Does Disney Even Make G-Rated Movies Anymore? What G-Rated Movies Are on Disney Plus?
In an era where superheroes clash in PG-13 spectacles and animated adventures tackle mature themes like grief and identity, one can't help but wonder: has Disney abandoned the innocent G rating that defined its golden age?
With recent hits like Moana 2 (2024) and Wish (2023) earning PG stamps for mild peril and thematic elements, the Mouse House seems to favor slightly edgier fare. But fear not, family film buffs—Disney Plus is a treasure trove of G-rated classics, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) to Winnie the Pooh (2011).
As we dive into the evolution of Disney's ratings, we'll explore why G has gone scarce, spotlight historical outliers like the daring The Black Cauldron (1985), and ponder if vintage gems like Snow White would hold their G in today's sensitive climate. Here's your guide to all things G-rated at Disney, plus a look at the rising PG tide in animation.
When Was Disney's G Rating at Its Peak?
Historically, Disney's animated features were synonymous with G ratings, signaling wholesome fun for all ages. From 1937 to 2011, most Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) films earned this badge, but the last was Winnie the Pooh (2011)—no new G-rated animated feature since.
Why Are Disney Movies Mostly PG Now?
Post-2010, every WDAS release has been PG, citing elements like fantasy violence or emotional depth. Live-action remakes and Marvel/Star Wars entries often hit PG-13 for intense action.
What Was Disney's First PG-Rated Animated Movie?
The Black Cauldron (1985) broke tradition as Disney’s first PG-rated animated film. A dark fantasy with horror undertones, it shocked audiences and nearly derailed the studio’s animation arm.
Would Classic Disney Films Still Be Rated G Today?
Classics like Snow White (G) feature scary witches and poison that might earn PG today. Factors like violence, smoking, or themes of death prompt modern scrutiny.
Which G-Rated Movies Can You Watch on Disney Plus?
Stream timeless favorites like The Lion King (1994) or Beauty and the Beast (1991), with most classics available—perfect for little ones.
Why Did PG Become the New Normal for Animation?
From Tangled (2010) onward, PG dominates for added peril, making films like Frozen (2013) feel more sophisticated.
The Evolution of Disney's Ratings
Disney's shift from G-rated purity to PG prevalence reflects broader changes in storytelling, audience expectations, and cultural sensitivities.
Back in the day, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) introduced ratings in 1968, with G standing for "General Audiences—all ages admitted." Walt Disney himself championed family-friendly fare, and early animated masterpieces like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)—Disney's first full-length feature—set the tone.
Though pre-MPAA, it was retroactively rated G upon re-releases, embodying innocent magic with songs, dwarfs, and a happily-ever-after.
From the 1930s through the 1990s Renaissance, nearly all WDAS films earned G, blending adventure, humor, and life lessons without crossing into edgier territory. Think Pinocchio (1940), with its moral about lying, or The Jungle Book (1967), a swinging tale of friendship—wholesome escapism that parents trusted blindly.
How Did Disney Build Its Reputation on G Ratings?
This G dominance wasn't accidental; Disney built its empire on accessibility. Films like Cinderella (1950) and Peter Pan (1953) avoided overt violence or scares, focusing on empowerment and wonder. Even during the 1970s-1980s "Dark Age," titles such as The Rescuers (1977) and The Fox and the Hound (1981) stayed G, emphasizing emotional bonds over peril.
The studio's live-action side followed suit, with G-rated hits like Mary Poppins (1964) mixing whimsy and mild mischief.
By the Renaissance era—The Little Mermaid (1989) to Tarzan (1999)—G ratings fueled billion-dollar successes, proving family purity paid off.
What Made The Black Cauldron So Controversial?
The Black Cauldron (1985), based on Lloyd Alexander's fantasy novels, was a bold pivot. Its horror-like visuals, skeleton armies, and the grotesque Horned King earned it PG.
It bombed at the box office but later gained cult status for its daring tone and gothic art direction.
Why Has Disney Avoided G Ratings Since 2011?
Modern ratings lean stricter. "Fantasy violence," "mild peril," and "thematic elements" push films into PG territory. Recent releases like Encanto (2021), Strange World (2022), and Moana 2 (2024) all scored PG due to emotional weight or action sequences.
Pixar mirrors this with PG films like Soul (2020) and Elemental (2023).
Could Old Disney Films Be Rated Differently Now?
Cultural reevaluation suggests so. Snow White’s terrifying chase, Pinocchio’s donkey curse, or Bambi’s tragic loss would likely earn PG today. Peter Pan faces criticism for stereotypes, sparking speculation about rating changes if reevaluated.
What G-Rated Films Are Available to Stream?
Disney Plus bridges the gap, hosting a vast G-rated library for nostalgic or young viewers. Subscription perks include ad-free streaming, with most classics available worldwide (regional variances apply).
For families, it's a G haven amid modern PG/PG-13 dominance.
List of G-Rated Walt Disney Animation Studios Films on Disney Plus
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) - On Disney Plus
Pinocchio (1940) - On Disney Plus
Fantasia (1940) - On Disney Plus
Dumbo (1941) - On Disney Plus
Bambi (1942) - On Disney Plus
Cinderella (1950) - On Disney Plus
Alice in Wonderland (1951) - On Disney Plus
Peter Pan (1953) - On Disney Plus
Lady and the Tramp (1955) - On Disney Plus
Sleeping Beauty (1959) - On Disney Plus
One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) - On Disney Plus
The Sword in the Stone (1963) - On Disney Plus
The Jungle Book (1967) - On Disney Plus
The Aristocats (1970) - On Disney Plus
Robin Hood (1973) - On Disney Plus
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977) - On Disney Plus
The Rescuers (1977) - On Disney Plus
The Fox and the Hound (1981) - On Disney Plus
The Great Mouse Detective (1986) - On Disney Plus
Oliver & Company (1988) - On Disney Plus
The Little Mermaid (1989) - On Disney Plus
The Rescuers Down Under (1990) - On Disney Plus
Beauty and the Beast (1991) - On Disney Plus
Aladdin (1992) - On Disney Plus
The Lion King (1994) - On Disney Plus
Pocahontas (1995) - On Disney Plus
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) - On Disney Plus
Hercules (1997) - On Disney Plus
Mulan (1998) - On Disney Plus
Tarzan (1999) - On Disney Plus
Fantasia 2000 (1999) - On Disney Plus
The Emperor's New Groove (2000) - On Disney Plus
Brother Bear (2003) - On Disney Plus
Chicken Little (2005) - On Disney Plus
Meet the Robinsons (2007) - On Disney Plus
Bolt (2008) - On Disney Plus
The Princess and the Frog (2009) - On Disney Plus
Winnie the Pooh (2011) - On Disney Plus
(Note: Pixar’s G-rated films like Toy Story (1995) are also available but are not part of WDAS canon.)
List of PG-Rated Walt Disney Animation Studios Films on Disney Plus
The Black Cauldron (1985) - On Disney Plus
Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) - On Disney Plus
Lilo & Stitch (2002) - On Disney Plus
Treasure Planet (2002) - On Disney Plus
Home on the Range (2004) - On Disney Plus
Tangled (2010) - On Disney Plus
Wreck-It Ralph (2012) - On Disney Plus
Frozen (2013) - On Disney Plus
Big Hero 6 (2014) - On Disney Plus
Zootopia (2016) - On Disney Plus
Moana (2016) - On Disney Plus
Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) - On Disney Plus
Frozen II (2019) - On Disney Plus
Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) - On Disney Plus
Encanto (2021) - On Disney Plus
Strange World (2022) - On Disney Plus
Wish (2023) - On Disney Plus
Moana 2 (2024) - On Disney Plus (streaming post-theatrical window)
Is There Still Room for G in Disney's Future?
Disney hasn’t ditched G entirely; live-action like The One and Only Ivan (2020, G) exists, and shorts often carry the rating. But for major tentpoles, PG rules, balancing appeal.
Disney Plus preserves the G legacy, ensuring classics endure. As Bob Iger steers toward quality, perhaps a G comeback awaits—or maybe PG is the new family norm. Either way, the magic persists.
Sources
Wikipedia: List of Walt Disney Animation Studios films (updated August 2025)
Wikipedia: The Black Cauldron (film) (updated August 2025)
D23: Ratings (Disney official history)
Rotten Tomatoes: G Rated Movies on Disney+ (2025)
AllEars.net: The 14 BEST G-Rated Movies You Can Watch on Disney+ Right Now (June 10, 2025)
CBR: The 25 Best Disney Movies Rated G, Ranked
Common Sense Media: Best Disney Movies