There really is something for every moviegoer in the family this fall. Here's more on what to expect.
September
Sept. 18: Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials
Rated PG-13
The newest chapter of the thrilling epic Maze Runner sees Thomas (Dylan O'Brien), along with his fellow Gladers, take on yet another challenge as they journey to a desolate land called Scorch.
Why Kids Will Like It: Older kids will enjoy seeing a group of smart and strong teens take on the bad guy.
Why Parents Will Like It: There’s enough action and adventure to entertain adults right alongside their tweens and teens.
Sept. 22: Hotel Transylvania 2
Not yet rated.
Hotel Transylvania has a whole new clientele. The grand hotel that once only offered rooms to ghouls, ghosts and monsters, is now open to everyone, including humans, and offers a "monster-in-training" boot camp.
Why Kids Will Like It: If they are fans of the first film, then this one is a must.
Why Parents Will Like It: The stellar voice cast includes Steve Buscemi, Kevin James, Andy Samberg, Keegan-Michael Key and the one-and-only Mel Brooks, as well as several more notable comic actors.
October
Oct. 9: Pan
Not yet rated.
Ever wonder how Peter Pan ended up in Neverland and became the leader of the Lost Boys? If so, Pan, the origin story of the boy who never grew up, is for you.
Why Kids Will Like It: The story of Peter Pan, in all incarnations – from book to stage to film– is one of those timeless tales that’s irresistible to kids of all ages.
Why Parents Will Like It: The production values, with the striking sets and cinematography, will be a visual treat for parents. Plus all adults love to revisit their old pal Peter Pan.
Oct. 16: Goosebumps
Rated PG
For a bit of family fright, take your daring kids to see the reboot of R. L. Stine’s Goosebumps series. The books and the TV series that was wildly popular in the ‘90s is back to cast its creepy spell on a whole new audience.
Why Kids Will Like It: This will be thrilling ride that will have them at the edge of their seats.
Why Parents Will Like It: Parents who remember the original Goosebumps will have a tinge of nostalgia. Plus Jack Black almost always adds appeal for kids and adults alike.
Oct. 23: Jem and the Holograms
Not yet rated.
The popular cult cartoon series Jem and the Holograms, which ran from 1985 to 1988, gets a live-action reboot.
Why Kids Will Like It: It will be sci-fi mixed with music mixed with girl power!
Why Parents Will Like It: Parents of a certain age will love the '80s nostalgia, plus the addition of Molly Ringwald in the ensemble.
Nov. 6: The Peanuts Movie
Not yet rated.
The Peanuts gang are finally coming back to the big screen in this slick 3D reboot of Charles M. Schulz’s classic cartoons.
Why Kids Will Like It: The gang has entertained generations, and now kids will meet a polished group rendered in a far more modern style.
Why Parents Will Like It: They’ll love introducing their kids to these beloved characters who played a big part in their own childhoods.
Nov. 6: The Outskirts
Rated PG-13
The Outskirts, set in the classic teen-angst realm of us vs. them, shows how brainy high school geeks and outcasts fight back when the popular set cruelly pranks them.
Why Kids Will Like It: Teens and tweens will enjoy rooting for the underdog.
Why Parents Will Like It: Fans of teen comedies in the vein of Mean Girls and Sixteen Candles will appreciate the social teen dramatics (and will, for sure, be glad those days are over).
Nov. 20: Hunger Games: Mockingjay--Part 2
Not yet rated.
In this new installment, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and her cohorts in District 13 engage in all-out revolution against the Capitol.
Why Kids Will Like It: For those teens and tweens who have become immersed (if not obsessed) with the series, than odds are they will not just like the newest installment, but will love it.
Why Parents Will Like It: The Hunger Games is one of those YA series that are as popular (if not more popular) with adults than the younger audience they were originally intended.
Nov. 25: The Good Dinosaur
Not yet rated.
This new Pixar flick introduces us to a different kind of world where man and dinos coexist due to an asteroid missing hitting the Earth eons ago.
Why Kids Will Like It: One word: dinosaurs.
Why Parents Will Like It: It’s a Pixar movie. Of course parents will like it! Also they’ll appreciate the star power voicing the film including Anna Paquin, Sam Elliott, Steve Zahn and Frances McDormand.
December
Dec. 18: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Not yet rated.
This incarnation of the Star Wars saga, with J.J. Abrams at the helm, is a return to the style of the original three rather than the more polished, slick and computer-animated heavy look of the last three. If the trailers are any indication, the Force clearly is with this one.
Why Kids Will Like It: It’s Star Wars! What’s not to like!
Why Parents Will Like It: Not only will parents rejoice in seeing Star Wars back on the big screen but the return of beloved characters/actors like C-3PO, R2-D2, Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford).
Dec. 23: Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip
Rated G
Dave and his furry chipmunk pals are back for yet another fun-filled, high-pitched adventure.
Why Kids Will Like It: Kids will be happy to see a familiar face like Bella Thorne as a new addition to the cast.
Why Parents Will Like It: If Alvin, Theodore and Simon make you feel nostalgic, you’ll love this.
Sunny Chanel is a regular contributor to Fandango Family, Babble.com, Mom.me, Disney Imagicademy and Mommy Nearest as well as her own whimsical site Wonder and Company. When she isn't writing, watching movies or doing crafts, she is playing dress up with her 9-year-old daughter.
