'This kids' movie hit me harder than I expected, and now I can't stop thinking about it.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Universal Pictures

I went into Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie knowing it was going to be an easy win with my daughter.

She loves Gabby. She quotes Gabby. She has a deeply concerning number of Gabby plush toys that somehow migrate into my bed every night.

As for me? I was ready to sit back, enjoy the show and maybe sneak a few snacks from her bag.

Instead, I found myself laughing, singing along (quietly) and at one point, it even caught me off guard emotionally.

If your kids watch Gabby's Dollhouse on TV, you'll already know the basics — cheerful, crafty Gabby, her magical dollhouse and that gang of quirky Gabby Cats who solve problems with kindness and creativity.

The movie is a cinematic extension of the franchise, expanding Gabby's universe beyond her bedroom with new characters and surprises. Using a hybrid animation style that blends vibrant, adventure-packed scenes with live-action moments, it makes you feel like you're stepping right into Gabby's world.

Watch: The official trailer of Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie. Post continues after video.

On the big screen, it's also packed with that unmistakable DreamWorks magic — the kind that made Shrek, Trolls and Puss in Boots instant classics — known for telling stories with multi-layered humour and cross-generational appeal.

Fan-favourite Laila Lockhart Kraner returns as Gabby, bringing her trademark charm to the big screen with all the warmth and sparkle kids love her for. She's joined by music legend Gloria Estefan and comedy star Kristen Wiig.

The movie is about Gabby setting off on her biggest adventure yet: a road trip with her Grandma Gigi to the bustling city of Cat Francisco. But when her beloved dollhouse lands in the hands of Vera — an eccentric cat lady bursting with quirky charm (seriously, prepare to laugh out loud) — Gabby needs to reunite the Gabby Cats and save her treasured dollhouse before it's too late.

Watching it honestly feels a bit like going to a Wiggles concert (if you know, you know). The kids get to sing and dance along, but it still keeps all the classic elements of the show: Gabby's signature pinch-in moment, the Gabby Cats' silly antics and their unique personalities.

But here's the thing: you might also find yourself feeling unexpectedly moved.

It's more than just a colourful adventure — it's a gentle, honest look at what it really means to grow up while holding tight to the things that make life feel magical.

Gabby wrestles with how to keep that spark alive — whether it's a beloved dollhouse, friends who feel like family or the simple, childlike joy that often gets lost as we get older.

Her journey is quietly packed with meaningful lessons — the courage to try new things, the strength in asking for help and the kindness that comes from looking out for others. These aren't just kid-friendly messages; they're reminders we all need, slipping in softly but staying with you long after the movie has finished.

It's the kind of story that works just as well for a five-year-old as it does for a grandparent sitting right beside them.

It's a nostalgic reminder of the magic in simple joys — the wonder of childhood, the importance of family and the timeless lessons about connection. Watching it together creates a special moment where generations can share laughs, smiles and those quiet, heartfelt pauses that make family movie time truly meaningful.

And if your school holiday survival plan is looking shaky, this is your golden ticket.

The movie is bright, breezy and just the right length for little attention spans — making it perfect for first-time cinema-goers too. Plus, unlike watching at home, you get the collective reactions and giggles of a whole crowd of kids, which somehow makes the magic even brighter.

Whether you're after a guaranteed win on a rainy day, a birthday party solution or a well-earned break from endless playground runs, Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie hits cinemas at exactly the right moment.

All in all, the movie is packed with moments that'll have your little one bouncing in their seat — while you get to enjoy the sneaky grown-up jokes tucked in just for you.

Catch Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie in cinemas these school holidays from September 20, 2025.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie is in Australian cinemas from Saturday September 20. #GabbysDollhouse