Here’s a roundup of the best new films for children from elementary age to middle school, as well as locally available treats nearly any kid (or kid at heart) would love.
The Wild Robot
If there is a children’s movie that has recently made a splash, it’s this heartwarming tour-de-force by DreamWorks Animation that follows a sensitive robot lost in a harsh wilderness. As he gets to know the forest creatures and develops bonds with his new friends, the robot learns a thing or two about love, camaraderie, and bravery in this film adapted from Peter Brown’s popular book series. Streaming on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Google Play
Witcher: Sirens of the Deep
If your kids are a bit older or enjoy a lot of action—they will likely find a lot to love in this animated film that just hit Netflix. Set in author Andrzej Sapkowski’s wildly popular Witcher universe, this fantasy drama focuses on the monster hunter Geralt as he races to head off a burgeoning war between sea dwellers and humans. Streaming on Netflix from February 11
Inside Out 2
Any roundup of the best recent kid’s movies would be remiss not to mention Disney’s odyssey into the mind of 13-year-old Riley Anderson as she navigates shifting friendships, burgeoning emotions, and a cutthroat week at hockey camp. Along the way, Riley and the film’s viewers learn how to grapple with feelings like anxiety, envy, and embarrassment. Streaming on Disney+
Henry Danger: The Movie
Nickelodeon’s hit show Henry Danger receives its feature film debut in this mashup of action and comedy that just hit streaming at the end of last month. Follow along as the city of Dystopia’s wisecracking hero, Henry Hart, is thrown for a loop as an obsessive superfan makes him question everything he knows. Streaming on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon
Ultraman: Rising
Taking its cue from Japanese anime and manga, this kids’ movie courtesy of Netflix Animation has been a surprise hit with its involving plot, heart-pounding action scenes, and carefully crafted animation. The story follows Kenji “Ken” Sato, an ace baseball player who must leave the game he loves to return home and take over his father’s job protecting Tokyo from a horde of monsters. Streaming on Netflix
Big Screen Must-Sees
Top picks for when you want to take movie night out of the family room.
Dog Man
Released in theaters last month, this action-adventure flick produced by DreamWorks Animation follows a policeman and his canine companion who are fused together after being injured in the line of duty. Based upon the graphic novels by Dav Pilkey, the eponymous half-dog-half-man hero must embrace his new identity while taking on the feline supervillain, Petey the Cat, in this pulsepounding animated film. In theaters from January 31
Paddington in Peru
Hitting theaters on Valentine’s Day, this anticipated film finds Michael Bond’s inimitable ursine searching for his Aunt Lucy amid the Peruvian jungles. Following on the heels of the critically acclaimed Paddington 2, this installment, directed by Dougal Wildon, brings Paddington from the Lost City of El Dorado all the way to the summit of an Incan fort. In theatres from February 14
Out-of-the-Ordinary Treats
Level up your home movie night with these sweet ideas.
“Charcuterie” Platter
SugarHi
Armonk
A delightfully different, kid-friendly take on the traditional charcuterie platter, this one features a tsunami of sour, chewy, and crunchy candies along with pieces of cake, cookies, and a host of chocolates selected for perfect (and super sweet) harmony. This is a large-scale movie snack that will make it through almost any flick’s runtime. Serving for 15-20, $80; serving for 30, $120.
Freeze-Dried Candy
SugarBear Candy Store
White Plains
Freeze-dried candies are currently all the rage. The process turns chewy treats into crunchy creations. This sweetshop in The Westchester mall specializes in this trend with indulgences, including gummy worms, peach rings, and Skittles and Sour Skittles. $4.99 each

Chocolate-Covered Oreos
Chocolations
Mamaroneck
Sometimes a simple treat is ideal, and chocolate-covered Oreos never disappoint. For some of the best in the county, head to this beloved candy shop in Mamaroneck known for its crowd-pleasing confectionaries. $2.00 each
Related: Did You Know These Movies and Shows Filmed in Westchester?