Disney's Next Big Release Is a Fantasy Epic About the Hunt for the Last Dragon

Family movie night is still on! While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the opening, closing and attending of movie theaters, it hasn't stopped the production of some excellent-looking family films. In fact, the schedule for next year is set to be stocked with fairy tales, new animated movies, robot adventures, musicals and, of course, the ever-popular sequels and remakes. We took a look at the calendar ahead and compiled a list of the best kid's movies of 2021.

Of course, pandemic realities still are what they are, so there's a good chance that these release dates may shift as they get closer and movie studios see what the cinema situation is across the country. Some of these might wind up getting pushed to later in the year, or go straight to video-on-demand. (VOD is an excellent way to catch up on the best kids' movies of 2020, by the way.) But for now, you can pencil these into your calendar. Or, if you're looking for more inspiration for at-home family movie nights, you can also check out the best kids' movies of all time, the best kids' movies on Netflix or the best animated films. Now, who wants popcorn?

Release Date: February 26

Tom the tomcat and Jerry the mouse have been chasing each other around for decades, and they're still having crazy adventures. This time, Tom is hired to chase Jerry out of a fancy New York City hotel before an A-list wedding. Chloë Grace Moretz co-stars as the hotel's interim wedding planner. Tom & Jerry hits theaters and HBO Max at the same time on February 26, but it'll only be available on HBO Max for 31 days.

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Release Date: March 5, 2021

Gary, SpongeBob's beloved pet, is missing! To get him back, SpongeBob and Patrick follow a series of clues that lead them on an adventure to the city of Atlantis. The movie will premiere on the Paramount+ streaming network at premium VOD on the same day.

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Release Date: March 5, 2021

Disney's first movie of the year is an animated film about Raya, an aspiring protector of a mystical Dragon Gem. When trouble strikes in her world of Kumandra, she must find the last dragon to help save humanity. Kelly Marie Tran stars as Raya, and Awkwafina is the voice of a water dragon. Raya will be in theaters and on Disney+ on March 5, but you have to pay a premium fee to watch it on the streaming service.

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Release Date: May 28, 2021

Emma Stone takes on the role of the infamous Disney villain in a film that explains how Cruella de Vil became Dalmatian obsessed to begin with. It takes place in London in the 1970s, so expect some outrageous Cruella fashions.

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Release Date: June 4, 2021

Sure, Spirit fans can get their fix with the Netflix series, but it's extra exciting to know that there's another feature in the works. It'll follow more adventures of the plucky Lucky Prescott and her untamed stallion.

Release Date: June 4, 2021

Broadway fans can get excited for this one: Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote a spate of brand-new songs for this animated film, about a music-loving monkey and his travels around places like Havana and Miami,.

Release Date: June 11, 2021

This movie was supposed to come out in time for last Easter — let's hope it has better luck this time around. This time, Peter ventures out beyond the garden walls when he becomes a runaway bunny.

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Release Date: June 18, 2021

As usual, not much is known about Pixar's upcoming movie — they always keep plot details closely guarded — but we do know that it's a coming-of-age tale that takes place in Italy. "Childhood friendships often set the course of who we want to become and it is those bonds that are at the heart of our story in Luca,” director Enrico Casarosa tells Variety.

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Release Date: July 2, 2021

This movie turns back the clock and tells the story of how the Minions work together with a 12-year-old Gru. But did you need to hear anything beyond "Minions?"

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Release Date: July 16, 2021

If you've been waiting for a Space Jam sequel since 1996, now's your time to shine. This time, LeBron James teams up with all the Looney Tunes characters to save his son, Bronny.

Release Date: July 16, 2021

Yes, that is Camila Cabello starring in a musical version of the famous fairy tale. And she's not the only big name in it, either. The cast also includes Idina Menzel as Cinderella's evil stepmother, Missy Elliott as the Town Crier, John Mulaney and James Corden as mice who become footmen and Billy Porter as the fairy godparent.

Release Date: July 30, 2021

This family adventure film is based on the Disney theme park attraction (though no word on whether or not it includes a lot of corny puns like the ride does). Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt star as an unlikely duo sent into the wilderness by river to find the Tree of Life, which is said to have mysterious healing powers.

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Release Date: August 6, 2021

Is Mavis set to take over the family business? Hotel Transylvania fans — and followers of cartoons in general — should be pleased to know that animation great Genndy Tartakovsky will return to direct again.

Release Date: August 20, 2021

It was only a matter of time before the pups made their way from Adventure Bay to the big screen. The movie promises to have bigger action, more thrilling rescues and even cooler vehicles.

Release Date: September 17, 2021

If your kids are fans of the first Boss Baby movie or the Boss Baby: Back in Business series on Netflix, they'll be happy to know there's another bundle on the way. This time, Tim and Ted are grown-ups who — at the behest of Tim's infant daughter — have to turn back into babies to help stop an evil villain.

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Release Date: September 24, 2021

To coincide with the new My Little Pony G5 series, this movie follows a new generation of equines. The land of Equestria has lost its magic, and an Earth Pony named Sunny teams up with new friends to try and get it back. And for those who like to stay home: This movie is premiering directly on Netflix.

Release Date: October 8, 2021

It wouldn't be Halloween without a visit from the Addams Family in some shape or form. This time, it's a sequel to the 2019 animated movie, the one with characters that look more like the original Charles Addams cartoons. Oscar Isaac and Charlize Theron return as Gomez and Morticia Addams, and SNL's Bill Hader also joins the cast.

Release Date: October 22, 2021

Ron lives in a world where robots and kids are best friends. But his robot BFF is malfunctioning, which leads him to learn new lessons about friendship. It'e reminiscent of other robot/kid buddy movies, like Big Hero 6 or The Iron Giant.

Release Date: November 5, 2021

Only a teeny glimpse of Clifford has been released so far — but he is indeed big and red. The story follows Clifford's people as they race around New York City getting into mischief while avoiding a genetics company.

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Release Date: November 24, 2021

Disney returns with a new, animated film, about a family living in a magic house in Colombia. This one is also a musical with songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

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Release Date: December 22, 2021

No details have been announced for this, other than its a sequel to the 2016 movie Sing. It's a good bet there will be lots of pop music in it, though!

Release Date: TBD

This movie follows the Mitchell family, which embarks on a cross-country road trip to drop off the eldest daughter at film school — and are waylaid by a tech uprising, forcing them to band together to save the world. It's from the creators of The Lego Movie, so expect it to have lots of fast-paced humor. This will come straight to Netflix sometime later in 2021.

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