Look, Disney+ is basically the streaming equivalent of a well-stocked pantry—tons of options, but you still find yourself staring blankly trying to figure out what to actually watch. With literally hundreds of films available, from classic animation to Pixar masterpieces to Marvel blockbusters, picking something age-appropriate that won't make you want to fake a work emergency can feel overwhelming.
Here's the thing: not all Disney content is created equal, even if it has that magical castle logo. Some films are genuinely delightful for the whole family. Others are... fine if you enjoy watching the same princess movie 47 times while your kid memorizes every line. And some are straight-up not great for younger viewers despite what the algorithm suggests.
This guide breaks down the actual best picks by age and stage—films that balance entertainment value, appropriate themes, and won't make you lose your mind on the third rewatch.
Disney+ has become the default "safe" streaming choice for parents, but that doesn't mean everything on there is automatically appropriate or worthwhile. The platform's recommendation algorithm doesn't know your kid just started having nightmares, or that you're trying to avoid princess culture, or that your family values representation in media.
Plus, quality matters. Yeah, screen time is screen time, but there's a real difference between a film that sparks imagination and conversation versus one that just... exists to sell merchandise. You're already letting them watch—might as well make it count.
Ages 2-5: The "Please Just Sit Still for 90 Minutes" Years
Encanto — Honestly one of the best Disney films in years. Gorgeous animation, incredible music (you will 100% have "We Don't Talk About Bruno" stuck in your head), and a genuinely meaningful story about family pressure and finding your own path. No villain, which is refreshing. The themes might go over younger kids' heads, but they'll love the colors and magic.
Moana — Strong female lead who doesn't need a prince, stunning visuals, and songs that don't make you want to drive off a cliff. The ocean scenes can be intense for very sensitive kids, but most handle it fine. Bonus: actually teaches something about Polynesian culture.
Turning Red — This Pixar gem is technically about puberty (a girl turns into a giant red panda when she gets emotional), but younger kids just see it as a fun transformation story. The themes about parental expectations and generational trauma are more for older viewers, but the animation and humor work for littles too.
Bluey: The Movie (if available, otherwise the show) — If you haven't discovered Bluey yet, welcome to the only kids' content that parents actively want to watch. It's an Australian show about a family of dogs, and it's genuinely brilliant. Short episodes, real parenting moments, and humor that lands for adults.
Ages 6-9: The "Actual Attention Span" Years
Coco — Beautiful film about family, memory, and Mexican culture. Yes, it deals with death, but in a way that's actually healthy and age-appropriate. Have tissues ready—this one hits different. Great conversation starter about remembering loved ones.
Raya and the Last Dragon — Southeast Asian representation, strong protagonist, themes about trust and community. The dragon character is funny without being annoying (rare!). Some action sequences might be intense for sensitive 6-year-olds, but most kids this age handle it fine.
Luca — Pixar's love letter to Italian summers and childhood friendship. Zero romance, just two kids being kids. It's sweet, funny, and has been interpreted as an LGBTQ+ allegory by many viewers (though that's subtle enough that younger kids just see friendship). Gorgeous animation of the Italian coast.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines — Technically Sony/Netflix, but if it shows up on Disney+ in your region, grab it. Hilarious family road trip meets robot apocalypse. The humor works on multiple levels, and it's one of the few kids' films that actually gets internet culture right.
Ages 10-13: The "Too Cool for Disney But Still Want to Watch" Years
Soul — This is Pixar's most philosophical film, dealing with purpose, passion, and what makes life meaningful. Honestly? Some of it might bore younger kids, but tweens and teens can really connect with the themes. Plus the jazz soundtrack is incredible.
Turning Red (yes, again) — While younger kids enjoy the surface story, this is really where it shines. The puberty metaphor, the generational trauma, the tension between honoring your parents and being yourself—it all hits harder at this age.
Encanto (also again) — The themes about family pressure, golden child syndrome, and finding your worth beyond your "gift" resonate deeply with this age group. Many kids this age are dealing with similar pressures around academics, sports, or other achievements.
Hamilton — The filmed Broadway musical. Yes, there's some language (a few bleeped words), and yes, it's nearly three hours. But if your kid is into theater, history, or just epic storytelling, this is phenomenal. Fair warning: they will want the soundtrack on repeat for months.
Most live-action remakes — Look, I'm just going to say it: most of Disney's live-action remakes are... not great. The Lion King with photorealistic animals loses all the emotion. Mulan strips out the humor and music. If your kid wants to watch these stories, stick with the originals.
Frozen (controversial take incoming) — Frozen is fine. It's just... fine. The music is catchy, the animation is pretty, but the story is kind of a mess and the characters aren't that compelling. If you haven't been sucked into the Frozen vortex yet, there are better options. If you're already there, godspeed.
Most Marvel content for younger kids — Yes, it's on Disney+. No, most of it isn't appropriate for elementary schoolers despite what the rating says. The violence is constant, the themes are complex, and honestly? It's just exhausting. If your tween is into it, fine, but don't feel pressured to start your 7-year-old on the MCU.
Match to mood, not just age — A tired 8-year-old might need something lighter than what they could handle on a good day. A curious 5-year-old might be ready for something with more depth. You know your kid.
Rewatch value matters — Some films get better on repeat viewings (Encanto, Coco). Others become torture after the third time (looking at you, most princess movies). Choose accordingly.
Use the conversation starters — The best kids' films give you something to talk about afterward. "What would your gift be?" after Encanto, or "How do you think Miguel felt when..." after Coco. These aren't just movies—they're tools.
Check the media pages for details — Each film on Screenwise has specific age recommendations, content warnings, and parent reviews. If you're on the fence about something, dig deeper.
Disney+ has some genuinely excellent films that are worth your time and your kids' attention. The key is being selective rather than just hitting play on whatever the algorithm suggests.
The actual best films—Encanto, Coco, Moana, Soul, Luca—offer more than just entertainment. They spark conversations, expose kids to different cultures, and tell stories that resonate on multiple levels. They're the ones you won't mind watching multiple times, and the ones your kids will remember years later.
The mediocre ones will keep your kids quiet for 90 minutes, which sometimes is all you need, and that's okay too. We're not aiming for perfection here.
The ones to skip are usually the cash-grab remakes and the content that's technically "for kids" but really just exists to sell toys or set up sequels.
You've got enough on your plate without having to research every single film option. Bookmark this list, trust your gut, and remember: even the best Disney movie won't ruin your kid's life, and neither will the occasional mediocre one.
Want to explore beyond Disney+? Check out our guides on the best Netflix shows for kids, age-appropriate Pixar films, or how to set up Disney+ parental controls.
And if you want personalized recommendations based on your specific kid's age, interests, and your family's values, take the Screenwise survey—it takes about 5 minutes and gives you customized guidance that actually fits your family.