2021 has been a busy year for all of us, so if you're looking to catch up on the family titles you might have missed this year, we have you covered.
If we're ever wondering what to do with the kids on a lazy Sunday afternoon when it's raining outside, it's always comforting to know that the old reliable TV is there for some inspiration. The challenge is, however, deciding what to choose! There has been a shedload of fantastic releases so far in 2021, so there are bound to be some movies and TV shows you might have missed this year.
And so, allow us to showcase some of the best titles that might have slipped under your radar and are worth your family's time.
Waffles + Mochi (Netflix)
Billed as an education series (and yes, it certainly is) but Waffles + Mochi is also something much more than that. Created by Michelle and Barack Obama, and also starring the former First Lady, the series is positively bursting with cuteness and adventure, everyone in the family is bound to get a kick out of this - and learn something new about food and cultures from around the world.
Riverdance: The Animated Adventure (Sky Cinema & NOW)
We don't get many Irish animated movies (check out Wolfwalkers on Apple TV+ for another amazing release from 2020), so there was a lot of buzz around this movie launching earlier this year. Featuring the voices of Pierce Brosnan, Brendan Gleeson, Aisling Bea and Pauline McLynn, it's a musical adventure all about the phenomenon that is Riverdance.
Secrets Of Sulphur Springs (Disney+)
This chilling children's tale is for those in the family who don't get scared easily (but don't worry, it's not VERY scary). The story of this Disney+ Original sees a boy named Griffin move with his family to a seemingly haunted town named Sulphur Springs. Here, he strikes up a friendship with a girl from school named Harper, and the pair of curious children unlock a time-travelling portal and encounter a lurking ghost.
Wish Dragon (Netflix)
Inspired by the classic tale of Aladdin, Wish Dragon is a cute animation movie that arrived on Netflix earlier this year. Set in Shanghai, Din is a teen who discovers a fabulously pink wish-granting dragon named Long that shows him the magic of possibilities. However, with great wishes comes a lot of new responsibilities - will Din be able to stay true to himself?
The Snoopy Show (Apple TV+)
All of the Peanuts gang returned to our screens this year in a brand new TV series for both children and those young at heart. We join the beloved beagle Snoopy, his feathered best friend Woodstock, Charlie and Sally Brown, and Lucy and Linus van Pelt in an all-new series of adventures that new and old generations will love.
Flora & Ulysses (Disney+)
Another of the movies you might have missed this year is this delightful adventure about a 10-year-old girl with an incredibly vibrant imagination. When Flora rescues a squirrel, who she names Ulysses, she soon discovers that this isn't any ordinary tree-climbing and acorn-loving squirrel - he's got superpowers!
Secret Magic Control Agency (Netflix)
What would happen if the iconic sibling duo from our fairy tales, Hansel and Gretel, were actually secret spies? Secret Magic Control Agency is about to explore this, as the pair must use magic, clever thinking and teamwork on a mission to rescue a missing king. With plenty of magical creatures and references to the classic tale, this is a lovely modern-day take on their story.