequel, but this film is designed to provide an engaging and understandable narrative even without a deep knowledge of Chinese mythology. In this episode, Neja engages in a fateful battle with Master Shen, an evil, mysterious and powerful character. Along the way, he seeks help from the spirit of his long-lost friend, Ao Bing; A relationship that deepens the emotional and dramatic layers of the story.

The main trump card of “Naja 2”, apart from its epic narrative, lies in its stunning world-building and visual language. The animation style of the film is deeply inspired by Chinese artistic and philosophical traditions; From ink and brush paintings to compositions reminiscent of classical scrolls. These traditional elements are used not in a decorative or nostalgic way, but in a living connection with modern animation techniques, and the result is images that both convey a sense of being rooted in Chinese history and culture, while also looking contemporary and high-quality. The action sequences of the film are not only pleasing to the eye with careful design and proper use of colors, but also serve to advance the drama and tension of the story.

Neja 2 is a remarkable example of combining mythology with modern storytelling. The film carefully and without exaggeration deals with concepts such as fate, agency, identity and individual responsibility, without falling into the trap of slogans or direct messages. Neja’s characterization, which has the characteristics of a hero and an anti-hero at the same time, gives the effect a psychological depth that is usually less seen in American blockbuster animations. On the other hand, Master Shen is not a one-dimensional villain; He is an embodiment of the temptation of power and corruption, and more than an external obstacle, he is a mirror that forces Neja to face the darkness within himself. When it comes to the best family movies of 2025, Neja 2 is definitely a unique option that should not be overlooked.

6- How to Train Your Dragon

• Director: Dean D’Blois
• Actors: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gabriel Howell, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Nick Frost, Gerard Butler
• Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 7.8 out of 10
• Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 77 out of 100

Inspired by Disney, Dreamworks decided to make a live-action version of one of its animations for the first time, and fortunately, it did not disappoint. Despite Dean DeBlois (who made the original animated trilogy) behind the camera, the film’s casting was met with several hiccups, most notably the casting of Nico Parker as Astrid (who was blonde and white in the animation). However, the high quality of the film helped these criticisms fade and even disappear.

The story revolves around Hiccup (Mason Thames), a no-nonsense and lefty who has become the biggest disappointment of his father and clan chief, Stoick (Gerard Butler). In a world where slaying dragons is the ticket to the men’s court, not only is Hiccup unable to do so, but he befriends a dragon named Toothless! Toothless teaches Hiccup that all his people’s beliefs about dragons are wrong. Now he must find a way to end the centuries-old war, before his father leads the village to destruction.

Just like the original anime, How to Train Your Dragon is visually stunning and emotionally moving. The flight sequences are breathtaking and convey the sense of speed and freedom in a live-action form in a tangible and even dangerous way. The relationship between Hiccup and Toothless is still the main focus of the story; Watching them bond without dialogue is a classroom in visual storytelling. John Paul’s music is still hair-raising.

However, you may be wondering if there was a need to make a live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon? The film may be technically perfect, but since it is completely faithful to the original story, it does not say anything new, nor does it have the ability to surprise the audience. At the same time, the realistic details of the film have destroyed a large part of the magic of the original animation. Toothless was funny in the cartoon, but here he sometimes gives us an unpleasant feeling. How to Train Your Dragon may not be able to replace the original, but it’s one of the top family movies of 2025 that’s worth watching.

5- The Bad Guys 2

• Director: Pierre Prefel
• voice actors: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Aquafina, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Zasie Bates, Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne
• Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 7 out of 10
• Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 87 out of 100

Bad Buddies (2022) was on the surface a colorful animated adventure with cartoonish characters and straightforward jokes, but at its heart, it cleverly uses the signatures and patterns of classic cinema, especially heist and crime films. This link between the children’s world of animation and the visual and narrative language of adult cinema made “Bad Friends” attract two audiences at the same time; Children who were captivated by the fast pace and funny characters, and adults who understood the film’s references, multi-layered jokes and narrative structure.

The story was about a couple of criminal friends who want to commit the biggest heist of their lives, a task that confronts them with moral challenges and unexpected events. With clever jokes and lovable characters, “Bad Buddies” was more than just a children’s animation. However, the happy and seemingly complete ending of the first film raises the question of whether there is a need for a sequel at all; Because the story had ended in a compact and satisfactory way.

“Bad Buddies 2” makes a smart decision when faced with this challenge. This sequel does not intend to redefine the characters, nor does it seek to completely disrupt the successful formula of the first part. Instead, the film follows a familiar path, still focusing on the central theme of “change and get better,” but this time with a deeper, more introspective look. The main characters are still the same anti-heroes whose criminal past casts a heavy shadow on their current lives, but the main issue is no longer “decision to reform”, but “life after reform”.

Instead of building everything around a flashy heist plot once again, Bad Buddies 2 focuses on the dynamics within the group, the sense of individual and collective responsibility, and the gap between the characters’ refined appearances and their inner conflicts. This has made us face a more mature and thought-provoking work; A film that not only expands the world of the first film, but also introduces new ideas. “Bad Friends 2” is faithful to the visual and narrative identity of the first part. The cute and exaggerated designs, fast and energetic editing and lively music are still present, but this time the film’s soundtrack is more controlled and allows some emotional moments to breathe. The jokes still work and are funny, but alongside them are scenes that make the audience pause and think about their choices and their consequences.

“Bad Buddies 2” is highly entertaining, but at the same time speaks to moral and human issues without falling into the trap of sloganeering or didactic tone. This film shows that sequels, if accompanied by a proper understanding of the world and characters of the work, can add new layers to the story and provide a richer experience than before.

4- Lilo and Stitch

• Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
• Actors: Sydney Elizabeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, Courtney B. Vance, Zach Galifinakis
• Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 6.7 out of 10
• Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 72 out of 100

After the commercial failure of the live-action Snow White remake, expectations for Lilo and Stitch were low, but the film set the box office on fire and became one of the year’s top-grossing family films. The story is about a cute alien named Stitch who crashes in Hawaii and is taken care of by a little girl named Lilo. Lilo, however, thinks that Stitch is some kind of dog and there is no danger that he is actually a genetically engineered weapon of mass destruction who has escaped from a space prison.

Maya Kialuha as Lilo is a complete surprise; He drew Lilo to look like a real and complex child. While Disney’s decision to bring back Chris Sanders to voice Stitch was crucial; His broken English is the soul of this character. Zach Galifinakis and Billy Magnussen also carry the comedy burden of the film.

The status of the original Lilo and Stitch animation is preserved, but this live-action remake takes the right steps and never tries to harm the legacy of the first version. The fact that Stitch is presented in the form of a photorealistic creature is a bit strange at first, because we are not used to it, but as the story progresses, we connect with him. The relationship between the two sisters is well developed and the film’s efficient use of the soundtrack of the original version is commendable.

However, the film suffers from “Disney remake syndrome”: the story is greatly simplified, and the energy and chaos inherent in the original cartoon is moderated here. Some of the controversial and strange elements of the 2003 version have also been removed to make a conservative movie that wants to please everyone. “Lilo and Stitch” is not a masterpiece, but it is one of the best family films of 2025; And if you haven’t seen the original anime, it’s even more interesting.

3- Paddington in Peru

• Director: Dougal Wilson
• Actors: Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Olivia Coleman, Antonio Banderas, Ben Whishaw
• Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 6.6 out of 10
• Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 93 out of 100

“Paddington in Peru” is not the best part of this franchise, but it is one of those family movies that gives us a good feeling and keeps the audience with them until the end. In the third episode, Paddington (Ben Whishaw) receives disturbing news: his beloved Aunt Lucy has disappeared in Peru. So Paddington immediately organizes a rescue mission and takes the entire Brown family with him to South America.

The film lost a few key cast members before it even went into production. The director of the first two installments, Paul King, left the project to make “Wanka” starring Timothée Chalamet. Then Sally Hawkins, who played Mrs. Brown, decided not to return for the third episode, and the role was given to Emily Mortimer. With these changes, there are many doubts whether the film can maintain the standards and the extraordinary quality of the previous two parts or not. Well, to some extent yes.

Ben Whishaw is still the best possible choice to voice Paddington; His polite and gentle tone is the heart of this franchise. Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Brown once again delivers a physical comedy of a middle-aged father trying to be an action hero. Emily Mortimer had a hard time replacing Sally Hawkins; She presents a different version of Mrs. Brown that fits the story, but definitely has a different feel. The new cast is also convincing, especially Antonio Banderas and Olivia Colman.

“Paddington in Peru” is a different adventure movie and the fact that it doesn’t try to be like the previous two parts should be taken as a good omen. Changing the atmosphere from urban comedy – British – to forest adventure was a bold decision and it has turned out to be exciting, at least in terms of action. The jokes are still gentle and smart, and the moral messages of the film also affect children.

However, it must be admitted that this film is the weakest part of the trilogy. Paul King’s absence is completely felt; The story is a little drawn out and its mystery elements are somewhat predictable. Emily Mortimer is a capable actress, but the void of Sally Hawkins is completely felt. Either way, “Paddington in Peru” is still a lovely family film with no pretensions, so it shouldn’t be taken too hard.

2- Zootopia 2

• Director: Jared Bush, Byron Howard
• voice actors: Jennifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Jonathan K. Cowan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathorn, Idris Elba
• Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 7.7 out of 10
• Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 91 out of 100

Everyone knew that Zootopia 2 would become one of the biggest and most successful family movies of 2025. Judy (Jennifer Goodwin) and Nick (Jason Bateman) are back to patrolling the streets; But this time as official partners in Zootopia Police Department. However, they do not have a very good relationship until they become involved in a complicated criminal case.

The film is a great leap from a technical point of view, and the quality of the animation could not have been better. Jennifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman have re-entered their roles with exemplary skill. Judy is now more experienced and less naive, but she still retains that intense idealism; On the other hand, Nick has lost some of his cynicism but is still the smart fox we knew. The scenes between these two are still the most brilliant part of the film. Jonathan K. Kwan, the new voice actor of the series, also speaks for Gray; An anxious snake that challenges the two policemen’s perceptions of reptiles.

“Zootopia 2” is almost as fun as the first installment, while allowing the creators to expand its universe and be more creative. The script is also very clever and the neo-noir detective elements that made the first part unique are also present here.

However, if we have to criticize the film, it’s that it runs the risk of falling into the trap of “making a statement.” The metaphors related to structural discrimination and housing are complex concepts, and sometimes the film has to stop the action to explain the sociology to its young audience; A subject that damages the rhythm and beat of the work. Also, the film does not have the surprise factor of the first part, and its criminal mystery is revealed a little earlier than expected. But these weaknesses can be easily overcome because they do not harm your experience of “Zootopia 2”.

1- KPop Demon Hunters

• Director: Maggie Kang, Chris Applehans
• voice actors: Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo Sup, Mi Hong, Ji Young Yoo, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jung, Lee Byung Hun
• Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 7.6 out of 10
• Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 95 out of 100

In the years that Netflix has come under fire for its lackluster and often anonymous live-action films, one fact cannot be ignored: the platform has made bolder decisions in animation and has repeatedly shown that it is willing to invest in ideas that more conservative studios would say no to. From “Sea Monster” to “Nimona”, Netflix has gradually built a reputation that can be taken seriously, at least in the medium of animation. “Kpop Demon Hunters” is the continuation of this path; A work that may turn some people away at first glance due to its proximity to K-pop music, but it is one of the best family films of the year and, of course, the most serious contender for the Oscar award for the best animation of the year.

The key thing about K-Pop Demon Hunters is that its success cannot be attributed to one single factor. The film does its job right in all areas, and it is the “right assembly of the parts” that has turned it into a cultural phenomenon. The original songs of the film are not decorative pieces, but part of the narrative. Jokes and moments of humor are not forced and often come from the heart of the characters and situations. Even if you’re not into K-pop, the movie can surprisingly draw you in because its appeal comes from somewhere else.

“Kpop Demon Hunters” engages the audience from the very first minutes, without resorting to complex narrative tricks or wanting to show off. His storytelling is simple, but this simplicity does not mean being superficial. The film confidently puts familiar ideas in the spotlight: friendship, identity, pressure, expectations, etc., these are concepts that we have seen many times in family animations, but the difference is that the film presents them with a human and unpretentious tone; without trying to show off his message or underestimate the audience.

Visually, the film heavily borrows from modern K-pop aesthetics; The colors, character design, and imagery echo the signatures of this culture, but are not obnoxious. Like Neja 2, the film’s biggest strength is that its world has specific cultural roots, but offers a universal experience. “Kpop Demon Hunters” may not be one of the best animations of all time, but it reminds us that the medium of animation still has a lot of undiscovered potential.

Source: collider