TL;DR
Encanto isn't just a movie with an addictive soundtrack; it’s a deep dive into intergenerational trauma and the crushing weight of family expectations. While we wait for the full sequel (rumors are heating up for a 2026/2027 release window), 2025 has brought us huge theme park expansions and new ways to engage with the Madrigals.
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If you’ve been living under a rock (or just successfully avoided Disney+ for a few years), Encanto is the story of the Madrigals, a Colombian family living in a magical house called a Casita. Every child in the family is granted a "gift"—super strength, talking to animals, controlling the weather—except for our protagonist, Mirabel.
When the family’s magic begins to fade and the house starts literally cracking, Mirabel realizes she’s the only one who can save them. But the "villain" isn't a monster or a curse; it’s the internal pressure to be perfect and the refusal to talk about the "black sheep" of the family, Tío Bruno.
It’s been a few years since the initial release, but Encanto has staying power that most "princess" movies lack. Why? Because it’s basically a therapy session set to Lin-Manuel Miranda songs.
In 2026, we’re seeing a massive resurgence in interest because Disney has finally leaned into the "Encanto-verse." We’ve seen the opening of the "Tropical Americas" section at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which features a permanent Casita. More importantly, Disney confirmed that Encanto is a "core franchise," meaning the sequel news we've been hunting for is finally firming up.
But beyond the marketing, the movie matters because it gave parents a vocabulary to talk about things we usually ignore:
- The "Golden Child" Syndrome: How being "perfect" is its own kind of prison.
- The Burden of Strength: How our kids (and we) feel like we have to carry everything without cracking.
- Intergenerational Trauma: How Abuela’s past pain shaped her descendants' present-day anxiety.
Luisa: The "Surface Pressure" Reality
Luisa is the relatable queen of this movie. Her song "Surface Pressure" is basically the anthem for every eldest daughter and over-scheduled middle schooler. If your kid is constantly stressed about grades, sports, or "carrying" the family's emotional weight, Luisa is your entry point. Check out our guide on helping kids manage performance anxiety
Isabela: The Perfection Trap
Isabela represents the "perfect" kid who is secretly miserable. In the age of Instagram and TikTok, this hits hard. She feels she can only be loved if she’s beautiful and flawless. When she finally grows a "hideous" cactus, it’s a breakthrough.
Ask our chatbot about social media and perfectionism
Mirabel: The "Un-Gifted" Hero
Mirabel is the heart of the story because she proves that your value isn't tied to what you can do (your "gift"), but who you are. For kids who feel they aren't the "best" at anything—not the fastest, not the smartest—Mirabel is a lifeline.
Disney has been tight-lipped, but the 2026 updates are clear: Encanto 2 is in active development. While we don't have a trailer yet, the creative team has hinted that the sequel will explore the world outside the encanto (the hidden valley).
There’s also a heavy rumor that the sequel will focus on the other families in the village who don't have magic, further doubling down on the theme that you don't need a superpower to be important.
If your kids have watched Encanto so many times you can recite the dialogue in your sleep, here are some other media items that hit those same emotional notes without being "brain rot."
Movies for the "Feels"
- A masterclass in mother-daughter dynamics and breaking the cycle of perfectionism. It’s a bit more "puberty-focused," so best for ages 10+.
- If you want to talk about family legacy and honoring your roots, this is the gold standard. Warning: You will cry.
- Released recently, this sequel dives into "Anxiety" as a character. It pairs perfectly with the themes of Encanto.
Games and Apps
- There are several fan-made (and some officially licensed) Encanto roleplay worlds in Roblox. They allow kids to explore the Casita. Just keep an eye on the chat settings.
- A beautiful, non-violent game about cooperation and exploring a magical world. It feels very much like the "vibe" of the Madrigal valley.
Books for Intentional Families
- A story about a robot finding her place in a world where she doesn't "fit," much like Mirabel.
- If you want more stories that celebrate Latino culture and family dynamics, follow this guide for the best book picks.
Ages 3-6: They’ll love the colors, the music, and the magical house. They might find the "cracks" in the house or the scene where the Casita collapses a bit scary, but it’s generally very safe.
Ages 7-12: This is the sweet spot. They’ll understand the sibling rivalry and the pressure to perform. This is a great age to start asking, "Which Madrigal do you feel like today?"
Ages 13+: Teens often relate to Isabela’s desire to "break the mold" or Bruno’s status as an outcast. It’s a low-key way to talk about mental health and family "roles."
Here’s some no-BS truth: A lot of parents (and therapists) have a problem with the ending of Encanto. Abuela spends decades being emotionally abusive and putting immense pressure on her grandkids, and then... she gets a song and a hug, and all is forgiven?
In the real world, forgiveness is a process, not a three-minute musical number. When talking to your kids, it’s okay to say, "Abuela was wrong to treat them that way, even if she was scared." You don't have to pull punches just because it's Disney.
Check out our guide on discussing "villains" and accountability in movies
Use these prompts at dinner (or in the car while the soundtrack is playing):
- "If you had a 'gift' that helped the whole village, would you ever feel tired of using it?"
- "Why do you think the family didn't want to talk about Bruno?"
- "Isabela felt like she had to be perfect. Do you ever feel that way at school or in soccer?"
- "Mirabel didn't have a magical power, but she was the one who saved the family. What was her real 'gift'?"
Encanto remains a top-tier recommendation for intentional parents because it respects its audience. It doesn't pretend that families are easy, and it doesn't pretend that magic fixes everything.
As we move through 2025 and toward the sequel, use this movie as a bridge. It’s a way to check in on your kids' internal "surface pressure" before the cracks start to show in your own Casita.
- Watch it again with a focus on the lyrics of "Surface Pressure" and "What Else Can I Do?"
- Check the Screenwise community to see how other parents are navigating the "Golden Child" dynamics in their own homes.
- Explore alternatives to Disney+ if you’re ready for a break from the mouse but want similar high-quality storytelling.
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