The leaves are turning, the evenings are getting longer, and a few new family films are headed to theaters this November. Here is a parent-friendly look at three of them, what we know about their ratings, and things to talk about together.
A quick note: release dates can change. Everything below was checked against current listings this week, but please confirm with your local theater before buying tickets.
The Cat in the Hat (in theaters November 6)
Dr. Seuss’s famous troublemaker is back, this time in a fully animated feature from Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. Bill Hader voices the Cat, and the film is directed by Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja.
The story has a sweet heart to it. The Cat works for a whimsical agency called the I.I.I.I. (the Institute for the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration). His newest assignment is to cheer up two siblings, Gabby and Sebastian, who are having a hard time after moving to a new town. The catch? The Cat is known for going too far, and if he cannot prove himself, he may lose his magical hat.
Any family that has started over somewhere new will recognize those feelings. It is a nice chance to remind children they are never alone in change.
For parents: The film is rated PG. A parents’ guide published October 16 lists the rating reasons as action, some peril, mild language and rude humor, and notes that its content notes are based only on trailers so far. From the trailers, expect slapstick, loud and colorful chase scenes (including the Things chasing the family goldfish), and some sad moments about the move. If your little one is sensitive, watch the official trailer together first.
The release date has moved before. The film was once set for February 2026 before shifting to November 6, 2026, so keep an eye on listings.
Fun extra: Major theater chains are offering themed popcorn buckets, including a striped hat and a fishbowl. Decide ahead of time whether one fits the family budget.
Hershey (in theaters November 25)
For older kids, teens and parents, this one may be the most inspiring of the season. Hershey is a biographical drama from Angel Studios about Milton Hershey, the founder of the famous chocolate company. Finn Wittrock plays Milton, and Alexandra Daddario plays his wife, Catherine “Kitty” Hershey. Mark Waters directs.
According to the official synopsis, the film follows Milton from financial failure to great success, with Kitty supporting him all the way. When Kitty becomes ill, she inspires a new goal: leaving their fortune to help children in need.
That part is real history. In 1909, Milton and Kitty signed a deed of trust founding what is now the Milton Hershey School, described by The Hershey Company as “a home and school for children in need.” Milton later left his ownership of the company to a trust that supports the school.
It is a beautiful picture of a couple who decided their success was meant to bless others. Scripture puts it simply:
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
— Proverbs 17:22 (KJV)
For parents: Fandango lists Hershey as rated PG, and it is billed as a drama and romance. Because the story includes serious illness, younger children may have questions, so it could be a good film to talk through on the ride home.
Hexed (in theaters November 25)
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest original film arrives over Thanksgiving week. Hailee Steinfeld voices Billie, an impulsive teenager who discovers magical powers and is swept from her suburban home into Hexe, a world of witches. She must team up with her overly cautious mother, voiced by Rashida Jones. Jodie Foster voices the villainous Queen Celeste, and Walton Goggins plays a three-eyed cat. A second, longer trailer was released earlier this month.
For parents: We could not confirm an official U.S. rating for Hexed in the sources we checked, so look for it closer to release. The film centers on witches and magic, and families of faith will want to decide for themselves whether it fits their home. Watching the trailer together is an easy first step.
Make the Outing Count
- Check reviews after opening day. Trusted parent guides update once critics have seen the full film.
- Try a matinee. Earlier showings are often quieter and easier on little ones.
- Talk on the way home. Ask, “Who was kind in this story?” or “What would you have done?”
Whether it is a mischievous cat cheering up two lonely kids or a chocolate maker who gave his fortune away, the best stories remind us that joy grows when we share it. Through every storm, we rise together.
Which November movie is your family most excited to see, and why?
Sources: Fantasy Land News, “The Cat in the Hat Popcorn Buckets 2026” (October 2026); Cinedecode, “Cat in the Hat 2026 Parents Guide” (October 2026); Animation For Adults, “Disney’s Hexed’s Second Trailer Appears As If By Magic” (October 2026); Fandango, “The Cat in the Hat (2026)” and “Hershey (2026)” (October 2026); The Hershey Company, “From Story to Screen: Bringing Milton Hershey’s Legacy to New Generations” (June 2026); Wikipedia, “The Cat in the Hat (2026 film)” and “Hexed (2026 film)” (October 2026); King James Bible Online, “Proverbs 17:22” (October 2026)
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