2025 was a standout year for children’s films, offering a mix of animated adventures, live-action remakes, comedy, and heartwarming stories that captivated young audiences worldwide. Across theaters and streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+, these films delivered imagination, laughter, and meaningful lessons — making them some of the most popular and best-watched kids movies of the year.
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Zootopia 2
Genre: Animated Adventure/Comedy
Box Office Highlight: Earned over $616 million globally in its first week, outgrossing major blockbusters and becoming one of the year’s biggest animated hits.
Disney’s sequel follows the beloved duo Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps on a new case filled with mystery, fun characters, and rich world-building. The film is vibrant, funny, and packed with positive messages about teamwork and acceptance.
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Lilo & Stitch (Live-Action)
Genre: Family/Comedy
Global Success: Grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful children’s films of 2025.
This live-action remake of the Disney classic brought the iconic tale of “ohana” back to life while introducing Stitch to a new generation. Its blend of humor, heart, and visual effects resonated strongly with families.
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Dog Man
Genre: Animated Comedy
Box Office Performance: A strong theatrical debut with over $40 million globally.
Based on the wildly popular children’s books by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man delivers action-packed fun, clever humor for kids, and Easter eggs parents can enjoy too. The Heroic canine hybrid keeps young audiences engaged with slapstick comedy and lively animation.
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Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie
Genre: Animated/Family
This Netflix movie, based on the hit Gabby’s Dollhouse series, brings imagination to life in a playfully magical adventure. It’s crafted to inspire creativity and emphasizes the joy of cooperative play and family bonding.
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In Your Dreams
Genre: Animated Adventure/Comedy
This Netflix original animated film combines humor and heart with a star-studded voice cast. It follows a zany adventure filled with relatable themes like courage and friendship, making it ideal for kids and tweens.
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Plankton: The Movie
Genre: Animation/Adventure
A Netflix release based on the SpongeBob universe, this film gives the beloved character Plankton his own spotlight. Packed with ridiculous, ocean-deep antics and fun for younger viewers, it sits high on family watchlists for 2025.
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The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
Genre: Animated Adventure/Comedy
This movie celebrates the underwater world of SpongeBob and friends with a new quest full of energy and humor perfect for kids. The franchise’s global fanbase and nostalgic appeal help make this a holiday season favorite.
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Elio (Anticipated)
Genre: Animated Sci-Fi/Family
Though not as widely covered in box office reports, Pixar’s Elio continues the studio’s tradition of imaginative storytelling. The film blends space adventure with thoughtful themes like identity and courage, ensuring appeal for kids and adults alike.
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The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie (Anticipated)
Genre: Animated Comedy
An anticipated theatrical release reinvigorating classic Looney Tunes characters with a new space-themed story. Its slapstick comedy and familiar faces are perfect for younger audiences who enjoy energetic, fast-paced cartoons.
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Freakier Friday (Anticipated)
Genre: Family/Comedy
A fresh take on the beloved Freaky Friday story, this sequel adds new generational humor as kids and parents swap roles again. Its blend of physical comedy and heartfelt lessons makes it a 2025 family night staple.
Watching Trends and Platform Stats (2025)
Netflix Domination in Kids Content
- Original animated films like KPop Demon Hunters topped global streaming charts, breaking records with over 325 million views in just three months — illustrating kids’ appetite for animated adventure and music-driven stories.
Theatrical Success Continues
- Lilo & Stitch grossing over $1 billion worldwide signals that theatrical kids films remain a cultural force, with families returning to cinemas for shared big-screen experiences.
Diversity of Stories
From animated creature heroes (Dog Man) and classic remakes (Lilo & Stitch), to streaming originals (Gabby’s Dollhouse) and musical fantasies (Plankton), kids films in 2025 spanned genres and themes that engaged diverse audiences.
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