Parents Guide to What’s Hot in August

Therese
TV Movies
TV Movies Games

As summer winds down, we’ve got your back when it comes to the best in family entertainment. Each month, we round up the hottest, most talked-about releases, and find out whether they’re right for your young ones. We also link you to the Wikia Parent Page for each — authored by super fans — so parents have all the info they need to make smart decisions for their children.

This month — whether it’s bugs, cheerleaders, or dragons — see what movies, games, and TV releases are right for your family.

Coming to Theaters

Suicide Squad (Aug. 5) — Ages 13 and up

This action-packed film based on the DC Comics super villain team of the same name features an ensemble cast including Jared Leto, Will Smith, and Margot Robbie. Parents can expect plenty of action, violence, foul language, and dark–sometimes disturbing–themes.

Pete’s Dragon (Aug. 12) — Ages 5 and up

Our family-friendly pick of the month comes flying in from Walt Disney Pictures. Pete’s Dragon is a remake of the 1977 musical of the same name and is written by David Lowery and Toby Halbrooks. The adventures between an orphan named Pete and his best friend, a friendly (sometimes invisible) dragon, looks to be a heartwarming tale and has potential to be a family favorite for years to come.

Sausage Party (Aug. 12) — Ages 17 and up

Although CG-animated, parents should note that this comedy from the writers of Superbad and Pineapple Express has earned an R rating for its crude language, disturbing themes (including torture), and overt sexual humor. Seth Rogan voices a sausage named Frank, who goes on a quest to warn his friends (grocery store foods) about the terrible things that happen when they are brought home.

Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV (Aug. 19) — Ages 13 and up

This feature-length CGI film is set during the events of Final Fantasy XV. The film is related to companion projects under the Final Fantasy XV Universe label: the Brotherhood Final Fantasy XV anime series and an in-game pinball minigame that can also be played on mobile devices. Expect some animated fantasy violence.

Notable TV Series

The Get Down (Aug. 12) — Ages 17 and up

From visionary Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby), The Get Down is a Netflix music-inspired original series set in 1970s New York.  A rag-tag team of South Bronx teenagers is at the center of the series. Considered outcasts and nobodies, we see the story unfold through their lives and the music of hip-hop, punk, and disco. Although the main protagonists are young, based on the trailer, there may be some mature themes too advanced for the little ones.

Rusty Rivets (Aug. 22) — Ages 2 and up

Rusty_Rivets_Nickelodeon_Nick_Jr._Spin_Master_Characters_Portrait

From the creators of PAW Patrol comes an all-new Nickelodeon animated preschool series, Rusty Rivets. The show follows Rusty, a 21st-century kid hero who relies on his imagination and inventiveness to save the day. Parents will love the DIY/maker movement focus of Rusty Rivets, whose half-hour-long episodes teaches kids the importance of discovery and creativity.

Food Network Star: Kids (Aug. 22) — Ages 5 and up

food network star kids

10 talented junior chefs will participate in a variety of culinary, on-camera, and social media challenges over six episodes for the chance to become the first-ever Food Network Star Kid winner. Actress Tia Mowry and food writer Donal Skehan will act as Mentors, coaching the contestants along the way. There’s a lot at stake here; the winner gets their own series on FoodNetwork.com and a feature in Food Network Magazine.

The Strain (Aug. 28) — Ages 17 and up

This vampire horror television series is definitely not for the little ones. The Strain is created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, who based it on their novel trilogy of the same name. Parents of teens should be aware that the series does contain graphic violence, foul language, and partial nudity.

Hot New Game Releases

No Man’s Sky (Aug. 9) — Ages 13 and up

An exploration and survival game is set in an infinite procedurally generated universe, which means that each player will start the game in a completely unique setting. The highly anticipated science fiction adventure game from Hello Games includes space exploration, dogfights, and dinosaurs. Little ones may find the concept and controls too advanced, but kids 13 years and older are going to fall in love with this game.

Metroid Prime Federation Force (Aug. 19) — Ages 13 and up

This cooperative multiplayer action video game for Nintendo 3DS involves a team of Marines fighting their way through enemy bases and objective-based missions. Parents should be aware of some animated fantasy violence and battle scenes.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (Aug. 23) — Ages 18 and up

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is a cyberpunk-themed action role-playing video game. It’s the sequel to the 2011 Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Parents should heed its mature rating, as this game features plenty of violence and blood, drug and alcohol references, profanity, and suggestive dialogue.

Madden NFL 17 (Aug. 23) — Ages 8 and up

The latest installment in the Madden series will feature a “renewed focus” on Franchise mode and plenty of other tweaks. Parents should know that this is a professional football simulation that features real-life NFL teams and players.

Therese
Therese is a staff contributor at Fandom.