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10 movies for the kids to watch this school holiday!

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Taking your kids to the movies will most likely be high on the to-do list this coming winter break. 

With a great selection for young and older kids, here's what they can look forward to seeing, including brand new releases, films already in cinema and a few stay home options for families with a Showmax or Netflix account. 

In the cinema:

Isle of Dogs

In the futuristic world of Megasaki City, all dogs have been banned because of a canine-flu outbreak. But 12-year-old Atari is not able to let his beloved pooch go.

So he sets out for Trash Island, and along with the help of mongrel islanders, attempts to rescue his best friend. 

Directed by Wes Anderson, Isle of Dogs looks like a great animated adventure for teens.  

Age restriction: PG13

Release date: 22 June

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom 

Fallen Kingdom picks up where 2015's Jurassic World left off: the Jurassic World theme park on fictional Isla Nublar island has been abandoned and is inhabited only by dinosaurs. 

Now, former dinosaur trainer Owen Grady and former operations manager Claire Dearing return to Isla Nublar to save the remaining dinosaurs from the island's dormant volcano, which is about to erupt. 

Super thrilling for fans and audiences of 13 years and older. 

Age restriction: PG13 

Release date: 22 June

Duck Duck Goose 

Freewheeler goose Peng just can't seem to get his act together, and the upcoming migration of his flock is no exception. 

He refuses to fly in line with the rest and his antics gets him in hot water, and somehow he ends up having to take care of two young ducklings, Chao and Chi, who not only give him a taste of his own medicine but also show him the meaning of unconditional love. 

A sweet story for younger kids. 

Age restriction: PG 

Release date: 29 June 

Love, Simon 

This coming-of-age tale is about a young man, Simon Spier, who struggles to come to terms with his sexuality and keeps it secret from everyone who knows him. But that changes one day when a fellow student from Simon's school anonymously opens up online about being gay.

Simon contacts the mystery boy and then battles with the decision to come out to his family and friends himself. 

An age-appropriate take on sexuality, self-acceptance and love. 

Age restriction: PG13 

Release date: 29 June

Ant-Man and The Wasp

Marvel's shrinking hero Ant-Man aka Scott Lang is back again, this time teaming up with a female heroine, Hope van Dyne The Wasp.

Scott struggles with his responsibilities as both father and hero, as he's once again called on a new mission. 

Loads of action and that Marvel humour fans love make this a fun movie to take the kids to. 

Age restriction: PG13

Release date: 6 July 

Show Dogs 

Rottweiler Max is a police dog who embarks (ha) on an undercover assignment that puts him smack dab in the middle of the world of prestigious dog shows. 

His mission to rescue a kidnapped baby panda ensues in hilarious escapades. 

Age restriction: PG L  [NB: the movies has received bad press for a certain scene. Our article Kids movie alert: Does Show Dogs groom kids for sexual abuse? has more info.] 

Release date: 6 July 

  

The Incredibles 2

Pixar's second installment following the superhero Parr family has been 14 years in the making, and this highly anticipated film is set to impress. 

Mr Incredible is now a man of the house staying home with kids, Violet, Dash and baby Jack-Jack, who each has their own set of superpowers. 

In Metroville, the Parr family's hometown, being a superhero is illegal, and the family work on changing that via a few epic action-packed moments. 

Age restriction: PG 

Home-viewing alternatives

A lot of the latest releases aren't really ideal for the little ones, so we found a few home alternative you can try with the younger kids on Netflix and Showmax. 

Beat Bugs: All Together Now

Based on an Australian-Canadian animated television series of the same name, Beat Bugs: All Together Now features Kumi, Crick, Walter, Buzz and Jay. 

The group of musical bugs set out on a journey far from their home to sing at a famed competition, The Bug Factor. 

The crew meet adventure and new friends on their travels. It features old favourites by the Beatles, sung by the likes of P!ink and Eddie Vedder.

Netflix. Age restriction: All ages

Mulan

An oldy but a goody, this solid Disney classic was first introduced to audiences in 1998 and follows the true events of legendary Chinese female warrior, Mulan. 

When her country faces invasion and war, Mulan bravely takes the place of her sick father, dresses up like a man and sets off for war.  

Her journey from struggling imposter to skilled heroine in disguise, is nothing short of inspiring. 

Netflix. Age restriction: All ages

Madagascar  

Comedy never ages, and the Madagascar troop remains as hilarious today as they were back in 2015. 

A few of the animals of Central Park Zoo feel unfulfilled, longing for the wide open spaces of the wild, while others are all too happy with their pampered lifestyles. One night, Marty the zebra escapes and so does the rest of the gang. 

They're caught but are eventually shipped off and through an unlikely sequence of events, end up on the island of Madagascar. 

From there, all bets are off, and the animals get to see what living on the wild side really means. 

Showmax. Age restriction: PG 

How are you planning to keep the kids occupied for the upcoming holidays? Tell us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.  

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