In November of 2019, Darth Vader, all without ever changing the channel.
While it might be the best streaming service available for children, there are also several movies on the platform that might cause fear or anxiety among small children. Worse, these movies could cause these young viewers to learn something about the world a little too soon. Here are ten movies that parents should avoid when choosing a Disney+ movie for their children.
The Simpsons Movie
Even though one may not have grown up watching the beloved cult-favorite series, most parents know off the top of their heads that spending an evening with Homer, Marge and the family is probably not a good idea. This intuition would be correct. The Simpsons Movie features lots of slang inappropriate for human anatomy (wiener, doodle, boobs) that could stick in kids' minds quite easily. Bart and Lisa also have bad attitudes, and although it's done for humor, Homer even strangles Bart at one point. It's nonsensical and all the violence is delivered in slapstick-style, but all the same, best to avoid this one unless the viewers are fourteen or older.
The Black Cauldron
This 1985 animated fantasy may be unfamiliar to some, but its relative obscurity might result in an unknowing parent pressing play. In the beginning, Frozen II.
Invincible
Everyone loves Mark Wahlberg. He's reliably entertaining and has fantastic angry-man energy. In Disney's 2006 film Invincible, Wahlberg plays Vince Papale in the true story of how the down-on-his-luck kicker became the wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. It's an engaging and uplifting underdog story absent of any foul language, violence or sexual content, with the exception of one scene.
At the pinnacle of the romantic side-story between Vince and his love interest Janet (Elizabeth Banks), the two kiss with ferocious ion and stumble over each other into Vince's apartment. Although the scene suggests the two have sex, the making out is aggressive enough to warrant conscientious parents over Invincible.
Doctor Dolittle
Although a better movie than Disney's 2020 reboot featuring Robert Downey Jr., Doctor Dolittle isn't quite as appropriate for younger audiences. Featuring Eddie Murphy as Dr. John Dolittle with the gift of communicating with animals, the story has hilarious hijinks and laugh-out-loud moments aimed at teenagers. Throughout the movie, a dog gives sex advice to the good doctor, and a bird complains that her mate is staring at other birds' breasts. Beyond the euphemistic jokes made by the animals, there is a colorful range of swear words. Doctor Dolittle might have Eddie Murphy, but it doesn't have the integrity to be shown to a ten year-old.
Pinocchio
Just because it holds the title of "Disney Classic" doesn't mean a movie is harmless. An unassuming story of a puppet brought to life by magic, Pinocchio has scarred many unsuspecting children over the years. The titular wooden boy is forced to deal with villainous foxes, a greedy entertainer, and a curse that turns boys into donkeys. While the classic film has beautiful animation, it has many harrowing situations that will frighten young viewers.
10 Things I Hate About You
Starring Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 10 Things I Hate About You has one of the best young casts in recent memory. While the movie is certainly memorable, humorous and surprisingly heartfelt, it's meant to be enjoyed by teenagers, or those who are able to look back on their high school experience with 20/20 vision. Throughout the story, a penis is drawn on another’s face, and boys talk about what color underwear a girl is wearing. But most concerning for parents of young children is a scene in which a teenage girl flashes her breasts at a teacher. Be careful this Shakespeare adaptation isn't accidentally added to the queue.
James and the Giant Peach
James and the Giant Peach is a unique movie that begins with live-action sequences and then transitions to animation for the majority of the story. Produced by the king of creepy animation himself Tim Burton, the story follows James (Paul Terry), forced to live with his two cruel aunts after a tragic accident. Chock full of bizarre imagery and effectively-eerie set design, the movie is moody and dark.
James finds friends, but they are realistically-animated bugs such as a centipede, grasshopper, and spider. The voice acting is impressive, but James and the Giant Peach is not intended for children who are used to Winnie the Pooh.
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Often forgotten, the third chapter in the Star Wars saga is brutally violent and thematically grim. In 2005 it was the first Star Wars movie to be rated PG-13 for "thematic elements, sci-fi violence, and some intense images". Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor) and burning in lava. The intensity of Anakin's betrayal and the death of his beloved wife make for a grim viewing experience for anyone under thirteen.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Some forget that the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise were Disney productions. It's one of their rare series to successfully marry its signature fantastical wonder to modern style. Captain Jack Sparrow has entertained teens and young adults since his appearance in the franchise's first installment in 2003.
But Curse of the Black Pearl has none of the whimsy of Onward. The premise of the movie hinges on immortal pirates who turn to skeletons in the moonlight because of their theft of cursed gold. With this and the additional terrifying imagery of several decaying corpses, it is by far the most frightening entry on this list for young viewers.
Iron Man
While the rest of the MCU have their fair share of questionable content for children, none come quite as close as the first Spider-Man: Homecoming.
