Best new family films on NZ streaming services these school holidays

Get the whānau together for a movie night (or five) these New Zealand school holidays with the best new family films currently on streaming services.

The Sea Beast

The voice of Karl Urban features in this animated adventure from the director of Big Hero 6 following a legendary sea monster hunter whose life is turned upside down when a young girl stows away on his ship.

Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers

Chip and Dale reunite 30 years after their show ended, jaded from their experiences in Hollywood and searching for their missing friend, in this meta comedy from SNL alums Akiva Schaffer, Andy Samberg and John Mulaney.

To Mom (and Dad), With Love

Peppermint Patty, who didn’t grow up with a mum, uses Mother’s Day to celebrate her dad instead in this Peanuts film. At only half the length of a standard feature, this one’s worth watching alongside 2022’s other Snoopy special It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown.

Clifford the Big Red Dog

A young girl’s love for her tiny puppy makes the pup grow and grow in this live-action version of the children’s book series, created in 1963 by Norman Bridwell.

The Bad Guys

This DreamWorks animated heist film centres on a rag-tag group of misfit animals. When their latest caper gets them caught, the gang must learn how to be good guys… or at least look like “good guys.”

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Tails, Sonic’s flying sidekick, plays a big part in this sequel to the hit 2020 family adventure based on the classic videogame. Jim Carrey returns as Dr. Robotnik, teaming up with Sonic’s other nemesis Knuckles.

Belle

A teenage girl in a rural town suddenly has the attention of an online universe in this sci-fi fantasy anime from Mamoru Hosoda, writer-director of the Academy Award-nominated Mirai.