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

Last updated: November 17, 2025

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.

Mighty Little Bheem Poster Image
TV

Mighty Little Bheem

age 4+

Toddler's cute adventures show off Indian culture.

Mira, Royal Detective Poster Image
TV

Mira, Royal Detective

age 4+

Clever girl's adventures celebrate Indian culture.

Sagwa the Chinese Siamese Cat Poster Image
TV

Sagwa the Chinese Siamese Cat

age 4+

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

Chhota Bheem: Shakti Astra Ki Khoj movie poster: small child flies through the air as villains watch
MOVIE

Chhota Bheem: Shakti Astra Ki Khoj

age 6+

Indian superhero tale has peril, scary moments.

February 29, 2024 2024 NR (66 minutes)
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)
Over the Moon Poster Image
MOVIE

Over the Moon

age 6+

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

October 23, 2020 2020 PG (95 minutes)
Abominable Poster Image
MOVIE

Abominable

age 8+

Funny, heartwarming adventure has some peril, scares.

September 27, 2019 2019 PG (97 minutes)
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.

Wish Dragon Poster Image
MOVIE

Wish Dragon

age 8+

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

June 11, 2021 2021 PG (101 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)
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.

February 27, 2001 2001 G (84 minutes)
Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet Poster Image
MOVIE

Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet

age 9+

World-renowned animators interpret classic Lebanese poetry.

August 7, 2015 2015 PG (85 minutes)
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya Poster Image
MOVIE

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

age 9+

Beautifully animated Japanese folktale for older kids.

October 17, 2014 2014 PG (137 minutes)
Wadjda Poster Image
MOVIE

Wadjda

age 9+

Beautiful, nuanced tale of an independent Saudi girl.

September 13, 2013 2013 PG (98 minutes)
A Perfect Fit Poster Image
MOVIE

A Perfect Fit

age 10+

Soapy Indonesian love story has some violence.

July 15, 2021 2021 NR (112 minutes)
Family Style TV Poster Image
TV

Family Style

age 10+

Reality series brings together Asian cooking and community.

Max Reality TV (2019)
Turning Red Poster Image
MOVIE

Turning Red

age 10+

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

May 3, 2022 2022 PG (100 minutes)
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