This is one of those movies that got unfairly overshadowed (came out two years before Pixar's Coco and covers similar ground) but absolutely holds its own. The animation style is jaw-dropping—like watching a living folk art exhibit—and the story has genuine heart.
Yes, death is central to the plot, but it's presented through the lens of Día de los Muertos, which treats death as part of life's cycle rather than something terrifying. That said, the main character literally dies midway through and spends time in the afterlife, so this isn't background flavor—it's the whole enchilada. If your kid handled Coco fine, this is the same ballpark.
What sets it apart: the music is killer, the cultural representation feels authentic and loving (not exploitative), and it doesn't talk down to kids. The themes about choosing your own path vs. family expectations are handled with nuance. Plus, Maria is allowed to be smart, capable, and have her own arc instead of just being the love interest.
The 2014 release date hasn't aged it at all—the stylized animation actually makes it feel timeless. Kids today will still be captivated by the visuals and story. This is a solid family movie night pick that'll give you stuff to talk about after.
