This is the live-action origin story of Estella (Emma Stone), an aspiring fashion designer in 1970s London who eventually transforms into the dalmatian-obsessed villain we all know. But here’s the twist: she’s the protagonist. The movie follows her journey from a orphaned "street rat" running scams with her buddies Jasper and Horace to a rebellious designer taking on the legendary, and incredibly cruel, Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson).

It’s stylish, loud, and visually stunning. It’s also a "villain redemption" or "villain explanation" arc, which is a massive trend in media right now. Think Maleficent or even the way Wicked reframes the story.

If your kid is into fashion, "aesthetic" TikTok, or music with a bit of an edge, they’re going to be obsessed with the visuals. Emma Stone’s performance is magnetic, and the "anti-hero" vibe is incredibly popular with Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

Kids today are increasingly drawn to "darker" versions of familiar stories. They’ve grown up with Descendants, where the villains’ kids are the heroes, so seeing a "cool" version of Cruella feels like a natural progression. Plus, the soundtrack features everything from Blondie to Queen, which gives it a "cool parent" seal of approval—even if your kid just thinks the songs are "from TikTok."

While it’s a Disney movie, the PG-13 rating is accurate. Here’s the breakdown of what might give you pause:

The movie opens with a fairly traumatic event: Estella’s mother is pushed off a cliff to her death by a pack of Dalmatians. Yes, you read that right. It’s played for drama, not laughs, and it sets the stage for a story fueled by grief and revenge. If your child is sensitive to themes of parental loss, this might be a heavy watch.

Emma Thompson’s character is a true narcissist. She’s verbally abusive, cold, and literally tries to kill people who get in her way. It’s a masterclass in toxic behavior. For older kids, this is a great talking point about what a "toxic boss" or a "toxic relationship" looks like, but for younger kids, she’s just plain scary.

There’s no "gore," but there is arson, some physical altercations, and a general sense of peril. The movie also glamorizes rebellion and "breaking the rules." Estella’s transformation into Cruella involves a lot of public disruption and sticking it to the man (or in this case, the Baroness).

Check out our guide on the "Villain Origin Story" trend

If your family enjoys the vibe of Cruella, here are some other titles that fit the "stylized, slightly edgy, or fashion-forward" mold:

The blueprint for the modern Disney villain origin. It’s a bit more "fantasy" and a bit less "punk rock," but it explores similar themes of betrayal and how a person becomes "evil." Ages 9+

If the fashion rivalry was your kid's favorite part, this is the gold standard. It’s less "murdery" than Cruella but just as sharp. Ages 12+

For the younger crowd who wants the "villain" aesthetic without the PG-13 trauma. It’s a musical, it’s bright, and it’s a staple for the elementary school set. Ages 6+

If you liked the 19th/20th-century London setting and a scrappy female lead who breaks the fourth wall, this Netflix hit is a great follow-up. Ages 10+

If you want to see Glenn Close’s take on the character, this live-action version is much more of a "kids' movie" with slapstick humor and talking animals (sort of). Ages 7+

One thing parents often ask: "Does she kill the dogs?" In the original lore, Cruella wants to turn puppies into a coat. In this movie, Disney does a bit of a backflip to make her more sympathetic. (Spoiler alert: No dogs are harmed or turned into clothing). In fact, the dogs in this movie have a lot of personality, though the Baroness’s Dalmatians are initially portrayed as aggressive "villains" themselves.

It’s worth noting that after the movie came out, animal rights groups expressed concern that people would rush out to buy Dalmatians—a breed known for being high-energy and difficult for first-time owners. It’s a good moment to talk about how movies can make things (like certain pets) look "cool" when they actually require a lot of work.

Ask our chatbot about the best "dog movies" for kids

Cruella is a fantastic "conversation starter" movie. It’s not just "brain rot" content; it has actual meat on its bones. Try these questions after the credits roll:

Cruella is a "yes" for middle schoolers and a "maybe" for upper elementary kids who aren't easily rattled by dark themes or parent loss. It’s one of the more sophisticated live-action Disney films, and honestly, you’ll probably enjoy it as much as they do. Just be prepared for them to want to dye their hair half-white and start a DIY fashion revolution in the living room.

Learn more about navigating PG-13 movies for 10-year-olds

If your kid is obsessed with the world of Cruella, they might start looking for more "edgy" content. This is a great time to check your Netflix or Disney+ parental controls to make sure they don't accidentally stumble into something like the actual Joker movie, which is a very different beast.

Check out our guide on setting up Disney+ parental controls Ask our chatbot for more movies with strong female leads