Family movies are more than just entertainment. They open the door to the real world that we live in. Disney movies reflect struggles and changes all within our society. Sometimes the audience doesn’t even realize the connection. As we grow up, so do the movies that are portrayed for our generation. For many children, these movies are like mirrors. The characters, setting, conflict, challenges, identity, and experiences are all what we face today.

As our society today continues to grow and change, so do Disney movies. Movies now explore social issues such as changing family, traditions, and structures, diversity, mental health, responsibility, representation, and more. Each Disney reflects what society has become.

The change in family traditions and structure is a main challenge today. Movies like Mulan, Brave, and Encanto reflect this. Mulan is expected to follow the expectations of women. However, she decides to take her father‘s place in the army, which challenges the expectations of women. Brave challenges the arranged marriage of Merinda’s

 culture. Brave goes against this and creates a life for herself. Encanto revealed the family pressure and how it can shape you along with generational, trauma, and roles within the family.

Diversity is also explored. As our society today becomes more diverse Disney has started to make more movies beyond simple cultures. Movies like Moana, Princess and the Frog, and Raya and the Last Dragon demonstrate this. Moana is a Polynesian teenager that emphasizes the respect for her heritage instead of romance. Princess and the frog introduces the first black princess that is made through struggles. Raya the last Dragon is a southeast Asian movie that explores culture and diversity .

Disney also explores representation and identity. Movies like Frozen, and Turning Red focus on growth, emotional change, expectations, and self acceptance. Frozen explores the growth of two sisters who grew apart, trying to find themselves and trying to hide who they really are.

Disney movies are normally watched for entertainment and it may seem simple as just a movie, but as you look deeper into the movies, you realize that is more than just entertainment. They are a mirror to our society today. Beneath the songs and jokes there’s a meaning to the belief, struggles, change and growth that makes the movies so powerful and a reflection to the kids growing up today.