Let’s be real: the "Princess Industrial Complex" is a powerhouse. Even the modern, "empowered" Disney princesses like Moana or Elsa in Frozen still often follow a very specific, sparkly template. There’s nothing inherently wrong with a ballgown, but if that’s the only version of female agency our kids see, their media diet is basically just Skittles.

When every problem is solved by a magical birthright or a makeover, kids miss out on seeing girls who are messy, weird, entrepreneurial, or just plain adventurous without a crown. We want to show them characters who have "main character energy" because of their skills and choices, not their lineage.

If your kid is starting to think anything that isn't a "girl movie" is "Ohio" (aka weird or cringe), or if they’re stuck in a loop of brain rot YouTube shorts, these films are the perfect palate cleanser. They offer real stakes, complex emotions, and art that doesn't look like it was generated by a marketing committee.

Studio Ghibli is the antidote to the Disney formula. Hayao Miyazaki’s female leads don't wait for a prince; they usually have to save the prince (or the parents, or the world) while dealing with a job or a curse.

Ages 5+ This is the ultimate "entrepreneurship" movie for kids. Kiki is a young witch who moves to a new town to start her own delivery business. There’s no villain. The "conflict" is Kiki dealing with self-doubt, burnout, and finding her place in the world. It’s gentle, beautiful, and teaches kids that their value comes from their work and their kindness, not a magic wand.

Ages 9+ Chihiro starts the movie as a whiny, relatable kid. When her parents are turned into pigs (a great metaphor for adult greed), she has to navigate a surreal bathhouse for spirits to save them. She works a grueling job, makes friends with "monsters," and grows a backbone of steel. It’s a masterpiece of world-building that makes Roblox worlds look unimaginative.

Ages 4+ If you have younger kids, skip the princess tropes and go straight here. It’s a story about two sisters moving to the country and discovering forest spirits. It captures the actual feeling of childhood wonder without any forced romance or "damsel" moments.

If you haven’t discovered this Irish studio yet, you’re welcome. Their "Folklore Trilogy" features some of the most stunning hand-drawn animation in decades.

Ages 7+ Set in 1650s Ireland, Robyn is a young hunter who wants to help her father wipe out the last wolf pack. Then she meets Mebh, a wild girl who can transform into a wolf when she sleeps. It’s a story about female friendship, wildness vs. civilization, and standing up against an oppressive system. It’s visually breathtaking and emotionally raw.

Ages 7+ Based on the myth of the Selkies, this follows a young boy and his sister, who is a seal-child. It deals with grief and family in a way that is sophisticated but accessible. It’s "core memory" material.

Sometimes kids just want something fast-paced and funny that feels like the world they actually live in.

Ages 8+ Katie Mitchell is a quirky, aspiring filmmaker who feels like an outsider in her own family. When a robot apocalypse hits during their family road trip, she’s the one who has to lead the charge. It’s hilarious, it captures the chaos of digital life (including the obsession with filters and memes), and Katie is a fantastic, non-traditional lead.

Ages 10+ Okay, it’s Disney/Pixar, but it’s the anti-princess movie. It’s a literal metaphor for puberty. Mei Lee is a high-achieving 13-year-old who "poofs" into a giant red panda when she gets excited. It’s about the "messiness" of growing up, the intensity of female friendships, and breaking away from parental expectations. It’s loud, it’s cringey in a relatable way, and it’s brilliant.

Ages 10+ Available on Netflix, this movie is a middle finger to traditional "knight saves the day" stories. Nimona is a shapeshifter who insists on being the "sidekick" to a disgraced knight, but she’s the one with all the power and the punk-rock attitude. It’s a great look at how society labels people as "monsters" just because they’re different.

For kids who find princesses boring and want something with a bit more edge.

Ages 9+ Based on the Coraline book by Neil Gaiman, this movie is a rite of passage. Coraline is bored, her parents are busy, and she finds a door to a "better" world with "Other Parents" who have buttons for eyes. It’s a horror movie for kids that rewards bravery, intelligence, and being careful what you wish for.

Ages 9+ A sweeping epic about a boy in ancient Japan, but the real star is the Monkey (voiced by Charlize Theron) who protects him. It’s about the power of storytelling and memory. The female characters here are warriors and protectors, not ornaments.

When moving away from the "G-rated" princess world, you’ll encounter more complex themes. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Check out our guide on navigating scary content in movies

The goal isn't just to watch better movies, but to help our kids become critical viewers. After the credits roll, try asking a few "non-preachy" questions:

Disney princesses aren't "bad," but they are a very narrow slice of what it means to be a girl or a hero. By introducing movies from studios like Ghibli, Cartoon Saloon, and Laika, you’re giving your child a much broader vocabulary for adventure, empathy, and self-reliance.

You’re showing them that they don't need a tiara to be the protagonist of their own story—they just need a bit of grit and maybe a flying broomstick (or a giant red panda).

Ask our chatbot for more alternatives to Disney movies