Movies & TV That Celebrate Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage & Culture

Across Asia and the islands of the Pacific, you'll find a vast diversity of cultures and customs. Some are shared across broad regions, a few are brought to other countries, and others are unique to small communities and provinces. Below we've gathered some of the best movies and TV shows that spotlight the many traditions and values of Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) peoples. We know that media plays an important role in the development of kids' ethnic-racial identities, which is why it's crucial for them to see their experiences and realities in what they watch. Watch these excellent picks together as a family to honor and celebrate the heritage of AANHPI communities, both in their native countries and beyond. Then consider our curations that explore the stories of victory and resilience of AANHPI peoples.

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Ni Hao, Kai-lan Poster Image
TV

Ni Hao, Kai-lan

age 3+

Cultural content, good messages make show a hit.

Network: Nickelodeon (2007)
Mighty Little Bheem Poster Image
TV

Mighty Little Bheem

age 4+

Toddler's cute adventures show off Indian culture.

Network: Netflix (2019)
Mira, Royal Detective Poster Image
TV

Mira, Royal Detective

age 4+

Clever girl's adventures celebrate Indian culture.

Network: Disney Junior (2020)
Sagwa the Chinese Siamese Cat Poster Image
TV

Sagwa the Chinese Siamese Cat

age 4+

Wonderful series based on Amy Tan's kids' book.

Network: PBS (2001)
Lilo and Stitch Poster Image
MOVIE

Lilo and Stitch

age 5+

Cute story, great characters, fabulous soundtrack.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
Moana Poster Image
MOVIE

Moana

age 6+

Great characters, memorable music, some monsters/scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Over the Moon Poster Image
MOVIE

Over the Moon

age 6+

Dreamy, China-set musical fairy tale has positive lessons.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Abominable Poster Image
MOVIE

Abominable

age 8+

Funny, heartwarming adventure has some peril, scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
An American Girl Story -- Ivy & Julie 1976: A Happy Balance Poster Image
TV

An American Girl Story -- Ivy & Julie 1976: A Happy Balance

age 8+

Chinese-American tween embraces heritage in sweet story.

Network: Amazon Prime Video (2017)
Wish Dragon Poster Image
MOVIE

Wish Dragon

age 8+

China-set animated comedy has great messages, some scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Finding 'Ohana Poster Image
MOVIE

Finding 'Ohana

age 9+

Fun Hawaii adventure celebrates culture; peril, language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China Poster Image
MOVIE

From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China

age 9+

Violin virtuoso's trip to China will open eyes and ears.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2001)
Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet Poster Image
MOVIE

Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet

age 9+

World-renowned animators interpret classic Lebanese poetry.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya Poster Image
MOVIE

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

age 9+

Beautifully animated Japanese folktale for older kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
Wadjda Poster Image
MOVIE

Wadjda

age 9+

Beautiful, nuanced tale of an independent Saudi girl.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Family Style TV Poster Image
TV

Family Style

age 10+

Reality series brings together Asian cooking and community.

Network: Max (2019)
A Perfect Fit Poster Image
MOVIE

A Perfect Fit

age 10+

Soapy Indonesian love story has some violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Turning Red Poster Image
MOVIE

Turning Red

age 10+

Pixar coming-of-age tale explores puberty and parent issues.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
Young Rock Poster Image
TV

Young Rock

age 10+

Positive, absorbing story of wrestling family, star.

Network: NBC (2021)
The Farewell Poster Image
MOVIE

The Farewell

age 11+

Awkwafina shines in excellent dramedy about family, culture.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)