KIDS FIRST! News

Aspiring Hollywood actor Simon Williams is struggling to get his career off the ground. During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery, an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him, Simon learns legendary director Von Kovak is remaking the superhero film “Wonder Man.” These two actors at opposite ends of their careers doggedly pursue life-changing roles in this film as audiences get a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Isabella V. comments, “Wonder Man combines amazing drama and action while giving an incredible look into acting in Hollywood and the process behind it. Every actor truly shines and it has amazing visuals, storytelling, and pacing.”  Zoey F. adds, “Putting aside the strange pacing and an anti-climactic first few episodes, Wonder Man is a funny show with amazing acting and great themes!” Kennedy P. wraps it up with, “What I love most about the series is how different it feels from the usual superhero story. Instead of focusing on powers and battles, Wonder Man dives into identity, ambition, and what it really means to chase your dreams.” See their full reviews below.

Wonder Man
Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

(L-R): Simon Williams/Wonder Man (Yahya Adbul-Mateen II) and Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley) in Marvel Television’s WONDER MAN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo Courtesy of Marvel Television. © 2026 MARVEL.

Wonder Man combines amazing drama and action while giving an incredible look into acting in Hollywood and the process behind it. Every actor truly shines and it has amazing visuals, storytelling, and pacing.

The story follows Simon Williams (Yahya Abul-Mateen II) as he tries to make his big break in Hollywood, pairing up with famous actor Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), a man looking to reform his acting experience. However, in the process, Simon is forced into the world of superheroes as he finds he has his own powers, with Trevor attempting to help him hide it to make it in Hollywood.

The visuals are immaculate. It’s filmed as if it is a documentary, following the characters around as they make it through life, which makes the series look realistic.

(L-R): Simon Williams/Wonder Man (Yahya Adbul-Mateen II) and Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley) in Marvel Television’s WONDER MAN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Suzanne Tenner. © 2026 MARVEL.

For example, the camera follows Trevor and Simon as they look for a place to record in the second episode. The acting is phenomenal, especially Yahya Abul-Mateen II’s portrayal of Simon Williams. He plays a character that is an actor, which means playing a character that plays characters. This is no easy task and he manages to perfectly encapsulate that while also playing his own character and showing us that Simon is a good actor. The story is outstanding – the comparisons between Simon and Trevor are brilliant, and their dynamic is super endearing. However, I especially appreciate how the film examines how Hollywood works within a universe where people are superheroes. The way it’s written makes perfect sense and adds another obstacle onto the protagonists as people with powers cannot act. The pacing is quite good and helps give a feeling of suspense to what may happen next, especially when showing Simon’s powers.

The story also balances both Simon having powers and looking for acting roles, even managing to weave them into each other through both opposing the other.

Simon Williams/Wonder Man (Yahya Adbul-Mateen II) in Marvel Television’s WONDER MAN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Suzanne Tenner. © 2025 MARVEL.

The series kept me invested and engaged the whole way through and also got me thinking about the way different people view acting and how they work together.

The series’ message is that though an endeavor may not be working now, with more time and help from others you can make it happen. Be forewarned that there are depictions of murder and mentions of terrorism.

I give Wonder Man 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on Disney+ on January 27, 2026.

Wonder Man
By Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14

(L-R): Simon Williams/Wonder Man (Yahya Adbul-Mateen II) and Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley) in Marvel Television’s WONDER MAN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Suzanne Tenner. © 2026 MARVEL.

Putting aside the strange pacing and an anti-climactic first few episodes, Wonder Man is a funny show with amazing acting and great themes!

The plot follows aspiring actor Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and his unlikely friend, Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley) as they desperately chase the role of Wonder Man. But this proves a challenge due to Simon’s overthinking nature and Trevor’s secret agenda. Their friendship strengthens as they adventure through family reunions, auditions, and Simon’s secret superpowers.

Wonder Man was a roller coaster watch. Good TV shows often have some confusion at the beginning to build up curiosity NS Wonder Man takes this to the next level. I was extremely confused about what was going on for the first four episodes. The plot in episodes one through three revolves around Simon trying to get the role of Wonder Man. This was not interesting enough to hold my interest. The show picks up after episode five. Simon’s role as an actor is the focus for most of the show and actual action is often overshadowed by this story. Wonder Man makes many Shakespearean and theatrical allusions that are confusing. In fact, most of the dialogue between Simon and Trevor is about allusions and acting. A lot of time is spent discussing acting and we barely get to know the characters early on. I had a tough time connecting with his character and seeing his pain. Simon cannot reveal his powers and be himself because having powers is looked down upon. Although this is interesting, I didn’t see Simon’s struggle with this. There is no one in Simon’s life that doubts him or enforces the “superpowers ban.” The plot is not that bad and there are definitely elements that kept me watching.

(L-R): Simon Williams/Wonder Man (Yahya Adbul-Mateen II), Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley) and Von Kovak (Zlatko Buric) in Marvel Television’s WONDER MAN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Suzanne Tenner. © 2026 MARVEL.

I loved seeing the parallels between the Wonder Man script and the actors’ actual lives. I also love the metaphors the show hints at in the side stories about DeMarr Davis (Byron Bowers). They show how greed and fame can corrupt people; this episode is important to the plot and explains a lot about why Simon is afraid to show his powers. A highlight of the show is the acting and comedy. Trevor’s comedic presence is extremely fun, and his jokes always land without being overly corny. Ben Kingsley’s versatility as an actor is heavily highlighted throughout this. We see his serious side when Trevor comforts Simon and teaches him how to handle his anger. Kingsley portrays the perfect father figure to Simon as Simon believes he can fully rely on Trevor which leads to a perfect conflict between Trevor’s secret agenda and his drive to help Simon.

Wonder Man explores themes of belonging and self-discovery. Simon is trying to find where he fits into both the acting scene and the world. Trevor’s coaching helps Simon find himself through his acting. Wonder Man shows how the right people can bring out the best in you. Be aware that it contains some profanity and alcohol use.

I give Wonder Man 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch it on Disney+ beginning January 27, 2025.

Wonder Man
Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, age 11

Simon Williams/Wonder Man (Yahya Adbul-Mateen II) in Marvel Television’s WONDER MAN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Television. © 2025 MARVEL

Marvel’s Wonder Man is one of those shows that feels fresh while still fitting perfectly into the Marvel universe. What I love most about the series is how different it feels from the usual superhero story. Instead of focusing on powers and battles, Wonder Man dives into identity, ambition, and what it really means to chase your dreams. The tone balances humor, heart, and emotional moments, making it easy to connect with, even if you are not a hardcore Marvel fan. It is entertaining, relatable, and surprisingly thoughtful.

The storyline follows aspiring Hollywood actor, Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul Mateen), who is struggling to get his career off the ground. During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him, Simon learns that legendary director Von Kovak (Zlatko Buric) is remaking the superhero film Wonder Man. These two actors at opposite ends of their careers doggedly pursue life-changing roles in this film as viewers get a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry.

(L-R) Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley) in Marvel Television’s WONDER MAN, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Suzanne Tenner. © 2025 MARVEL.

The series follows Simon Williams as he navigates Hollywood, fame, and his unexpected journey into becoming Wonder Man. The characters feel layered and real, not just superheroes or villains, and the cast brings a lot of personality and depth to their roles. The acting feels natural, especially in the quieter moments where emotions really land. Visually, the show stands out with its behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood, using real studios, streets, and iconic locations that make the world feel authentic. The sets blend everyday Hollywood life with Marvel’s larger-than-life energy, which makes the story feel grounded but still exciting. The show is not just about becoming a superhero.  It is about figuring out who you are when everyone expects something different from you. It shows how hard it can be to believe in yourself when you are surrounded by pressure, comparison, and failure.

Wonder Man reminds us that success does not happen overnight and that our worth is not defined by fame, powers, or what others think. It is a powerful reminder that finding your voice and staying true to oneself is its own kind of superpower.

I give Wonder Man 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  All episodes of Marvel Television’s Wonder Man debut on Disney+ on January 27, 2026.

Taylor Swift’s concert film captures the magic of her record-breaking tour, featuring backstage moments and special performances with fellow artists, while sharing personal insights from her closest circle.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Adele B. comments, “Taylor Swift: The End of an Era is a six episode series showing the strongest moments and struggles of Swift’s Eras tour. I was captivated by the raw emotions of Taylor, her family and those working on stage and behind-the-scenes.” Kinsley H. adds, “This series is full of heartfelt experiences and emotions. Swift’s dedication to her fans, crew, family, friends, and others who come into her life is inspiring. The film takes time to not only look at Swift’s life but also the people who contributed to making the tour a success.” Kyla C. wraps it up with, “This six-episode docu-series provides insight into how Swift’s team made this happen, with behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage, performer spotlights, and peeks into Swift’s personal life.” See their full reviews below.

Taylor Swift: The End of An Era
By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I found Taylor Swift: The End of An Era so inspiring. This six episode docuseries follows Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour that took place from 2023 to 2024. It provides behind-the-scenes access to all the twists and turns that happened during this tour of epic proportions.

This docu-series covers Swift’s journey through the ground breaking Era’s Tour which ran from March 17, 2023 through December 8, 2024. It showcases everything from scary terrorist threats to her personal love story. It highlights many of the tour’s performers showing that Taylor Swift is not afraid to share the spotlight. She states multiple times throughout the series how she doesn’t want her performers to blend in but to stand out as individuals. Everyone has a story, and people should always feel bigger than they are. Swift’s professionalism comes through as we see how she started her journey and became the superstar that she is today.

This series is full of heartfelt experiences and emotions. Swift’s dedication to her fans, crew, family, friends, and others who come into her life is inspiring. The film takes time to not only look at Swift’s life but also the people who contributed to making the tour a success. The personal segments about individual tour dancers give a new perspective to Swift’s ability to make sure everyone gets respect and acknowledgement for what they put into the show. The show really highlights the raw emotions of each individual and showcases their resilience to fight through everything from cancer to the challenges they overcame on their path to success. We see how Swift takes time to show her appreciation.

In one episode, Swift is shown writing handwritten notes to all members of the show and how she met with each one of them individually. Taylor Swift’s impact on the world is huge and her creativity and drive is the fuel to her success. She is constantly creating, and does everything she can to provide a positive escape for her fans as well as herself. The tour helped her find her purpose while creating a bonding experience for thousands of fans across the world.

The film’s message is about the importance of accepting all people. Allowing individuals to be unfiltered is small, but meaningful. Her impact is widespread. Be aware that this series has mature themes and strong language.

I give Taylor Swift: The End of An Era 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available on Disney+ beginning December 23, 2025.

Taylor Swift: The End Of An Era
By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Taylor Swift: The End Of An Era gives us the opportunity to discover what made the difference between a regular high-grossing tour and the experience of a lifetime! This six-episode docuseries provides insight into how Swift’s team made this happen, with behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage, performer spotlights, and peeks into Swift’s personal life. We get a full look into what it is like to live the life of Taylor Swift as she performs one of the most remarkable tours of all time and its mind boggling.

Taylor Swift: The End Of An Era focuses on Taylor and her journey throughout The Eras Tour. From the tiny plastic stage models to the live concerts with over 70,000 attendees each, the viewer gets a glimpse into how this tour was created.

The episodes generally follow chronological order, with the first episode focusing on pre-tour rehearsals and the last episode showing the tour’s conclusion and lasting impact. The docuseries spotlights many of the dancers, singers, band members, and backstage workers.

Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour set records in nearly every measurable aspect of a musical tour– spreading across countless countries, earning billions of dollars in revenue, and generating jaw-dropping attendance both inside and outside the stadiums. However, the true accomplishment of this tour simply can’t be described by statistics. This 21-month sensation of a pop phenomenon changed not just economies; it impacted each and every concert attendee on a personal level.

Considering The Eras Tour’s incredible success, it’s natural that both devoted Swifties and outside observers would be interested in how this tour came to be. This series absolutely delivers in answering my questions. It dives deep into the stage effects, dance rehearsals, song choices, guest appearances, costume design, acoustic set mash-ups, and so much more.

A highlight in each episode is the performer spotlights. Whether showcasing one of the dancers or a costume designer, we get a close look into not only their work for the tour, but also their personal life and accomplishments. This provides a well-rounded view of the tour, as it shows the personal journeys of those who were vital to the tour becoming such a phenomenon.

Taylor Swift: The End Of An Era continues to exceed my expectations through its emotional reach. Each episode is guaranteed to leave the audience with laughs, tears, and most importantly, smiles. Despite the presence of some unimaginably tragic obstacles that the tour’s performers, fans, and attendees faced, the tour continued delivering the audience what they needed: an escape from the constantly changing world around them. Taylor emphasizes this throughout this series as she shares both personal and large-scale difficulties that occurred throughout the tour and how she knew her priority had to be showing up for the fans and giving them the experience they both paid for and expected. The docuseries portrays this purpose with such clarity, painting a picture of not only the tour itself but the goals and vision Swift had for the tour.

This series expresses the purpose of The Eras Tour, which was to provide a space for people to join together, escape from the outside world, and have the time of their lives. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and family within a work environment, showing how this promotes positivity and unity both on and off of the stage throughout the tour. Note that it does include some profanity and some mature topics, such as a detailed discussion about attempts at violence on the tour.

I give Taylor Swift: The End Of An Era 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can view all six episodes of Taylor Swift: The End Of An Era on Disney+ beginning December 23, 2025.

Taylor Swift: The End of an Era
By Adele B. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Taylor Swift: The End of an Era is a six episode series showing the strongest moments and struggles of Swift’s Eras tour. I Was Captivated By The Raw Emotions Of Taylor, Her Family And Those Working On Stage And Behind-The-Scenes. The music and camera work pairs well with the emotional depth of the tour story and it kept me wanting to watch until curtain closed.

The series gives us a thorough understanding of what it took to create Swift’s record-breaking 18 month tour. Each episode layers the logistics of producing this show and gives insights into the tremendous dancers and musicians that share the stage with her. We see the special relationships Taylor forms with her team in rehearsals that come to life on stage. The series also displays collaborative moments with fellow artists and the impact they had on the tour. The real life struggles that happened alongside the tour are showcased with emotion and care. I love how the series highlights Taylor and who she is as a person, what goes into her songwriting, the tour’s vision, and the people that surrounded her to make this amazing tour happen.

The people who contributed to the 149 shows across the world come to life in this series. You can feel how special they all are and how they each are part of the story. I was inspired by one of Taylor’s  dancers, Kameron, who talks about how people always made him feel like he had to change himself if he wanted to be successful. He says that Taylor never made him feel that way and she was incredibly welcoming and supportive. I was brought to tears more than once. One moment that really stands out to me is when there was an attack on the tour. Taylor emotionally talks about how that moment was not only very scary for her and her team, but devastating for her fans. Her fans ultimately are what gave her the motivation to show up and give the best show to bring happiness during a dark time.

I love the portrayal of Taylor as an iconic performer and also as a human with real ups and downs. She shares that when one of her singers has health struggles. I also enjoyed how perfectly the moments in the tour match Taylor Swift’s songs to reflect and bring them to life. Moments that resonate with me are the quick wardrobe changes and seeing the countless fans showing up for her performances.

Authenticity and personal drive are themes woven throughout the series. It shows us that people from all backgrounds, with their own stories, can come together to experience joy in a fun and meaningful way.

I give Taylor Swift: The End of an Era 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. All six episodes are streaming on Disney + as of December 23, 2025.

Disneyland Handcrafted reveals the extraordinary artistry and grit it took hundreds of craftspeople to bring Walt Disney’s impossible dream project of Disneyland to fruition – from groundbreaking to Opening Day on July 17, 1955. The documentary captures both the legacy and nostalgia of the year leading up to the creation of the Disneyland Resort. Through newly unearthed materials from the Walt Disney Archives, Leslie Iwerks and her team uncovered long-forgotten 16mm film reels and audio recordings. The result is an unpolished, fly-on-the-wall perspective that captures what was truly happening behind the scenes, told through the firsthand accounts of the artists, craftsmen, and Imagineers who were there.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Julie O. comments, “I love seeing how Disneyland was built, particularly the attention to detail and artistry that went into making the four lands and rides, and was surprised at how quickly they were able to make it.”  Rayce S. adds, “This film puts you right into the pressure and expectations of building the world’s first ever wonderland theme park, Disneyland. The film follows the lead-up to opening day for Disneyland in 1955.” Isabella V. wraps it up with, “Disneyland Handcrafted is an incredibly interesting documentary about one of the most famous theme parks in the world. I gained so much appreciation for the team behind this park, thanks to the hard work by the filmmakers.” See their full reviews below.

Disneyland Handcrafted
By Julie O, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I really enjoyed Disneyland Handcrafted. I love seeing how Disneyland was built, particularly the attention to detail and artistry that went into making the four lands and rides, and was surprised at how quickly they were able to make it.

This documentary, directed by Leslie Iwerks, explores the making of Disneyland through interviews, videos, and pictures of Walt Disney and the talented people who helped build “The Happiest Place on Earth,” including never before seen footage. The film starts one year before the opening of Disneyland, when Walt Disney introduced the plans and concept design for the amusement park on his new TV show. The documentary continues showing the progress and challenges over the months, weeks, and the last days leading up to its grand opening on July 17, 1955.

Genius. Passionate. Creative. Talented. Detailed. Crazy. Failure. These are some of the words used to describe Walt Disney and the people who helped build Disneyland. The pursuit of a life-long dream and the risks that Walt Disney was willing to take to see his dream come to life is a major focus of the film as well as the hard work, talent, creativity, and perseverance shown by the people who created and built the park. I have seen other documentaries about Walt Disney and Disneyland and I really like that this shows more of the attention to detail that went into creating Disneyland and discusses the many obstacles that they faced while building it. I enjoyed the interview footage with the people that built it – their memories of Walt Disney are a primary focus of the film.

My favorite part of the documentary is the montage of funny construction segments. I was surprised to learn that there were so many obstacles that almost kept the park from opening, including several mishaps in the last few days. It was neat to see how crowded it was on opening day and to see some of my favorite rides and buildings being built.

The film’s message is really about the effort, struggle, hard work, and creativity that went into creating Disneyland in 1955.

I give Disneyland Handcrafted 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Disneyland Handcrafted releases on Disney+ on January 22, 2026.

Disneyland Handcrafted
By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

The documentary Disneyland Handcrafted puts you right into the pressure and expectations of building the world’s first ever wonderland theme park, Disneyland.

The film follows the lead-up to opening day for Disneyland in 1955. We see monthly updates of the progress while it is being built and experience the stress, worry, and sense of urgency to finish it on time and on budget. Simultaneously we see the skepticism of those who believed it would never be successful.

This is an admirable film that I enjoyed quite a bit. In terms of its practical aspects, we get to see never-before-seen footage from over 70 years ago, which was filmed in black and white. Still, this film lets us truly experience what it was like for the hands-on building of this theme park.

The archival footage really enhanced the experience for me as it switches between the original black and white film and the colored footage of the current park. I really enjoyed hearing the first-hand perspective from those who worked on it and learning what everybody thought about Disneyland, even Walt Disney talked about his hopes and dreams for the park. It was interesting hearing the critics say that it’ll never pan out. Hearing the different lead workers like the painters and mechanics was insightful, especially those who stated that some parts would be impossible to complete by the deadline. The film really made me aware of how the sense of urgency ramped up throughout the film as it counts down the months, weeks and days to opening day. We really see how stressed out everyone was and how behind they were, which really helps put you right there with the team. Finally I really enjoyed learning about the history behind the park. We get to see the full story of the building of the world’s happiest place on earth – Disneyland.

The film’s message is to not give up and not push back, but to dig your heels in and push forward to reach your goal, in spite of what the critics may say and even with as the deadline approaches. Keep pushing your dream. People advised Walt Disney to push back the opening date but he chose to deliver on the promise that he made.

I give Disneyland Handcrafted 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. This film releases on Disney+ January 22, 2026

Disneyland Handcrafted
Isabella V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Disneyland Handcrafted is an incredibly interesting documentary about one of the most famous theme parks in the world. I gained so much knowledge and appreciation for the team behind this park, thanks to the hard work by the filmmakers.  It has a great soundtrack, visuals, and perfectly shows the highs and lows never before seen about the process of creating Disneyland.

The documentary, created from archived footage and audio, shows the creation process of Disneyland from a year before opening, to opening day. Month by month we see the struggles that came with building it in such a short time and budget and watch how the crew overcame all odds and made their opening day deadline.

The concept of this film is executed perfectly. The thing that sticks out to me the most is the soundtrack – it is perfect and enhances the emotion it’s trying to portray.

In funny scenes, the music is upbeat and fast tempo, while in the sadder or hopeful ones, the music becomes slower and heartfelt. Also, the music is also incredibly catchy throughout and adds to the nostalgic feeling of the film. I also love the pacing of the film, and how it allows us to follow the crew month by month, just as they experienced it. This helps build suspense and intrigue for whether or not they will manage to finish by their deadline. It also shows the development and slow improvement of the land as we watch it go from nothing to a full theme park.

Using archival footage with voiceovers of people who worked on the project make the film unique. Hearing these people describe how they succeeded adds to the overall message of determination, while also allowing these hard workers to shine.

I learned so much about the creative process of building the park that I never knew before. This film gave me a new appreciation for everyone that helped make Disneyland possible.

The film’s message is that even if something is not easy, it’s possible if you combine hard work with determination to get it done.

I give Disneyland Handcrafted 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on Disney+ on January 22, 2026.

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

Season two of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is based on the second installment of Disney Hyperion’s best-selling book series titled “The Sea of Monsters” by award-winning author Rick Riordan. In the new season, Percy Jackson returns to Camp Half-Blood one year later to find his world turned upside down. His friendship with Annabeth is changing, he learns he has a cyclops for a brother, Grover has gone missing, and Camp Half-Blood is under siege from the forces of Kronos. Percy’s journey to set things right will take him off the map and into the deadly Sea of Monsters, where a secret fate awaits the son of Poseidon.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kennedy P. comments, “I got an early look at the first four episodes of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 2 and it is incredible.  The season picks up right where the previous season left off and each episode is filled with action, adventure, humor, and it kept me on the edge of my seat.” See her full review and interviews with Author/co-director/producer Rick Riordan and cast members below.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 2
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, Age 11

I got an early look at the first four episodes of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 2 and it is incredible.  The season picks up right where the previous season left off and each episode is filled with action, adventure, humor, and it kept me on the edge of my seat.

This season adapts the second book in the series, The Sea of Monsters, following Percy, Annabeth, and a cyclops named Tyson as they journey into the Sea of Monsters to find the Golden Fleece and save Camp Half-Blood.

This series offers an amazing mix of magic, friendship, and epic quests that really shines with its amazingly talented cast.

Walker Scobell returns as Percy Jackson, bringing humor and bravery to the character, while Leah Sava Jeffries plays Annabeth Chase with intelligence and heart.

Aryan Simhadri reprises his role as Grover, adding both comic relief and loyalty that make him a fan favorite. New characters are introduced this season, including Daniel Diemer as Tyson, the lovable Cyclops, who is also Percy’s paternal half-brother, the son of Poseidon.

The settings are spectacular – Camp Half-Blood feels even more immersive, from the cabins and training grounds to the surrounding mythical landscapes. The costumes are on point, reflecting each character’s personality and role while staying true to the books. The action sequences are thrilling and well-choreographed, and the CGI brings creatures and magical effects to life in a way that’s both believable and exciting. The story balances moments of humor, friendship, and tension perfectly, making it feel like an epic adventure that’s also deeply personal for the characters.

This series is about courage, friendship, and staying true to yourself even when the odds are stacked against you.

It shows that heroes aren’t defined by their powers alone, but by their choices, loyalty, and willingness to do what’s right.

Season 2 reminds viewers that teamwork, trust, and perseverance can overcome even the most impossible challenges, and that growth often comes through facing your fears head-on.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.

It premieres on Disney+ on December 10, 2025, with the first two episodes available that day and the other six episodes roll out weekly.