Kids

A Parent’s Guide To Watching Disney Movies For Their Kids

by Kevyn Gohu
October 14, 2024

With Disney’s wide array of movies, it’s no surprising that some parents can get overwhelmed by which one they want their kids to watch.

While Disney movies will always be a part of our childhood, some of the plots do get a little more complex and dark. Some of them even have philosophical meanings which can be a little hard for kids to process. But what a lot of us forget is that there are some underrated Disney movies that offer valuable lessons – ones that are still applicable today. So, to make it easier, we compiled a parent’s guide to Disney movies for kids to watch while considering if it’s age-appropriate or not.

Toddlers (2-6 years old)

Because they still rely on concrete proof to understand concepts, toddlers often think with a “cause-and-effect” framework. They see things as “Event A leads to Event B” but still struggle to grasp underlying themes and tones that are more morally complex. So a lot of the Disney movies in this list will improve their sequencing skills.

Inside Out 1 & 2

Especially because they’re trying to understand their “big feelings,” Inside Out 1 & 2 gives toddlers visual cues as to what each emotion looks like. Joy, Sadness, Disgust, and Fear – with their bright designs, the toddlers would have an easier time associating their emotions. The best part is, that the movie also shows that some emotions can mix, perfectly demonstrating “mixed feelings.”

Monsters, Inc.

Toddlers have wild imaginations, including the “monster-in-the-closet” phase. Although Monsters Inc. shows that their “fears” may be true, it also shows a different possibility: these “monsters” could be their friends. When Sully and Mike befriend Boo, they discover another way to stay relevant in kids’ lives: by giving them one heck of a laugh!

Aladdin

As a movie that emphasizes “be careful what you wish for,” Aladdin teaches toddlers the consequences of lying as Aladdin becomes someone else. We can go for the remake or the classic one since the changes are quite minor, other than a few additional songs and change in some of the actors.

Pinocchio

While the colors are darker, Pinocchio is another Disney movie that teaches the consequences of lying. As Pinocchio journeys to becoming a real boy, he learns that his actions have consequences – both good and bad. It may be a bit dark considering some of the depictions like the circus and the big white whale.

Moana

While Moana is all about resilience, it also demonstrates how certain things won’t happen unless we wish them to. While Maui discovers his actions do catch up with him, Moana learns that there are some things we opt to do even if we’re afraid. In the end, our toddlers will learn that everything is connected at some point – including how people transition from good to evil and vice-versa.

Cars

Since toddlers are still learning how to empathize and see themselves in another person’s shoes, the Cars film series’ main character, Lightning McQueen, is a perfect model for that. Formerly a self-absorbed racecar, he learns from the various members of Radiator Springs on how to become not just a better racer but a better car. Oh, and did we forget to mention that the movie’s also a good way to inspire the kids to learn how to drive?

Cinderella

A classic for every Disney kid; while we know the whole story of Cinderella, the plot is quite simple enough for toddlers to understand what happens and the whole fairy godmother mechanic. It also shows that everyone does have a happy ending, even Anastasia for those who watched Cinderella 2!

Snow White

Honestly, growing up — watching Snow White teaches toddlers the most important survival rule: don’t talk to strangers! While Snow White does (and gets poisoned because of it), it’s a good example to use for our toddlers to not just talk to anyone especially if they offer them their favorite food. Otherwise, they could get poisoned or something!

Tweens (7-12 years old)

In the awkward phase between teens and toddlers, tweens already grasp the cause-and-effect concept and now are trying to see multiple possibilities and layers of emotions. They might also prefer movies that are less vibrant and probably want a more complex plot.

Atlantis

Honestly, this is an underrated Disney movie. The main character, Milo Thatch, is an awkward scientist and researcher who is then enlisted to find the city of Atlantis under the recommendations of Mr. Whitmore. The movie then shows how people, even if they were there for the same goal, eventually have ulterior motives as well. And for those who are tired of the typical “happily ever after,” Atlantis shows that not everything has to end with an explicit romantic relationship.

Frozen

While we’ve repeatedly played Idina Menzel’s Let It Go on Spotify, the movie itself has some good lessons and equally cute spin-offs. A Disney movie that builds on a lesson about emotions, Frozen shows that hiding them doesn’t do very well. It also teaches tweens that not everything is what they seem, especially in regards to trusting certain people.

Elemental

While this recent Disney movie’s central plot is all about growing beyond the family’s expectations, Elemental is also a good reference to use about teaching about racism and bias. The minor interactions may look like they’re just showing how the elements work together but, there are some micro-aggressions that can be a starting point for parents to teach kids that not everyone will like them off the bat.

Tangled

Tweens will probably relate to Rapunzel as they’re curious about everything and want to do everything too! The only difference is that they don’t have glowing, healing hair. But Tangled tackles the concept that if they want something done, they should do it themselves. Though, we might have to hide our cast iron-pans for awhile. None of us want to get clobbered by those!

Lilo & Stitch

While Lilo & Stitch has several installments, it tackles family but in an interesting way: with both parents gone, Nani — the elder sister — assumes guardianship of her sister, Lilo. It focuses on sisterhood in a way that teaches kids to appreciate their siblings. Just because they fight doesn’t mean they won’t have their backs.

Teens (13-17 years old)

What is adolescence if not a journey of discovery? Teens are trying to find themselves, figuring out their identity and their friends. So, a lot of the Disney movies here will be a lot more about self-discovery. But teens are also at the stage where the complexities of the human experience are becoming a bit more obvious so, they’ll probably like darker-themed movies.

Treasure Planet

Another underrated Disney movie for the guide! Although there’s a bit of violence, what Treasure Planet offers is a lesson on how “what glitters isn’t always gold.” When Jim tries to make a name for himself by seeking out the legendary Treasure Planet, he discovers much about himself as he encounters various mentor figures. The movie was also adapted from the original novel of the same name.

A Goofy Movie

Besides the songs being quite catchy, A Goofy Movie is very relatable for dads and their sons as Max and Goofy try to bond. Being a single dad and quite known for his clumsiness, Goofy shows a different side as he tries to raise Max who’s also trying to figure out what he wants. Eventually, the two bond and they both support each other in their endeavors.

Hunchback of Notre Dame

As a kid who grew up on Disney movies, I didn’t appreciate Hunchback of Notre Dame until I was much older. But it’s a must-watch; not only does it have stunning visuals, but it also tackles various forms of social injustices that are still present in today’s time. While some parents may find this Disney movie dark, it’s dark and morally complex themes that make it quite a conversation starter.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Although not animated, Pirates of the Caribbean would have kids developing a sense of humor. Johnny Depp brings the life of a pirate to life, winning against his opponents with wit and not his strength — something that’s not usual for most main characters. The film series also showcases strong female characters like Elizabeth Swann and Mistress Ching.

A guide for choosing Disney movies for kids

While we didn’t mention Mulan or Lion King, that’s because those two can be understood across two age groups. Movies like Brave, Sleeping Beauty, 101 Dalmations, and Aristocats also have their merit. It’s just that since there’s so many of them, we only provided a guide to see if the Disney movies matched certain qualities.

The most important part of choosing which Disney movies to watch means looking deeper into the plot and seeing which parts make good conversation. After all, while the screen is their yaya, we can take it one step further and ask our kids what they saw on TV.