The best new family films to see this summer

After two years of intermittent pauses and closures, the cinema-based family summer blockbuster is well and truly back. With a backlog of great family film premieres slated for a summer 2022 release, we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting.

So, whether you’re a devoted Potterhead, a superhero superfan, or an animation aficionado there’s something for you in the 2022 summer movie release calendar. Read on for our movie highlights and the dates they will be released on a screen near you.

Plus as a Boundless member, you can now save up to 37%* on adult and child tickets with the Cinema Society at hundreds of cinemas around the country including Vue, Odeon, Cineworld and a range of independent picture houses. Click here to find out more.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – 1 April 

Following on from the runaway success of the first film, this action-comedy sequel sees Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba and Jim Carrey return to their roles as Sonic, Knuckles and Dr Robotnik. Based on the classic video game, this colourful adventure features Sonic teaming up with friends to find the fabled Master Emerald before the nefarious Dr Robotnik can get his hands on it. A creative combination of animation and live action, this film is one Carrey fans won’t want to miss, with the energy of his performance reaching new heights playing the over-the-top villain. 

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore – 8 April 

The third film in the now well-established Fantastic Beasts franchise, The Secrets of Dumbledore expands the Harry Potter universe further than ever before to locations including Bhutan, Germany and China. Featuring an all-star cast including Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Ezra Miller and Mads Mikkelsen, the story charts Dumbledore’s backstory during the period leading up to the Wizarding World’s involvement in World War II.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – 5 May

Scheduled to premiere on 5 May, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the 28th film (yes, that’s right, 28th) to exist in the extensive Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film sees Benedict Cumberbatch return to the role of Doctor Strange in a sequel to the eponymous 2016 movie. Following on directly from the events of 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, this exciting superhero outing focuses on Doctor Strange’s journey into the multiverse to face off with a mysterious new foe. 

Jurassic World Dominion – 10 June

Fans of the original Jurassic Park film won’t want to skip this latest entry into the franchise, Jurassic World Dominion – the first time original cast members Laura Dern, Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum have reunited since 1997’s The Lost World. Also starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas-Howard, the film picks up four years after the last film in the series. Now occupying in a world where dinosaurs live and hunt alongside humans, the resulting struggle over who will remain the apex predator in this new world order makes for a rollicking adventure that’s equal parts funny and thrilling.

Lightyear – 17 June

With a jaw-dropping trailer that shows off why exactly Pixar remain at the very top of the computer animation game, this spin-off from the Toy Story franchise expands the world of Buzz Lightyear into a legitimate sci-fi epic. Featuring a perfectly cast Chris Evans as Lightyear, the film explores the character’s origin story in an adventure that sees him take off in a spaceship to experience the galaxy and some familiar enemies too. No doubt a must-see for fans of Toy Story, this animation blockbuster looks set be the start of an exciting franchise all on its own too. 

Minions: The Rise of Gru – 1 July

Another film in the perma-popular Despicable Me franchise, Minions: The Rise of Gru looks set to replicate the unbounded success of the first five films. This time focused on a 12-year-old Gru (still expertly embodied by Steve Carrell); the film explores Gru’s introduction to the world of super-villainy. And with a star-studded cast including the likes of Jean-Claude Van Damme, Michelle Yeoh, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews and Dolph Lundgren (to name just a few) there will be more than enough expert voice work here to keep the adults just as entertained as the kids. 

DC League of Super-Pets – 29 July

Another exciting animation heading to a screen near you this July, DC League of Super-Pets is a fun four-legged take on the classic superhero ensemble movie. With Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart occupying the lead roles (and a vast list of A-listers supporting), there’ll no doubt be enough charisma in this creative superhero caper to keep you entertained. Exploring a pet-themed version of DC’s famous Justice League, you can expect furry-versions of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern and more in a boisterous adventure that’s accessible to all ages. 

Do more with Boundless

As a Boundless member, you can now save up to 37%* on adult and child tickets with the Cinema Society at hundreds of cinemas around the country including Vue, Odeon, Cineworld and a range of independent picture houses. Click here to find out more.