Disney’s Hexed is set to hit theaters on November 25, 2026 [1], and from everything unveiled so far, it shapes up to be a fast-paced, PG-rated mother-daughter fantasy adventure that lands best for kids around 7 and up [1, 4]—with one huge caveat about Googling the title on your own [2].
Releasing in theaters November 25, 2026, Walt Disney Animation Studios' Hexed is a 99-minute PG fantasy comedy starring Hailee Steinfeld as an impulsive teen witch and Rashida Jones as her cautious, Type-A mom [1, 5, 6]. Expect mild jump scares, magic-gone-wrong action sequences, and an intimidating villain voiced by Jodie Foster, all anchored by family teamwork [1, 3]. If your family loves magical portals and weird fantasy worlds, pair the anticipation for this one with shows like The Owl House or Hilda, and make sure an adult handles any web searches for the movie so kids don't stumble onto the explicit adult romance novel of the same name [2].
At 99 minutes, Hexed follows Billie Doe (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld), an unconventional, impulsive teenager who gets expelled from school and accidentally loses a bracelet her mother told her never to take off [1, 6]. Without the bracelet, Billie's hidden magical powers erupt, pulling her out of everyday suburbia and dropping her into Hexe, a sprawling realm of witches [1, 3].
Her protective, spreadsheet-loving mother, Alice (Rashida Jones), chases after her into the magical world [1, 2]. Together, they have to sort out long-buried family secrets that happen to be tied to the survival of Hexe itself [1, 3]. Along the way, they form an uneasy alliance with Beef Roger Crummchuk (Walton Goggins), a reclusive, green, three-eyed magical cat [3, 6].
The creative pedigree behind the project is heavy on Disney veterans. It is directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand, co-directed by Josie Trinidad, and co-written by Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush alongside Dana Ledoux Miller and Jon Robin Baitz [3, 6]. The voice bench is absurdly deep, featuring Tracey Ullman as an enchanted feather pen named Ms. Quill, Stephen Fry as a magical journal named Elias Quire, Henry Winkler as a skittish potoo bird named Nigel, and Dan Stevens as a blustering Grand Councilor named Hieronymous [3, 6].
The MPAA gave Hexed a PG rating for action and some rude humor [1]. Based on early previews and studio details, the intensity sits comfortably in that middle-grade bridge zone—more teeth than a preschool cartoon, far less punishing than a live-action PG-13 blockbuster [1, 2].
The main source of tension will be Jodie Foster’s character, Queen Celeste, the sinister ruler of Hexe who wants to hold onto her power permanently and isn't above ruthless measures to keep it [3, 6]. Alongside a classic Disney villain presence, previews point to tense magic-gone-wrong sequences, threatening magical creatures, and a few mild jump scares [1]. Disney balances that peril with plenty of slapstick comedy, talking magical stationery, and banter between an chaotic teen and an over-prepared mom [1, 2, 6].
For 7-to-12-year-olds who have already graduated to fantasy staples—or who are working their way through the early stages of our Harry Potter age-by-age guide—the stakes here will feel familiar and fun. Younger siblings tagging along to the Thanksgiving weekend theater trip might find Queen Celeste and the monster chases a little loud on a giant screen, so knowing how they handle classic Disney villains will tell you everything you need to know [3, 4].
The biggest watch-out for Hexed has nothing to do with a scary witch or a three-eyed cat [2, 3]. It is a search-engine collision [2].
Disney chose the exact same one-word title as Emily McIntire’s popular Hexed, an explicit, adult dark-romance novel inspired by The Little Mermaid's Ursula [2]. If a 9-year-old types "Hexed" into a search bar, a bookstore site, or a video platform looking for trailers or character art, they are going to pull up adult romance covers and spicy book reviews right alongside Hailee Steinfeld's animated witch [2, 3].
If your kid wants to watch the trailer or check out the cast list before November 25, sit with them and type "Disney Hexed 2026" into the search bar yourself [1, 2]. It takes five seconds and skips an awkward detour into adult BookTok territory [2].
Since Hexed doesn't arrive in theaters until late November [1], families looking for that specific mix of secret magical realms, weird creatures, and parent-kid dynamics have great options available right now. You can also browse our full best movies for kids list and best shows for kids list for more vetted picks.
Before Disney Animation built the realm of Hexe, Disney Television Animation gave us the Boiling Isles. Wait-listed or fantasy-obsessed tweens who like the premise of an unconventional teen girl stumbling out of the normal world into a bizarre witching society will find the blueprint right here. It is funny, weird, and genuinely inventive with its magic system.
If the parent-daughter dynamic and strange folklore creatures are what caught your eye in the Hexed previews, this animated series is a masterpiece. Hilda is an impulsive, fearless kid with blue hair, and her mom Johanna is constantly trying to keep her alive while trolls, elves, and bureaucratic wizards upend their lives. It nails the exact tension between a cautious mother and an adventurous kid without making the mom look like a killjoy.
For a feature-length warmup on the couch, Pixar’s Scottish fantasy is the ultimate animated clash between an unruly teenage daughter and a structured, rule-bound mother forced to fix a magical mess together. Both movies lean into the idea that mothers and daughters have to actually listen to each other to break the spell.
For middle-grade readers (or families looking for a great carpool audiobook that builds language comprehension while everyone is buckled in), Amari's induction into the secret Bureau of Supernatural Affairs hits the exact right balance of hidden worlds, high stakes, and a fierce protagonist figuring out powers everyone else thinks are dangerous. You can find more reads in this lane on our best books for kids list, or Build a magical adventure list for your elementary or middle schooler
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Because the core engine of Hexed is a cautious mom following her impulsive teen into chaos, the drive home from the theater is primed for a great conversation [1, 5]. Skip the generic "did you like it" and try these angles:
- Compare the panic styles: Ask your kid whether they relate more to Billie jumping in headfirst or Alice wanting a plan before touching anything magical [1, 3]. When a big problem shows up in real life, who in the family acts like Billie and who acts like Alice?
- Design a magical sidekick: Between a three-eyed green cat, a skittish potoo bird, a talking quill, and a sentient journal, Hexe has very specific companions [6]. Ask what everyday object on their desk they'd want voiced by a British comedian if they got pulled into a witch realm.
- Unpack the bracelet rule: Alice makes Billie wear a bracelet her whole life without explaining the full truth behind it [1]. Ask your kid: at what age do parents owe kids the full "why" behind a big family rule, rather than just "because I said so"?
Q: When does Disney's Hexed come out?
Hexed is scheduled to be released in theaters in the United States on November 25, 2026, right in time for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend [6].
Q: What age is Hexed appropriate for?
The movie is rated PG and is best suited for kids ages 7 and up [1, 4]. While the central themes focus on mother-daughter teamwork and self-discovery, the story includes mild jump scares, threatening magical creatures, and a sinister witch queen that may feel intense for younger preschoolers [1, 3, 4].
Q: Is the Hexed movie based on the Emily McIntire book?
No, they have zero connection [2]. Disney's Hexed is an original animated family comedy, whereas Emily McIntire's Hexed is an explicit adult dark-romance novel [1, 2]. Parents should handle online searches for the movie themselves so kids don't accidentally pull up the adult book series [2].
Q: Why is Hexed rated PG?
The MPAA rated Hexed PG for action and some rude humor [1]. Previews highlight magic-gone-wrong action sequences, fantastical peril in the witch realm of Hexe, and comedic banter [1, 3].
If you are planning your family's fall watch-and-read calendar ahead of the November release, check out our digital guide for elementary school and digital guide for middle school for age-specific recommendations across every format. You can also Put together a mother-daughter movie night list tailored to your kid's exact age right now.