Disney Movies 2017: 5 New Family-Friendly Films And Sequels The Studio Will Release In The New Year

Last year saw the release of 10 Disney films including “The Jungle Book,” “Finding Dory” and “Moana.” The new year won’t be as grand for Disney in terms of number of releases but there are still a few highly-anticipated films making their premiere in 2017.

Disney’s first film of the year will be the live-action “Beauty and the Beast” releasing in March. The studio will follow that up with the “Born in China” documentary in April and close out its year in November with the film “Coco.”

“Beauty And The Beast” — March 17

Starring Emma Watson as Belle, Disney’s live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast” will hit theaters on March 17. While not a shot-for-shot remake of the original 1991 animated film, the live-action version will feature the same characters and many of the same scenes which made the first film a hit.

“Born In China” —​ April 21

The nature documentary already saw a release in China but will make its American debut on April 21, one day before Earth Day. Narrated by John Krasinski, the film follows three endangered animal families: a female panda with her baby, a two-year-old golden monkey with a group of “free-spirited outcasts” and a mother snow leopard with her two cubs.

“Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” — May 26

The fifth installment of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series will once again see Johnny Depp reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow as he is pursued by his rival Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem). In order to defeat Salazar, Sparrow will have to obtain the Trident of Poseidon.

“Cars 3” — June 16

Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is no longer the top racer he used to be and after suffering a crash, is forced out of the sport. But with the help of newcomer Cruz Ramirez, McQueen will get his shot to race again and this time against his new rival, Jackson Storm.

“Coco” — Nov. 22

Inspired by the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, “Coco” will follow 12-year-old Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) as he sets off a chain of mysterious events which lead to a family reunion. Directed by Lee Unkrich, the director and the Pixar team made several trips to Mexico to define the characters and story of the film.