Diverse Movies for Kids and Families

Dawn Denning said:  A family favorite sports movie based on the love of football and the racial intolerance of a small town in 1971. This true story focuses on how a common goal can change a person's opinion and perspective. With the integration of schools and the replacement of a winning head coach, a hostile group of football players and townspeople learn to work together and overcome adversity and racial tension.

Kelly R. said:  Big Hero 6 is a funny, action-packed super hero story centering around a teenage genius and his diverse group of friends, but it's much more than that. The main character deals with profound loss at the beginning (as is true of so many of the best Disney movies), and the themes of dealing with grief, emotional wellness and forgiveness are really central to the story.

Shila said:  This family movie on Netflix is based on the amazingly powerful novel by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. An innovative young boy in Malawi engineers the prototype to building a full-size wind turbine that helps his village thrive. Also based on a true story, this inspiring movie touches on world-known hardships and environmental sustainability.

Kelly R. said:  The inspiring true story of how three brilliant black women played pivotal roles at NASA during the Space Race, while enduring racial and gender prejudice. The depiction of institutionalized segregation and discrimination provides a good opportunity for kids to learn about black history and race relations in the US.

Kelly R. said:  Aliens take over the Earth and relocate the entire human population, except for 12-year-old Tip (voiced by Rihanna), who manages to avoid capture. Clever and relatable Tip tries to reunite with her mother alongside a misfit alien, and the two form an unlikely friendship. It's a sweet and colorful movie, and the first 3D animated film to feature a black lead.

Alexandra F. said:  Our entire family adores this movie, which follows a strong female lead on a daring and exciting voyage across the sea as she seeks to save her people. Set in the Pacific Islands and based on Polynesian culture, Moana incorporates traditional music and mythology into a fictional story that is both fun and inspiring. Visually stunning animation and awesome songs your kids (and you!) will almost certainly sing over and over again, this movie is truly a treat for the eyes and ears.

Kelly R. said:  Showcasing a mostly-black cast with inspiring female role models, Black Panther is a groundbreaking diverse movie from the Marvel superhero franchise that is a whole lot of fun to watch. The story is set in an isolated and technologically-advanced African nation of Wakanda. When Wakanda's new king finds his power threatened, he must rally his allies to protect his nation and the world. Given that it's quite violent, you might want to consider this movie for tweens and older.

Kelly R. said:  Mexican culture and traditions are at the forefront of this emotional and visually stunning gem, featuring an all-Latino voice cast that brings Pixar's previous lack of diverse movies for kids a step in the right direction. Taking place during Dia de Los Muertos, a musical young boy makes an accidental journey to the Land of the Dead, where he discovers his ancestors and his family's true history.

Kelly R. said:  This animated installment of the Spider-Man story shows that all types of individuals can wear the mask. Brooklyn teen Miles Morales is at the forefront of a diverse cast of characters, as a Spider-Man who teams up with Spider counterparts from other dimensions.

It's funny, smart, and features cool animation that makes you feel like you're inside a comic book. A great family movie night film that everyone will enjoy, whether or not you're typically into superhero stories.

Kelly R. said:  Born with facial differences that give him a unique appearance, Auggie enters school for the first time as a fifth grader. Wonder portrays his experiences as he struggles to make friends, endure difficult people, and just be a regular kid. The movie (and the book) are an excellent tool for demonstrating the importance of empathy and inclusion.

Kelly R. said:  Akeelah is an 11-year-old black girl from south central Los Angeles with a gift for spelling...and for getting in trouble at school. She has a goal to make it to the National Spelling Bee despite the obstacles presented by her circumstances. Help comes in the form of a coach (Laurence Fishburne) who not only guides her to develop her spelling skills, but also teaches her that she doesn't have to hide her talent to fit in.

Shila said:  An enthusiastic young teenager successfully auditions for a mega-hit television dance show. Her rising status as a teen sensation empowers her fight for racial integration, and ultimately inspires the producers of the program to enact drastic changes to the show's casting. Hairspray shines a stark light onto some of many racial and in-your-face inequities of the 60's. This award-winning film features some of Broadway's best songs, dance routines, and star-studded acting; including a progressive performance by male actor, John Travolta, cast to play in a female character role.

Kelly R. said:  While she may spend much of the movie in a frog's body, The Princess and the Frog presents the first black Disney princess. Tiana dreams of opening her own restaurant in Jazz Age New Orleans, but her plans are sidetracked when she kisses a magical frog and becomes one herself. Tiana's entrepreneurial spirit is inspiring, and communicates the importance of hard work and following your dreams.

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