It never fails: A new comic book movie comes out, my 6-year-old begs to see it. And just when I think the time has finally arrived to share the fun and wonder of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with him, I remember that this is the same kid who found a cuddly guinea pig that appeared at the end of a recent animated movie “too intense.”
I hate to keep shutting him down, especially nowadays, when Megan Margulies of The New York Times is suggesting stuff like comic book movies, “[allow] kids to use superheroes to find the confidence, strength, and perseverance they need.” But even CNBC acknowledges that many of these films “aren’t for kids anymore” and are becoming increasingly violent and vulgar. The new Guardians, in particular, has been slammed by some early reviews for scenes of animal abuse intense enough to warrant an R-rating.
So how does a parent find something that gives kids the magical thinking they need to persist but that won’t warp their worldview? When the Walt Disney Company purchased Marvel, they started creating content for younger audiences, and while the cynic in me acknowledges that the corporation is simply cultivating a new and even younger audience for superhero movies, many of these kid-friendly shows are a blast to watch together. They even make me feel nostalgic for my comic-collecting days.
As the release date for the third Guardians of the Galaxy approaches, I offer up a list of the best Marvel-themed programs suitable for families. Most of them are approved by my 6-year-old, and you can find them all on Disney+. Many are rated Y7 for cartoon violence, so use that information as you see fit.
Rocket and Groot/I Am Groot
These two series—each made up of related shorts—bring together the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise’s two kid-friendliest anti-heroes. The first, released in 2017, takes place before the duo meets Peter Quill (I mean, Star-Lord). It follows the pair as they try to get the money they need to buy a new ship. I Am Groot is set after the first film, as Baby Groot is growing up and growing curious about the world. Hijinks ensue, obviously.
Where to stream: Disney+
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
Based on the comics of the same name, this show follows the adventures of Lunella Lafayette, a teenage genius who accidentally opens up dimensional a portal and brings through it a red Tyrannosaurus to the Lower East Side neighborhood where she resides. Helping her along on her journey to superhero status is Casey, a social media-obsessed classmate trying to help the duo go viral. And while Casey’s obsession with her phone is a little off-putting, it’s important to note that the fan site CBR recently dubbed Moon Girl Marvel’s “smartest female character.”
Where to stream: Disney+
Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends
This animated series, aimed at the five-and-under set, brings together Peter Parker, Gwen Stacey, Miles Morales, and their web-slinging alter-egos. In each episode, they battle villains (who rarely, if ever, carry a violent weapon) and learn valuable life lessons. It’s PJ Masks for the comic-book obsessed.
Where to stream: Disney+
The Super Hero Squad Show
The Avengers and X-Men work together to fight evil in the same family-friendly vein as Spidey and His Amazing Friends. Readers of a certain age may remember this show when it aired on Cartoon Network in 2009.
Where to stream: Disney+
Marvel’s Spider-Man (2017)
There have been many animated iterations of the Peter Parker story. But this version, which aired on Disney XD beginning in 2017, makes Peter Parker’s know-how and intelligence as powerful a weapon as the webs he slings from his wrists.
Where to stream: Disney+
X-Men: The Animated Series
Originally airing on Fox in the mid-90s, fans praised this animated show for telling many of the comics’ most revered storylines better than the live-action films. It’s so beloved that Disney is hard at work on a revival, which will pick up where this show left off.
Where to stream: Disney+
Marvel Superhero Adventures
The episodes for this show run around three minutes, the perfect length for the preschool audience it’s written for. Think Spider-Man sharing a story of how he and another Avenger worked together to save the day with all the subtlety of a public service announcement, and you get the idea.
Where to stream: Disney+
Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel
Now that Disney owns everything, crossovers between their intellectual properties were bound to happen. Tween cartoon stars Phineas and Ferb probably weren’t anyone’s first choice to rub elbows with Iron Man and Hulk, but it’s an ingenious blend, filled with gags that kids and adults will enjoy.
Where to stream: Disney+
Marvel Battleworld: Mystery of the Thanostones
Until I researched this series of shorts a little further, I had no idea its purpose was to sell a game. As disappointed as I am learning this news, I found it gave my kids a taste of the first Avengers film, with quick quips between the heroes but light on the violence and destruction. Plus, it boasts an amphibian version of Thor and an appearance by Spider-Ham.
Where to stream: Disney+
Marvel Hero Project
Not all heroes wear capes…or are old enough to drive a car, for that matter. Recognizing the efforts of these real-life supers is the focus of this unscripted series, and try holding back your tears when it’s revealed each of them gets their own comic. Nothing gives children more confidence than seeing other kids perform selfless acts.
Where to stream: Disney+
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