Are you looking for indoor entertainment to amuse the kids during these school holidays? Our School Holiday Movie Guide features everything you need to decide what to watch at the cinemas these holidays — including ratings, duration, and the trailer! There’s lots of great family-friendly movies to choose from…
Guide to School Holiday Movies: Summer 2024/25
As the days grow longer and the schoolbags are temporarily retired, there’s no better way to keep the whole family entertained than with a trip to an air-conditioned cinema.
This summer, the cinemas are bursting with heartwarming animations, laugh-out-loud comedies, and thrilling adventures that promise to captivate kids, teens, and grown-ups alike.
Whether you’re searching for a magical escape, an action-packed ride, or a film that tugs at the heartstrings, this guide highlights the best releases to entertain you! From beloved franchises returning to the big screen to dazzling new stories waiting to be discovered, there’s something for everyone.
So grab your popcorn, settle into your seats, and let the magic of cinema bring your family together for laughter, wonder, and a little holiday escapism. Let’s dive into the summer’s must-see movies!
December 2024
- Mufasa: The Lion King
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- Moana 2
- Wicked
- Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
- The Gruffalo’s Child & Stick Man
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
January 2025
Best animated movies for kids
Moana 2
Experience an unforgettable journey with Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic musical, “Moana 2.” Join Moana, Maui, and a new crew of seafarers on an adventurous voyage through the vast and mysterious oceans of Oceania. Called by her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must navigate dangerous, long-lost waters for an extraordinary adventure like no other. Directed by Dave Derrick Jr. and featuring music from Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.
- Release date: 28 Nov 2024. In cinemas now.
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 100 mins
- Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Alan Tudyk, Temuera Morrison, Auli’i Cravalho, Rose Matafeo, Nicole Scherzinger
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog returns to the big screen this holiday season in his most thrilling adventure yet. Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.
- Release date: 26 Dec 2024
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 110 mins
- Stars: Idris Elba, Tika Sumpter, Jim Carrey, Keanu Reeves, James Marsden, Adam Pally, Krysten Ritter, Ben Schwartz, Shemar Moore, Natasha Rothwell, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Lee Majdoub, James Wolk, Alyla Browne
Magic Beach
After captivating children and families for 30 years, Alison Lester’s beloved book MAGIC BEACH has been brought to life on screen by director Robert Connolly (Paper Planes) and some of Australia’s leading animators.
Take a trip with the ones you love through a unique mix of live action, entwined with extraordinary animated adventures that bring you to a dreamy seaside world where anything is possible. Featuring timeless characters, MAGIC BEACH is a captivating blend of reality and fantasy that inspires people of all ages to feel the sand beneath their toes and find wonder in the world
- Release date: 16 Jan 2025
- Rated: G
- Running time: 74 mins
- Stars: Spencer Ellis Anderson, Rylee Chuck, Elliott Hayes, Azania Molefi, Summer Jeon, Frankie Pollard, Monty Newton Welsh, Flynn Wandin, Luka Sero
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Gromit’s growing concern that Wallace has become over-dependent on his inventions is justified when he invents a “smart gnome” that seems to develop a mind of its own. As events spiral out of control, it falls to Gromit to put aside his qualms and battle sinister forces – or Wallace may never be able to invent again!
- Release date: 19 Dec 2024
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 79 mins
- Stars: Adjoa Andoh, Peter Kay, Lenny Henry, Diane Morgan, Reece Shearsmith, Lauren Patel, Ben Whitehead
10 Lives
A pampered cat takes for granted the lucky hand he has been dealt after he is rescued and loved by Rose, a kind-hearted and passionate student. When he loses his ninth life, fate steps in to set him on a transformative journey.
- Release date: 30 Jan 2025
- Rated: CTC
- Running time: 78 mins
- Stars: Sophie Okonedo, Zayn Malik, Mo Gilligan, Simone Ashley, Dylan Llewellyn
The Gruffalo’s Child & Stick Man
A sequel to The Gruffalo. When the little Gruffalo is feeling brave, she ignores her father’s warnings and tiptoes out into the snow, through the forest, in search of the Big Bad Mouse. Does he really exist, or was her father just telling a story?
A happy-go-lucky father’s epic journey to make it home in time for Christmas, with a little help from Santa. Stick Man’s enduring efforts against setbacks will make sure that there is not a dry eye in the house!
- Release date: 28 Nov 2024
- Rated: G
- Running time: 23 mins
Best Family Movies
Spider-Man (Spider-Mania)
When bitten by a genetically modified spider, a nerdy, shy, and awkward high school student gains spider-like abilities that he eventually must use to fight evil.
- Release date: 2 Jan 2025
- Rated: M
- Running time: 122 mins
- Stars: Kirsten Dunst, Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, James Franco, Rosemary Harris, Cliff Robertson
Mufasa: The Lion King
Join the adventure in “Mufasa: The Lion King” as Rafiki shares the legendary story of Mufasa with young Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala. Timon and Pumbaa add their classic humor to this captivating tale. Through flashbacks, witness Mufasa’s journey from an orphaned cub to meeting Taka, a royal heir. This chance encounter sparks an epic quest with a diverse group of misfits, united in their search for destiny. Together, they face challenges and confront a dangerous foe, testing their bonds and bravery.
- Release date: 19 Dec 2024
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 118 min
- Stars: Seth Rogen, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Billy Eichner, John Kani, Aaron Pierre
Wicked
Wicked, the iconic musical, embarks on its highly anticipated journey to the big screen, marking a defining cinematic moment. Starring Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the film unveils the untold tale of the witches of Oz. Their unlikely friendship at Shiz University takes a tumultuous turn after an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, leading to divergent paths and unforeseen consequences. It also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh, who portrays the regal headmistress Madame Morrible, alongside a stellar cast including Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, and Jeff Goldblum. Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked is the first instalment of a two-part cultural celebration, with Part Two set for release in 2025. Produced by Marc Platt and David Stone, the film adaptation stays true to Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel, with a screenplay by Winnie Holzman and music by Stephen Schwartz. Universal Stage Productions brings this theatrical masterpiece to the screen.
- Release date: 21 Nov 2024. In cinemas now.
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 160 mins
- Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grand
Paddington in Peru
PADDINGTON IN PERU brings Paddington’s story to Peru as he returns to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown Family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru.
- Release date: 1 Jan 2024
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 106 mins
- Stars: Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Carla Tous, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, Ben Whishaw
Monster Summer
When a mysterious force begins to disrupt their big summer fun, Noah and his friends team up with a retired police detective to embark on a monstrous adventure to save their island.
- Release date: 9 Jan 2025
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 97 mins
- Stars: Mel Gibson, Lorraine Bracco, Nora Zehetner, Mason Thames, Abby James Witherspoon, Patrick Renna, Julian Lerner, Noah Cottrell
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst. They lie, they steal, they bully…and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark & Darin McDaniel.
- Release date: 14 Nov 2024
- Rated: G
- Running time: 99 mins
- Stars: Judy Greer, Lauren Graham, Pete Holmes, Molly Belle Wright
Find your nearest North Shore Cinema
- Event Cinemas (Hornsby, Macquarie, Top Ryde City)
- Hoyts (Chatswood, Warringah Mall)
- Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace (Cremorne)
- Roseville Cinemas (Roseville)
- Hornsby Odeon Cinema (Hornsby)
