The winter school holidays is the perfect time to take the kids to the movies and this year, there is an great range of animated features and short films to enjoy.
For the ultimate treat, on July 7 and 14, Revelation Perth International Film Festival has two awesome nights of newly released animated short films for kids.
While the chain cinemas have all the big films, don’t forget the local independents like the Windsor in Nedlands, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX in Fremantle and Luna Palace Cinemas in Perth. For a trip down memory lane, get over to the movie cinema on Rottnest, complete with deckchairs and blankets, or if the weather permits, rug up at the Galaxy Drive-in in Kingsley.
For a guide to all upcoming movies and trailers, see the Perth Localista Movie Guide.
International Family Animation Explosion
State Library of WA, Sunday July 7 and 14
On Sunday’s July 7 and 14, Revelation Perth International Film Festival is screening family friendly, animated short films from around the world, including Germany, the Netherlands, China and New Zealand.
Each film is about 10 minutes long and suitable for children of all ages and the films are all different so you can go both days. Screenings run from 11am to 4pm each and tickets cost $10 for adults and free for kids up to 16.
JUL 7 TICKETS | JUL 14 TICKETS
Inside Out 2
The second movie in the Inside Out franchise was just released on June 13 and is already a big hit. Inside Out was released in 2015 and was a huge global success, both entertaining and packed with important messages about the challenges of being a pre-teen.
Inside Out 2 follows Riley turning 13 and about to start high school with new emotions added to the group: Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment and Ennui. Similar to the first movie, Inside Out 2 received stellar feedback and is now the highest grossing movie in 2024.
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Despicable Me 4
Another famous franchise film, Despicable Me 4 follows Gru and his family as they navigate family dynamics while on the run from his nemesis, Maxime Le Mal.
The franchise has been a go-to movie night selection since the first Despicable Me was released in 2010. Despicable Me 4 is airing at major cinemas. However, if you are up for a change, this movie is also airing at the Galaxy Drive-in Theatre from July 28 to July 9. Gates open at 6 pm, so make sure to get in early and grab the best parking spot.
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Garfield Movie
Garfield was first introduced to the world through comic strips in 1978 and is still as popular as ever. The first Garfield movies were made in 2004, 2009 and 2007. This latest release introduces Chris Pratt as Garfield and Samuel L. Jackson as Vic, the street cat, who meet up to plan a robbery. Showing at most major cinemas, the Garfield Movie is also airing at the Rottnest Island Cinema.
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IF
Directed by John Krasinski and with a Hollywood cast including Ryan Reynolds, Emily Blunt and Steve Carell, IF is a good laugh for kids and adults alike. The movie is about a girl who can see everyone’s imaginary friends who were left behind when their real-life friends grew up.
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‘Family Favourites’ re-runs
Event Cinemas have their ‘Family Favourites’ re-runs happening over the school holidays.
If you can live with one final rendition of ‘Let It Go’, the extraordinary Frozen is showing every weekend at Innaloo, Morley and Whitford.
If your kids are fans of anime, Event Cinemas is also screening the new Blue Lock the Movie – Episode Nagi in both Japanese (with subtitles) and English dubbed. Panda Bear in Africa, The Mountain will also be playing exclusively at Innaloo Event Cinemas.
Pencilhead’s Safari So Good
Luna Leederville, July 6
Based on the popular educational series and colouring books, another animated kids’ film airing at the Revelation Film Festivals is Pencilhead’s Safari So Good. Designed for children 3 – 5 years, expect to hear the familiar voices of famous Australian actors and personalities including Peter Rowsthorn, Ian McFayden, Sall-Anne Upton and Gina Williams. While only 13 minutes long, if you are at the festival or in Leederville, it’s worth a visit and you get to take yourself and four kids for just $23.
TICKETS
Despicable Me 4 at Galaxy Drive-in Theatre
Kingsley
Galaxy Drive-in is Perth’s last remaining drive-in and over the school holidays is showing Despicable Me 4. Operating since 1973, Galaxy shows movies year-round on Tuesdays, Fridays, and weekends. It is an excellent way to give your kids to an old school theatre experience. Tickets are $11 for adults and $5.50 for children 4-12 years old. On Tuesdays, Galaxy has a $22 per car bargain. You can also bring your own picnic and snacks or treat the kids to something warm from the on-site cafe.
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Rottnest Movies
Rottnest
For a trip down memory lane, head over to the Rottnest Island Cinema to view Inside Out 2, The Garfield Movie and IF in this heritage-listed movie hall. Opened in the 1930’s, kick back and relax with deckchairs, blankets and an old-school candy bar. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids.
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Palace Cinemas Kids Packages
Palace Cinemas in Raine Square are entering the holidays with a hot deal, with Inside Out 2 and Despicable Me 4 tickets just $8 on the first weekend of the school holidays. It’s a great chance to take your kids and a bunch of their mates without breaking the budget
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Here’s more things to do in Perth during the holidays