Best picks for a family movie night at cinema or home

If you fancy a family movie night, then here’s our pick of the best new films to watch at the cinema, or at home, plus the classics worth another stream.

Kung Fu Panda 4

Po (Jack Black) in Kung Fu Panda 4.

Sixteen years after he first kung-fu kicked his way into our hearts, Po is back in a fourth instalment of the popular franchise, voiced by Jack Black. This time he’s fighting sorceress The Chameleon (Viola Davis) and old supervillains.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

The Titans are back in Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire.

Another franchise which seemingly never, ever, ends, is King Kong and Godzilla and the monsters are back in cinemas for another epic battle. Kong and Godzilla endure a Titan fight for the future of the world in this CGI epic.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Janine (Annie Potts), Peter (Bill Murray), Ray (Dan Aykroyd) and Winston (Ernie Hudson) in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

What is it with franchise movies with the title Empire? Ghostbusters is also back from the dead for another blast, with Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd on the ultimate mission to save the world from evil forces.

The Fall Guy

One of the most anticipated movies of the year is finally here, as Aussie-filmed The Fall Guy hits Hoyts cinemas on April 24. Starring Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron-Taylor Johnson, Teresa Palmer and Hannah Waddingham, forget Ken, this season we’re all about Colt Seavers.

The Tiger’s Apprentice

This sweet animated movie follows Tom, who lives in San Francisco with his grandmother, who he discovers is the guardian of a phoenix egg. It’s in cinemas exclusively for the holidays.

Fun family movies to stream now

Wish

Disney’s big animated movie of the moment is Wish, about a young girl who gets more than she bargains for when she wishes upon a star. It’s streaming on Disney+.

Wonka

Timothee Chalamet in Wonka.

There’s chocolate, then there’s Wonka chocolate. This hit prequel story, starring Timothee Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka and Hugh Grant as his nemesis Oompa Loompa, is a sweet treat for all the family, with great songs. Rent or buy on platforms such as Amazon Prime.

Trolls Band Together

Trolls Band Together is directed by Walt Dohrn.

Another fun film full of singalong moments, is the latest adventure from the Trolls gang. The movie sees Poppy discovering Branch used to be a member of a boy band. Available to rent or buy on platforms such as Apple TV.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Aardman Animations has brought Chicken Run back to the screens, courtesy of Netflix. This time it follows the adventures of Molly (Bella Ramsey), daughter of Ginger (Thandie Newton) and Rocky (Zachary Levi), who longs to escape her island idyll.

Matilda: The Musical

Emma Thompson as Agatha Trunchbull and Alisha Weir as Matilda in Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical. Picture: Dan Smith/Netflix

Fans of Tim Minchin’s stage show Matilda can now see it in movie version on Netflix, starring Alisha Weir as Matilda and Emma Thompson as a standout Miss Trunchbull. With all the songs from the theatre production, this is great fun.

Best family films of all time

Give these five classics another spin

■Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968): Still truly scrumptious.

■Mary Poppins (1964): It’s supercalifragilistic.

■The Wizard of Oz (1939): Follow the yellow brick road.

■The Princess Bride (1987): As you wish.

■E.T. (1982): Phone home.

Make a date for these new movies coming soon …

■IF: Starring Ryan Reynolds, this tear-jerker is out May 16.

■Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: The apes return on May 23.

■The Garfield Movie: The fat cat is back on May 30.

■Inside Out 2: Nine years after the first, this sequel is out June 13.

■Despicable Me 4: Gru turns bad dad, out June 20.