All The Family Movies We’re Looking Forward To Seeing In 2022

Now streaming on Amazon Prime

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 will 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 will be reprising their roles from previous Hotel Transylvania movies.

Now streaming on Disney+

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 is the sixth movie in the Ice Age franchise, which began 20 years ago – there’s been no official word as to which members of the original cast will be returning.

Now Streaming on Disney+

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.

Directed by Domee Shi, who last made us Pixar-cry* in the Oscar-winning animated short Bao, Turning Red is the studio’s first feature directed by a woman of color. Originally slated for a theatrical release, it will now be streaming on Disney+.

*the special kind of sobbing we all do during Pixar movies – it’s like ugly crying but stronger

Now streaming on Disney+

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) stars Zach Braff and Gabrielle Union 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.

In theaters on April 8

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.

In theaters on April 15

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 army. But there’s another war that has Dumbledore worried – World War II, which looms on the periphery of the wizarding world. This third installment of Fantastic Beasts is set in the 1930s and will explore wizarding communities around the world, including in Germany, Bhutan, China, the United States, Britain and more.

Fans of Ilvermorny Professor Eulalie “Lally” Hicks (played by Jessica Williams) can look forward to seeing her “true glory” in this film according to screenwriter J.K. Rowling.

In theaters on April 22

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. Originally set to be released in September 2021, the pandemic delayed its theatrical debut, which was announced in October 2021.

Streaming on Netflix May 6

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.

In theaters May 6

Following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home and the first season of Loki Dr. Stephen Strange, casts 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.

The film will feature a lot of familiar faces from the MCU, including Elizabeth Olsen as the Scarlet Witch and (we’re pretty sure) 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.

Streaming on Disney+ May 20

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.

The trailer promises a potent dose of Millennial nostalgia and a bevvy of late ‘80s/early ‘90s cameos.

In theaters on May 27

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 are all involved in the project, so we can guess hilarity and lots of impromptu songs!

Even after the pandemic pushed the release of the the The Bob’s Burgers Movie from July 17, 2020 to April 9, 2021 before it was pushed off the release docket in January 2021, creator (and movie director) Loren Bouchard told Entertainment Weekly that he was really determined to get Bob’s Burgers into theaters. "We talked about [streaming] as it pertains to the movie and we decided we really want the movie to come out in theaters because Bob's is already on TV ... we’re excited about Bob's the movie being seen in the theater, in the dark with other people, because that's something we've never been able to do before.”

In theaters June 10

Touted as “the epic conclusion of the Jurassic era,” the latest (and possibly last) installment of the prehistoric franchise is bringing 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.

In theaters on June 17

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.

Buzz will be voiced by Chris Evans. “The phrase ‘a dream come true’ gets thrown around a lot, but I've never meant it more in my life,” he said in a statement, which he shared on Twitter. “Anyone who knows me knows that my love for animated films runs deep. I can't believe that I get to be a part of the Pixar family and work with these truly brilliant artists hotel stories unlike anyone else. Watching them work is nothing short of magic. I pinch myself every day.”

“Animated movie were an enormous part of my childhood,” he added. “They were my escape. My adventures. My dreams. They were my first window into the magic of storytelling and performing.”

In theaters June 24

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 they are the subject of a curious documentarian, they receive the attention of millions around the world... enough attention, perhaps, to find their family.

Based on the 2010 viral short, director Dean Fleischer-Camp and Jenny Slate have returned to this frankly bizarre concept to create a sweet, whimsical film.

In theaters on July 1

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.

Steve Carell returns as Gru. Other voice actors incluyde Taraji P. Henson, Jean-Claude Van Damm, Michelle Yeoh, Lucy Lawless, Danny Trejo, RZA, and Julie Andrews.

In theaters July 15

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.

In theaters July 29

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!

Streaming on Apple TV+ August 5

Melanie 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! The movie will star Jane Fonda as the Dragon. According to Variety, the character is the "exuberant CEO of Good Luck and undisputed luckiest ancient being in all the land. She is elegant, stylish and as persuasive as she is powerful.” Whoopi Goldberg will play the enigmatic “Captain.”

Streaming on Disney+ Sept. 22

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. Little is known about the movie, but it will star Tom Hanks as the 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 you can imagine that there will be no small amount of whimsy and heartfelt, human connection.

Streaming on Netflix September 23

This animated film is based on the 1983 LaserDisc video game. (PSA: if you’re old enough to know what a LaserDisc is, remember to stretch before strenuous activities like getting out of bed or walking faster than a shuffle.) Ryan Reynolds will play dashing knight Dirk the Daring, who must rescue Princess Daphne from the evil dragon Singe and a wizard named Mordroc. Animator Don Bluth, who designed the original video game, co-wrote and will co-direct in his first film since Titan A.E. in 2000.

Dragon’s Lair will be animated using a mixture of traditional hand-drawn animation and digital techniques.

In theaters Sept. 23

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!

Streaming on Disney+ in Fall 2022

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, three 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 we don’t have word on Omri Katz, Thora Birch, or other original stars, the sequel will include Tony Hale as Salem’s mayor, and Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham in an unnamed role.

In theaters October 7

It’s been a while since Miles Morales (Spider-Man) has seen Peter Parker (also Spider-Man) the other Peter Parker (also Spider-Man), Gwen Stacey (Spider-WOman) or any of the other iterations of the web-slinging superheroes from across the multi-verse. But when a new villain emerges, they must team up to defeat him and save not just New York City, but space-time itself! Much of the cast from the 2018 animated movie is returning, with the addition of some new (but familiar names) such as Oscar Isaac as Miguel O’Hara (Spider-Man 2099) and Issa Rae as Jessica Drew (the other Spider-Woman).

In theaters on Nov. 18

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.

The beloved children’s book character will come to life on the big screen via CGI. The cast includesJavier Bardem, Constance Wu, and Brett Gelman, but no word yet on who is playing who.

In theaters on Dec. 21

The last time the Mario Brothers hit the big screen was in 1993 and, despite casting Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo (both great!) in the titular roles, it was a critical and commercial failure (and also just absolutely terrible). Fans, therefore, are trepidatious but hopeful for the upcoming, computer animated feature film. While almost nothing is known about the movie, including the title, the cast has been announced and it’s a doozy. Chris Pratt will provide the voice of Mario, Charlie Day is Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy is Princess Peach, Jack Black is Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key is Toad, Seth Rogan is Donkey Kong, and Fred Armisen is Cranky Kong.

However, if you’re hoping to hear the iconic, stereotypical Italian “It’s-a me: Maaaario!” voice, co-producer Chris Meledandri has said you’ll be disappointed.

Streaming on Netflix December 2022

Because one Pinocchio movie a year just will not do, clearly! Guillermo del Toro tries his hand at the story of the little wooden puppet who became a real boy (it’s not a spoiler if the book is over 100 years old) in his first ever animated film. 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.

In theaters in “late” 2022

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.

Streaming on Disney+, date TBD

This live-action adaptation J.M. Barrie’s classic tale of the boy who wouldn’t grow up features an all-star cast, as well as some tweaks to the original story (at long last: we get lost girls!).

Relative newcomers Alexander Molony and Ever Anderson will play the titular roles, with Jude Law as Captain Hook (foiled by Jim Gaffigan as Smee), Yara Shahidi as Tinkerbell, and Alan Tudyk and Molly Parker as Mr. and Mrs. Darling.

Peter Pan & Wendy has been seriously delayed: originally set to begin filming in April 2020, production ran from March 2021 to the beginning of September.

Streaming date on HBO Max TBD

When Big Bird and his friends are expelled from their neighborhood under strange circumstances, they find themselves in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. With the help of plucky history show host Sally Hawthorne, played by Anne Hathaway, they hope to save their neighborhood as she tries to save her show by proving “Yes, there is a Sesame Street neighborhood in New York City: it does exist!” But they’ll have to go up against the questionable agenda of the mayor.

Other than the basic plot, not too much is known about the cast of the franchise’s third feature-length film, though Bo Burnham and Chance the Rapper are rumored to be attached to the project. A January 14 theatrical release was pushed back as a result of the pandemic.

Some of the best new kid and family movies of 2022 have been announced but have remained scant on the details. But we would be remiss not to let people know (and get pumped) for them!

Secret Headquarters, Aug. 5

When young Charlie discovers a secret headquarters under his home, he is convinced it belongs to a superhero, leading him to believe that his estranged father might have been nearby this whole time leading a secret double life. Starring Owen Wilson, Michael Peña, and Jesse Williams.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Nov. 11

Coming to a screen near you November 11. We’re not sure what Wakanda will look like without Chadwick Boseman (or anyone in the titular role) but we’re excited to go back to this incredible kingdom!

Spellbound, Nov. 11

Elian is a teenager who uses her magical powers to defend her family when the opposing forces of light and darkness threaten to divide her kingdom. Starring Rachel Zegler as Princess Elian.

Strange World, Nov. 23

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.

Kayara, Dec. 1

Kayara is the first woman to become a chasqui, an elite messenger of the Incan Empire. But when she is captured by Spanish colonizers, she must defend her people and the mythical “Golden City.”

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Dec. 16

Your boyfriend Jason Momoa is back as the ruler of the ocean in this latest movie from DC.

Matilda, December

Roald Dahl’s favorite heroine (no disrespect to Miss Spider) is coming back to the big screen. This adaptation is based on the Tony-award winning Broadway musical.