10 Marvel TV Shows to Watch With Your Kids
It never fails: there’s a new comic book movie coming out, my 6 year old is begging to see it. And when I think it’s time to finally share the fun and wonder of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with him, I remember that this is the same kid who found the cute guinea pig that appeared at the end of the recent animated film, Too. intensive.”
I hate to shut him up, especially now that Megan Margulis of The New York Times is suggesting things like comic book movies “[allow] kids to use superheroes to gain the confidence, strength and perseverance they need.” But even CNBC admits that many of these films are “no longer for kids” and are getting more violent and vulgar. The new Guardians , in particular, were panned by some early reviews for animal cruelty scenes intense enough to justify an R rating.
So how can a parent find something that gives kids the magical mindset they need to persevere without distorting their worldview? When the Walt Disney Company acquired Marvel, they started creating content for a younger audience, and while the cynic inside me admits that the corporation is just nurturing a new and even younger audience for superhero movies, a lot of these children’s shows are amazing. watch together. They even make me nostalgic for my comic book collecting days.
As the release date for Guardians of the Galaxy 3 approaches, I’ve come up with a list of the best Marvel-themed shows for families to watch. Most of them are approved by my 6 year old son and you can find them all on Disney+. Many of these are rated Y7 for cartoon violence, so use this information at your own discretion.
Rocket and Groot/I’m Groot
These two series, each made up of linked shorts, bring together two of the most kid-friendly anti-heroes in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. The first, released in 2017, takes place before the duo meet Peter Quill (I mean Star-Lord). It follows the couple as they try to get the money they need to buy a new ship. I Am Groot takes place after the first movie, when Baby Groot is growing up and curious about the world. Jokes follow, obviously.
Where to stream: Disney+
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
Based on the comic book of the same name, this show follows the adventures of Lunella Lafayette, a teenage genius who accidentally opens a dimensional portal and guides a red T-Rex through it to the Lower East Side area where she lives. On her way to superhero status, she is aided by Casey, a social media-obsessed classmate trying to help the duo go viral. And while Casey’s obsession with his phone is a little off-putting, it’s important to note that CBR fansite recently called Marvel’s Moon Girl “the smartest female character.”
Where to stream: Disney+
Spidey from Marvel and his amazing friends
Aimed at kids under five, this animated series brings together Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy, Miles Morales and their web-slinging alter egos. In each episode, they fight villains (who rarely carry violent weapons) and learn valuable life lessons. These are PJ Masks for the comic book obsessed.
Where to stream: Disney+
Superhero Squad Show
The Avengers and the X-Men work together to fight evil in the same family spirit as Spidey and his amazing friends. Readers of a certain age may remember this show when it aired on Cartoon Network in 2009.
Where to stream: Disney+
Spider-Man Marvel (2017)
There have been many animated versions of the Peter Parker story. But this version, which has aired on Disney XD since 2017, makes Peter Parker’s know-how and intellect as powerful a weapon as the cobwebs he sheds from his wrists.
Where to stream: Disney+
X-Men: The Animated Series
Originally airing on Fox in the mid-90s, this animated show was praised by fans for telling many of comics’ most revered storylines better than live-action films. It’s so loved that Disney is hard at work on a revival that picks up where this show left off.
Where to stream: Disney+
Marvel Super Hero Adventures
This show’s episodes are about three minutes long, the perfect length for the preschool audience it’s written for. Imagine Spider-Man telling the story of how he and another Avenger worked together to save the day with all the subtlety of a public announcement and you get the idea.
Where to stream: Disney+
Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel
Now that Disney owns everything, the intersection of their intellectual property had to happen. Teen cartoon stars Phineas and Ferb were probably not the first choice to hang out with Iron Man and the Hulk, but it’s an ingenious mix filled with gags that kids and adults will enjoy.
Where to stream: Disney+
Marvel Battleworld: Mystery of the Thanoliths
Until I researched this series of shorts a bit, I had no idea that its purpose was to sell the game. As disappointed as I was with this news, I found it gave my kids a taste of the first Avengers movie, with short jokes between the characters but with light coverage of violence and destruction. In addition, he boasts an amphibious version of Thor and the appearance of Spider-Ham.
Where to stream: Disney+
Marvel Hero Project
Not all heroes wear capes… or old enough to drive, for that matter. Recognizing the efforts of these real-life superheroes is the main goal of this unscripted series, and try to hold back your tears when it turns out they each have their own comic book. Nothing gives kids more confidence than watching other kids do selfless things.
Where to stream: Disney+