At its core, it’s a story about a massive family of dogs outsmarting a high-fashion sociopath who wants to turn them into a coat. It started as a 1956 novel by Dodie Smith, which is actually a fantastic read-aloud if you want to swap screen time for page time.

Disney turned it into an animated icon in 1961, and since then, we’ve seen live-action remakes, sequels, and a gritty origin story. It’s one of those rare franchises that has successfully pivoted from "cute animal adventure" to "edgy fashion drama," which means the version your 6-year-old likes is definitely not the version your 13-year-old wants to watch.

It’s the ultimate "kids (or dogs) vs. adults" trope. There is something deeply satisfying for a child in watching a bunch of small, vulnerable puppies use their wits to take down a powerful, scary adult like Cruella de Vil.

For the older crowd, particularly with the newer Cruella, the appeal is all about the "aesthetic." It taps into that rebellious, punk-rock energy and the "girl boss" (for better or worse) transformation that resonates with Gen Alpha’s obsession with personal branding and style.

This is the gold standard. If you haven't seen it since you were a kid, you might be surprised by how "cool" it looks. It was the first Disney film to use the Xerox process, giving it a sketchy, hand-drawn, mid-century modern vibe that holds up way better than the overly polished CGI of the 2000s.

The No-BS Take: It’s slow-paced by modern standards. If your kids are used to the frantic energy of Cocomelon or Bluey, they might find the first 20 minutes a bit sleepy. Also, Cruella smokes like a chimney. It’s constant. If you’re sensitive about depicting smoking as "cool" or "glamorous," be prepared for that.

This is the live-action remake starring Glenn Close. It’s basically a live-action cartoon.

The No-BS Take: This movie is fine, but it’s loud. It relies heavily on "bad guys falling into vats of molasses" and "dogs biting butts" kind of humor. It’s the definition of a "safe" family movie, though Glenn Close’s performance is so intense it might actually give younger toddlers nightmares. It’s much more "brain rot" adjacent than the original—lots of noise, not a lot of heart—but it’s a solid 100 minutes of peace for you.

Disney’s attempt to do for Cruella what they did for Maleficent. Emma Stone plays an aspiring fashion designer in 1970s London.

The No-BS Take: Parents, do not put this on for your 5-year-old thinking it’s about puppies. There are barely any puppies in this. It’s a 2-hour-and-14-minute fashion heist movie with a killer soundtrack (think The Rolling Stones and Blondie). It involves a mother being pushed off a cliff by Dalmatians (yes, really) and a lot of psychological warfare. It’s a great movie for 12-year-olds who are into Pinterest aesthetics and "anti-hero" stories, but it’s too long and too dark for the elementary school set.

Learn more about the differences between PG and PG-13 ratings

Stick to the 1961 animated version or the 101 Dalmatian Street series on Disney+. The stakes are low, the colors are bright, and the "peril" is resolved quickly.

The 1996 live-action version is the sweet spot here. They’ll get the jokes, they won't be too scared of the slapstick violence, and they’ll enjoy seeing "real" dogs on screen.

This is the Cruella demographic. At this age, they can handle the darker themes of grief, revenge, and the "dog-eat-dog" (sorry) world of high fashion. It’s also a great conversation starter about whether villains are born or made.

1. Animal Cruelty Themes: Obviously, the entire plot revolves around the threat of skinning puppies. While no dogs are actually harmed on screen in any version, the intent is always there. For highly sensitive kids or big-time animal lovers, the mere concept of Cruella’s "vision" can be upsetting.

2. Scary Imagery: Cruella de Vil is designed to be a nightmare. In the 1961 version, she looks skeletal and her driving is manic. In the 1996 version, Glenn Close is terrifyingly loud. In the 2021 version, the "Baroness" (the primary antagonist) is a narcissist who treats people like garbage.

3. Smoking and Lifestyle: As mentioned, the 1961 version is a product of its time. Cruella’s long cigarette holder is her primary accessory. If you’re trying to keep your home a smoke-free-imagery zone, you’ll want to skip the OG.

4. The "Dalmatian Effect": This is a real-world safety/wellness issue. Every time a 101 Dalmatians movie comes out, there is a surge in people buying Dalmatian puppies, followed by a surge in those same dogs being dropped off at shelters. Dalmatians are high-energy, stubborn, and can be aggressive if not trained properly—they are not the easy-going family dogs the movies suggest. If your kid starts begging for a "Pongo" after the credits roll, be ready for that conversation.

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If you’re watching these with your kids, you’ve got some great "teachable moment" entry points that aren't too heavy-handed:

The 101 Dalmatians franchise is a rare beast that actually offers something for everyone, provided you pick the right year.

Parenting in the digital age is basically just trying to make sure your kids don't end up like Cruella—obsessed with the "likes" (or the spots) at the expense of everything else. Choosing the right media is a small but solid step in that direction.

Check out our guide on how to host a perfect family movie night