the willoughbys
Photograph: Courtesy Netflix
Photograph: Courtesy Netflix

The best 2020 kids' movies that will be streaming early

Break out the popcorn: Some of the coolest kids' movies 2020 has in store for families are arriving sooner than expected

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Staying in is certainly a challenging task for New Yorkers, but we've had no choice but to make the most out of our time in.

Fortunately, some of the best kids' movies 2020 has in store will be available to stream early, so your little film buffs can catch up with their favorite characters right from the couch. 

For more ways to keep busy while at home, check out these cool virtual storytimes, museum tours and concerts. See? NYC has a lot to offer—even if you're in your apartment.

Kids' Movies Streaming 2020

1. Sonic the Hedgehog (February 14, 2020)

UPDATE: Sonic the Hedgehog is currently available for purchase or rental. Learn more at sonicthehedgehog.com

Sonic the Hedgehog makes the leap from the gaming screen to the big screen! The electric blue creature (voiced by Ben Schwartz) escapes interstellar evil forces by hiding on Earth only to cause a power outage—and to be hunted by the megalomaniac Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey). Will the small-town Sheriff Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) help Sonic escape? The film hit theaters on Feb 14. Rated PG.  

  • Film

UPDATE: Onward is currently available on Disney+.

This Pixar feature—which hit theaters Mar 6—is set in a fairy tale land that’s losing its magic—the elves who live there would rather use their phones and other devices than spells. But then young Ian Lightfoot (voiced by Tom Holland) brings his dead father back to life. Or, rather, just his legs. He sets off with his brother Barley (Chris Pratt) to complete the spell so he can see his father one last time—and maybe bring magic back to the elves. Rated PG.

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3. Trolls World Tour (April 10, 2020)

UPDATE: Trolls World Tour is currently available for rental. Learn more at universalpictures.com

Anna Kendrick is back in this sequel to the 2016 hit Trolls. She voices Poppy, the hug-happy troll who learns that there are six different tribes of trolls in the world. Each one specializes in a different kind of music: pop, funk, classical, techno, country and rock. The problem? King Thrash (Ozzy Osbourne) wants rock to crush the others. Featuring the voices of James Corden, Rachel Bloom, Sam Rockwell and a who’s-who of music. The film was originally slated for an Apr 17 theatrical release. Rated PG.

4. The Willoughbys (April 22, 2020)

UPDATE: The Willoughbys is currently streaming on Netflix. 

Abandoned by their heartless parents, Jane Willoughby (voiced by Alessia Cara) and her twin brothers (Séan Cullen and Séan Cullen) try to please their sour nanny (Maya Rudolph) and become perfect children. Based on the bestselling book by Lois Lowry, this animated film also features the voices of Ricky Gervais and Terry Crews. The film was slated for an Apr 22 theatrical release. Rated PG.

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5. Scoob (May 15, 2020)

UPDATE: Scoob is currently available to stream. Learn more at scoob.movie

Visit watchscoob.com and select the streaming service where you can purchase the movie! Rated PG. 

6. Artemis Fowl (May 29, 2020)

UPDATE: Artemis Fowl is currently available on Disney+.

Based on the books by Eoin Colfer, this Disney film tells the story of Artemis Fowl II (Ferdia Shaw), a 12-year-old supergenius and the latest in a long line of criminal masterminds. His quest? To find his missing father. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, it also stars Judi Dench. Rated PG. 

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  • Film
  • Action and adventure

UPDATE: Currently streaming on Disney +

Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker will be available to stream at home on May 4, just four months after appearing in theaters. Watch Rey (Daisy Ridley) realize her Jedi potential battling Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), while Chewbacca, R2D2, C-3PO and other favorites get in on the action. Your kids will love cozying up to watch final chapter of this saga...or is it? Rated PG-13.

8. My Spy (June 26, 2020)

Update: My Spy will stream on Amazon Prime starting June 26.

A tough-guy CIA agent named JJ (Dave Bautista, the former professional wrestler and six-time world champion) is tasked to watch over a family with a particularly precocious nine-year-old girl named Sophie (Chloe Coleman). Spoiler alert: He’s no match for her. Rated PG-13.

More fun for kids

Cadet Kelly, 2002

The last thing on Kelly's mind is military school, but that's exactly where the teen ends up after her bossy new stepfather has his way. Life at George Washington Military School is certainly intense, especially when Kelly's commanding officer decides to give her a hard time. Things seem impossible...until she sets her sights on a hunky classmate. Well, it looks like military school isn't so bad after all! Think Kelly (played by Hillary Duff) will be able to keep up? After your Lizze McGuire marathon, make sure to watch Hillary gem, too. 

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