If you’ve managed to avoid Coco since its 2017 release, first of all—how? Second, here is the breakdown: 12-year-old Miguel lives in a Mexican village where his family of shoemakers has strictly banned music for generations. Why? Because his great-great-grandfather supposedly abandoned the family to become a famous musician.

Miguel, a secret guitar prodigy, accidentally ends up in the Land of the Dead on Día de los Muertos. To get back home, he has to find his ancestors, uncover the truth about his family’s "curse," and learn that being remembered is the only way to truly stay "alive."

It’s a Pixar powerhouse that managed to take the concept of "death" and turn it into a neon-colored, marigold-strewn celebration. It’s also one of the few movies that can make a 35-year-old dad weep in front of his kids, and that’s a good thing.

Kids love Coco because it’s a feast for the eyes. The "Alebrijes"—the spirit guides that look like neon-fused hybrid animals—are basically designed to be sold as plushies, and Dante the Xolo dog provides the kind of physical comedy that keeps five-year-olds engaged while the adults are busy processing the heavy themes of dementia and murder (yes, there is a murder plot, we’ll get to that).

For parents, Coco is a rare tool. It gives us a vocabulary to talk about the people we’ve lost. In a digital world where kids are often looking forward to the next "Ohio" meme or Skibidi update, this movie forces a pause to look backward. It’s about the "ofrenda"—the altar—and the idea that our ancestors are still part of our lives as long as we tell their stories.

Ask our chatbot for tips on starting a family history project with your kids

The internet has been whispering about a Coco sequel for years, but recent buzz suggests Disney/Pixar is finally moving forward with a story that follows an older Miguel. While we don’t have a confirmed "Coco 2" trailer yet, the "heritage" genre is exploding.

The challenge for a sequel is high: how do you follow up a perfect ending? Rumors suggest the story might explore Miguel’s role as the new patriarch of music in the family, or perhaps delve into the "living" side of the holiday as he passes the traditions down to a younger sibling or child. Whatever the plot, the cultural footprint of the first movie ensures that a sequel will be a massive digital event for families.

Ages 5-7: They will love the music and the bright colors. They might find the skeletons a bit weird at first, but the movie does a great job of making them look like "people" rather than "monsters." You will likely need to explain why Miguel can’t just "come home" and what the marigold bridge represents.

Ages 8-12: This is the sweet spot. They’ll understand the stakes of the "Final Death" (disappearing from the Land of the Dead when no one left living remembers you). They’ll also catch the twist regarding the villain, Ernesto de la Cruz.

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Check out our guide on managing YouTube search filters for kids

If Coco is on heavy rotation in your house, you’re probably looking for ways to expand that interest without just hitting "play" for the 50th time.

Produced by Guillermo del Toro, this movie came out before Coco and covers similar ground (Día de los Muertos, music, family expectations). It has a distinct "wooden doll" animation style that is absolutely gorgeous and a bit more frantic and comedic than Coco.

If your kids are a bit older (10+) and liked the slightly darker, "afterlife" vibes of Coco, this Netflix version of Pinocchio is a masterpiece. It deals with war, death, and fatherhood in a way that is profound, though definitely more intense.

For a different take on heritage, this Irish film about "selkies" (seal-people) is visually stunning and deals with the loss of a mother and the power of folk tales. It’s a "slow burn" compared to Disney, but it’s "brain rot" antidote.

For the younger set, this PBS show focuses on a Black family and community, emphasizing problem-solving and creative thinking. It’s a great way to pivot from "heritage stories" to "community stories."

Explore our list of movies that teach kids about different cultures

Don’t let the credits roll and just walk away to start dinner. Coco opens doors that are usually locked tight in modern parenting conversations.

Coco isn't just a movie; it's a cultural touchstone that actually respects a child's ability to handle complex emotions. It’s the opposite of "brain rot"—it’s "soul food" (pardon the cliché, but it’s true here).

Whether you're prepping for the potential sequel or just looking for a Friday night movie that won't make you want to scroll your phone in boredom, Miguel’s journey is a winner. It teaches kids that their "digital life" is only a tiny slice of their actual story—a story that started long before they were born.

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