2024 was an incredible year for family films. This is an area of Hollywood that will always be very successful, thanks to the fact that every member of the family can go see them. If a kid wants to see a new flick, there's at least one more ticket guaranteed for that movie's box office numbers. However, this has also led to some filmmakers not trying as hard in the past.

Thankfully, that wasn't the case for this year's biggest family hits. Those bringing these movies to life did a very good job at delivering not only a movie that is palatable for everyone, but contains a message that appeals even to adults. A good family film can make a huge mark at the box office and 2024 sure had some hitters.

10

'Orion and the Dark'

Release Date: February 4th

Orion and the Dark poster featuring the main charactersImage via Netflix

Netflix has a very hit-or-miss reputation when it comes to producing animated films. Thankfully, for this smaller project, Orion and the Dark was far better than anyone expected it to be. While it didn't really blow anyone away, it was much more enjoyable than the typical Netflix animated project.

https://youtu.be/cScAQ2O26Y4?si=zHFCSWCHnYcID_GK

It manages to be very relatable to all audiences with its exploration of themes like fear and the general issues life can bring forth. Additionally, it doesn't talk down to its viewers, which is a problem that family films commonly have. For some reason, studios think kids are much dumber than they are, and that can lead to dialogue and storytelling that feels very over explained.

9

'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever'

Release Date: November 8th

Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez, and Molly Belle Wright in The Best Christmas Pageant EverImage via Lionsgate

Everybody loves a good family Christmas film, but it's always been difficult to find a movie on par with the originals, like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and The Santa Clause, but if a film got close this year, it was The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Upon its release, it became a must-see smash-hit.

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The film finds itself being different from the typical Christmas movie stories, surrounding a group of bad kids who plan to put a huge wrench into the town pageant by completely hijacking it. This added a rough-around-the-edges fun to the film that wouldn't be found in the average Christmas release.

8

'Transformers One'

Release Date: September 20th

Orion Pax (voiced by Chris Hemsworth) transforms into Optimus Prime, the new Prime and leader of the Autobots, in Transformers One.Image via Paramount Pictures

After being known for years as a film franchise that typically makes blockbuster young-adult-oriented movies (which aren't the best, at times), the Transformers franchise hit the world with a project for families everywhere. Upon its announcement, many were unsure about Transformers One, mostly due to the fact that the iconic traditional cast (especially the iconic Peter Cullen) was not going to be coming back for the flick.

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But, despite the odds, Transformers One hit screens to massive success. Bringing the "untold story" of Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron's (Brian Tyree Henry) origins as friends-turned-enemies to viewers' eyes. Seeing the once-best friends devolve into hatred was not only compelling on the hero's side of things, but the writers did a great job crafting an empathy and understanding for Megatron.

7

'Moana 2'

Release Date: November 27th

Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) holding a glowing oar as she receives her first tattoo as a demigod in Moana 2Image via Disney

After the vast accomplishment that was the first Moana, it was pretty much gaurenteed that it would garner a sequel of some sort and that reality came to life on November 27th. Upon release, it gained huge box office numbers, making its way into the top 20 highest-grossing animated films of all time, currently holding the #16 spot.

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While it wasn't nearly as good as the first entry in the series, Moana 2's quality is still undeniable. It was clear that the studios were aware of the pressure on their shoulders, because a lot of love and care was put into making the sequel, and it can be seen through the movie's charm. It was always going to be tough to follow-up Moana, but Moana 2 did as good of a job as any.

6

'Sonic the Hedgehog 3'

Release Date: December 20th

Sonic and Shadaow on the poster for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.Image via Paramount Pictures

The final family film of 2024 to absolutely shake the ground beneath the film industry was Sonic the Hedgehog 3, to the point where people are still riding the high. So much so that the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise recently passed the $1 billion mark. The series has always been known for being goofy and fun while still holding a pure and moving heart at the center of each project and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the biggest example of this.

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The third movie's heart, driven by the fan favorite Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves), is far more dramatic and darker than the previous two, which honestly made it more compelling. The new hedgehog's story contrasts perfectly with the typical unserious nature of the Sonic the Hedgehog stories and provides a message that connected with everyone. "The light shines, even though the star is gone," is a quote that shed tears all over the world.

5

'Inside Out 2'

Release Date: June 14th

The main emotions of Inside Out 2 in the control roomImage via Pixar Animation Studios

It's no secret that audiences are getting pretty sick of Disney and Pixar prioritizing sequels over new franchises, so people were very apprehensive about getting a sequel to the already incredible Inside Out. However, when the second project hit on June 14th, it took the world by storm and exploded both critically and at the box office.

https://youtu.be/LEjhY15eCx0

It quickly became the highest-grossing animated film of all time and for very good reason. Introducing new emotions that reflect the young Riley's (Kensington Tallman) older age, the series seems to be growing with the audience that initially saw the first one in 2015. The struggles she faced as she began to experience Anxiety (Maya Hawke) were instantly relatable to pretty much everyone going to check it out in theaters. This allowed it to be captivating and enthralling for the entire planet.

Inside Out 2 Poster Showing Joy and the Other Emotions Squished Together

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4

'Wicked'

Release Date: November 22nd

Glinda, played by actor Ariana Grande, drapes her arms around Elphaba, played by actor Cynthia Erivo, against a backdrop of green and pink trees.Image by Zanda Rice

Based on the extremely successful Broadway musical, Wicked, it captured audiences everywhere in a chokehold and its soundtrack has held them there ever since. With astounding musical and film direction and performances by the likes of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande that are borderline Oscar-worthy, this flick has everyone's hearts and has everyone returning to rewatch over and over.

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Many had no idea that the project had a runtime of almost 3 hours because it flew by so quickly. Plus, being only a part one of the entire Wicked story, it left people wanting more than they ever thought they would. Ending on the iconic musical number, "Defying Gravity", viewers were left with chills and yearning for the next installment.

3

'Flow'

Release Date: November 22nd

Cat, dog, and bird in ‘Flow’Image via Janus Films

Pretty much everyone can agree that cats are freakin' adorable. So, when Flow was released, following the adventures of a little black cat, people fell in love almost immediately. But, it was done the huge disservice of being released on the same day as the astoundingly successful Wicked. Regardless of this setback, though, people still adored the movie, and it even has some of the highest reviews of the year on Rotten Tomatoes.

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It recently won the award for Best Animated Feature at the 2024 Golden Globes and many expect at least a nomination for the same acclaim when it comes to the upcoming Oscars. If one does some research, it will win the same award at a handful of other awards shows, as well. Hopefully the huge award prizes bring more people to the movie.

2

'Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl'

Release Date: December 18th

wallace-and-gromit-vengeance-most-fowlImage Via Netflix

It wouldn't take much research to discover that the Wallace & Gromit franchise is one of the most beloved on the planet and that is still a present opinion, given the most recent entry's 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. What makes this series so unique compared to others, therefore, makes Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl one of the most unique movies of the year, is the franchise's execution through claymation.

https://youtu.be/X0ZGf2B01uU?si=8Avrv-zPYMnlkk7f

The art of claymation takes so much effort, skill and love and all of that can be seen through the craftsmanship shown in Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. It's an absurd amount of fun and holds a plethora of charm. It certainly makes the almost 10-year gap since the last movie feel a lot better.

1

'The Wild Robot'

Release Date: September 27th

Roz holding Brightbill in her hand in The Wild RobotImage via Universal Pictures

Not only is The Wild Robot considered the best animated film of the year by most, there are millions who consider it the best movie of the year in general. With borderline-perfect reviews on Rotten Tomatoes from both the critical and audience sides, there is seemingly nothing to not love about the animated feature.

https://youtu.be/67vbA5ZJdKQ?si=yNndc9QjPBYAYL5C

With Oscar-worthy performances from the ever-loved Lupita Nyong'o and Pedro Pascal, it is impossible not to immediately fall in love with the characters on screen. The film's visuals are also phenomenal, taking a watercolor look for the animation style. It's a beautifully crafted movie on almost every single level and has earned pretty much every note of praise it's received.

https://collider.com/best-family-kids-movies-2024-ranked/