Coco (2017)
This vibrant celebration of family, music, and Mexican culture is a visual and emotional masterpiece. The story follows young Miguel, who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s generations-old ban on music. His journey to the stunningly imagined
Land of the Dead to uncover his family's history is filled with slapstick comedy, lovable characters, and catchy songs. But beneath the colourful surface lies a profoundly moving story about memory, legacy, and the enduring power of family bonds that will have everyone reaching for the tissues by the end. It’s a film that’s both a joyous adventure and a heartfelt tribute to heritage.
Inside Out 2 (2024)
The long-awaited sequel to Pixar’s beloved original returns to the mind of Riley, who is now a teenager navigating the messy world of puberty. This brings a whole new crew of emotions, including the hilariously relatable Anxiety, Envy, and Embarrassment, who clash with the original group led by Joy. The film is a fantastic conversation starter for families, exploring complex feelings in an accessible way. It’s praised for being fun and thoughtful, with plenty of laughs for kids and knowing nods for parents who remember their own teenage years all too well. While it expands the emotional landscape, it maintains the heartfelt core that made the first film a classic.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)
If you're looking for non-stop laughs with a surprising amount of heart, this is your movie. The story centres on the quirky and dysfunctional Mitchell family, whose cross-country road trip is interrupted by a robot apocalypse. The film's unique and frenetic animation style is packed with visual gags and internet-culture references that will delight older kids and adults. Beneath the hilarious chaos of fighting off rogue robots, it’s a story about a father and daughter struggling to connect and the overall importance of family. It’s a wholesome, gut-bustingly funny adventure that reminds us to value our loved ones, quirks and all.
Klaus (2019)
A modern Christmas classic in the making, this film offers a clever and heartwarming origin story for Santa Claus. It follows Jesper, a selfish postman stationed in a grim, remote northern town where feuding neighbours barely speak to one another. He forms an unlikely friendship with a reclusive toymaker named Klaus, and their combined efforts to deliver toys to the town's children begin to melt away generations of animosity. The film’s gorgeous hand-drawn animation is a treat, but its real strength lies in its emotional depth, celebrating how simple acts of kindness can spark joy and bring a community together. It's funny, charming, and deeply moving.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
This Oscar-winning film reinvented what a superhero movie could be with its groundbreaking animation and compelling story. It introduces Miles Morales, a teenager who is bitten by a radioactive spider and must learn to become the new Spider-Man. His journey is complicated when a portal opens, bringing several other Spider-People from different dimensions into his world. The movie is visually stunning, action-packed, and incredibly funny, with a diverse cast of characters. At its core, it's a story about finding your place, the importance of family and friendship, and the idea that anyone can be a hero. It’s a film that resonates with audiences of all ages for its style, humour, and powerful message.
