If you grew up in the 90s, "Disney" meant a very specific formula. There was a villain, a sidekick, and a wedding at the end. Fast forward to 2025, and the Disney+ library looks a lot different.

Inclusive storytelling is Disney’s effort to reflect the actual world we live in. This means characters with different skin tones, religions, family structures, sexual orientations, and neurodivergent traits. For some parents, this is a "finally!" moment. For others, it feels like a lot to navigate all at once.

The reality? About 75% of Gen Z and Gen Alpha parents say they actively look for diverse media for their kids. They want their kids to see themselves on screen, but they also want to be the ones to introduce certain topics.

It’s easy to get caught up in the "culture war" headlines, but when you’re sitting on the couch with a toddler, it’s not about politics—it’s about empathy.

When kids see Mirabel in Encanto struggling with not feeling "special" enough, or Mei in Turning Red dealing with the absolute chaos of puberty, they’re learning how to process their own lives. Inclusive stories act as both mirrors (where kids see themselves) and windows (where they see into someone else’s life).

That said, Disney hasn't always been perfect. You’ve probably noticed the "Stories Matter" advisory at the start of older movies like Peter Pan or Dumbo. Instead of deleting them, Disney is flagging them for "negative depictions or mistreatment of people or cultures." It’s a bit of a "we know better now" move.

Here is a breakdown of what’s actually worth your time and what’s just "meh."

Ages 5+ This is the gold standard for cultural storytelling. It’s not just "a movie about Colombia"; it’s a movie about intergenerational trauma, family expectations, and the pressure to be perfect. The music by Lin-Manuel Miranda is a bop, obviously, but the real value is in the "We Don't Talk About Bruno" of it all—the secrets families keep.

Ages 10+ If you have a tween, this is a must-watch. Kamala Khan is a Pakistani-American Muslim teen from Jersey City. It’s the first time we’ve seen a mainstream superhero show where the protagonist's faith and culture are just... part of her life, not the "problem" to be solved. It handles the Partition of India/Pakistan with more grace than most history textbooks.

Ages 7+ This show has a massive cult following for a reason. It features Disney’s first bisexual lead character and a non-binary character (Raine Whispers). Beyond the representation, it’s just a high-quality fantasy show about a girl who doesn't fit in at home finding her "found family" in a magical realm. If your kid likes Harry Potter, they’ll probably love this.

Ages 10+ Let’s be real: some parents hated this movie because it mentions periods and pads. But honestly? It’s one of the most honest depictions of middle school ever made. It captures that cringey, boy-band-obsessed, "I hate my mom but I love her" energy perfectly. It’s a great conversation starter for the "puberty talk" you’ve been putting off.

Ages 6+ The No-BS Take: This movie was kind of a flop at the box office because the plot is a little clunky and the pacing is off. However, it features a gay teen protagonist whose crush is treated as totally normal and "no big deal" by his family. It also features a character with a disability (a three-legged dog) and a strong environmental message. Watch it for the themes, but don't expect Toy Story levels of storytelling.

Ages 2+ Technically a BBC show, but it lives on Disney+ in the States. Bluey is the ultimate inclusive show because it includes everyone—neurodivergent kids (Jack the Jack Russell has major ADHD vibes), different parenting styles, and even the "boring" parts of being a person. It’s the least "brain rot" show on the platform.

Check out our full guide on why Bluey is actually for parents

Disney+ has actually leveled up their parental control game recently. You don't have to just "hope for the best" when your six-year-old is scrolling.

Learn how to set up Disney Plus parental controls

You don't need to give a lecture after every movie. In fact, that's a great way to make your kids hate movie night. Instead, try these low-key questions:

If a show features a theme you aren't ready to discuss yet—like the romantic subplots in The Owl House or the puberty themes in Turning Red—that’s your cue to use those parental controls. You’re the boss of your living room.

Disney+ is leaning hard into the idea that "everyone belongs." For most families, this means more options, better stories, and fewer tired tropes. For intentional parents, it’s an opportunity to curate a digital diet that reflects the values you’re trying to teach at home—whether that’s empathy, courage, or just the fact that it’s okay to be a "weird" kid.

The mouse is changing, but with a little bit of setup and some honest conversations, you can make sure the "magic" stays age-appropriate for your crew.

Ask our chatbot about other inclusive shows on Netflix or Max