KIDS FIRST! News

A year after settling in with the Metkayina clan, Jake and Neytiri’s family grapples with grief after Neteyam’s death. They encounter a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe, the Mangkwan clan, also called the Ash People, led by the fiery tribe leader, Varang, who has allied with Jake’s enemy, Quaritch, as the conflict on Pandora escalates to devastating consequences.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, “Welcome back to Pandora! Avatar: Fire and Ash is the perfect return to Pandora and the Avatar universe. This film is expertly crafted and does what the Avatar franchise does best, tell a beautiful story with an awesome message. This is sure to be one of my favorites for a long time.” Elsy S. adds, “I really enjoyed the movie Avatar: Fire and Ash because of its ruthless villains, shockingly realistic portrayal of Pandora, and how the characters’ reactions perfectly line up with what one might expect, considering their personalities.” See their full reviews below.

Avatar: Fire and Ash
By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Welcome back to Pandora! Avatar: Fire and Ash is the perfect return to Pandora and the Avatar universe. This film is expertly crafted and does what the Avatar franchise does best, tell a beautiful story with an awesome message. This is sure to be one of my favorites for a long time.

The story takes us back to Pandora, where the Sully family is mourning the death of their son Neteyam (Jamie Flatters). This sparks a chain of events leading them to a new tribe, a betrayal, and intergalactic warfare. Their adopted son, Spider (Jack Champion), comes to grips with the harsh reality that without being able to breathe in the Pandoran atmosphere, he’ll be unable to live there. Jake (Sam Worthington) decides to send him away and the family begs him not to – or to at least let them go as a group on one final trip, as a family, to drop him off. Begrudgingly, Jake accepts.

One of the best things about the Avatar saga is how much it addresses real world themes. The humans have destroyed earth and are senselessly colonizing Pandora. The Banshees experience deep polarization; cut off from the Na’vi and left without a connection to the land, they act blindly in hatred of something different. All of these story elements connect to things we’re experiencing today but when woven in with the fantastical world of Pandora, it feels exciting and fun, even as thought provoking, deep topics are explored. The visuals and character animation in Avatar: Fire and Ash are epic and it’s worth seeing in the theatre for the 3D experience. The first person flying scenes feel like you are actually flying in the world of Pandora. It is unlike anything I have ever experienced!

The actors perfectly depict their characters’ emotions, and that is particularly challenging when most characters are made with advanced CGI using performance capture.

And, the movie begins with a message from Avatar director and creator, James Cameron, that the film was made without the use of any of the new AI tools. The fact that they can painstakingly make more than three hours of rich and engaging content that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire movie will never cease to amaze me. If you are looking for a film to watch over winter break, look no further.

The main message of Avatar: Fire and Ash is that every day we have a choice, to do the right thing, or do the easy thing. This film includes themes of family connection, parental love, and the power of working together to fight for what’s right. As Jake Sully says, “Many arrows together cannot be broken.” Parents should be aware, there is a lot of violence, but none of the shots highlight the gore.

I give Avatar: Fire and Ash 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  It releases in theatres on December 19, 2025.

Avatar: Fire and Ash
By Elsy S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I really enjoyed the movie Avatar: Fire and Ash because of its ruthless villains, shockingly realistic portrayal of Pandora, and how the characters’ reactions perfectly line up with what one might expect, considering their personalities.

The story takes place on the planet Pandora and follows Jake (Sam Worthington), Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), and their children, Spider (Jack Champion), Kiri (Sigourney Weaver), and Lo’ak (Britain Dalton) as they work to stop the humans, Colonel Quaritch (Stephen Lang), Varang (Oona Chapi), and the Ash tribe from covering Pandora with fire. They decide to send Spider away and go with him to see him off, but their ship is attacked by the ruthless Ash tribe. In the end, Jake and Spider get captured, but are freed by Neytiri. Colonel Quaritch and the Ash tribe form an alliance, and a huge battle takes place, which the Na’vi luckily wins.

This is an amazing sequel to the first two movies, directed by James Cameron, and really adds to the story line in a way that isn’t overwhelming, and also is necessary. The story really demonstrates the importance of family love, and how we should not take what we have for granted – especially not in nature.

My favorite character is Varang, because of her commanding presence, and her clear protective instincts for her tribe. All of the actors’ portrayals of their roles are impeccable, and line up with their characters perfectly.

My favorite duo is Varang and Colonel Quaritch, because they suit each other so well, and really have a clear impact. My least favorite part is when we find out that Kiri can’t connect with Eywa, because her mother is human…sort of. The film’s sets are wonderfully made, and really embrace the natural beauty of Pandora, using the forest, the ocean, the fire, and more.

This film is somewhat darker than the previous films, introducing the stark, Ash-covered lands and fiery culture of the Ash Clam with their red and black body paint and volcanic homes – which contrast with the lush landscape of Pandora.

The film’s message is about learning to let go of what you believed to be the truth, and learn to accept new cultures, and traditions. Be forewarned that there are some extremely violent scenes, partial nudity, and adult references.

I give Avatar: Fire and Ash 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on December 19, 2025.

What are the best movies and TV shows for kids and families of 2025? While the year started slowly in cinemas, streamers quickly raised the bar. Kicking off the year were major home releases like Aardman’s Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (Netflix) and StuGo (Disney+). Theaters quickly followed with family-friendly hits like Autumn and the Black Jaguar and Universal’s Dog Man.

The year gathered pace with blockbuster hits that our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics rated highly. February delivered five-star reviews for Captain America: Brave New World, Paddington in Peru, and The Unbreakable Boy. March brought excitement with Plankton: The Movie and the much-discussed Snow White (a KIDS FIRST! favorite), alongside The Electric State.

The major studios offered big swings in the spring and summer: April premiered Andor: Season 2 and Sea Lions of the Galapagos (Disney+). May saw Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Disney’s live-action Lilo and Stitch, and the return of Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan in Karate Kid: Legends. June was dominated by Disney-Pixar’s Elio, F1® The Movie, and the live-action How to Train Your Dragon. Later, we enjoyed summer tentpoles like Smurfs, Superman, and the touching documentary Shari & Lamb Chop.

The fall was strong, featuring The Bad Guys 2 (August), Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie (September), and the cinematic event Wicked: For Good (November), alongside Zootopia 2 and Sarah’s Oil. Closing out the year in December are top contenders Avatar: Fire and Ash, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 2.

Not every title mentioned is a blockbuster, but all are worthy of notice. Our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics reviewed over 385 films and TV shows in 2025, including many independent features and shorts submitted to our KIDS FIRST! Film Festival, which partners with venues nationwide.

Read on to see our entire list of what KIDS FIRST! believes are the best films and TV shows of 2025 — a year so strong we included over 70 titles! Click on the link below.

Best2025movies

The Merchants of Joy is a 2025 documentary following five New York City families who dominate the lucrative, competitive Christmas tree business, showing their year-round hustles, family dynamics, and gritty realities behind the festive holiday tradition, as they battle for prime locations and face challenges from each other and a mysterious rival, blending heartwarming holiday spirit with the tough business of making a living from the season.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Harper B. comments, “Merchants of Joy is an inspiring film about a Christmas tree lot owner’s journey through the Christmas season. I love this film because it depicts a real life situation. It shows how hard the seemingly easy things can be. I also like that it shows how your past doesn’t make you who you are today. The storyline follows five families who all run Christmas tree stands in New York City.” See her full review below.

Merchants of Joy
By Harper B.. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Merchants of Joy is an inspiring film about a Christmas tree lot owner’s journey through the Christmas season. I love this film because it depicts a real life situation. It shows how hard the seemingly easy things can be. I also like that it shows how your past doesn’t make you who you are today.

The storyline follows five families who all run Christmas tree stands in New York City. They all have unique backstories and unique ways of running their stands. This film lets the viewer know there is more to running a stand than just getting some trees and standing out in the cold until people buy your trees.

This is a wonderful film, although it did take me a while to get into the story. There is such a diverse cast. Each tree lot owner is very different from the others. Some of these owners have criminal records; while others have been in the business for as long as 50 years. My favorite part is the end when I realized that selling a Christmas tree is more than just selling a tree – it is selling joyful moments in time. My favorite company is NYC Tree Lady, run by Heather Neville. Heather is a very straightforward person. The reason I enjoyed watching her so much is because she tells you not to dwell on the past. She has a criminal record and still looks to the future and to whom she is today. Heather always looks to the future and encourages the viewer to do the same. She will flat out tell you what to do but then ask what she can do for you. Greg’s Trees, another company, owned by a guy named Greg, who may look alright but he is not.

Little Greg is a high school drop out and is finding time to spend with his father because he doesn’t know when his last Christmas will be. He is also beginning to take over the business for his father.

The film’s message is to not dwell on the past and that things may look better than they are. This film shows love in its deepest form. Please note there is mention of drug use and some profanity.

I give Merchants of Joy 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It will be released on VOD on December 1, 2025.

 

Greg continually finds himself at odds with his dad’s outsized expectations. As pressure builds to turn his act around after a series of hilarious near disasters, Greg’s dad presents him with an ultimatum–and a trip to wilderness camp–that just might challenge Greg’s wimpy ways for good.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kinsley H. comments, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw is an animated film that puts Greg’s wimpy ways to the test. It is packed full of adventure and nostalgia for the original movie and books. It was a lot of fun to watch.” Zoey F. adds, “When I watched this film, I loved seeing the animation so similar to the book’s style, which fans of the book have grown to love. Plus, the film stays mostly true to the book thanks to the screenwriter, character designer and producer all being Jeff Kinney, the author of the original books. My favorite part of this film is how the dynamic in Greg’s family is explored.” See their full reviews and Chase’s interview with Jeff Kinney below.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw
By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw is an animated film that puts Greg’s wimpy ways to the test. It is packed full of adventure and nostalgia for the original movie and books. It was a lot of fun to watch.

This movie is adapted from the third installment of Jeff Kinney’s worldwide bestselling book series. It follows Greg Heffley (Aaron Harris) as he continually manages to spin disasters out of thin air. Greg’s dad, Frank (Chris Diamantopoulos), has had enough of Greg’s nonsense and decides that only military school will straighten his son out.

Greg creates a plan to prove that he is able to turn himself around on his own. This creates an adventure that is full of twists and turns as well as multiple unfortunate events. It also provides relatable content for anyone who is trying to figure out how to be seen as an adult. Unfortunately, for Greg, this includes everything from rattling keys to mowing snow.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw had animation that made it seem like a graphic novel that had come to life. It would go from 2D images from the book and shift into 3D movie images. Each transition included a literal page turn that was seamless and engaging. It felt like you were part of the book. The humor from the books stayed on-point in the movie.

The scene where Greg was trying to figure out how to use a door key was hilarious. The pressure built by Greg’s father could be felt as Greg fumbled and failed to successfully open the door. It seemed like his father’s head might explode at any moment. Greg’s Beef Cake Snow Removal Service also was comedic. Every kid tries to take a short cut at some time in their life, but Greg’s shortcut was surprising and catastrophic. It was definitely a wide-eyed, oh my-moment. The movie is full of these types of situations. It truly targets fun for younger audiences.

The show’s message is that growing up is tough. Everyone struggles with becoming an adult, and it is okay to stumble as you figure it out. This show has no violence or inappropriate language.

I give Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It is available for streaming on Disney+ beginning December 5, 2025.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw Review
Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw is a lighthearted and fun movie that is perfect for fans of the original series.

The storyline follows Greg (Aaron D. Harris), who narrowly escapes the Spag Union Reform School by agreeing to become a wood-chipper! He tries to earn all his badges as quickly as possible. This results in distraught kindergarteners, a detention, and complete loss of trust with his dad (Chris Diamantopoulos).

It seems like nothing Greg does is good enough for him. We follow Greg as tries to impress his dad and hopes not to be sent to Spag Union.

When I watched this film, I loved seeing the animation so similar to the book’s style, which fans of the book have grown to love. Plus, the film stays mostly true to the book thanks to the screenwriter, character designer and producer all being Jeff Kinney, the author of the original books.

My favorite part of this film is how the dynamic in Greg’s family is explored. The mom (Erica Cerra) is always very supportive of Greg and she consistently defends him to his dad. However, the sibling relationship between Rodrick (Hunter Dillon), Manny (Gracen Newton) and Greg is pretty underplayed.

Greg is a very complex and interesting character. Although he has many strengths, he has many flaws which are interesting to see. Greg lies to his family many times throughout his film and uses his friends for personal gain. The movie plays this as a funny, lighthearted trait, but in truth, it’s quite a concerning trait. Not only does Greg lie, he also shows no apparent remorse for most of his actions. This makes him a very complex and interesting character to feature in a movie and what makes Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw so engaging. 

The main theme of this film is the importance of integrity. Greg often puts his own needs before anything or everyone else’s and this comes at a cost. He lies about being student of the month and about getting suspended. Greg learns that this cannot substitute hard work and that it is best to be honest.

I give Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. It is available on Disney+ beginning December 5, 2025.

In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2, rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryker N. comments, “I absolutely LOVE the film Zootopia 2! All the favorite characters from Zootopia, and then some, are back with comical displays of friendship vs foe. And for the Flash (Raymond S. Persi) fans, he does not disappoint!” Elsy S. adds, “I love the movie Zootopia 2 because of its action-packed intensity, emotional layers, and how it talks about making difficult decisions.” Luna C. wraps it up with, “I was thrilled to dive back into the magical creature world of Zootopia 2, this time exploring the Marsh Market, a vibrant realm dedicated to water animals. I enjoyed seeing Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) step away from his criminal past and absolutely love the new mayor in town. The plot is filled with perfectly balanced twists, a few jump scares, and just the right amount of justice.” See their full reviews and Ari’s interview with directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard and producer Yvett Merino below.

Zootopia 2
By Ryker N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I absolutely LOVE the film Zootopia 2! All the favorite characters from Zootopia, and then some, are back with comical displays of friendship vs foe. And for the Flash (Raymond S. Persi) fans, he does not disappoint!

The story picks up where Zootopia left off with Fox/Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) and Carrots/Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) being teamed up for their first assignment. But this is no ordinary assignment and, as usual, this team cannot stay away from getting involved in a real crime case. The two take on various battles to ultimately help Gary De’ Snake (Ke Huy Quan) recover the loss of reptiles from Zootopia. Bellwether (Jenny Slate) corruptly tries to keep Zootopia a land of predator vs prey, but Nick and Judy bamboozle her in a way that is unexpected to save Zootopia. A suspenseful plot twist centering around antagonist Pawbert Lynxley (Andy Samberg) and his family brings the story full circle as a reminder that villains never win.

Disney has outdone itself with the animation as it even surpasses the animation of Zootopia. The vibrant colors and attention to detail absolutely nail all the weather scenes. Plus, the funny scenes are endless. My favorite ones involve a recording carrot pen that is used several times for amusing blackmail tactics between Nick and Judy. Mr. Big (Maurice LaMarche) returns as one of my most liked characters because of his integrity in helping Nick and Judy by giving them tips along the way.  LaMarche’s voice fits Mr. Big’s character perfectly. Shakira brings the vocals again for another stunning performance as Gazelle.

It fascinates me how many big-name celebrities are in this film with minor roles. The character name puns are hilarious.

For example: Bartender Slick Di’Giguani is played by Nick DiGiovanni, Zeke AKA That Dik-Dik Stuck in that Tuba is played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Michael J. The Fox by Michael J. Fox, and Ed Shearin is played by none other than Ed Sheeran, to name a few.

This film’s message is about how when everyone works together, despite their differences, everyone wins. The importance of friendship and how to maintain relationships are also common themes throughout the film. Note that there are some violent scenes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Zootopia 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. The film releases to theaters on November 26, 2025.

Zootopia 2
By Elsy S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I love the movie Zootopia 2 because of its action-packed intensity, emotional layers, and how it talks about making difficult decisions.

The story takes place in the famous Zootopia, and follows Judy and Nick (Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman) as they work to expose the cunning Lynxleys and save an innocent snake (Ke Huy Quan) from being captured. They infiltrate a gala, and Judy meets a kind Lynxley named Pawbert (Andy Samberg), but they see that the snake has stolen the journal celebrating weather walls, supposedly invented by the Lynxleys, and become the police’s number one target. In the end, Nick goes to jail, but escapes, and Pawbert betrays them, trying to kill Judy and Nick, but they find the original patent for the weather walls, and snakes are welcomed back into Zootopia.

The story really demonstrates how one must look beyond what is obvious, and find what is hidden, even if it means sacrificing how you thought the world was. My favorite character is Nick Wilde, because of his obvious care for Judy, and his rational thought patterns. The voice talent is spot on. There are several main characters that weren’t in the first, as well as the return of many characters we have come to love, such as Chief Bogo, Gazelle, Dawn Bellweather, and Clawhouser (Idris Elba, Shakira, Jennifer Slate, Nate Torrence). The new characters are also very intriguing–Gary, Nibbles, Pawbert Lynxley, and Milton Lynxley (Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, and David Strathairn).

My favorite part is when Judy and Nick reveal a lot of emotional trauma between themselves in a very sweet way.

The film’s message is about learning to look beyond what is obvious to find what is hidden, physically, mentally and emotionally. Be forewarned that there are some extremely violent scenes, betrayal, and fear.

Zootopia 2 gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It will be released in theaters on November 26, 2025.

Zootopia 2
By Luna C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I was thrilled to dive back into the magical creature world of Zootopia 2, this time exploring the Marsh Market, a vibrant realm dedicated to water animals. I enjoyed seeing Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) step away from his criminal past and absolutely love the new mayor in town. The plot is filled with perfectly balanced twists, a few jump scares, and just the right amount of justice.

This sequel to the beloved Disney animated film picks up only a week after the first movie ends. Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde are navigating their new partnership and trying to prove they’re more than a one-hit duo. Once again, they uncover a long-buried secret within Zootopia, and the discovery sends them into brand-new territories as they work to make their city better for all creatures.

 

I love seeing familiar faces like Flash (Raymond S. Persi) and meeting new characters such as the helpful Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster), Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan), who drives much of the plot, and the hilarious and heroic Mayor Winddancer (Patrick Warburton). One of my favorite moments is when Judy and Nick discover the Reptile Ravine. The homes feel truly reptilian, with scale-like textures and long, curved shapes. It feels like a lost world we didn’t get to see in the first movie–because it was buried under the snow! The villainous Lynxly family does not disappoint, and I was excited to see Dawn Bellwether (Jenny Slate), who remains delightfully evil and even escapes from prison… which definitely feels like a hint at Zootopia 3!

 

The film’s message centers around the need to prove you belong. Whether it’s Judy and Nick proving their partnership, or Gary De’Snake showing that snakes aren’t the bad guys, the message of accepting others for who they are shines throughout the film.

Zootopia 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It releases in theaters November 26, 2025.