Watching movies is one of our go-to family bonding activities. Aside from waiting for the next flick featuring some of our favorite superheroes, you may also want to watch movies with heartwarming plots that teach a thing or two about taking on adventures and the relationship we share with our pets. Hollywood has an interesting lineup featuring book adaptations that we can't wait to see. Of course, half the fun of seeing adaptations is the post-credits debate over which was better: the book or the movie.
Be on the lookout as to when these movies will open in our cinemas so you can make plans ahead of time!
1. A Dog's Way Home by W. Bruce Cameron (targeted to tweens and families)
A dog named Bella gets lost and goes on a 400-mile, two-plus-year journey to find her owner. On the way she faces danger and makes friends — both animal and human.
Who's in it: Bryce Dallas Howard (voice of Bella the dog), Ashley Judd, Alexandra Shipp, Jonah Hauer-King
Why we're excited: Who doesn't love a heartwarming story about a beloved, loyal dog? This one has charmed readers by the millions. Author Cameron and his wife, Cathryn Michon, co-wrote the screenplay, so the movie will hopefully capture the spirit of the book.
What other parents are reading
2. How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell (also known as How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World; targeted to kids)
The first book in Cowell's now-multivolume series is about young Viking boy Hiccup, who must catch and train a dragon to pass a Viking initiation test.
Who's in it: voices of Cate Blanchett, Kit Harington, Gerard Butler, Jonah Hill, Kristen Wiig
Why we're excited: The third film in the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy adds an adorable female dragon who's the same breed as Toothless -- and could be his mate. But Hiccup must get to the dragons' Hidden World before an evil dragon hunter -- who might kill them all. The 3D animation in this series is always amazing.
3. A Dog's Journey by W. Bruce Cameron (targeted to tweens and families)
This sequel to A Dog's Purpose finds the dog Buddy reborn to fulfill his destiny: talking care of baby Clarity — who's now a teenager.
Who's in it: Dennis Quaid, Betty Gilpin, Josh Gad
Why we're excited: If you loved the first book and/or movie, you should be delighted to spend more time with this constantly reincarnating pup. The spotlight on a teen character should add to the teen appeal. Just be ready to break out the tissues, if it's anything like the first one.
What other parents are reading
4. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (targeted to tweens and teens)
A 12-year-old millionaire criminal mastermind takes on the race of fairies to get their gold in this start of a blockbuster seven-volume sci-fi fantasy series.
Who's in it: Hong Chau, Judi Dench, Josh Gad
A 12-year-old millionaire criminal mastermind takes on the race of fairies to get their gold in this start of a blockbuster seven-volume sci-fi fantasy series.
Why we're excited: This is one of the most popular, action-packed fantasy series ever. And Kenneth Branagh is directing.
5. The Call of the Wild by Jack London (targeted to tweens and families)
This is a fast-paced, brutal adventure story of a dog's survival in the Canadian Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s. Sled dog Buck suffers though several harsh owners and survives by getting in touch with his natural wolf instincts.
Who's in it: Karen Gillan, Harrison Ford, Dan Stevens
Why we're excited: This latest film adaptation of the classic Jack London adventure tale is a big-budget action picture starring Ford as prospector John Thornton. And Michael Green (Logan) wrote the script.
6. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (targeted to tweens and teens)
In this beloved coming-of-age classic, four sisters grow up in Boston struggling with poverty during and after the Civil War as they wait for their father to return home.
Who's in it: Florence Pugh, Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Laura Dern
Why we're excited: This take on Alcott's novel is directed and written by Greta Gerwig, and the amazing cast includes the star of Gerwig's Lady Bird, Saoirse Ronan, as Jo.
Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out its ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org and sign up for its newsletter to read more articles like this.
What other parents are reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
