Disney+ has a dizzying array of movie musicals, so take some time to appreciate the genre with your kids this September.
The Little Mermaid (2023)
Rob Marshall’s live-action adaptation of the Disney classic of the same name hit theaters in May of this year, and while not all critics were sold on his updated version, audiences loved it. The Little Mermaid stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, gives fans a new song to love, and provides a little more context as to why Ariel is both so enamored with human life and in love with Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King).
With a star-studded supporting cast of Javier Bardem, Melissa McCarthy, Daveed Diggs, Jacob Tremblay, and Awkwafina, it’s easy to see why it’s got so many fans.
The Cheetah Girls
If there’s one thing Disney knows how to make, it’s a musical for children. The aughts gave fans of the genre plenty to sink their teeth into, with The Cheetah Girls surviving as one of the most successful and beloved. This story revolves around a group of high school girls who form their own pop group – The Cheetah Girls – and overcome any troubles in their personal lives or friendships that threaten their chance at stardom.
Starring Raven-Symoné, Adrienne Houghton (née Bailon), Kiely Williams, and Sabrina Bryan, you and your kids will have these songs stuck in your head for days after you watch it.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
There are a lot of reasons not to watch The Hunchback of Notre Dame, especially if you have a young child. The villain is legitimately terrifying, as are the problems the main characters face. But if your child is old enough to have a meaningful, age-appropriate conversation about racism and genocide, watching this movie with them can be a good way to facilitate those talks. An adaptation of the Victor Hugo novel of the same name, this movie should be watched with an adult present.
Into the Woods
Spooky season is almost upon us, and while we’re not advocating for watching true Halloween movies just yet, we are absolutely advocating for watching preparation films. You know the kind – dark, mysterious, and a bit creepy. Into the Woods is a great movie musical to watch in September because it covers all those bases without being overtly autumnal. Plus, is there ever a wrong time to introduce your kids to the work of the late great Stephen Sondheim?
Each of these movie musicals is streaming now on Disney+.