TL;DR: Disney has moved past the "damsel in distress" era into a phase of deep, authentic cultural storytelling. Movies like Encanto and Coco aren't just colorful distractions; they are tools for building emotional intelligence and global empathy. If you’re looking for the best representation for your kids, prioritize Moana, Turning Red, and the upcoming 2025 releases like Elio and Moana 2.
We’ve all been there: you put on a movie hoping for twenty minutes of peace so you can finally fold the laundry, but then you find yourself sitting on the floor, captivated by a story about Colombian generational trauma or a Mexican boy’s journey through the Land of the Dead.
Disney has changed. We’re a long way from the days of Peter Pan’s cringe-worthy depictions or the "saved by a kiss" tropes of the 90s. Today, Disney and Pixar are leaning hard into cultural specificity. In a world where our kids are bombarded with "brain rot" content—shoutout to the parents who have successfully blocked Skibidi Toilet from their homes—these movies offer a rare opportunity for "high aura" parenting.
When everything weird is "Ohio" and every catchy song is compared to a viral meme, Disney is trying to stay relevant by actually being... real. And for intentional parents, this shift is a massive win.
It’s easy to be cynical and think Disney is just "checking boxes" for a global market. But for kids, seeing a character who eats the same food they do, speaks with their family’s accent, or navigates the same cultural pressures (like the "perfect daughter" syndrome in Encanto) is transformative.
Research consistently shows that when kids see themselves reflected on screen, it boosts self-esteem. But perhaps more importantly, when they see other cultures portrayed with nuance and respect, it builds empathy. It’s the difference between a kid seeing a culture as a "costume" versus seeing it as a living, breathing reality.
Ask our chatbot about how media representation affects child development
If you’re curating your family’s Disney+ queue, these are the titles that get representation right without sacrificing the "magic."
Ages 6+ This isn't just a movie about Día de los Muertos; it’s a masterclass in honoring ancestry. It handles the concept of death with more grace than most adult films, making it a great entry point for talking about family history and legacy.
Ages 5+ The music is a 10/10, but the cultural accuracy of the Colombian pueblo and the exploration of "intergenerational trauma" (heavy for a kid’s movie, but handled brilliantly) make it essential. It’s one of the few movies that acknowledges that family can be both a support system and a source of immense pressure.
Ages 10+ Set in the early 2000s Chinese-Canadian community in Toronto, this movie is bold. It tackles puberty, boy-band obsession, and the crushing weight of maternal expectations. It’s "relatable" in a way that feels almost uncomfortably accurate for anyone who grew up in an immigrant household.
Ages 6+ Drawing from Southeast Asian cultures (Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, etc.), this movie focuses on trust and community-building rather than a romantic subplot. It’s a refreshing break from the traditional princess narrative.
Ages 6+ While some corners of the internet had a meltdown over a Black Ariel, the movie itself is a beautiful example of how classic stories can be reimagined to be more inclusive without losing the core of what made them "classic" in the first place.
Check out our guide on the best diverse movies for elementary kids
Disney isn't slowing down. Their upcoming slate suggests an even deeper dive into diverse perspectives and sci-fi concepts.
Moana 2 (2025)
The first Moana was a massive leap forward for Polynesian representation (and let’s be honest, the soundtrack is still stuck in our heads). The sequel promises to explore more of the Wayfinder history and expanded Pacific Islander mythology.
Elio (2025)
Pixar’s next big swing features a young boy (Elio) who is mistakenly identified as the intergalactic ambassador for Earth. While it’s sci-fi, the protagonist’s background and the focus on "finding your place" in a literal universe of differences is a theme to watch.
Snow White (2025)
This live-action remake starring Rachel Zegler has already sparked conversations. Disney is clearly trying to modernize the "fairest of them all" trope to focus more on leadership and agency rather than just being pretty and waiting for a prince.
Zootopia 2 (2025)
While the characters are animals, the first Zootopia was a surprisingly deep allegory for prejudice and systemic bias. Expect the sequel to continue using its "urban jungle" setting to mirror real-world social dynamics.
As intentional parents, we have to decide what to do with the "Legacy" content. You know the ones—the movies with the "Stories Matter" advisory at the beginning on Disney+.
- Ages 3-6: At this age, kids are sponges. It’s usually better to stick to the modern hits like Bluey (which, while not a "cultural" movie, is a masterclass in healthy family dynamics) or modern Disney films. If you do watch older classics, be prepared for a "pause and talk" moment if a stereotype pops up.
- Ages 7-10: This is the sweet spot for discussing why a movie like Peter Pan has that warning label. You don't have to ban it, but you can say, "People used to think it was okay to portray Native Americans this way, but we know now that it’s disrespectful and inaccurate."
- Ages 11+: Tweens are ready for the "no-BS" conversation. They’re already seeing "edgy" humor on TikTok or YouTube. Discussing how media shapes our perception of people is a great way to build their media literacy.
Learn more about how to talk to kids about media stereotypes
You’ve probably seen the headlines or the angry Facebook threads about Disney going "woke." Here’s the Screenwise take: storytelling is evolving because the audience is evolving.
When Disney makes a movie like Strange World or includes a diverse cast, they aren't trying to "indoctrinate" your kids; they’re trying to tell stories that reflect the actual world we live in. As parents, our job isn't to shield our kids from diversity, but to help them navigate a world that is—thankfully—more than just one type of person.
If a movie's themes don't align with your family values, that's your call to make. But don't write off the new era of Disney just because it looks different than the movies we grew up with. In many cases, the storytelling is actually better because it’s not relying on the same tired tropes.
Next time you finish a movie, try moving past "Did you like it?" and ask:
These questions turn passive screen time into an active lesson in empathy.
Disney’s shift toward authentic cultural representation is one of the best things to happen to children’s media in decades. It gives our kids "mirrors" to see themselves and "windows" to see the rest of the world.
While no corporation is perfect, the move away from "brain rot" and toward meaningful, culturally-rich narratives is something we can get behind. So, grab the popcorn, ignore the "Ohio" jokes for ninety minutes, and enjoy the fact that the movies our kids are growing up with are a whole lot more thoughtful than the ones we had.
Next Steps:
- Take the Screenwise Family Tech Survey to see how your family’s media diet compares to your community.
- Create a "Culture Night" on Disney+ and let your kids pick a movie from a country they want to learn more about.
- Ask our chatbot for a curated list of movies based on your child's specific interests