Ghosts, bunnies, fairytales, dragons and superheroes: they're all set to hit the silver screen in 2021! Here are all the new family movies you'll want to watch with the kids.
Sitting in relative peace and quiet with a big bucket of popcorn on a trip to the movies is one of our favourite easy activities to do with the kids (it’s also a great way to sneak in a mum time-out power nap…).
So when the rain is pouring and you’re looking for wet day winners, or you just want a rest in the air con for a few hours, you’re going to need this list of all the new movies at the cinema scheduled for release in Singapore this year. Psst – we’ve also included some of our family faves on Netflix too, just in case that rain gets really heavy!
New movies hitting the cinemas in 2021
Cruella
Want to know what sparked Cruella de Vil’s obsession with Dalmatian fur? Find out in this live-action remake of an old classic. With Emma Stone as young Cruella, it’s bound to be a blockbuster!
Opening on: May 2021
Dreambuilders
This Pixar-esque film from Denmark centres on Minna, a young girl who uses her newfound ability to teach her stepsister a lesson. However, when her sister can no longer wake up, Minna has to enter the dream world to save her. We expect some tears shed and lessons learned from this one.
Opening on: June 2021
Spirit Untamed
Based on the Netflix animated series Spirit Riding Free, this animated film follows the adventures of Lucky Prescott, who moved to Miradero and bonds with a wild Kiger mustang named Spirit after meeting him. If you liked the previous free Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, then be sure to catch this.
Opening on: June 2021
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
James Corden and Rose Byrne reprise their roles in another instalment of the Peter Rabbit series. Loosely based on the work of Beatrix Potter, it’s bound to be another barrel of laughs with the cheeky Peter Rabbit afoot!
Opening on: June 2021
Luca
Set in Portorosso, a seaside town on the Italian Riviera (it sounds beautiful already!), this animated Pixar film follows Luca and his best friend Alberto, both of whom are hiding a secret. This may be reminiscent of the hit movie Call Me By Your Name due to the movie’s setting; regardless, it’s making us miss travelling even more! The movie is set to be released on Disney+ as well.
Opening on: June 2021
Black Widow
Natasha Romanoff AKA Black Widow finally has her own movie! In this new release, we find out how she turns from international spy and assassin into a superhero.
Opening on: July 2021
Space Jam: A New Legacy
The long-awaited sequel is finally here! This time around, basketball superstar LeBron James and his young son find themselves trapped in a virtual space. To get out, he has to lead Bug Bunny, Daffy Duck, and the other Looney Tunes gang in a match against a basketball team made up of professional players. Will this movie capture the magic like its predecessor? We hope so!
Opening on: July 2021
Cinderella
We loved Brandy and Whitney Houston in the last Cinderella remake, but we’re extra excited for this version! We’re talking Billy Porter as the Fairy Godmother, and Camila Cabello as Cinderella! We hear vocal legend Idina Menzel’s in the cast too — you won’t want to miss this!
Opening on: July 2021
Hotel Transylvania: Transformia
The fourth and final instalment in the Hotel Transylvania series. Nothing much is known about this as of now but we expect it to be as kooky as its previous three films.
Opening on: August 2021
Paw Patrol: The Movie
This well-known show clearly needs no introduction! In this big-screen adaptation, Ryder and his team of crime-fighting puppies are called to Adventure City to stop Mayor Humdinger from turning the city into utter chaos. Get ready for exciting missions and high-stake rescues!
Opening on: August 2021
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
When was the last time we’ve seen an Asian superhero on the big screen? Featuring major movie stars such as Awkwafina, Tony Leung, and Michelle Yeoh, we daresay this is probably the most anticipated Marvel flick this year. And, from the looks of the trailer, the anticipation is just growing greater!
Opening on: September 2021
The Boss Baby: Family Business
In this sequel, the Templeton brothers have grown up and apart. Tim is no longer a little boy and is now a stay-at-home dad while Boss Baby bro Ted is a hedge fund CEO. Watch the movie to find out how they reconnect — thanks to a new boss baby.
Opening on: September 2021
Ron’s Gone Wrong
The movie revolves around an 11 year-old boy living in a world where the children’s best friends are digitally connected bots. When he encounters a malfunctioning robot, he decides to befriend it. Is this going to be the next Wall:E?
Opening on: October 2021
Eternals
With a diverse ensemble cast (Angelina Jolie! Salma Hayek! Gemma Chan! Kumail Nanjiani!) and directed by Academy Award winner Chloe Zhao, this is the 2021 Marvel blockbuster that fans are waiting in anticipation for! Mark your calendars down for this one.
Opening on: November 2021
The Addams Family 2
The creepy and the kooky, mysterious and spooky… is the theme song playing in your head now? The gloriously macabre family is back again for more adventures, getting on the wrong side of their preppy neighbours and wholesome suburban town.
Opening on: November 2021
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
There’s something strange… in this sleepy old town. This latest reboot of Ghostbusters is giving us major Stranger Things vibes (maybe it’s because Wolf Reinhard’s in it?) and we’re living for it. And also, Paul Rudd!
Opening on: November 2021
Encanto
The Madrigals is a family living in a vibrant, charming place called an Encanto. But they’re not just any ordinary family – the Encanto’s magic has blessed every child with a unique gift such as super strength and the power to heal. (Boy, we would love to have something like that too!) Well, every child except Maribel Madrigal. When she discovers that the magic is in danger, it is up to her to save the day.
Opening on: November 2021
Spider-Man: No Way Home
The third movie of this reboot series brings back stars Tom Holland and Zendaya as titular characters Peter Parker and MJ. What shenanigans do they entangle themselves in this time ’round? Gotta wait till the end of the year to find out!
Opening on: December 2021
Sing 2
Buster Moon and his friends, who are setting up a new show and want to debut it at a glamorous theatre, must persuade a reclusive rock star to join them. Will they succeed? Expect the same laughs and gaffes in this sequel to the 2016 hit film.
Opening on: December 2021
Masters of the Universe
80s kids, you’re in for a treat! Your fave classic animation series is going on the big screen. There’s no other news except that it’s going to be directed by Adam and Aaron Nee. Tell us, which male lead actor would you like to see with He-Man’s blonde apple cut?
Opening on: TBC
New movies on Netflix in 2021
As much as we all love a family outing to the cinema, sometimes it’s also nice to indulge in a movie fest in the comfort of our own homes with the littlies. Luckily for us, Netflix always delivers the goods with a range of fun fam-approved films to keep everyone entertained. Grab your popcorn, and check out the latest releases:
Arlo the Alligator Boy
When wide-eyed Arlo learns the true nature of where he came from, the half-human half-alligator boy decides to leave his swampy Southern home to look for his long-lost father in cosmopolitan New York City. Along the way, he runs into a cast of colourful characters.
Back to the Outback
Fed up of being locked away and gawped at by us humans, a motley crew of animals decide to make an escape to the Outback. So begins a hair-raising and hilarious journey across Australia, as they try and escape the eager zoo-keeper and pals. If you loved Madagascar, then you’ll love this!
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles: The Movie
Best order in the pizza for this one. In this Nickelodeon production, the Ninja Turtles are facing their greatest challenge yet, when a stranger from the future delivers a serious warning Leo is forced to lead his brothers in a fight to save the world from the Krang, a scary alien species! Yikes!
Wish Dragon
In this Sony Picture’s animation, Din, a college student with big dreams but small means, and Long, a cynical but powerful dragon capable of granting wishes, set off on a journey to Shanghai. They are in pursuit of Din’s long lost friend, Lina. The trip forces them to face some of life’s toughest decisions as they decide what really matters when you have the power to wish for anything.
Robin Robin
When her egg accidentally rolls into a rubbish dump, little Robin is raised by an unlikely family of mice. As she grows up, her differences become more apparent, and Robin sets off on an adventure to prove she can be a really good mouse – but actually ends up discovering who she really is. A cute tale for all the fam from Aardman.
A Boy Called Christmas
We’re all suckers for good Christmas movies, and this one sounds like another great Yuletide viewing. Based on the eponymous book (which itself a reimagining of the story of Father Christmas), the film is about Nikolas, a boy who searches for his father among the snowy white north.
Yes Day
A mom and dad who usually say no (we can relate!) decide to say yes to their kids’ wildest requests on a whirlwind day of fun and adventure. Chaos ensues!
Finding ‘Ohana
Two teens from Brooklyn decide to make the most of their summer break in rural Oahu after discovering a secret journal pointing to long-lost treasures. They set off on an adventure of discovery, meeting new friends, as well as finding out all about their Hawaiian heritage along the way. A nice film for the teens in the fam.
So, which of these 2021 new movies are you most excited about?!