Movies with Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Characters

Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander characters and actors are still underrepresented in Hollywood, but the films on this list are helping to lead the way toward better representation. These movies focus on authentic lived experiences, stories, and characters without relying on stereotypes. They portray and celebrate a wide range of people and cultures, from the Pacific Rim to the United States. From martial arts classics and fun romantic comedies to family-friendly anime, powerful documentaries, and intense action movies, these films cover a wide range of genres. You can also try our list of Books with Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Characters.

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Lilo and Stitch Poster Image
MOVIE

Lilo and Stitch

age 5+

Cute story, great characters, fabulous soundtrack.

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

Mulan

age 5+

Disneyfied but dignified tale of Chinese warrior.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)
My Neighbor Totoro Poster Image
MOVIE

My Neighbor Totoro

age 5+

Beautifully animated fantasy about friendship fit for all.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1988)
Ponyo Poster Image
MOVIE

Ponyo

age 5+

Miyazaki's stunning adventure is geared to younger kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
Moana Poster Image
MOVIE

Moana

age 6+

Great characters, memorable music, some monsters/scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Up Poster Image
MOVIE

Up

age 6+

Pixar's stunning adventure is an upper for everyone.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
Big Hero 6 Poster Image
MOVIE

Big Hero 6

age 7+

Awesome origin story is action-packed, deals with grief.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams Poster Image
MOVIE

Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams

age 8+

Compelling docu about Japan's biggest baseball tournament.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Raya and the Last Dragon Poster Image
MOVIE

Raya and the Last Dragon

age 8+

Charming, epic adventure mixes monsters, humor, heart.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
The Speed Cubers Poster Image
MOVIE

The Speed Cubers

age 8+

Inspiring short docu about competition and friendship.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Spelling the Dream Poster Image
MOVIE

Spelling the Dream

age 8+

Upbeat celebration of outstanding kids who spell to win.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior Poster Image
MOVIE

Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior

age 8+

Inventive movie that families can watch together.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2006)
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)
From up on Poppy Hill Poster Image
MOVIE

From Up on Poppy Hill

age 9+

Inspiring, romantic coming-of-age tale about '60s teens.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Kubo and the Two Strings Poster Image
MOVIE

Kubo and the Two Strings

age 9+

Beautiful epic about storytelling hero can be dark, scary.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
A Letter to Momo Poster Image
MOVIE

A Letter to Momo

age 9+

Offbeat but lovely subtitled story deals with child's grief.

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

Linsanity

age 9+

Thoughtful sports docu will inspire young basketball fans.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
Okko's Inn Poster Image
MOVIE

Okko's Inn

age 9+

Anime ghost story set in Japan embraces grief.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Spirited Away Poster Image
MOVIE

Spirited Away

age 9+

Magnificent movie with scary creatures and a strong heroine.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)