Wizards, talking animals, and a caped superhero: they're all set to hit the silver screen in 2022! Here are all the new family movies you'll want to watch with the kids this year.
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 in 2022. Psst – we’ve also included some of our family faves on various streaming sites too, just in case that rain gets really heavy!
New movies hitting the Singapore cinemas in 2022
1. I Am What I Am
If you’re looking to watch a (new) movie at the cinema during the CNY break, go for this animated feature. Three teenagers, who were ignored and bullied by others, begin their lion dance journey under the training of Mr Qiang. As their training progresses, the teens slowly realise their dreams and became “lions” – all thanks to their passion and drive.
Opening on 27 January
2. Parallel Mothers (Madres Paralelas)
Spanish auteur Pedro Almodovar is back with another film led by Oscar winner Penelope Cruz. Two single pregnant women, Janis and Ana, end up giving birth in the same hospital room. This experience creates a very close link between the two, which by chance develops, complicates, and changes their lives…
Opening on 17 February
3. A Banquet
Probably not a kid-friendly film, but still a must-watch. A widowed mother’s teenage daughter experiences profound enlightenment and insists that her body is no longer her own. Bound to her newfound faith, the daughter refuses to eat – and yet, she doesn’t lose any weight. With the unexplained right in front of her, the mother is forced to confront all that she believes in.
Opening on 17 February
4. Fireheart
Ever since she was a child, Georgia has set her sights on becoming a fireman, just like her father. Unfortunately, in New York City in 1932, women are not allowed to practice this profession. When the city’s firemen disappear one by one in mysterious fires, Georgia disguises herself as “Joe”, an awkward young man, and joins the team of improvised firemen in charge of stopping the arsonist. This is another tale of false identities that’ll be enjoyed by family members of all ages!
Opening on 10 March
5. Sumikkogurashi: The Little Wizard In The Blue Moonlight
If you’ve seen the first film, then you’ll be glad to know that the Sumikkogurashi sequel will be out this year. This time around, these cuties go camping on an autumn day. They look up at the night sky and spot the blue moon, which leads to the arrival of five sibling wizards. The magical beings use their powers to turn the town into glittery party venues, and the rest? You’ll have to watch to find find out!
Opening on 10 March
6. The Unbreakable Boy
Here’s an inspirational true story to watch at the cinema this March. Austin may be born with a rare brittle-bone disease and autism, but that doesn’t stop him from being a joyous, funny kid. His perspectives transform and unite everyone around him, especially his father, who comes to see Austin as his “unbreakable” son. Remember to pack the tissues for this one, we bet there won’t be a dry eye in the entire cinema for this new movie!
Opening on 17 March
7. The Bad Guys
Based on the children’s book series of the same name, this animated film sees a gang of five criminals make a promise to be good in order to avoid prison time. The fivesome tries to fool everyone into thinking they’ve truly transformed, and even though one of them realises he’s enjoying the new lifestyle, a new villain emerges with plans to take over the city. Can the bad guys be truly convinced to become the good guys?
Opening on 17 March
8. Around the World in 80 Days
Passepartout is a bookish marmoset who’s always dreamt of becoming an explorer. One day, he crosses paths with Phileas, a greedy frog that’s eager to take on a bet to travel the globe in 80 days and earn 10 million clams in the process. Seizing this opportunity to explore the world, Passepartout embarks on a crazy and exhilarating adventure with his new friend.
Opening on 24 March
9. Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Everyone’s favourite blue speedy hedgehog is back! Since settling in Green Hills, Sonic is keen to prove that he has what it takes to be a true blue hero. Well, his wish is about to come true: Dr Robotnik returns with Knuckles, searching for an emerald that can destroy civilisations. Can Sonic and his sidekick Tails save the day once again?
Opening on 31 March
10. Waiting for Bojangles
A young boy lives with his parents and an exotic bird in an apartment in Paris, where every night, the adults dance lovingly to the song “Mr Bojangles”. As the boy’s mother descends deeper into her mind, the child and his father decide to uproot the family to a country home in Spain. Will this plan work? We can’t wait to find out…
Opening on 7 April
11. Price of Parenting
Parents, what would you do if you encountered ’empty nest syndrome’? For Chantal and Christian, they pretend to win the lottery to win their kids back. The ruse seemingly works: their children return home in the hopes of living the high life too. The parents are forced to pay up, even though it’s beyond what they can afford. But how long will they be able to keep this extravagant lie going?
Opening on 14 April
12. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Are you hyped up after watching the Harry Potter reunion? Then get back into the world of wizards with this fantastical adventure. Professor Albus Dumbledore has to dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald from seizing control of the wizarding world. With the help of Newt Scamander and a motley crew of wizards, witches, and one Muggle baker, can they prevent the takeover before it takes place?
Opening on 14 April
13. The Innocents
Four young children meet and soon become friends, but along the way, they find out that they possess hidden powers. As they learn more about their newfound abilities, strange things begin to take place. As a wise man said: with great power comes great responsibility…
Opening on 21 April
14. Even Mice Belong In Heaven
After an unfortunate accident, a mouse and a fox meet in heaven and end up being the best of friends. When informed that they’ll be sent back to earth, the two animals wish to remain friends there. Their wish comes true, but there’s a twist: they are reborn into opposite roles! This heartwarming animation showcases the power of friendship and overcoming even the most impossible of tasks…
Opening on 12 May
15. DC League of Super-Pets
When Superman and the Justice League are kidnapped (how is that even possible?!), it’s up to Krypto the Super-Dog to round up a posse – Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle and Chip the squirrel – to rescue the superheroes. Move over Justice League, and say hello to the Super-Pets!
Opening on 19 May
16. Blazing Samurai
Lovable dog Hank dreams of becoming a samurai. The pup sets off on his journey and comes across Kakamucho, which is run by cats. Can he win over the felines with his charms? Can he also take down a narcissistic warlord, who intends to take over the town? We’re looking forward to this one, which features an all-star cast including our favourite, Michelle Yeoh!
Opening on 2 June
17. Lightyear
A spin-off from the much-beloved Toy Story franchise, this movie takes a look at the human Buzz Lightyear (yup, not the toy figurine) and his adventures to infinity and beyond…
Opening on 16 June
18. Minions: The Rise of Gru
Wanna know how Gru turned out to be the villain that he is? This animated film goes back to the early 1970s, when Gru is just 12-years-old and growing up in the suburbs. He hatches a plan to join the Vicious 6, a supervillain group, which goes terribly wrong.
Opening on 1 July
19. Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish
The swashbuckling cat is back! Having been through more adventures than the average kid, Puss discovers that he’s burned through eight of his nine lives. What’s a cat to do? He has to go forth and find the mythical Last Wish to restore his nine lives. No vet can help the kitty with this one!
Opening on 15 September
20. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One)
Even though the Spiderman series came to an end late last year, here’s the continuation to the well-received animated film to look forward to. Miles Morales picks up his webslinger once again for an adventure across the multi-verse with Gwen Stacy and a new team of Spider-People.
Opening on 6 October
New movies on streaming sites in 2022
As much as we all love catching all the new family movies at 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 and other streaming sites always deliver the goods with a range of fun fam-approved films to keep everyone entertained. Grab your popcorn, and check out the latest 2022 releases…
1. Riverdance: The Animated Adventure
After his grandfather died, Irish-born Keegan and his Spanish friend Moya go on a magical journey to learn about Riverdance and the dangers of the Huntsman. This computer-animated adventure film is inspired by the dance show Riverdance.
Watch on Netflix
2. The House
If you like stop-motion animation and Tim Burton films, then save this to your viewing list. This anthology film tells three stories, spanning different time periods and characters, that are tied to the same house. It may be a bit too grown-up for the littlies, so watch this with the tweens and teens instead.
Watch on Netflix
3. Calamity, a Childhood of Martha Jane Cannar
12-year-old Martha Jane and her family are headed west in search of a better life. When her father is injured in a serious accident, she takes charge and learns to drive the family wagon. Not only that, Martha Jane also dresses up as a boy and is outspokenly brave. This is a good film to show to the little girls out there!
Watch on The Projector Plus
4. Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformania
The kooky family (no, not that one) is back for another adventure! Van Helsing’s invention goes haywire and transforms everyone into the opposite of who they are – AKA Drac and pals become humans, while Johnny’s turned into a vampire! The two team up to reverse their fortunes before everything remains permanent.
Watch on Amazon Prime
So, which of these 2022 new movies are you most excited to see at the cinema (and at home)?!