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10 movies to take the kids to watch this school holiday!

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Sleeping in, staying up late, playing outside in the summer sun – the December holidays are the best time of the year for our kids. Especially when they’ve had a long and productive academic year. And while we’re sure your little ones are absolutely loving their time off thus far, we also know that before long they’ll be begging to get out of the house.

We have a long list of fun events and activities for the kids to do, but what about simply taking them to see a good movie that the entire family can enjoy?

With their popcorn and cooldrink in hand, they’ll love these films, some of which are already showing:

The Star

This holiday season, the Star will show the story of the first Christmas, following a donkey, Bo, and his animal friends, become the unsung heroes. It seems to be a wonderful take on an old story, with an A-list cast including Steven Yeun, Zachary Levi, Oprah Winfrey, Gina Rodriguez, Keegan-Michael Key, Kelly Clarkson, Kristin Chenoweth, Tracy Morgan, Tyler Perry and Gabriel Iglesias. 

Age restriction: PG

Release date: 17 November

Justice League

The latest superhero movie, or should we say, crime-fighting, butt-kicking team to grace the big screen, is the Justice League. After a new threat presents itself, Bruce Wayne along with Diana Prince – that’s Batman and Wonder Woman in case you didn’t know – recruit the fastest man alive, The Flash, along with Aquaman and Cyborg to form the Justice League.

The cast includes Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Ray Fisher and of course, Henry Cavill as Superman.

Justice League does have an age restriction, so while we’re sure the teens will absolutely love it, it may not be suitable for younger children.

Age restriction: PG13

Release date: 17 November

Coco

Despite the fact that music is completely banned in his family, Miguel longs to become a musician, just like his idol, Hector. Before long he finds himself in the land of the dead, searching for the truth behind and unlocking his family’s generation-old ban.

Age restriction: PG

Release date: 22 November

Paddington 2

In Paddington 2, our favourite bear, complete with his blue coat and red hat, is back, and this time to investigate the theft of a book that would have been the perfect gift for his aunt’s 100th birthday. It's filled with adventure that will have you giggling hysterically at all the situations Paddington and his friends get themselves in.

Paddington bear is voiced by Ben Wishaw accompanied by actors Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Sally Hawkins and Hugh Grant, to name just a few.

Age restriction: PG

Release date: 1 December

Barbie: Dolphin Magic Wonder

Take the kiddies out to see their favourite toy, Barbie, on screen this December, as she attempts to save all her favourite creatures and preserve the sea life at the Cora. When Barbie visits Ken during his internship at a dolphin research centre, she discovers a rainbow-coloured dolphin, which inspires her to go forth with her mission. But of course, things aren’t quite as simple and easy as she thought it would be.

Age restriction: PG

Release date: 8 December

Wonder

Based on the bestselling-book by R.J. Palacio, Wonder follows the story of one August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who goes to mainstream school for the first time in the 5th grade. This film, sending the message to always choose to be kind, is an inspiring story for kids to see on the big screen. And one that we’re sure will have you shedding a tear or two.

The cast includes Jacob Tremblay as Auggie Pullman, as well as A-listers Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson.

Age restriction: PG

Release date: 8 December

Ferdinand

Ferdinand, based of the 1936 children’s book by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson, follows the story of a bull who would much rather smell the flowers than do what everyone expects of him: to become the main attraction in a bull fight. He’s captured after being mistaken for a big bad beast, and embarks on an adventure to return to his family with the help of his friends.

The characters are voiced by John Cena, Kate McKinnon, Anthony Anderson, Bobby Cannavale, Peyton Manning, Gina Rodriguez, Miguel Ángel Silvestre and David Tennant.

Age restriction: PG

Release date: 22 December

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

You may remember the classic Robin Williams film Jumanji from when you were growing up. This action adventure comedy follows four high school students who stumble across an old game – Jumanji – that sucks them in. And the only way to escape the game is to play, change the way they think about themselves, or be stuck in it forever. And with the stellar cast of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and Jack Black, you could very well give your kids a film to laugh about for years to come. 

We'd recommend only taking your teens to watch Jumanji as it's an age-restricted film.

Age restriction: PG13

Release date: 29 December

The Greatest Showman

In this original musical, P.T. Burnam has a vision of creating a spectacular world and a good life for his family after losing his job, and sets out to bring wonderfully weird stars together to perform in what becomes a worldwide sensation.

The film stars Hugh Jackman as P.T. Burnam, as well as Michelle Williams, Zac Efron and Zendaya.

Again, we’d recommend taking the older kids to watch this one.

Age restriction: PG

Release date: 29 December

The Nut Job 2

When Surly, the squirrel, finds out that the cruel mayor of his home town wants to bulldoze and destroy their beloved Liberty Park, he brings together some of his friends and makes a few hilarious new ones, as they set out to save the park together.

The characters are voiced by Will Arnett, Maya Rudolph, Bobby Cannavale, Bobby Moynihan, Jeff Dunham, Jackie Chan and Katherine Heigl.

Age restriction: PG

Release date: 5 January

Which movies are your kids looking forward to seeing this holiday? Tell us by commenting below.

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