Diversity is a beautiful thing, and lucky for us, these days, more family movies are celebrating race and cultures from all over the world
Great family movies with diverse casts used to be few and far between. Lucky for kids (and parents) these days, there’s an increasing amount of quality films that star strong, plucky kids that might not look like you, live where you live, or experience things the way you do, but feel the same and love the same. From a determined speller to an unlikely superhero, keep reading to discover a collection of family movies with diverse characters that are perfect for your next movie night.
Coco
Based on the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead), Coco tells the tale of 12-year-old Miguel who finds himself in the Land of the Dead, and with the help of his musician great-great-grandfather dives deep into his family history (and their generations-old ban on music!). There are strong family vibes in this blockbuster, as well as a strong celebration of Mexican culture.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 7+.
A note for parents—this movie deals with the concept of mortality and could be slightly upsetting for young kids.
Akeela and the Bee
A little girl from a tough neighborhood in LA learns she's got a knack for spelling—and that she doesn't need to change herself to fit in. Lawrence Fishburne stars as the spelling tutor who coaches her to the Scripps National Spelling Bee while teaching her to believe in herself. Note: There is some mild profanity in the film, so parents who have a no-tolerance policy toward this may want to wait a few more years.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8+.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
This animated film is the re-telling of a 10th-century Japanese fable about a princess who sprouts from a bamboo stalk. Not only does it give kids a glimpse of traditional Japanese culture, but it also has strong messages about the importance of love and encouragement.
PG
Recommended for ages 9+.
Wadjda
The first movie to be directed by a Saudi Arabian woman, this story is of a spunky, independent 11-year-old girl who wants to ride a bike, wears Converse sneakers, and loves to compete against her (male) best friend. Beautifully done, the film explores topics such as religious traditions and laws, but it's also an incredible study of female empowerment. Follow along, and cheer for Wadjda as she fiercely makes a place for herself in the world.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8+.
Moana
One of Disney's best works in recent years, this wonderful movie stars Moana, the chief's headstrong daughter, who has an affinity for the ocean. Kids will hear Hawaiian folk tales and myths and will see what life on the island was like years before western civilization arrived, and for girls especially, they'll see a strong female protagonist, zero love interests, and an incredible score and soundtrack. Every family should own this movie.
PG
Recommended for ages 6+.
Ponyo
One of Hayao Miyazaki's films, this animated film introduces us to Sosuke who finds and saves a goldfish in the sea. He names the goldfish Ponyo and spends lots of time with her. After spending lots of time with Sosuke, Ponyo decides she wants to become human, meanwhile, her father comes to take her back to the sea, but she resists. Your kids will definitely enjoy this Hayao Miyazaki film.
G
Recommended for ages 6+.
A Ballerina’s Tale
This is the story of Misty Copeland, the first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theater. Not only is Copeland a powerful role model for young aspiring dancers, but she shines a light on the very white world of classical ballet and how people of color like her are breaking the glass ceiling.
Not Rated
Recommended for ages 9+.
Free To Be You And Me
In a compilation of shorts that were edgy at the time of this film's release, Free To Be You And Me explores things like gender roles, working mothers, and racial stereotyping with the help of celebrities including Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, Marlo Thomas, and a young Michael Jackson.
Not rated.
Recommended for ages 5+.
Spelling the Dream
This Netflix documentary follows four first-generation Indian American kids practicing for the prestigious Scripps Spelling Bee. All four kids shine with strong personalities and incredible levels of perseverance.
G
Recommended for ages 8+.
Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse
This Oscar-winning animated film is not just a thrilling superhero movie but also places a young Brooklyn teen named Miles Morales in the starring role. There is some violence, including the death of two important characters, but this movie is also a wonderfully vivid look at the cultural diversity in America today.
PG
Recommended for ages 9+.
The Revolutionary Optimists
This documentary is about Indian slum kids who stand up for their rights. Viewers will see abject poverty that’s hard to believe exists and will be faced with discussions on topics such as hunger, education, and child labor.
Not Rated
Recommended ages: 11+.
Raya and the Last Dragon
When monsters threaten the fantasy world of Kumandra after hundreds of years of peace, Raya must hunt down the last dragon to help save her world and stop the monsters for good. You'll find themes of teamwork, courage, and perseverance are strongly woven into the movie plot.
PG
Recommended for ages 8+.
Black Panther
This inspiring movie broke box office records in more ways than one. It was the first movie in the Marvel Universe to focus on a superhero of color. It was directed by a Black director, includes a cast consisting almost entirely of people of color, and introduces viewers to Wakanda: a fictional African nation that is the most advanced nation on earth. Filled with set and costume designs that celebrate the rich cultures of Africa, this is a must-see film for older kids who love superheroes and action.
PG-13
Recommended for ages 12+.
Hidden Figures
The inspiring true-life story of three brilliant African-American women who worked at NASA during the '50s and ‘60s and played a key role in the first manned spaceflight program. The film offers a stark but important view of the Civil Rights Era and segregation, strong female role models, and positive messaging.
PG
Recommended for ages 10+.
Liyana
This award-winning documentary is like two stories in one. It centers on a group of Swazi orphans who create the story of a girl named Liyana as a form of therapy, and from there, the film goes back and forth between real footage and the animated story of Liyana. Parents should know that the movie includes topics such as abusive parents, child kidnappers, and AIDS, but is an excellent opportunity to show kids other perspectives and how to build empathy for others.
Not Rated
Recommended for ages 11+.
Soul
Soul is focused on a jazz musician named Joe who lands the biggest gig of his career, but after he nearly dies and finds himself trapped somewhere between Earth and the afterlife, he befriends an old soul who needs him as much as he needs her. The inspiring soundtrack and heartfelt characters make this a diverse movie perfect for family time.
PG
Recommended for ages 8+.
42
This biopic about Jackie Robinson focuses on the two years (1946 and 1947) in which he broke the racial barrier in baseball. Parents need to know that offensive language is used, but it’s a good opportunity for kids to see exactly what life was like for Black Americans at that point in history. Chadwick Boseman gives a powerful performance as Robinson.
PG-13
Recommended for ages 11+.
Smoke Signals
A rare film starring an almost entirely Native American cast, Smoke Signals follows the story of two completely different boys raised on a reservation together. One wears glasses and won’t stop talking. The other is stoic and a strong defender of his culture and tribe. When tragedy strikes, the boys set out on an epic road trip, where they’ll learn more about themselves, what it means to be a true friend, and how important it is to honor their culture. A wonderful peek into modern Native American culture.
PG-13
Recommended for ages 13+.
Encanto
Encanto is the story of a girl named Mirabel living in Encanto, a magical place hidden in the mountains of Colombia. Mirabel struggles to find her place in her family when every child born gets magical powers except herself. She finds a way to help when the magic of the Encanto becomes endangered. This movie also has very catchy music!
PG
Recommended for ages 6+.
Wonder
Based on the New York Times bestseller, this story is about Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences who begins fifth grade at a mainstream elementary school. This story is a journey of compassion and acceptance.
PG
Recommended for ages 10+.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Based on a true story, a thirteen-year-old boy from Malawi discovers an abnormal way to save his village from famine and drought.
PG
Recommended for ages 11+.
Over the Moon
Inspired by memories of her mother, Fei Fei builds a rocket so that she can fly to the moon and meet a legendary moon goddess.
PG
Recommended for ages 6+.
