The best family films for this summer (and beyond)

Popcorn at the ready ... here’s our round-up of the best family films to watch on the big screen this summer. From fantasy to animation, there's something for all ages. Plus, we bring you a sneaky peek of what to look out for later in the year.

Marvel's superhero madness comes to a conclusion in the final Avengers film. At 2 hours and 40 minutes it's the longest running Avengers movie, and it's the second most expensive film ever made, costing $300 million.

The star-studded cast return to try and defeat villan Thanos, including Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr Strange, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, and Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man.

Certificate: 12A

Release date: Out now

Watch the trailer here

Dog lovers prepare for an emotional journey with this beloved dog, Bailey. In the sequel to A Dog's Purpose, which came out in 2017, the pup and his owner form a connection we can all relate to.

I'm not crying, you are.

Certificate: PG

Release date: Out now

Watch the trailer here

Pokemon hero Pikachu comes to the aid of a 21-year-old called Tim after his dad goes missing. The fluffy yellow sidekick, voiced by Ryan Reynolds, provides a good mix of comedy and cuteness to make this film a hit for all.

Certificate: PG

Release date: Out now

Watch the trailer here

Another Disney film getting a makeover. Robin Williams' gleeful genie may seem irreplaceable, but if anyone can rise to the task, Will Smith can. Sure to feature the original songs and storyline, you can't go wrong with a revamped Disney classic.

Certificate: PG

Release date: Out now

Watch the trailer here

Ever wondered what your pet gets up to when you leave the house? It's probably (hopefully!) not anything like the action-packed lives these animals live, but this feel-good movie will give any pet owner something to think about. And little ones will love it.

Certificate: U

Release date: Out now

Watch the trailer here or check out our interview with the film's lead stars, Kevin Hart and Eric Stonestreet.

Arguably another monster movie that should have stayed in the 90s. Expect monsters and more monsters fighting other monsters and the usual dramas as humanity hangs in the balance. Definitely one for older children and Godzilla geeks.

Certificate: 12A

Release date: Out now

Watch the trailer here

Yep ... another X-men film. If you're a sucker for superpowers you might want to watch how they too can have a dark side in the latest mutant movie.

Sophie Turner, from Game of Thrones, takes the lead role as Jean Grey alongside Jennifer Lawrence and James McAvoy.

Certificate: 12A

Release date: Out now

Watch the trailer here

Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson seamlessly replace the irresistible combo that was Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as Men In Black gets a revamp. Expect funny, fast-paced and light-hearted alien busting and some killer one liners.

Certificate: 12A

Release date: Out now

Watch the trailer here

Hold on to your (cowboy) hats ... Woody and Buzz are back. Now belonging to Bonnie, the dynamic due are reunited with Bo Peep and discover the different lives they've been living.

Released 23 years (yes, really ...) after the first hit film, you can never get enough Toy Story in your life.

Certificate: U

Release date: Out now

Watch the trailer here

With the arrival of Harry and Meghan's baby, Archie, the royals have been in the spotlight for the past year. But what about the four-legged members of the royal family?

The Queen's Corgi is a comedy about the adventure of Rex (voiced by Jack Whitehall), the British monarch's most beloved dog, who loses track of his mistress and stumbles across a clan of dogs fighting each other. During his epic journey to return to the queen, Rex falls in love and discovers his true self.

Certificate: PG

Release date: 5 July

Watch the trailer here

Superhero lovers rejoice, the next fix isn't far away. Once Avengers mania has died down, Marvel will release the new spiderman film. Peter Parker's holiday in Europe takes an unexpected turn when Nick Fury shows up asking for help.

The world just can't seem to stay saved.

Certificate: U

Release date: 5 July

Watch the trailer here

Hands up who can't wait to see Simba and crew back in the live-action remake of the Lion King? With Beyonce, Seth Rogan and Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) filling lead roles, WE'RE desperate to fall in love with the lions all over again, let alone the kids.

Altogether now ... hakuna matata

Certificate: TBC, predicted U

Release date: 19 July

Watch the trailer here

Competing with The Lego Movies and Toy Story, Playmobil is another toy-based film that's bound to entertain the little ones.

The story takes place in the magical, animated universe of Playmobil. Marla goes on a quest to find her younger brother, Charlie, when he gets lost. She encounters new worlds, friends and even a fairy godmother along the way.

Certificate: U

Release date: 9 August

Watch the trailer here

Dora the Explorer as you've never seen her before. The sickly sweet cartoon character has graduated to the big screen for an - ok, we admit it - exciting new adventure. When Dora’s archaeologist parents go looking for a lost Incan civilisation, she takes on the challenge of high school in the city.

A funny action film with a strong female lead - what more could you want for rainy day summer holidays entertainment?

Certificate: TBC, predicted U

Release date: 16 August

Watch the trailer here

In Ugly Dolls, a town called Uglyville embraces weirdness and acknowledges there's more to beauty than meets the eye.

A feel-good film full of morals and kind messages that challenge our perceptions of perfection. Kids will be singing along in the cinema with Nick Jonas, Kelly Clarkson, Charlie XCX and Pitbull all taking lead roles.

Certificate: TBC, predicted U

Release date: 16 August

Watch the trailer here

Read on to find out what's coming to a cinema near you, a bit later on this year.

Downton Abbey first came to our TVs in 2010. Almost three years after the final episode aired, the cast have reunited to make a movie.

Michelle Dockery is back as Lady Mary Crawley, Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith, Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates and Maggie Smith as the caustically funny Violet Crawley.

One for older children who love a period drama and romantic storyline.

Certificate: TBC

Release date: 13 September

Watch the trailer here

Birds and pigs join forces in this sequel to take on another group of birds who've got their hands on a dangerous weapon. Starring Superbass singer Nicki Minaj and Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage, this will be a hit for any child who loves playing the original game.

Certificate: TBC, predicted U

Release date: 4 October

Watch the trailer here

The famous 'scary' family are back - this time in cartoon form - for a Halloween treat. Morticia Addams is voiced by Charlize Theron, Gomez Addams by Oscar Isaac and Wednesday by Chloe Grace Moretz.

The family are targeted by a TV host who tries to turf them out of their neighbourhood, while Wednesday prepares to take on high school. That's October half term sorted!

Certificate: TBC, predicted PG

Release date: 11 October

Watch the trailer here

2019's Christmas family film is all about Mrs Margie Claus. Played by Melissa McCarthy, she comes to Santa's rescue when he goes missing on Christmas Eve. It's a big step for Margie, who hasn't left the north pole in decades.

And yes, we are thinking about Christmas already.

Certificate: TBC

Release date: 15 November (US)

It's been a long time coming, but Anna, Elsa and co will be back for a second film just in time for Christmas. Expect adventures a-plenty as Elsa faces an even bigger challenge, but a detailed plot is being kept quiet.

All we know so far is that Anna takes a leap of faith across a dark chasm, while Kristoff and Sven lead a large herd of reindeer somewhere.

The big question is: will the soundtrack be as catchy at the first?

Certificate: TBC, predicted PG

Release date: 22 November

Watch the trailer here

Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan come together for the sequel to the remake of the 1995 original. The plot has been kept under wraps, for now ...

Certificate: TBC, predicted 12

Release date: 13 December

The infamous Broadway musical is taking to cinemas with an all-star cast. Jennifer Hudson, Idris Elba, Ian McKellen and Taylor Swift will bring Andrew Lloyd Webber's long-running hit to the big screen, although it is unknown what form it will take.

Certificate: TBC

Release date: 20 December

Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac return for the next installation of the hugely popular Star Wars franchise.

Expected to be 2019's most anticipated film, parents might be more excited than their kids about this one.

Certificate: TBC, predicted 12

Release date: 20 December

Watch the trailer here

The smash hit 90s video game gets its own live-action film, featuring none other than Jim Carey. Sonic the Hedgehog is helped by a police officer to escape from the government, who is trying to capture him.

Certificate: TBC

Release date: 26 December

Watch the trailer here

There were some great family films that came out at the beginning of the year and are expected to be available on DVD in the summer.

Featuring Ugly Betty's America Ferrera, Game of Throne's star Kit Harrington, and Bridesmaids actress Kristen Wiig, the team reunite to deliver another fantastic film.

The discovery of a female night fury dragon coincides with the darkest threat the village has ever faced ...

Cinema release date: 1 February

Certificate: PG

Favourite lego characters Emmett, Lucy and Batman return to help save the residents of Bricksburg from Lego Duplo invaders.

Chris Pratt, Tiffany Haddish, Jason Momoa and Channing Tatum lend their voices to this superb sequel.

What we really want to know is who's going to save US from stepping on our kids' Lego lying around on the floor?

Cinema release date: 8 February

Certificate: U

This female-led film is perfect for the modern superhero fan. Brie Larson takes the spotlight as Captain Marvel, with Samuel L Jackson and Jude Law by her side, as she tries to uncover her past.

Cinema release date: 8 March

Certificate: 12A

The Disney live-action remake of the circus elephant's story took £17.7m in just two weeks from its release in the UK. The film is surprisingly cute, considering director Tim Burton's reputation.

Cinema release date: 29 March

Certificate: PG

Wonder Park is a fun family film that tackles complex emotions and themes in a theme park run by animals. Jennifer Garner and Mila Kunis star in it alongside YouTubers Caspar Lee and Joe Sugg.

Cinema release date: 8 April

Certificate: PG

Take a look at our Chat threads to see what Netmums have said about family films.

Is Harry Potter suitable for a Christian family?

Should 6 year olds be watching a 12A film?

Dumbo (2019) for 3.5 yr old?