School holiday cinema guide
Jess on July 5, 2024
Heading to the cinema with your whānau these winter holidays? Here’s a list of some of the top movies showing over the school break. We’ve included ratings and content breakdowns for each of them so that you and your whānau can make informed decisions about what you choose to go and see on the big screen.
Movies for the whole whānau
If you’re taking younger tamariki to a movie, once it’s finished you can have a conversation with them and ask questions like:
- Who was your favourite character in the movie?
- What was the funniest joke?
- Who did something maybe a bit wrong?
- What did this character learn?
Not only is this a fun way to debrief about the movie, but it also encourages critical thinking for young ones about what they’ve just seen.
The Garfield Movie
G | Suitable for general audiences
In cinemas now
Garfield enjoys a pampered life with Jon and Odie, indulging in all the pizza and lasagna he desires. But one stormy night, he and Odie are abducted, leading to an unexpected reunion with someone from his past—and it's not even a Monday! With Odie's help, Garfield must join his father on a high-stakes adventure.
Inside Out 2
PG | Parental guidance recommended for younger viewers
In cinemas now
Riley, freshly entering her teenage years, hits puberty the night before an elite hockey camp. She wakes up with new emotions – Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment and Ennui – who try to take control of her mind’s headquarters, causing chaos for her five core emotions Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness.
PG | Parental guidance recommended for younger viewers. Violence & scary scenes
In cinemas now
Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome their new family member, Gru Jr. Shortly after, their lives are turned upside down when old school nemesis Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina seek revenge on Gru and his family is forced into hiding.
Also see: Despicable Me | Rating and Content Warning, Despicable Me 2 | Rating and Content Breakdown, Despicable Me 3 | Rating and Content Breakdown
PG | Parental guidance recommended for younger viewers, some scenes may scare some very young children
In cinemas now
During a tough time in her life, 12-year-old Bea discovers she can see everyone's imaginary friends (IFs). She decides to help these forgotten friends find their way back to their owners, discovering the magic of imagination as she goes.
Movies for the older ones who need a little more action
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: M | Violence
The Fall Guy: M | Violence, offensive language & drug references
A Quiet Place: Day One: M | Violence and offensive language
Movies that older whānau members might watch with or without you
The Bikeriders: R13 | Violence, offensive language, drug use and sexual material
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga: R16 | Violence, cruelty and content that may disturb
The Exorcism: R16 | Horror, violence, sexual abuse themes and offensive language
Kill: R18 | Graphic violence
Enjoy your holiday viewing!
Further reading:
- Check out our find a rating tool for more ratings and content warnings
- Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
- The ‘Bluey’ parenting hack: How to start those tricky conversations when your kids are young – Blog
- You're in control with parental controls – Resource
- Brain development – how it works, why it matters – Resource
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