The year 2022 is already a strong one for movies made for kids and families, as the success of the Disney+ movie Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers made clear. Indeed, many of the most popular and successful streamers released movies that managed to capture the fun and pleasure of youth, appealing to a wide segment of viewers, including nostalgic millennials and their children.
However, while there have been numerous movies released so far this year, only a few can truly be said to be the best, which is why it is so useful that the users of Ranker have identified which deserve this designation.
Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
Rescued By Ruby
Streaming On Netflix
There is something uniquely appealing about movies that focus on the bond between people and their dogs. In the case of Rescued by Ruby, it gains an added emotional resonance because of the fact that the movie’s main characters, both human and canine, see in one another the last chance to find meaning and acceptance in their lives as they become part of a K-9 search and rescue team.
Though some elements of its plot are predictable, the performances from the human cast, as well as the heartfelt nature of its story, means that it becomes a fitting tribute to the beautiful relationship between dogs and humans.
Family Camp
Not Currently Streaming
Family Camp is the type of comedy movie that is designed to be enjoyed by all members of the family. As the title suggests, it focuses on a family who go to a church camp in the hopes of growing closer to one another, only to face a number of mishaps once they get there. It follows many of the beats one would expect of a family comedy of this type, rarely deviating from those lines.
However, it’s the profound bond that exists between the family members, and the obvious chemistry among the various members of the cast, that helps to elevate this into one of the best family movies of 2022.
Better Nate Than Ever
Streaming On Disney+
There have been many great musical movies, many of which manage to capture the joy and fun of life. Better Nate than Ever is one of these, focusing as it does on a young man, Nate, who sets out to become a Broadway star. It’s a movie that knows how to hit the right notes of the genre, combining its modern elements (particularly the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people) with the old-fashioned pleasures associated with the musical form.
With its central message about accepting oneself, it is a testament to the enduring power of the musical form.
Turning Red
Streaming On Disney+
Pixar has been famous for many great movies, and Turning Red is sure to be seen as one of these. Focusing on a young Canadian girl who discovers she has inherited her family’s mystical connection with the red panda, it has all of the magic one expects from the studio.
The dialogue is dazzling and, just as importantly, it also explores the sorts of weighty issues people have come to expect from Pixar, including mother and daughter relationships, the trials of adolescence, and the immigrant experience.
Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers
Streaming On Disney+
This is something of a golden age for live-action remakes of classic Disney movies, but Chip ‘n Dale is notable for being a remake of a relatively obscure television show. More importantly, it is also a very clever movie, with subtle jokes at Disney’s own expense. It’s yet more testament to the studio’s ability to make abundant use of its own properties to continue providing entertainment to both new audiences and millennials nostalgic for their youth.
What’s more, it also features incredibly great voice work from both Andy Samberg and John Mulaney and an expansive cast of supporting actors.
Home Team
Steaming On Netflix
There’s no question that Kevin James is one of Hollywood’s most talented comedic actors, and he invariably brings his own signature charm to his characters. This is certainly true in Home Team, in which he plays an NFL coach who, during suspension from his own team, takes up coaching his teenage son’s. James excels at elevating just this kind of fish-out-of water story into something truly hilarious.
What’s more, it also features strong performances from the younger members of the cast as well.
Tyson’s Run
Not Currently Streaming
Tyson’s Run is remarkable for a number of reasons, not least is the fact that it includes an autistic person as its main character, a young man who strives to become a successful marathon runner. What’s more, it also manages to become more than just a regular sports movie.
In large part, this stems from the power of Major Dodson as Tyler, given that Dodson is autistic in real life. With its skill at combining the sports and family elements of its story, it becomes a very moving movie.
The Ice Age Adventures Of Buck Wild
Streaming On Disney+
The Ice Age series is one of the most beloved animated franchises. Though Buck was only a secondary character in the later entries in the series, he finally gets his own chance to shine in this movie, which follows more of his adventures.
Though the animation style isn’t quite as polished as the other series’ installments, there’s no question that the movie succeeds in large part because of the dynamic voice performance of Simon Pegg, who returns to voice the title character.
Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Streaming On Paramount+
There have been many dynamic and enjoyable movies made out of video games, but Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is truly something special. This sequel picks up the story from the first movie, with the return of the villainous Dr. Robotnik. Given that it features much of the same cast as the first movie, it manages to avoid the slump that so often afflicts sequels.
What’s more, it manages to capture the dynamism and excitement of the video game, producing a movie that is fun for all members of the family.
The Bad Guys
Not Currently Streaming
The success of a given animated movie very often hinges on the dynamism of its villain, and that is what makes The Bad Guys such a fascinating movie. It focuses on a group of villains who pretend to turn to the good side.
Though it begins as a ruse, one of their number actually begins to change. It’s an animated movie that never loses sight of the fact that it is designed to entertain to a wide audience, and while the bright colors will appeal to younger viewers, the smart dialogue and clever writing will appeal to adults.