9 Disney+ Kids' Shows That The Grown-ups Will Actually Enjoy Too
These family-friendly shows on Disney+ will have the adults hooked, too
By Michelle Lee SM -
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Now that the June holidays are here, you may find the young ones getting a little more bored, especially during this stay-home period. You could check out these exciting June holiday activities or kid-friendly activities to do at home, but we've also rounded up some of the best shows that you can watch with (or without) the children.
Luca
What it's about: Has there been any Disney Pixar films that isn't for adults too? This upcoming original feature film shines the spotlight on the theme of friendship, and specifically, one between Luca and his newfound best friend, Alberto. Together, they spend an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta, and endless scooter rides in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera.
There's just one thing — they're sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface. The film follows the two — one a little timid and and afraid to get out of his comfort zone while the other dives into life head-first— as they explore a quaint Italian village while trying to conceal their identities.
Premieres June 18, 2021, on Disney+.
Raya and the Last Dragon
What it's about: If you haven't yet caught Disney's animated film, 'Raya And The Last Dragon', now's the time because it's now available to stream for free for Disney. It was originally available for a Premier Access fee of $38.98.
The animation is Disney's first film that features a character of South East Asian descent, and tells the story of young female warrior Raya (voiced by Kelly Marie Tran) in a fantasy world based on Southeast Asian cultures. She goes on a quest to find the mythical (and self-deprecating) dragon named Sisu, voiced by the Crazy Rich Asians star Awkwafina, repair Sisu's Dragon Gem and defeat an evil plague called Druun.
Now streaming on Disney+.
The Mysterious Benedict Society
What it's about: Quirky, clever and fun for the whole family, this series is based on the best-selling book series by Trenton Lee Stewart and follows four precocious and gifted orphans who are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict (Tony Hale) to save the world.
When the headmaster, the sophisticated Dr. Curtain and Mr. Benedict's evil twin brother appears to be behind this global crisis, the kids of “The Mysterious Benedict Society” must devise a plan to defeat him.
Premieres June 25, 2021, on Disney+.
Cruella
What it's about: If the kids have already watched Disney's 101 Dalmations cartoon, then they'll likely be interested in the story of classic Disney villainess Cruella de Vil. The live-action origin story delves into the backstory of de Vil, and how the rebellious Estrella went from aspiring fashion designer to the infamous villainess. While the movie is rated PG-13, it can also be suitable for younger children with parental guidance.
And for you — you'll get to marvel at Emma Stone's portrayal of the villainess, the captivating visuals, darker storyline set amidst the vibrant punk era of 1970s London, and gorgeous costumes.
Now streaming on Disney+. Premier Access fee applicable.
Big Shot
What it's about: After throwing a fit during a game that injures a referee, notoriously hot-tempered college basketball coach (John Stamos) gets fired and finds himself now having to coach a team of gum-chewing teen basketballers in a private girls-only high school. He has to rein in his temper and learn how to connect with his players, while the girls learn to take themselves and the game more seriously.
This coming-of-age drama might be best suited for tweens rather than young tots, and touches on feel-good themes that are familiar but satisfying to watch - from a parent-child relationship that needs mending to young girls with their own conflicts and love interests. And who knows, you could soon have an aspiring athlete on your hands.
Now streaming on Disney+.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch
There's not just The Mandalorian to get your fill of Star Wars content. There's a whole galaxy of animated series, which started with Star Wars: Clone Wars in 2003.
The latest is Star Wars: The Bad Batch, which is a spin-off from the "Clone Wars” series, and zooms in on a genetically modified squad of elite clones with unique abilities. Set in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War, they try to figure out who they are and what they’re going to be in a rapidly changing galaxy and now that they're no longer technically soldiers.
Now streaming on Disney+.
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
What it's about: Has it already been over a decade since Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs was released? This June, it's coming to Disney+ and you can take a walk down memory lane while the kids can get acquainted with the Ice Age films and its lovable characters - from Manny the grumpy but kind-hearted woolly mammoth to Sid the goofy sloth, and Egbert, Shelly and Yoko, the baby T-rexes.
DuckTales
What it's about: Rebooted in 2017, the classic animated series follows the adventures of the ultra-rich but miserly Scrooge McDuck (Donald Duck's uncle) and his mischievous triplet grandnephews. After 75 episodes and over 15 shorts, the producers have wrapped up the DuckTales story with a 90-minute star-studded special at the end of its third and final season.
Now streaming on Disney+.
Wizards of Waverly Place
Long before Selena Gomez was a global pop star, she played Alexandra Margarita "Alex" Russo on the fantasy-comedy series, Wizards of Waverly Place. Together with her brothers Justin and Max, they train and compete to win sole custody of the family powers under the tutelage of their parents and the guise of their family's sandwich shop. But they discover their magic can be used outside of class, with mostly Alex getting into magical mishaps.
The magical escapades of the wizard family will entertain the kids, while the grown-ups will appreciate Alex's sarcastic, smart-mouthed humour.