10 Family-Friendly Movies Out This Fall
So, you want to spend a night at the movies this fall. However, you know that there aren’t a whole lot of family-friendly movies out there in the theaters. A lot of films coming out of Hollywood these days simply aren’t great for families — and studios are trying to sneak more and more stuff parents don’t like under the PG or PG-13 ratings.
What to see, then, that won’t have you choking on your popcorn as you rush to cover your kids’ eyes and ears? Well, here are 10 family-friendly movies coming out in fall 2018 that everyone in the family should probably love when you go to the theaters on a Friday night.
#1 On the List of Family-Friendly Movies: “Smallfoot”
In spite of our best efforts since the 1830s, when the creature apparently first spotted, the mythical Bigfoot has yet to be captured on anything but inexplicably blurry film. When a movie about another member of his species hits theaters in September, we’re pretty sure the picture will be significantly crisper.
“An animated adventure for all ages, with original music and an all-star cast, ‘Smallfoot’ turns a myth upside down when a bright young yeti finds something he thought didn’t exist — a human,” a plot description on the movie’s website reads.
“News of this ‘smallfoot’ throws the simple yeti community into an uproar over what else might be out there in the big world beyond their snowy village, in an all new story about friendship, courage and the joy of discovery.”
Voices in the animated film include Channing Tatum as the yeti named Migo. James Corden, meanwhile, gives voice to the “smallfoot,” named Percy.
Other voices include Danny DeVito, Zendaya, LeBron James and Common. The director is Karey Kirkpatrick, best known for directing “Over the Hedge.” The film is rated PG for “Some action, rude humor and thematic elements.” Thematic elements is a fairly vague category, but from the sound of it, there aren’t too many jokes your kids aren’t going to hear on Nickelodeon. It opens Sept. 28.
#2 On the List of Family-Friendly Movies: “The Grinch”
Jim Carrey’s 2000 adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ beloved tale remains a controversial pick that audiences seem to either love or loathe. (For the record, my wife loves it, although I’ve yet to sit through five minutes of it before leaving the room with a furrowed brow.) However, in a world where everything gets a reboot every few years, it was inevitable that “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” would be in for a much-deserved revisit sooner or later.
Sooner or later, as it so happens, is Nov. 9.
The current version of “The Grinch” has been delayed by a year, having initially been scheduled for a 2017 release. As you can see from the trailer, the extra work has made the film’s version of Whoville absolutely outstanding:
“The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girls generous holiday spirit,” the website reads. “Funny, heartwarming and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism.”
The Grinch this time is voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch of “The Imitation Game” and “Sherlock.” It also checks in with a PG rating.
#3 On the List of Family-Friendly Movies: “Science Fair”
If a documentary is more your speed, “Science Fair” could be the choice of the fall. It chronicles students competing at the International Science and Engineering Fair, which the filmmakers describe as “the Olympics of science fairs … the biggest and most prestigious science competition in the world.
“Science Fair follows nine high school students from around the globe as they navigate rivalries, setbacks and, of course, hormones, on their journey to compete at The International Science and Engineering Fair,” Movie Insider reports. “As 1,700 of the smartest, quirkiest teens from 78 different countries face off, only one will be named Best in Fair.”
Of course, we haven’t seen it yet, but we imagine this one’s probably more for teenagers, who likely understand the pressures of fitting in at school and yet pursuing their dreams. Judging from the trailer, there are plenty of solid lessons here about finding your friends and embracing both hard work and standing out from the crowd. And, judging by the Sundance Film Festival — where it won the Festival Favorite — it’s also going to be a critical smash. It’s rated PG and will be in limited release starting Sept. 14.
#4 On the List of Family-Friendly Movies: “Mary Poppins Returns”
The original magical nanny is back. Emily Blunt takes over the role as the eponymous title character (I guess Julie Andrews had other things to do). The film, set 25 years after the original, features the “practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn a routine task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure” stepping back into the fold after a long absence.
“In this all-new sequel, which has a fresh sensibility yet celebrates the spirit of the original, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives after they experience a personal loss,” Disney’s website reads. “The enigmatic nanny is joined by her friend Jack, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “Moana”), an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London.”
Interesting factoid: “Mary Poppins Returns” has set a record with the longest time elapsed between a live-action film and its sequel at 54 years. On Dec. 19, you’ll be able to find out if the lacuna was worth it. The film is rated PG.
#5 On the List of Family-Friendly Movies: “The House With a Clock in its Walls”
If you’re looking for something a little more spooky, “The House With a Clock in its Walls” — starring Jack Black, Kyle MacLaughlin and Cate Blanchett in the adult rules — could be right up your alley. It’s based on the timeless children’s classic written by John Bellairs and illustrated by Edward Gorey.
“The magical adventure tells the spine-tingling tale of 10-year-old Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) who goes to live with his uncle in a creaky old house with a mysterious tick-tocking heart,” the movie’s website reads. “But his new town’s sleepy façade jolts to life with a secret world of warlocks and witches when Lewis accidentally awakens the dead.”
The film is directed by Eli Roth, whose movies are usually very much not family fare. However, his imprimatur does add a bit of credibility to this film’s ability to scare the entire family while still staying safely in PG territory. We would leave the younger ones at home with a babysitter for this one, but otherwise, “The House With a Clock in its Walls” looks like some great spooky entertainment. It opens on Sept. 21.
#6 On the List of Family-Friendly Movies: “Johnny English Strikes Again”
If you’re looking for another film for a slightly older audience — say, teenagers — you might want to check out the third iteration in the “Johnny English” series, starring the incomparable Rowan Atkinson of Mr. Bean fame.
The “Johnny English” series, for the uninitiated, is one of those spoofs of the James Bond franchise. However, it’s done by the British, who know how to do a) silly and b) James Bond like no one else does. Atkinson stars as the titular character, an accidental secret agent who (of course) bumbles his way through assignments while his higher-ups — which include Emma Thompson this time around — look on in dismay.
“When a cyber-attack reveals the identity of all active undercover agents in Britain, the country’s only hope is called out of retirement,” the movie’s website reads.
“English’s new mission is his most critical to date: Dive headfirst into action to find the mastermind hacker. A man with few skills and analogue methods, English must overcome the challenges of modern technology—or his newest mission will become the Secret Service’s last.”
It’s rated PG and there’s a bit of violence involved, but most of the movie is probably good for younger teenagers. Common Sense Media didn’t find too much objectionable regarding the first two movies in the series. Don’t expect an overarching life lesson, but there are plenty of laughs to be had in this spy spoof.
#7 On the List of Family-Friendly Movies: “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms”
Another Disney live-action film, this one takes a fresh look at the classic E.T.A. Hoffmann tale, all in time for the Christmas season. There are some fairly big names lined up this time around, including Keira Knightley as the Sugar-Plum Fairy, Morgan Freeman as Drosselmeyer and Helen Mirren as Mother Ginger — a pretty impressive lot, I think you’d agree.
“All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key — a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift,” a synopsis on Disney’s website reads.
“A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key-which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets.
“Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world.”
The film opens November 2.
#8 On the List of Family-Friendly Movies: “Wreck-it-Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet”
When it comes to family movies this fall, Disney’s bringing some huge properties. This time, one of the most beloved Pixar characters of all time makes his return in the sequel to 2012’s “Wreck-it-Ralph.” This time, the titular character enters the world of apps and social media.
“‘Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2’ leaves Litwak’s video arcade behind, venturing into the uncharted, expansive and thrilling world of the internet – which may or may not survive Ralph’s wrecking,” a synopsis of the movie reads.
“Video game bad guy Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) and fellow misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) must risk it all by traveling to the world wide web in search of a replacement part to save Vanellope’s video game, Sugar Rush. In way over their heads, Ralph and Vanellope rely on the citizens of the internet — the netizens — to help navigate their way, including a website entrepreneur named Yesss (voice of Taraji P. Henson), who is the head algorithm and the heart and soul of trend-making site ‘BuzzzTube.'”
Algorithms and apps don’t necessarily sound all that interesting until you consider that living inside an arcade machine didn’t either, and I must confess to seeing the original “Wreck-it-Ralph” at least three times in theaters. That’s why I’m eagerly awaiting this iteration of the franchise, which drops on Nov. 21.
#9 On The List Of Family-Friendly Movies: “God Bless the Broken Road”
If you’re looking for some Christian fare at the movie theater in fall of 2018, there are also several faith-based movies hitting theaters this fall. The biggest one, arguably, will be “God Bless the Broken Road,” the latest film from Harold Cronk of “God’s Not Dead” fame.
“God Bless the Broken Road tells the story of a young mother who loses her husband in Afghanistan and struggles to raise their young daughter in his absence,” the movie’s website reads. “The film combines elements of faith, country music, and stock car racing while paying tribute to those who serve in the United States Military.”
The film, which opens on Sept. 7, isn’t rated but contains some thematic elements and combat action. Stars include Jordin Sparks and LaDainian Tomlinson of NFL fame. It’s probably again one for older viewers, but from what we’ve seen thus far and with Harold Cronk’s track record, it should impart an invaluable message on families of faith everywhere.
#10 On the List of Family-Friendly Movies: “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
Finally, if you’re looking for a good scare for the whole family, the “Goosebumps” series should do the trick. Based on the much-beloved children’s books from R.L. Stine, the second installment in the “Goosebumps” series of films features Wendi McLendon-Covey, Chris Parnell of “Saturday Night Live” fame and Ken Jeong of “The Hangover.”
The plot, nearest we can tell, involves some kids finding a book called “Haunted Halloween” in an abandoned house that’s written by the aforementioned Mr. Stine. Instead of putting it back as a sensible kid would have done (after all, we wouldn’t have a movie if that happened), they open it, which unleashes an evil, Charlie McCarthy-like puppet.
If you’re looking to see what happens next, you can find out on October 12, when the film opens. It’s rated PG.
Those are our top 10 family-friendly movies coming out in fall 2018. Hopefully, you found a few that you’d like to watch with your kids. Keep in mind that like you, we haven’t seen these yet — although from what we’ve seen, these appear to be the best of the bunch. If you’ve got any other suggestions, we invite you to leave them in the comments section. Happy movie-going!
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