7 animated movies releasing in 2018 to put on your kids’ calendars

With the release of Peter Rabbit this Easter, the year has definitely been off to a great start. This animated movie had enough chuckles and slapstick comedy to keep my extremely hyper four-year-old glued to her seat for the entire duration of the movie. And now, it seems like 2018 has a lot more in store for our kids. There's really nothing quite like curling up on the couch with your children with a bowl of popcorn and an awesome flick, or catching the latest animated movie that your children have been eagerly waiting to watch in the cinema. Whatever the weather might be, sweltering heat or torrential rains, the one thing you can always do is go to the movies. Read on for this year's most awaited kids films that are sure to brighten up your year.

Duck Duck Goose

[#image: /photos/5ce40b954a30b3c2eb12aebf]||| ||| Peng, a high flying, bachelor goose finds himself saddled with two adorable and demanding ducklings when he gets injured and is unable to fly. A long journey south ends up turning this unlikely threesome into a family. The US release for this animated movie is slated for April 2018.

The Incredibles 2

The much-awaited sequel to 2004's favourite superhero animated movie is finally due to release this June. This time around, the plot focuses on Bob, who is left home to take care of the kids while Helen is out there navigating the day-to-day heroics of normal life. Not to mention that the family is completely unaware of baby Jack-Jack's emerging superpowers. With a lot of action and even more laughs, this one promises to be as incredible as the first. The movie is set for a June 2018 international release.

Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation

Join Mavis and Dracula yet again, this time on a luxury cruise ship for their summer vacation. From working on their “moon tans” to carrying out some exotic excursions, everyone's dearest monster family is on a much-needed break. However the vacation turns into a nightmare when Mavis realises that Dracula has fallen for the mysterious captain of the ship, who is hiding a dangerous secret. This animated movie will be released in the US on July 13, 2018.

Christopher Robin

Disney's next attempt at making a live-action kids movie of their classic franchise is all set to release in August 2018. Ewan McGregor plays Christopher, the little boy from the Winnie-the-Pooh stories who is now all grown up. Having lost all sense of imagination, Pooh and his friends come back into his life to help him find it once again.

The Grinch

Based on the 1957 Dr Seuss story, this animated movie is the third screen adaptation of the tale, and stars Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead. Audiences are once again transformed to Whoville and their annual Christmas celebrations that face the danger of being completely ruined thanks to the Grinch's devious plan. Find out what happens in November 2018.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

With big names like Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren and Morgan Freeman, Walt Disney Pictures' The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is scheduled to release in November 2018. It tells the story of a young girl who finds a Nutcracker doll amongst her family's gifts and is put in charge by her parents to take extra special care of it. Based on the infamous ballet The Nutcracker, this movie can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Mary Poppins Returns

We've all watched and loved the original Mary Poppins film of 1964 starring the ever so elegant and gorgeous Julie Andrews. Now, after almost five decades, Disney is finally giving us a sequel so that we can share this beautiful classic with our children. While it's not an animated film, being an iconic children's classic earns it a spot on this list. With Emily Blunt in the lead, the story of the Banks family (and their mysterious nanny who drops in on them after they have suffered a tragedy) is sure to have a distinctly new flavour. And the best part, the movie is all set to release on Christmas Day this year.

With all these highly awaited and anticipated kids movies coming to cinemas near you this year, we'd suggest you keep a fund aside for all the popcorn and candies that you're going to need. Maybe keep a little something for yourself too. After all, in the words of Walt Disney, “Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.”

Atiya Darbar and Afra Kochra are the brains behind Kiddiegram.in, an online parenting platform. Find them on Instagram.com/kiddiegram