Family films released in cinemas before the end of 2024, including Paddington in Peru and Sonic the Hedgehog 3

by Sam Lawrie

slawrie@thekmgroup.co.uk

When the evenings start drawing in and it’s drizzling outside, there’s nothing better than cosying up indoors and watching a great film with the whole family.

If you fancy a trip to the cinema before the end of the year, five family-friendly blockbusters are coming to the big screen over the next few months…

Transformers One, the latest instalment in the franchise, comes to cinemas this autumn. Picture: Paramount Pictures

TRANSFORMERS ONE: Fans of the Transformers series will be very familiar with Optimus Prime and Megatron, two metal-clad titans who are sworn enemies in the ongoing battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. However, the franchise’s latest instalment, Transformers One, sheds new light on the robots’ former life as brothers-in-arms and follows the pair’s origin story to discover how they went from companions to rivals. It’s the first fully CGI-animated Transformers film and stars Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Steve Buscemi. Released on Friday, October 18.

Ben Winshaw will return to voice the character of Paddington. Picture: Studio Canal / Sony Pictures / Columbia Pictures

PADDINGTON IN PERU: Pack plenty of marmalade sandwiches and get ready to set off on an adventure with everyone’s favourite Peruvian bear. Paddington, with the help of his adoptive London family, the Browns, is heading back to his homeland to visit his Aunt Lucy. The group, led by the well-meaning but troublesome bear, find themselves lost in the rainforest and mountains of Peru as they search for Aunt Lucy’s Home for Retired Bears. It stars Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington, along with Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters and Jim Broadbent. Released on Friday, November 8.

Wicked has been adapted from the stage musical, which made its debut in 2003. Picture: Universal Pictures

WICKED: One of the world’s best-loved musicals is being brought to the screen. Wicked, a prequel to the Wizard of Oz, tells the story of Elphaba and Glinda, two unlikely friends who help bring out the best in each other. But, when Glinda is swayed by power and popularity and Elphaba digs her ruby-red heels in, the two witches end up on very different paths. It’s based on the award-winning stage show and stars musical theatre actor Cynthia Erivo and popstar Ariana Grande as the two leading ladies, with Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum and Jonathan Bailey in supporting roles. Released on Friday, November 29.

Mufasa: The Lion King boasts a big-name voice cast including Beyoncé and Donald Glover. Picture: Walt Disney Studios

MUFASA: THE LION KING: A star-studded cast including Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, John Kani and Beyoncé returns for the latest Disney sequel. Following on from the 2019 remake, Mufasa: The Lion King delves deeper into the story behind one of the animal kingdom’s most powerful rulers. Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala, discovers that her grandfather, Mufasa, was orphaned as a cub and adopted by the family of a young prince named Taka - otherwise known as Scar. The pair form a brotherly bond until Mufasa is chosen as next in line for the throne and an irreparable rift threatens the entire family. Released on Friday, December 20.

The Sonic the Hedgehog film series is based on the popular video game. Picture: Paramount Pictures

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3: Ben Schwartz reprises his role as the voice of super-speedy Sonic in this latest instalment of the animated franchise. Based on the Sega video games, the third adventure will see Sonic and his pals - flying fox Tails and brawler Knuckles - face a mysterious new adversary. Shadow, created by the villainous Dr Robotnik, is out for revenge, and it’s up to the three friends to figure out how to defeat him and his wily ways. The voice cast also includes big names like Idris Elba, Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves. Released on Friday, December 27.