Last Updated on March 8, 2026 by Monica Castillo
With Easter approaching and the school holidays offering a few precious weeks of freedom for children, cinemas are rolling out a generous slate of family films designed to entertain, inspire, and occasionally challenge young imaginations. The line-up spans the spectrum from toddlers to teens, all rated U, PG, or 12A, as defined by the British Board of Film Classification. Here’s a closer look at what’s hitting screens this season original stories, inventive animations, and adventures that promise more than just familiar sequels and reboots.
Hoppers (Cert U)
Disney Pixar leaps into uncharted territory with Hoppers, an entirely original animated feature opening 6th March. The film follows a devoted animal lover who discovers a way to transfer her consciousness into a robotic beaver. Initially, it’s a thrilling opportunity to explore the mysteries of the animal kingdom, revealing wonders beyond her wildest imaginings. But Pixar never lets curiosity come without consequence: her newfound power inadvertently sparks an uprising among the animal world, threatening humanity itself.
The vocal performances lend the story warmth and gravitas—Jon Hamm and Bobby Moynihan bring humor and charm, while Piper Curda provides a relatable earnestness. Meryl Streep, as ever, elevates the stakes, making the narrative feel both urgent and whimsical. The animation is polished, playful, and emotionally nuanced, in the way only Pixar can deliver, balancing adventure with reflection on empathy, responsibility, and the fine line between fascination and chaos.
Smurfs (Cert U)
The Smurfs are back, and this time the stakes are cosmic. When Papa Smurf is mysteriously abducted by the sinister wizards Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette steps into leadership, guiding her friends into the human world on a quest to rescue him. Along the way, they encounter allies who help them confront challenges that are larger than their tiny blue forms could suggest.
The voice cast is staggeringly impressive Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, Daniel Levy, and Amy Sedaris, among others infuse the film with charm and humor, while veterans like Kurt Russell and John Goodman add depth and gravitas. Opening alongside Hoppers on 6th March, the film has a gleeful energy that mixes slapstick with surprisingly tender moments, offering both nostalgia for longtime fans and a gateway for new audiences.
A Tooth Fairy Tale (Cert PG)
Opening 13th March, A Tooth Fairy Tale brings a sense of adventurous mischief to the holiday season. Van, a teenage tooth fairy, longs for life beyond his insular society. He meets Gemma, a clever goblin girl, and the pair quickly discover their shared curiosity and courage despite the ancient rivalry between their tribes. Together, aided by the endlessly endearing troll Rupee, they attempt the near-impossible: to reunite their magical kingdoms.
Of course, no magical quest comes without obstacles. The malevolent Spider Queen and her minions pursue them relentlessly, introducing tension and excitement that keeps the narrative from ever growing predictable. The voice cast—Booboo Stewart, Larkin Bell, Vivica A. Fox, Jon Lovitz, Fran Drescher—delivers spirited performances, each character vibrant in personality. It’s a film that doesn’t just appeal visually; it encourages imaginative thinking and celebrates bravery, friendship, and reconciliation.
The Land of Sometimes (Cert U)
On 20th March, The Land of Sometimes offers an enchanting musical journey with Alfie and Elise, twins who accidentally summon the mysterious Wish Collector. Swept away to a fantastical realm where all four seasons pass in a single day, they are granted six wishes but quickly learn that magic comes with responsibilities.
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This film’s charm lies not only in its vibrant animation but also in its musical pedigree: new songs by three-time Academy Award® winner Tim Rice give each sequence an emotional resonance. Coupled with voices from Ewan McGregor, Helena Bonham Carter, Asa Butterfield, Mel Brooks, and Terry Jones, the movie is both heartwarming and whimsical, a delicate reminder that the greatest magic often lies in family and shared experiences.
Bluey at the Cinema: Playdates with Friends (Cert U)
For the tiniest members of the audience, 27th March offers a delightful hour-long compilation of Bluey episodes. This collection highlights eight episodes from across three series, capturing the joy, curiosity, and imagination of play. Games like Shadowlands and Octopus are interspersed with tender moments of friendship, all reinforcing the small but profound lessons of sharing, kindness, and creativity. Parents might find themselves laughing along as much as their children, a rare and precious shared experience.
The Magic Faraway Tree (Cert U)
Adapted from Enid Blyton’s beloved novels, The Magic Faraway Tree opens 27th March, blending nostalgia with fresh cinematic energy. Polly, Tim, and their children relocate to the remote English countryside, where they discover a magical tree inhabited by eccentric and lovable characters Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot, and Saucepan Man. Each fantastical world atop the tree offers adventure, peril, and wonder, but the heart of the film remains the family itself, learning to reconnect and rediscover joy together. The ensemble cast including Rebecca Ferguson, Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, and Michael Palin brings gravitas and charm, ensuring that the magic feels lived-in and genuinely affecting.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (Cert TBC)
Following the success of 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the forthcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie promises an interstellar leap. Mario ventures into cosmic realms far beyond the Mushroom Kingdom, confronting galactic challenges and exploring visually dazzling worlds. With a voice cast including Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Brie Larson, and more, the film teases spectacle, humor, and a playful nod to fans of the franchise though story details remain tantalizingly sparse.
Goat (Cert PG)
Goat opens 13th February, offering an action-comedy that’s surprisingly heartfelt. Will, a small but determined goat, dreams of joining the pros in the high-intensity sport of roarball. Facing skepticism from larger, more imposing teammates, Will’s journey is about defying expectations, celebrating courage, and finding joy in one’s own strengths. With a star-studded vocal ensemble including Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Stephen Curry, and Jennifer Hudson the film is exuberant, funny, and unexpectedly moving, a reminder that determination and heart can outshine sheer size.
Night of the Zoopocalypse (Cert U)
Since 30th January, audiences have been navigating the chaotic, zombie-infested world of Night of the Zoopocalypse. A meteor strikes Colepepper Zoo, triggering a virus that transforms its inhabitants into undead creatures. Gracie, a quirky young wolf, teams up with a gruff mountain lion, Dan, leading a motley crew on a perilous rescue mission. With voices like David Harbour and Scott Thompson, the film marries slapstick, suspense, and unexpected emotional beats, making it as thrilling as it is fun.
Zootropolis 2 (Cert PG)
Finally, Zootropolis 2, arriving 28th November, reunites Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde for their most challenging case yet. Facing the mysterious pit viper Gary De’Snake, they must navigate treacherous parts of the city while testing the limits of their partnership. The sequel builds on the wit, heart, and clever social commentary of the 2016 original, delivering intrigue, humor, and emotional resonance in equal measure. The voice cast, Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Shakira, Ke Huy Quan keeps the world feeling rich, dynamic, and alive.
This Easter season, the cinematic offerings are anything but perfunctory. From interstellar adventures and magical forests to riotous animal comedies, there’s something that invites wonder, laughter, and a quiet reflection on courage, friendship, and family. It’s a lineup that reminds us why cinema especially for young audiences can be both thrilling and transformative.
