20+ Films With Heroic Female Characters to Watch With Kids
Photo:
“Lilo & Stitch.” Photo: courtesy Disney+
Movies for younger kids
“Lilo & Stitch” (2025), character: Lilo
This live-action take on a favorite Disney animated feature dropped last year. In it, Lilo brings serious main character energy as one of the most lovable, spirited kids around. She is quirky, big-hearted and always seems to be in trouble, no matter how hard she tries to avoid it. When alien Stitch crashes into her world, the two form a sweet bond that demonstrates everyone's need to belong, Lilo and Stitch especially.
Rated PG, stream on Disney+
“Zootopia 2” (2025), character: Judy Hopps
Go-getter Judy Hopps is back in this blockbuster sequel that's just as fun to watch as the first. With Nick Wilde by her side, Officer Hopps is ready to dive into another mystery, always leading with curiosity, heart and plenty of grit. She's the kind of character kids of all ages love cheering for and her eternal optimism is just plain fun to watch. But what makes Judy a true hero is her commitment to doing to the right and her willingness to believe in others — even snakes.
Rated PG, stream on Disney+
“Spellbound” (2024), character: Princess Ellian
This animated musical, set in the magical world of Lumbria, tells the story of Princess Ellian, who is helping to hide a big secret: Her parents (the king and queen) were turned into monsters a year ago after a journey to the Dark Forest of Eternal Darkness. In a last attempt to save them, Ellian meets with two oracles, but things don’t go as planned. Ellian and her parents end up on a dangerous journey to break the spell and return her parents to their human form, learning about themselves and their relationships along the way.
Rated PG, stream on Netflix
“Descendants: The Rise of Red” (2024), characters: Red and Chloe
Get ready for teen singing and dancing! As the name suggests, the Descendants movies (the first of which hit screens in 2015) follow the lives of the kids of famous Disney heroes and villains. This latest installment features the Queen of Heart’s daughter, Red, and Cinderella’s daughter, Chloe. After the evil Queen of Hearts incites a coup in Auradon, the teens must work together to make things right. They time travel back to when their mothers were teens in an attempt to keep the Queen of Hearts from turning toward evil. But, as even the most casual fantasy fan knows, there are consequences when one meddles with time!
Rated TV-G, stream on Disney+
“The Wizard of Oz” (1939), character: Dorothy (and Toto, too)
Dorothy Gale might not spring to mind when you think of a “heroic female character,” but she should! Even before she heads to Oz, Dorothy stands up to mean old Miss Gulch and tries to stop her from taking Toto, and then she survives a journey to another world in the eye of a tornado. Once in Oz, she makes new friends, bravely takes a dangerous journey and even kills the worst witch in the land. Talk about heroic! She also manages to keep an eye on her little dog, and sing one of the most iconic musical numbers of all time. What more could you ask for?
While this movie is rated G, the Wicked Witch of the West is pretty scary (played brilliantly by the late Margaret Hamilton) and has been known to scare young viewers, so proceed with caution if it is your child’s first viewing. (Her sweet appearance on Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood in the 1970s might help take her scariness down a few notches.)
Rated G, stream on HBO Max
“The Little Mermaid” (2023), character: Ariel
This live-action version of the 1989 animated Disney classic stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, the mermaid fascinated with humans. While the movie offers plenty of action and adventure, it’s Ariel’s determination and bravery that help her craft the life she wants to live, even when it goes against tradition or the desires of her family.
Rated PG, stream on Disney+
“My Neighbor Totoro” (1988), characters: Satsuki and Mei
When two sisters move to a new home in the country, they quickly encounter a variety of sprites and spirits. But are they afraid? Never! With their new friend Totoro, the sisters have incredible adventures, brought to life by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, one of Japan’s greatest animation directors.
Rated G, stream on HBO Max
“Mulan” (1998), character: Mulan
Mulan is a go-getting underdog and an all-around awesome human. She defies systems to save her father and protect China, successfully doing so with her wit, all while challenging gender norms and sporting a rocking bun.
Rated G, stream on Disney+
“Kiki’s Delivery Service” (1989), character: Kiki
Decades later, the whimsical 13-year-old witch Kiki still resonates with young viewers today. Her journey teaches us that it’s not always easy to find our place in the world and express ourselves, but there’s value in sisterhood, allowing yourself to fail and believing in your inner hero.
Rated G (recommended for ages 5 and older), stream on HBO Max
“Inside Out” (2015) and “Inside Out 2” (2024), character: Riley
While there’s no clear villain in the film, Riley’s story shows us that accepting our feelings takes a whole lot of bravery. When her family moves to San Francisco, the 11-year-old hockey-loving kid feels the full pressure of being the “happy little girl” in front of everyone and tries to keep her emotion Joy at the helm. Alongside Riley, we discover that it’s okay not to be happy all of the time and that there’s real value in experiencing all of the big feelings that make us human. Sometimes the most heroic journeys are the internal ones.
Rated PG, stream both on Disney+
“Moana” (2016) and “Moana 2” (2024), character: Moana
It’s hard not to watch Moana’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment and not get teary-eyed. The Polynesian island chief’s daughter takes her destiny into her own hands to save her people, learns to navigate her way across the ocean, and somehow gets a shape-shifting demigod to be her sidekick. If that’s not heroic, we don’t know what is. A live-action version is expected to come out on July 10, 2026!
Rated PG, stream both on Disney+
“Encanto” (2021), character: Mirabel
Mirabel Madrigal is the only member of the family who doesn’t have magical powers. Despite not having any magic, she is a positive force and uses her intuition and heart to protect her family and her town. For more fun, check out “Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl” for live performances of your favorite songs.
Rated PG, stream on Disney+
Harry Potter movies (2001–2011), character: Hermione Granger
Let’s be real, Harry and Ron wouldn’t last a day without Hermione. Thanks to her intelligence, bravery and compassion, she solves mysteries that confound much older wizards and witches, and she is instrumental in defeating Voldemort. And despite being mocked for her muggle blood, she continually stands up for herself, never letting the bullies win.
Rated PG, stream on HBO Max
Up next: Movies for older elementary-age kids
