Strange World
Here's what we found in Strange World. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Strange World
Disney's "Strange World" is a 2022 animated science fiction adventure film that introduces the legendary Clade family. Tasked with saving their society's crucial energy source, the Pando plant, the family embarks on a perilous journey into a mysterious, vibrant subterranean world teeming with surreal lifeforms. The narrative weaves together themes of intergenerational conflict, environmental responsibility, and the importance of forging one's own path, all set against a backdrop of imaginative landscapes and fantastical creatures. The film is designed as a thrilling expedition, drawing inspiration from classic pulp adventure stories. Rated PG for action, peril, and some thematic elements, "Strange World" is generally recommended for children aged 8 and up, with parental guidance suggested for those between 5 and 8. A significant aspect of the film is its portrayal of Disney's first openly gay main character, Ethan Clade, whose romantic interest in another boy is depicted as a normal and accepted part of his life within the story. The movie's blend of action, family drama, and its progressive themes makes it a notable entry in Disney's animated catalog.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The film features Ethan Clade, Searcher's 16-17-year-old son, as Disney's first openly gay main character. His crush on another boy, Diazo, is clearly established and normalized within the story, with his family members, including his father and grandfather, showing support. The film does not frame Ethan's sexual orientation as a conflict or 'coming out' narrative. This explicit representation is a central thematic element.
Ethan Clade openly expresses his romantic interest in Diazo, a male classmate, noting he has a 'crush' on him. His father, Searcher, observes Ethan talking to Diazo and enthusiastically, if somewhat awkwardly, tries to show support for his son's feelings. Later, Ethan tells his grandfather, Jaeger, about his crush, and Jaeger responds with advice on how to impress Diazo, without any judgment or negativity regarding Ethan's same-sex attraction.
Would these 1 concern matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
Recommended for ages 8 and up, with parental guidance suggested for children aged 5-8. Not suitable for children under 5. This recommendation considers intense action sequences, potentially frightening creature designs, and the inclusion of an openly gay main character and themes of generational conflict that may require discussion.
Good to Know
The film received mixed critical reception but was noted for its visual appeal and its groundbreaking LGBTQ+ representation. Its box office performance was poor, partly attributed to a conservative backlash over its inclusive themes. The movie explores complex family dynamics and environmentalism, offering discussion points for parents regarding respecting different life paths and caring for the planet.
What are you watching next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families