Descendants (2015)

Kernel Score: 80% · 2,481 ratings · Rated G

Genres: Family, Adventure, Fantasy, TV Movie, Music

Released: 2015-07-31

Runtime: 112 minutes

Is Descendants worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A light, bouncy Disney TV musical about villains' kids learning to be good. It's aimed squarely at tweens and families, and viewers like it more than adults might expect.

Watch it if you

  • have kids who like Disney Channel musicals
  • enjoy cheesy, colorful fantasy with big dance numbers
  • like fairy-tale characters with a modern twist

Skip it if you

  • dislike teen musicals and pop-style songs
  • want sharp writing rather than a simple message

Best for: Family movie night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Descendants

  • Stream: Disney+, Hulu, Fubo, DisneyNOW
  • Rent: Prime Video
  • Buy: Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

A present-day idyllic kingdom where the benevolent teenage son of King Adam and Queen Belle offers a chance of redemption for the troublemaking offspring of Disney's classic villains: Cruella De Vil (Carlos), Maleficent (Mal), the Evil Queen (Evie) and Jafar (Jay).

Descendants parents' guide: ages 6+

Parents need to know that Descendants is a G-rated Disney musical fantasy about redemption for the teenage children of classic villains.

  • Violence & scariness: A little — Mild fantasy villain conflict with magic, no graphic violence.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Descendants

If you liked Descendants, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Descendants 2 (2017) — 83%: Direct sequel with the same cast, songs and villain-kids premise.
  • Descendants 3 (2019) — 85%: Companion sequel that finishes the trilogy with bigger musical numbers.
  • Maleficent (2014) — 80%: Disney villain reimagined, with a darker take on the same fairy-tale world.
  • Tangled (2010) — 87%: Fairy-tale adventure with songs and a spirited young heroine.
  • Beauty and the Beast (1991) — 90%: Disney classic with the same fairy-tale romance and musical charm.
  • The Princess Bride (1987) — 85%: Fairy-tale comedy adventure that families of all ages enjoy.

Director

Kenny Ortega

Cast

Descendants FAQ

Is Descendants worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A light, bouncy Disney TV musical about villains' kids learning to be good. It's aimed squarely at tweens and families, and viewers like it more than adults might expect.

Where can I watch Descendants?

In the US you can stream Descendants on Disney+, Hulu, Fubo and DisneyNOW and rent it from Prime Video.

Is Descendants OK for kids?

Descendants is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that Descendants is a G-rated Disney musical fantasy about redemption for the teenage children of classic villains.

What movies are like Descendants?

If you liked Descendants, try Descendants 2, Descendants 3, Maleficent and Tangled.