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

Last updated: June 20, 2025

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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Mulan Poster Image
MOVIE

Mulan

age 5+

Disneyfied but dignified tale of Chinese warrior.

June 19, 1998 1998 G (90 minutes)
My Neighbor Totoro Poster Image
MOVIE

My Neighbor Totoro

age 5+

Beautifully animated fantasy about friendship fit for all.

June 14, 1988 1988 G (86 minutes)
Ponyo Poster Image
MOVIE

Ponyo

age 5+

Miyazaki's stunning adventure is geared to younger kids.

August 14, 2009 2009 G (103 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)
Up Poster Image
MOVIE

Up

age 6+

Pixar's stunning adventure is an upper for everyone.

May 29, 2009 2009 PG (98 minutes)
Big Hero 6 Poster Image
MOVIE

Big Hero 6

age 7+

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

November 7, 2014 2014 PG (102 minutes)
Run Tiger Run movie poster: an animated child wearing a tiger hat appears to be running with a determined look on his face
MOVIE

Run, Tiger, Run!

age 7+

Animated journey with peril, mild language, drinking.

November 1, 2022 2022 NR (90 minutes)
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.

March 2, 2021 2021 NR (94 minutes)
Mulan Princess Warrior Movie poster: animated female character stands front and center
MOVIE

Mulan Princess Warrior

age 8+

Animated adventure with cartoon violence and drinking.

May 13, 2025 2025 NR (98 minutes)
Raya and the Last Dragon Poster Image
MOVIE

Raya and the Last Dragon

age 8+

Charming, epic adventure mixes monsters, humor, heart.

March 5, 2021 2021 PG (114 minutes)
Spelling the Dream Poster Image
MOVIE

Spelling the Dream

age 8+

Upbeat celebration of outstanding kids who spell to win.

June 3, 2020 2020 NR (82 minutes)
The Speed Cubers Poster Image
MOVIE

The Speed Cubers

age 8+

Inspiring short docu about competition and friendship.

July 29, 2020 2020 PG (40 minutes)
The Tiger's Apprentice movie poster: a boy sits with a tigers face hovering behind him
MOVIE

The Tiger's Apprentice

age 8+

Magical book-based animated adventure has peril, violence.

February 2, 2024 2024 PG (99 minutes)
Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior Poster Image
MOVIE

Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior

age 8+

Inventive movie that families can watch together.

June 16, 2006 2006 NR (91 minutes)
A Letter to Momo Poster Image
MOVIE

A Letter to Momo

age 9+

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

July 23, 2014 2014 NR (120 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)
From up on Poppy Hill Poster Image
MOVIE

From Up on Poppy Hill

age 9+

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

March 15, 2013 2013 PG (91 minutes)
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