In The Incredibles 2, the primary antagonist is the Screenslaver. Unlike Syndrome from the first film, who wanted to be a hero, the Screenslaver wants to prove that heroes (and by extension, our reliance on them) make us weak and passive.

The villain uses high-frequency flickering lights on screens to hijack people’s brains, turning them into mindless drones. Sound familiar? While our kids aren't being literally mind-controlled by a supervillain, the metaphor for digital dopamine loops is impossible to ignore. When we talk about "brain rot" or kids getting "the glazed-over look" while playing Roblox or watching Skibidi Toilet on YouTube, we are essentially talking about the Screenslaver Effect.

Most animated sequels are just cash grabs. This one actually has something to say. It tackles two major themes that hit home for modern families: the role of technology in our lives and the shifting dynamics of the "traditional" family.

There’s a specific monologue where the Screenslaver says: "You don’t talk, you watch talk shows. You don’t play games, you watch game shows. Travel, relationships, risk; every meaningful experience must be packaged and delivered to you to watch at a distance."

Ouch. As a parent in 2026, that hits a little too close to home. We see our kids watching other people play Minecraft on YouTube instead of playing it themselves. We see them watching "unboxing" videos instead of playing with their own toys. The Incredibles 2 gives us a vocabulary to talk about this. You can literally ask your kids, "Are you being the hero of your own story right now, or are you being a Screenslaver drone?"

While Helen (Elastigirl) is out chasing high-speed trains, Bob (Mr. Incredible) is at home dealing with the real villains: Common Core math, a sleep-deprived toddler with uncontrollable powers, and a teenager’s first heartbreak.

This movie validates the "invisible labor" of parenting. It shows that being "intentional" and "present" is just as heroic as stopping a bank robbery. If you’ve ever felt like you’re losing your mind trying to manage your kid’s Nintendo Switch time while also making dinner, Bob Parr is your spirit animal.

Check out our guide on managing digital tantrums

Recommended Ages: 6+

While the movie is rated PG, it’s a bit "sharper" than the first one. Here’s the breakdown:

If anyone in your family has photosensitive epilepsy, be extremely careful. The movie features intense sequences of flashing lights (the hypnosis effect). Disney actually issued a warning to theaters when it was first released because the strobe effect is that strong.

Let’s be real: The Incredibles 2 isn't perfect. The villain's motivation is a bit convoluted, and the pacing in the middle can drag for kids who just want to see things explode.

However, it is one of the few pieces of media that actually respects the intelligence of parents. It doesn't pretend that parenting is easy, and it doesn't pretend that screens are purely "good" or "evil." It shows that technology is a tool that can be used to connect us (like the tech that helps the Supers communicate) or a tool that can be used to isolate us.

Community Data Insight: According to Screenwise community data, roughly 65% of families with kids ages 6-10 have watched this movie at least twice. It’s a staple because it bridges the gap between "kid movie" and "something Mom and Dad actually enjoy."

Learn more about how to balance screen time for different ages

Use the movie as a springboard for a "Digital Wellness" check-in. You don't have to make it a lecture; just drop these into the conversation during the credits or at dinner:

The Incredibles 2 is a rare win for intentional parents. It’s high-quality entertainment that actually supports the "Screenwise" philosophy: being aware, being deliberate, and staying in the driver's seat of your family's digital life.

It reminds us that while we can’t always smash the screens (though sometimes we want to), we can teach our kids to recognize when they’re being "slaved" by the algorithm.

Next Steps: