TL;DR: We all want to share the "magic" we grew up with, but rewatching some Disney classics in 2026 can feel like a minefield of "did they really just say/show that?" From the racist caricatures in Dumbo to the harmful stereotypes in Peter Pan, some of these films require a heavy side of "media literacy 101" or a straight-up skip.
If you’re looking for modern stories that carry the same wonder without the baggage, check out Moana, Encanto, or The Princess and the Frog.
We’ve all been there. You finally get the kids settled, the popcorn is buttery, and you press play on a movie you haven't seen since you were seven. You’re ready for that hit of nostalgia, but ten minutes in, you’re suddenly fumbling for the remote because a character just popped on screen that is—to put it lightly—deeply problematic.
Disney is the king of the "legacy" brand, but their vault is filled with some pretty cringey relics of the time they were made. It’s not just about being "PC"; it’s about the fact that many of these movies were built on stereotypes that were hurtful then and are flat-out unacceptable now.
But here’s the Screenwise take: you don’t necessarily have to burn your old DVDs. These moments are actually some of the best opportunities to talk to your kids about how media works, how history changes, and why we don't treat people the way some of these "classic" characters do.
If you're planning a movie night, here are the big ones where you might want to have your "teachable moment" speech ready—or just pick something else entirely.
This is probably the most egregious offender. The portrayal of Indigenous people (referred to as "Indians" throughout) is a collection of every racist trope in the book. The song "What Made the Red Man Red" is genuinely difficult to watch.
- The Vibe: High adventure, but the racism is baked into the plot, not just a passing background detail.
- The Talk: "Back when this was made, people had very wrong and hurtful ideas about Native Americans. This movie treats them like cartoons instead of real people with a real culture."
The crows. We need to talk about the crows. They are a direct reference to Jim Crow-era minstrel shows—complete with specific dialects and a leader literally named "Jim Crow." Even if your kids don't get the historical reference, the "Othering" of these characters is palpable.
- The Vibe: Heartbreakingly cute elephant, but the crows are a jarring reminder of segregation-era "humor."
- The Talk: This is a good time to discuss how movies used to mock Black culture for entertainment.
The Siamese cat, Shun Gon, is a buck-toothed, chopsticks-playing caricature that is an absolute "no" from a modern perspective. It’s a brief scene, but it’s a glaring example of the "Yellow Peril" stereotypes that were common in 20th-century media.
- The Vibe: Jazz-loving cats in Paris, interrupted by a 30-second racist fever dream.
- The Talk: "Why do you think the filmmakers made that cat look and sound so different from the others? Does that seem like a respectful way to show someone from another country?"
Even the "Renaissance" era isn't safe. The opening song, "Arabian Nights," originally had lyrics describing a land where "they cut off your ear if they don't like your face" and calling it "barbaric." Disney actually changed the lyrics for later releases, but the movie still leans heavily into Orientalist tropes where the "good" characters (Aladdin and Jasmine) look and sound American, while the "bad" characters have thick, exaggerated accents.
- The Vibe: Incredible music and Robin Williams being a legend, but with a side of Middle Eastern stereotyping.
Check out our guide on media literacy for elementary students
It’s easy to say, "Oh, it was a different time," and move on. But kids are like sponges. They don't just see a "funny cat"; they see a blueprint for how to perceive people who don't look like them.
When we let these stereotypes slide without comment, we’re subtly reinforcing the idea that it’s okay to treat certain groups of people as caricatures or "others." On the flip side, using these movies as a starting point for a conversation turns a passive viewing experience into an active lesson in empathy and critical thinking.
How you handle these "yikes" moments depends entirely on how old your kids are.
- Ages 2-5: At this age, they don't have the context to understand "historical stereotypes." They just see what's on the screen as "the way things are." If a movie is heavily problematic (like Peter Pan), it might be better to just skip it for now. There are plenty of other options that don't require a history lecture.
- Ages 6-9: This is the sweet spot for the "That’s not how we do things" talk. You can point out that the movie is old and that we’ve learned better ways to tell stories since then.
- Ages 10+: You can get into the nitty-gritty. Talk about Jim Crow laws, the Civil Rights Movement, or the history of Indigenous representation. Ask them: "Why do you think Disney put a disclaimer at the beginning of this on Disney+?"
Ask our chatbot for a list of movies with positive representation
If you want the Disney magic without the "yikes" factor, the last 15 years have been a goldmine. These movies do a much better job of researching the cultures they portray and giving their characters depth.
Moana (Ages 4+)
Instead of the "damsel in distress" or the "mystical native" tropes, we get a hero who is capable, grounded in her Polynesian culture, and doesn't need a prince to save her.
The Princess and the Frog (Ages 5+)
While it took Disney way too long to give us a Black princess, Tiana is a fantastic character. She’s an entrepreneur with a work ethic that puts every other Disney lead to shame. It’s a great way to talk about the history of New Orleans and jazz.
Encanto (Ages 5+)
A beautiful exploration of Colombian culture, intergenerational trauma (heavy topic, but handled so well), and the pressure to be perfect. Plus, the soundtrack is a literal bop.
Coco (Ages 6+)
Technically Pixar, but it’s under the Disney umbrella. It’s a masterclass in how to respect and celebrate a specific culture (Mexican Day of the Dead) while telling a universal story about family.
If you do decide to watch an "old school" Disney movie, here are a few ways to bridge the gap:
- Watch the disclaimer: Disney+ now includes a content advisory on many of these films. Read it out loud. Ask your kids what they think "outdated cultural depictions" means.
- Pause and reflect: If a scene feels wrong, pause the movie. Ask, "How do you think a person from that culture would feel watching this?"
- Compare and contrast: Watch the original The Little Mermaid (1989) and then watch the live-action remake. Talk about the differences in how the characters are portrayed.
Nostalgia is a powerful drug, but it shouldn't blind us to the fact that some of our childhood favorites are, frankly, a mess. You don't have to be the "fun police" and ban every classic movie, but you should be an intentional viewer.
By acknowledging the "yikes" moments, you’re teaching your kids that it’s okay to love something while also being critical of its flaws. That’s a digital wellness skill that will serve them way beyond the living room.
Learn more about how to navigate difficult themes in media
Check out our guide on the best Disney+ movies for every age