Middle schoolers, in particular, are at an age where they start realizing the world isn't just "good guys vs. bad guys." They relate to Maleficent’s feeling of being misunderstood or "othered."

Let’s be real: the movies look incredible. From the sweeping landscapes of the Moors to the gothic-glam costumes, it hits that "dark academia" and "fairy-core" vibe that dominates TikTok and Pinterest.

Watching a woman who can grow giant wings, command a forest of thorns, and turn a crow into a human is just plain cool. It’s a step up from the more passive Disney princesses of the past.

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Despite the Disney logo and the PG rating, these movies aren't exactly "light" viewing. There are two specific areas where parents usually get blindsided:

Early in the first film, Stefan (the future King) drugs Maleficent and cuts off her wings while she’s unconscious. While there’s no blood, the scene is filmed and acted as a clear metaphor for sexual assault and bodily violation. Maleficent’s scream when she wakes up is gut-wrenching. For kids who have experienced trauma or are particularly sensitive, this can be a very difficult watch.

The sequel goes full Game of Thrones. There is a scene where a group of fairies is lured into a chapel and then attacked with "red powder" (essentially chemical warfare) that turns them to ash. It’s intense, high-stakes, and darker than your average Disney sequel.

Unlike the original Sleeping Beauty, there is no clear "happily ever after" that solves everything. Characters make mistakes, people die in war, and forgiveness is earned, not given. This is great for discussion, but it might leave younger kids feeling a bit unsettled.

Disney has officially greenlit Maleficent 3 (rumored to be titled Maleficent: Mother of All or something similar) for a 2026 release. Angelina Jolie is confirmed to return, and the plot is expected to dive deeper into the "Dark Fey" mythology introduced in the second film.

If your kid is currently 7 or 8 and asking to watch the first two, keep in mind that by the time the third one hits theaters, they’ll be in that 10-11 "sweet spot" where they can actually handle the darker themes.

Check out our guide on the 2026 Maleficent sequel

Most 6-year-olds will find the "Wall of Thorns" and the dragon transformation terrifying. The emotional weight of the betrayal is also likely to go over their heads, leaving them with just the "scary lady in horns." If they really want a "villain" fix, try Descendants or The Bad Guys instead.

This is the target audience. They’re old enough to understand the "why" behind Maleficent’s anger. It’s a great age to talk about perspective—how the same story looks different depending on who is telling it.

Teens will appreciate the cinematography and the more complex themes of environmentalism and colonization (especially in the second movie).

If you decide to do a family movie night, here are a few "pickup line" conversation starters for after the credits roll:

If your kid has already binged both movies and is counting down the days until 2026, here’s what to put on their radar:

If they liked the "origin story" aspect, this is the next logical step. It’s stylish, has a killer soundtrack, and deals with similar themes of found family and rebellion. Rated PG-13, so save it for the 11+ crowd.

This TV show is basically seven seasons of "what if every fairytale character lived in Maine?" It features a very complex Evil Queen (Regina) who has one of the best redemption arcs in television history.

Available on Netflix, this movie (based on the book series) explores the idea that "Good" and "Evil" aren't as clear-cut as they seem.

With the movie adaptation finally out, this is the gold standard for "the villain was actually the hero." If they liked Maleficent, they will love Elphaba.

The Maleficent movie franchise is a "yes" for most families with kids 9 and up, provided you’re okay with some intense visuals and emotional heavy lifting. It’s a massive upgrade from the "damsel in distress" tropes of the past, but it doesn't pull its punches.

If you have a sensitive kid, maybe skip the first 20 minutes of the first film or be ready to hit pause and talk through the "wing" scene. Otherwise, it’s a visually spectacular way to teach your kids that everyone has a story—even the person with the horns.

Learn more about how to navigate "dark" Disney movies