Abominable

Abominable is a 2019 animated film which tells the story of a teenage girl named Yi, who discovers a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building in Shanghai. Together with her friends, Jin and Peng, she decides to help the Yeti, whom they name Everest, to return to his home in the Himalayas.

The movie has several themes that make it a great choice for girls (and all kids) to watch. Firstly, Yi, the main character, is shown as a skilled violinist, a talented artist, and a determined problem solver. She takes charge of the situation when she discovers the Yeti and sets out to help him return home, defying the gender stereotypes that often plague girls in media that suggest that they are more passive or less capable. Yi is also a relatable and realistic character, with flaws and strengths that make her a well-rounded and inspiring role model for young girls.

The movie also addresses issues that are relevant to girls, such as the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the challenges of balancing personal dreams and family responsibilities. The movie acknowledges these challenges while also showing that girls can be resilient, creative, and resourceful in overcoming them.

Overall, Abominable is a heartwarming and uplifting movie that promotes empathy, teamwork, and the value of friendship. Its strong female lead character, Yi, can inspire young girls to be kind, compassionate, and pursue their passions.

Brave

Brave is a 2012 animated film produced by Pixar. The story takes place in medieval Scotland and follows the journey of a young princess named Merida, who rebels against her family's traditional expectations of her. The movie is a great choice for kids to watch because it promotes the values of courage, standing up for what one believes in, and the importance of family.

Merida is a strong, capable, and fearless character who stands up for what she believes in and is a positive role model for young girls and all kids. Merida rebels against her impending forced marriage and instead shows her community she should have the right to pursue her own interests and find love on her own time if she so chooses. She is skilled in archery and horseback riding and is determined to use her abilities to make her own mark on the world.

Brave promotes the idea of personal choice and agency when it comes to marriage and relationships. It shows us that individuals should have the right to choose their own partners, rather than being forced into a situation that they are not comfortable with. By emphasizing Merida's agency and her right to make her own choices, the film provides a positive message for children and encourages them to think critically about the traditional expectations and roles that society places on them.

Encanto

Encanto is an animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. It centers around a young Colombian girl named Mirabel Madrigal, who is a member of an extraordinary family. Each member of the Madrigal family possesses a magical gift, ranging from super strength and shape-shifting to the ability to control the weather. Mirabel, however, is the only member of the family without a magical gift, which makes her feel like an outsider. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns that her uniqueness and individuality are what make her special and becomes the hero of the story as she unravels the secrets of her family's magic and confronts a threat that endangers the magical home they live in.

Encanto stands out in a remarkable way with its female characters, deviating from Disney's traditional portrayal of sexualized young women. Often depicted as large-busted, small-featured, curvaceous women with long hair and tight clothing, Encanto's Mirabel is refreshingly different. She is portrayed as modest-chested, average-weighted, introverted, and bespectacled with lovely distinctive features like a wide, freckled nose and thick eyebrows. This is a notable departure from the rib-less Disney stars of the not-do-distant past.

Adding to the film's diversity and progressive representation is Mirabel's sister, Luisa. Luisa is portrayed as a strong woman, boasting bulging muscles and a kind heart. This portrayal of Luisa as a beloved and muscular character is a groundbreaking move, challenging typical gender roles that often associate large biceps and manual labour solely with men or with women who are marginalized. Encanto also offers Luisa depth and complexity. In a touching moment during the movie, Luisa expresses her insecurities hidden beneath her strong exterior. Mirabel provides comfort by acknowledging that it's okay to feel both strong and weak, tough and insecure. What a powerful message for young audiences, especially as they navigate an increasingly challenging world.

Frozen

Frozen is a 2013 animated movie from Disney that tells the story of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, who live in the kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa has the power to create ice and snow, but after accidentally hurting Anna with her powers, she becomes afraid of hurting others and isolates herself from the world. When Elsa's powers are revealed at her coronation ceremony, she flees Arendelle, causing an eternal winter to descend upon the kingdom. Anna sets out to find Elsa and bring her back to Arendelle to end the winter and restore peace to the kingdom.

Frozen is a positive movie for girls and kids to watch for several reasons. First, the movie features two strong female protagonists, Elsa and Anna, who both have their own unique strengths and personalities. They are not solely defined by their romantic relationships, and are portrayed as capable of making their own decisions and taking action to solve their own problems. The film promotes messages of female empowerment and solidarity, such as the importance of supporting other women and valuing familial relationships.

Moreover, the film challenges traditional gender roles by featuring a male character, Kristoff, who is does not try to take charge of the situation or rescue her. The film also subverts the trope of the "true love's kiss" by showing that Anna's act of selflessness towards her sister is what ultimately saves her, rather than a romantic gesture from a man.

While Frozen has many positive aspects from a feminist perspective, there are also some criticisms that can be made, such as the lack of diverse cultural representation, the lack of diverse body and beauty representation, and the promotion of princess culture, which can limit the aspirations of young girls.

Frozen 2

Frozen 2 is a 2019 animated movie from Disney and the sequel to the popular movie Frozen. The movie follows Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven as they embark on a journey to discover the origin of Elsa's magical powers and save their kingdom from a mysterious threat.

While the film is not perfect from a feminist perspective, it does feature strong female characters who demonstrate courage, independence, and resilience with their own unique strengths and personalities. The film also promotes messages of female empowerment and solidarity as Elsa and Ana work together as a team and support each other, rather than competing or tearing each other down.

The movie's themes of self-discovery and self-acceptance can be particularly impactful for young girls who may struggle with self-confidence and self-esteem. Elsa's journey to embrace her powers and accept herself as she is can serve as a positive role model for young girls who may face societal pressure to conform to certain standards of beauty or behaviour.

While there are positives to this movie, the film places a lot of emphasis on how Elsa looks in the film. She undergoes a dramatic transformation in the film that includes a new outfit and hairstyle, which can be seen as reinforcing the idea that a woman's appearance is important. Also, both Elsa and Ana are extremely thin, which promotes unrealistic and often unhealthy beauty standards.

Moana

Moana is an animated movie from Disney that tells the story of a young woman named Moana, who embarks on a journey to save her island home from a curse that threatens its survival. Along the way, Moana meets Maui, a demigod who helps her on her quest, and together they face a series of challenges and obstacles, including giant monsters and the powerful ocean.

The film is a great movie for kids to watch because it features a strong female protagonist who demonstrates courage, determination, and resourcefulness. Moana is a skilled sailor and a natural leader who is determined to save her people and restore balance to the world.

The film teaches valuable life lessons about the importance of following one's own path, the power of perseverance and determination, and the value of working together to achieve a common goal.

The film's representation of Pacific Islander cultures can also help children develop a deeper appreciation for different cultures and foster a sense of empathy and respect for people from diverse backgrounds. By celebrating Moana's culture and heritage, the film promotes inclusivity and encourages viewers to embrace diversity.

Raya and the Last Dragon

Raya and the Last Dragon is an animated movie from Disney that tells the story of a young woman named Raya who embarks on a quest to find the last dragon in order to save her world from a dark force known as the Druun. Raya lives in a world called Kumandra, which is inspired by Southeast Asian cultures, and is divided into five different lands that are constantly at odds with each other. As Raya sets out on her mission, she gathers a team of allies from different lands and the team works together to navigate various obstacles and confront the Druun.

Raya and the Last Dragon is a great movie for kids to watch because it provides positive representation of strong, intelligent, and capable female characters. By showcasing a female protagonist who is a skilled warrior and leader, the film challenges gender stereotypes and encourages young girls to see themselves as powerful and capable of achieving their goals.

The film's emphasis on teamwork and collaboration also teach kids important values such as empathy, trust, and the importance of building friendships. These are valuable life lessons that can help young girls develop healthy social skills and foster positive relationships with others.

The film also promotes important messages of forgiveness and unity, which can be particularly impactful for young girls who may face social pressures or experience conflicts with peers. By showing characters who overcome their differences and work together towards a common goal, the film models positive conflict resolution strategies that can inspire young viewers.

Finally, the film's representation of diverse cultures and perspectives can help young girls develop empathy and appreciation for people from different backgrounds. This can help promote a sense of global citizenship and encourage young viewers to be more inclusive and accepting of others.

Vivo

Vivo is a charming animated musical that follows the story of an adventurous kinkajou named Vivo who journeys from Cuba to Florida to deliver a love song from his owner and friend, Andres, to Andres' former partner Marta. Along the way, Vivo teams up with a young girl named Gabi, who helps him on his journey while also teaching him about the power of friendship and the importance of being true to oneself.

Vivo is a great movie for kids because it teaches important messages about friendship, perseverance, and following one's dreams. The movie's themes of self-discovery and embracing one's uniqueness are important for children, as it encourages them to explore their own interests and talents, while also emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding towards others. The movie's catchy and upbeat musical numbers also make it an enjoyable and entertaining watch for kids and families alike.

The movie's diverse cast of characters and representation of Latinx culture can also help to broaden children's perspectives and encourage an appreciation for different cultures and backgrounds.

True Spirit

True Spirit is a biographical drama film based on the 2010 memoir of the same name by Jessica Watson. The movie follows Jessica’s journey as she sets out to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe non-stop and unassisted. The journey is estimated to take 200 days, and she must cross the equator and all Meridians of longitude. The film depicts Jessica’s courage, perseverance, and determination in the face of adversity and sexism. It is a great feminist movie for tweens as it portrays a young woman breaking barriers and achieving her dreams despite the odds.

Soul Surfer

Soul Surfer is a great movie for tweens to watch if you’re trying to promote feminist ideals. The movie is based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a teenage surfer who loses her left arm in a shark attack. Despite the odds, she overcomes her fears and returns to the water with the help of her family, friends, and her faith. The movie portrays Bethany as a strong and determined young woman who refuses to let her disability define her. She is a positive role model for young girls and boys alike, demonstrating that with hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude, anything is possible. The movie also highlights the importance of family, friendship, and faith in overcoming adversity. It is a great reminder that we are all capable of achieving our dreams, no matter what obstacles we may face.