Movies & TV Shows That Celebrate Indigenous Peoples

Last updated: May 20, 2025

The contributions of Indigenous communities can be found all around us: in agriculture, in medicine, and, of course, in art. The act of reflecting upon and celebrating the heritage of Native American, Native Hawaiian, Native Alaskan, First Nations, and Indigenous communities across Central and South America plays a core role in understanding the complex history of the world around us. Whether you're looking to deepen your existing knowledge, learn something totally new, or curl up with a great story (or all of the above!), this list has something for you. On the lookout for other picks that celebrate Native heritage? Check out Books with Native American Characters and Movies & TV That Highlight the Bravery and Resilience of Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities.

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Spirit Rangers TV show poster
TV

Spirit Rangers

age 3+

Vibrant preschool show celebrates Native American culture.

Molly of Denali Poster Image
TV

Molly of Denali

age 5+

Alaska Native character's adventures celebrate heritage.

Wapos Bay Poster Image
TV

Wapos Bay

age 5+

Gentle show teaches life lessons on a Cree reservation.

Johnny Tsunami Poster Image
TV

Johnny Tsunami

age 6+

Surfing, boarding, and positive lessons for kids.

Lilo and Stitch movie poster: Lilo and Nani surf a wave under the title in red font
MOVIE

Lilo & Stitch

age 6+

Great characters, life lessons in Hawaii-set Disney film.

June 21, 2002 2002 PG (85 minutes)
Moana Poster Image
MOVIE

Moana

age 6+

Memorable musical with a Pacific Islander lead, some scares.

November 23, 2016 2016 PG (113 minutes)
Moana 2 Movie Poster: Moana and Maui stand on a boat, looking ready for adventure
MOVIE

Moana 2

age 6+

Teamwork, courage overcome danger in engaging sequel.

November 27, 2024 2024 PG (100 minutes)
Pachamama Poster Image
MOVIE

Pachamama

age 7+

Young Inca boy shows courage; peril and violence.

June 7, 2019 2019 PG (72 minutes)
Dora and the Lost City of Gold Poster Image
MOVIE

Dora and the Lost City of Gold

age 8+

Quirky, aged-up adventure has positive messages.

August 9, 2019 2019 PG (102 minutes)
Finding 'Ohana Movie Poster: Illustrated collage of pictures of characters and a rocky landscape
MOVIE

Finding 'Ohana

age 9+

Fun Hawaii adventure celebrates culture; peril, language.

January 29, 2021 2021 PG (123 minutes)
Luz The Light of the Heart TV: Luz smiles broadly, holds a firefly in each hand. Friends Joca and Sabina stand on each side.
TV

Luz: The Light of the Heart

age 9+

Engaging melodrama has heart, inclusion, heavy backstory.

Netflix Drama (2024)
Maya and the Three Poster Image
TV

Maya and the Three

age 9+

Teen warrior princess fantasy tale is funny, has violence.

Against the Current Movie Poster: Native American girl
MOVIE

Against the Current

age 10+

Short docu features strong Native American women; violence.

April 6, 2021 2021 NR (27 minutes)
Basketball or Nothing Poster Image
TV

Basketball or Nothing

age 10+

Captivating docuseries inspires, challenges stereotypes.

Frybread Face and Me Film Poster: 2 Indigenous children look in opposite directions
MOVIE

Frybread Face and Me

age 10+

Gentle coming-of-age drama highlights Navajo culture.

November 24, 2023 2023 NR (83 minutes)
Pacific Warriors Poster Image
MOVIE

Pacific Warriors

age 10+

Docu about Pacific Islander rugby teams has mild profanity.

September 14, 2015 2015 NR (93 minutes)
Rabbit-Proof Fence Poster Image
MOVIE

Rabbit-Proof Fence

age 10+

Powerful historical drama has smoking and kids in peril.

November 29, 2002 2002 PG (93 minutes)
Te Ata Poster Image
MOVIE

Te Ata

age 10+

Underrated Chickasaw hero gets her due in earnest biopic.

October 13, 2017 2017 PG (105 minutes)
Whale Rider Poster Image
MOVIE

Whale Rider

age 10+

Excellent, gorgeous Māori drama has uplifting messages.

June 6, 2003 2003 PG-13 (105 minutes)
Hunt for the Wilderpeople Poster Image
MOVIE

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

age 12+

Quirky Kiwi dramedy promotes teamwork, friendship.

June 24, 2016 2016 PG-13 (101 minutes)
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