5 family movies you won't believe are turning 5 in 2024

Sometimes, it’s hard to believe it when a movie you love hits a milestone birthday. 2019 doesn’t seem that long ago, but it's a whole five years ago... It was a time before the world turned upside down and “social distancing” wasn’t even a phrase. And the movies on out list below did, indeed, come out back in the pre-pandemic times of 2019.

You likely went to the theaters with younger kids to see some of these movies. Other ones you knew you had to wait to come to streaming, and they were worth that wait. Whether your kids love action or comedy, there is something to check out on this list. Are you ready to feel just a little older than you did earlier today?

1. Toy Story 4

Release Date: June 21, 2019

We start with a Disney sequel that we’re still not all that sure we needed, but we’ll take it. After all, you can’t have too much Woody and Buzz Lightyear, can you? Toy Story 4 is the first movie that sees Bonnie as the owner of Andy’s toys from the past. Of course, they end up on a new adventure after being separated from their owner.

During this movie, Woody and co. run into Bo, Woody’s former love interest who was mysteriously gone in the third movie—we found out something happened to her, but not exactly what. Well, the fourth movie revealed that story, along with a new addition to the crew, Forky. It’s a great adventure where Woody learns that maybe there is something more out there.

Watch Toy Story 4 on Disney+ right now.

2. Spies in Disguise

Release Date: December 25, 2019

Kids adore spy movies. They’re a lot of fun and bring a great mixture of drama and action. At the same time, those made for kids keep things funny and entertaining. Spies in Disguise certainly did that—and I can tell you after watching it again recently that it definitely holds up.

Will Smith voices super spy Lance Sterling, who is accidentally turned into a pigeon thanks to scientist Walter Beckett’s (voiced by Tom Holland) invention. Now Lance and Walter need to head out on an adventure to save the planet and turn Lance back into a human before it’s too late.

Check out Spies in Disguise on Disney+.

3. Abominable

Release Date: September 27, 2019

Another great family movie that turns 5 is Abominable. This animated movie follows Yi, who discovers a Yeti on the roof of her apartment building. She and her friends realize that this yeti isn’t something to be afraid of. He just needs their help.

So, the three head out on an epic quest with the yeti to reunite this magical creature with his family. Of course, there is a wealthy financier and a zoologist who want to capture the yeti and experiment on him. Yi refuses to allow that to happen, and she will risk everything to keep this creature safe.

You can rent or buy this movie on Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, iTunes, or wherever you get your digital releases.

4. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

Release Date: October 18, 2019

You know the story of Sleeping Beauty, but what do you really know about the evil witch who put her to sleep? Sure, we’ve seen the curse Maleficent put on Aurora, but there is far more to the initial story than the animated Disney movie would have you believe. You can learn all about it in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.

This is the sequel that takes place after Aurora learns more about the witch that cursed her. Now understanding who Maleficent is, Aurora is close to her and wants her to be part of her life. So, when Aurora is set to marry Prince Phillip, Maleficent is invited to the wedding. That leads to Maleficent learning that Phillip’s mother has a plan to destroy the land of the fairies, and she refuses to allow that to happen. It’s time for her to build up an army of fairies to protect their land.

Watch Maleficent: Mistress of Evil on Disney+.

5. Jumanji: The Next Level

Release Date: December 13, 2019

There were a lot of sequels that came out in 2019, and another one to add to your list of family movies to watch is Jumanji: The Next Level. This one picks up after the first movie and sees the same group of now-friends head into Jumanji. One goes in for an adventure, and the others go in to save him.

Spencer’s grandfather and grandfather’s former business partner also end up trapped in the game. Now the group will need to explain the rules to the older men, figure out the mission they need to achieve, and find their way out of the game once again. Easy, right?

Jumanji: The Next Level is available to stream on Hulu.