The Billboard Family Hits of the Week compiles what’s new and worth your family’s time in music, movies, TV, books, games and more. Forget the mind-numbing scrolling and searching “what to watch for family movie night” … again. The best in family entertainment each week is all in one place, in this handy guide. Isn’t it satisfying to cross something off your list?
This week at Billboard Family, we’re all about cozy activities like seeing movies and shopping online for the upcoming holidays.
The big news in family entertainment right now is the Nov. 22, 2024 opening of Wicked in movie theaters (with earlier screenings at select locations). Ariana Grande stars as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba in the highly-anticipated film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical that my 9-year-old has made a daily topic of conversation in our house. This Wicked movie, rated PG and appropriate for most kids who can handle a runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes, is part one of a two-part experience, with the second Wicked film slated for November 2025 release.
If the Wicked universe becomes a new family favorite, mark your calendars for Dec. 25, when an interactive sing-along version of the Jon M. Chu-directed picture is scheduled to show at around 1,000 theaters across North America.
Looking to stream a new movie at home this week? Try Disney+, where on Nov. 22 you’ll find the family-friendly film Out of My Mind, from director Amber Sealey. It’s the story of a quick-witted 11-year-old with cerebral palsy who has a lot to say, but can’t, as she’s non-verbal. Melody is highly intelligent, eager to make friends and has endless potential, but her sixth grade journey is different from others’ at her public school. It’s an engaging and poignant film for kids and parents to see together, and a fantastic first performance from its young star, Phoebe-Rae Taylor.
Beyond movies, check out a timely holiday shopping tip — specifically for anyone looking for a stocking stuffer or gift for a Taylor Swift fan in the family.
Find out more about this week’s top picks in the Billboard Family Hits of the Week:
See ‘Wicked’ in Movie Theaters Now
Wicked finally arrives in movie theaters. The film, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, is sure to be the family blockbuster of the holiday season. Parents looking to get out of the house for a low-effort family activity this weekend should find this to be a “Popular” option.
The Hollywood Reporter called filmmaker Jon M. Chu’s version of the hit Broadway musical a “captivating screen adaptation” and an “eye-popping movie version, which enriches the source material while saluting the Golden Age of Technicolor MGM musicals,” and reported that leading research firm NRG has Wicked on track for an $85 million-plus opening — marking one of the biggest starts seen at the box office for a musical.
Billboard reports streams of Wicked‘s original Broadway soundtrack, recorded by the 2003 cast led by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, rose 60% in anticipation of the movie’s opening: During Nov. 1-7, the album earned 4.9 million official on-demand U.S. streams, with that figure jumping to 7.8 million during the week of Nov. 8-14. (I wonder how many of those streams were from my 9-year-old daughter; in the wait to see the film, it’s been her music of choice on all car rides.)
This parent of a child who has been fascinated by Wicked since toddlerhood — when she first spotted the Broadway musical poster on a train platform — will be walking her into the movie theater dressed head-to-toe as Glinda, which was conveniently her Halloween costume. She’s even got the Wicked platform heel Crocs, which she tripped over only once while trick-or-treating. With the amount of merch collaborations Wicked has in place, don’t be surprised when Elphaba and Glinda pop up on your kids’ wish lists, too.
Stream ‘Out of My Mind’ on Disney+
Out of My Mind is streaming on Disney+ beginning Nov. 22. The film, directed by Amber Sealey, is an adaptation of Sharon M. Draper’s coming-of-age novel about Melody Brooks, a pre-teen with cerebral palsy. The book is “amazing,” according to one of my kids, who read it in probably 5th grade. The movie adaptation, with a beautiful debut from newcomer Phoebe-Rae Taylor, cleverly brings you into Melody’s mind as she navigates life as a young person who wants to have the same opportunities and experiences as neurotypical middle schoolers.
At its heart it’s a story about family, growing up, and how much it can mean to have someone on your side as an advocate. You hear Melody’s thoughts, the witty ones and the emotional ones, but not her voice — you’ll have to watch the movie to see how that plays out. Her story will speak to others with a disability, who don’t often get to see themselves represented by the lead actor on the big screen.
It’ll speak to everyone, really, because the performances are grounded and heartfelt from this cast (led by Phoebe-Rae Taylor, plus Rosemarie DeWitt, Luke Kirby, Judith Light and Courtney Taylor, all of whom spoke to Billboard Family for a feature coming soon). This film is one to watch together as a family, but have a box of tissues and a hug within arm’s reach.
Cart an Ornament, Cardigan or Guitar From Taylor Swift’s Holiday Store
Taylor Swift’s official webstore has been in holiday mode all week, with new drops of merch in the categories of clothing, accessories, home and holiday decor, and more. Although there’s a wide variety of products, the hottest new releases — like these Folklore socks and this Folklore foil lithograph, and this Eras Tour acoustic piano ornament (all priced at $25 each but unavailable currently), and any new or re-stocked cardigan — sell out quite quickly. If you’re on the lookout for the perfect gift to give the Swiftie in your life, sign up for the store’s email list to get alerts when new collections launch.
Perhaps you’ve got a promising young musician at home who could be the next Taylor Swift? You might consider going big by making their first guitar a Taylor Swift-themed Acoustic Epiphone DR-100, custom-designed with album art from one of Swift’s eras. My pick would be the Evermore guitar ($399).
