2024 emerged as an extraordinary year for family films, showcasing a genre that consistently draws in audiences of all ages. The universal appeal of these movies ensures that families flock to theaters together, contributing to impressive box office numbers. For instance, when a child expresses interest in a new film, it often guarantees at least one additional ticket sale, making these movies a lucrative investment for filmmakers. However, this has sometimes resulted in a lack of effort from some studios in previous years, where the quality was not prioritized.

Fortunately, the most significant family hits of this year defied that trend. The creative teams behind these films excelled at crafting entertaining stories that resonate with both children and adults. These films not only provide wholesome entertainment but also convey messages that are meaningful and relatable to all generations. A well-executed family movie can leave a lasting impression, and 2024 certainly delivered some standout titles.

15

‘Despicable Me 4’

Directed by Chris Renaud and Patrick Delage

The Despicable Me franchise has established itself as one of the most beloved series in children’s entertainment over the past decade. With a successful spin-off series and a total of four sequels, the Despicable Me brand has thrived. Therefore, the release of Despicable Me 4 in 2024 was highly anticipated and expected to be another blockbuster hit. Maintaining a stellar reputation over six feature films, with a seventh installment, Minions 3, set to debut in 2026, is no small feat.

Although the film may not have received overwhelming critical acclaim, the actual audience’s response was overwhelmingly positive—the target demographic truly embraced the film. Even though the franchise arguably didn’t require another installment, the creators managed to evolve the beloved characters in fresh and exciting ways. The movie delivers a plethora of laughs through the signature absurdity that fans have come to love and expect.

14

‘Kung Fu Panda 4’

Directed by Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Stine

The Kung Fu Panda franchise stands as a monumental achievement in the realm of DreamWorks Animation and modern animation overall. With a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for its first three films, it has set a high bar for future installments. While Kung Fu Panda 4 may not entirely meet the lofty expectations set by its predecessors, it still delivers a solid experience when compared to other films released in 2024.

DreamWorks consistently excels in producing high-quality animation, and Kung Fu Panda 4 is no exception to this standard. Fans are thrilled to see Po, voiced by Jack Black, reprising his role, bringing excitement and humor to the fourth installment of this beloved series. The action scenes are exhilarating, and most of the humor resonates well, especially with younger viewers. The voice acting is commendable, contributing to an enjoyable film experience overall.

13

‘IF’

Directed by John Krasinski

When it comes to charismatic actors, few shine as brightly as Ryan Reynolds. His infectious charm and engaging presence elevate any project he participates in. His latest venture into the family film genre is the delightful IF, which has garnered significant praise from audiences. The story centers around a young girl named Bea, portrayed by Cailey Fleming, who discovers her ability to see imaginary friends, referred to as IFs. This discovery leads her on an exciting adventure to reunite these IFs with their original creators.

The film is visually captivating, featuring a beautiful art design that makes each IF feel distinct and special. The diverse animation styles contribute to the uniqueness of each character, enhancing the viewing experience. The narrative is heartwarming, cute, and brimming with fun, making it an enjoyable watch for families looking for a delightful film to share together.

12

‘Orion and the Dark’

Directed by Sean Charmatz

Netflix has developed a mixed reputation in the realm of animated films, often producing projects that range from exceptional to disappointing. Fortunately, for this smaller project, Orion and the Dark exceeded expectations and proved to be far more enjoyable than many anticipated. While it may not have taken the world by storm, it certainly outshined the typical animated offerings from Netflix.

This film’s relatability is one of its strongest attributes, as it delves into universal themes such as fear and the challenges of life. Importantly, it treats its audience with respect rather than talking down to them, a common pitfall for many family films. This approach acknowledges the intelligence of young viewers, avoiding overly simplistic dialogue and storytelling that can feel patronizing.

11

‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’

Directed by Dallas Jenkins

Every year, audiences eagerly anticipate the release of heartwarming family Christmas films, yet it can be challenging to find a movie that rivals classic favorites like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and The Santa Clause. This year, however, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever stood out as a must-watch film that captivated viewers upon its release.

The storyline introduces a group of mischievous children who aim to disrupt the town’s Christmas pageant, injecting a sense of excitement and unpredictability that sets it apart from typical holiday films. This unique premise offers a refreshing take on Christmas storytelling, ensuring that audiences experience a delightful blend of fun and holiday spirit.

10

‘Transformers One’

Directed by Josh Cooley

For years, the Transformers franchise has been synonymous with blockbuster films primarily aimed at a young adult audience, often leading to mixed reviews. However, with the introduction of Transformers One, the series takes a bold new direction aimed at families everywhere. Initially, many expressed skepticism regarding this project due to the absence of the iconic traditional cast, particularly the beloved voice of Peter Cullen.

Despite these concerns, Transformers One premiered to considerable acclaim, showcasing the untold origins of Optimus Prime, voiced by Chris Hemsworth, and Megatron, voiced by Brian Tyree Henry. The film reveals their transformation from close friends to bitter enemies, offering a compelling narrative that evokes empathy for both characters. The writers skillfully crafted a story that balances action with emotional depth, making it a standout in the franchise.

9

‘Moana 2’

Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller

Following the monumental success of the original Moana, it was virtually certain that a sequel would follow, and that expectation became a reality with the release on November 27th. The film achieved remarkable box office success, placing itself among the top 20 highest-grossing animated films of all time, currently holding the esteemed #16 position.

While Moana 2 may not quite reach the exceptional heights of its predecessor, its quality and charm are undeniably present. The filmmakers clearly understood the high expectations surrounding the sequel, and their dedication is evident in the love and care infused into the production. It was always going to be a challenge to follow up Moana, but Moana 2 managed to deliver a commendable effort that resonates with audiences.

8

‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’

Directed by Jeff Fowler

The final family film of 2024 that made a significant impact on the film industry was Sonic the Hedgehog 3, creating a wave of excitement among fans and audiences alike. This installment of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has achieved remarkable success, surpassing the impressive milestone of $1 billion in global earnings. Known for its delightful blend of humor and heart, this film exemplifies what makes the Sonic series special while maintaining an engaging narrative.

The third installment of the Sonic the Hedgehog film series takes a darker turn with the introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog, voiced by Keanu Reeves. This shift adds depth and complexity to the storyline, contrasting beautifully with the franchise’s lightheartedness. The emotional resonance of Shadow’s arc, encapsulated in the poignant quote, “The light shines, even though the star is gone,” has left audiences teary-eyed and reflective.

7

‘Inside Out 2’

Directed by Kelsey Mann

As the trend of sequels continues, audiences have grown weary of Disney and Pixar prioritizing follow-ups over fresh ideas, leading to skepticism surrounding the release of a sequel to the critically acclaimed Inside Out. However, upon its debut on June 14th, Inside Out 2 captured hearts and minds, achieving both critical and commercial success.

This sequel quickly climbed the ranks to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time, and for a good reason. It introduces new emotions that reflect the growth of the protagonist, Riley, as she navigates adolescence. The relatable struggles she encounters, particularly with the emergence of Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke, resonate deeply with audiences, making it a captivating experience that appeals to viewers of all ages.

6

‘Wicked’

Directed by Jon M. Chu

Wicked, based on the immensely popular Broadway musical, has captivated audiences worldwide with its enchanting story and unforgettable music. The film features outstanding performances from stars like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, delivering what many consider to be Oscar-worthy performances. The combination of exceptional direction, music, and acting has created a cinematic experience that resonates deeply with viewers.

Many viewers were pleasantly surprised to discover that despite a lengthy runtime of nearly three hours, the film’s pacing kept them engaged throughout. As the first part of the Wicked story, it concluded on a powerful note with the iconic song “Defying Gravity,” leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this remarkable tale.