“One day I’ll know how far I’ll go”: How Dutch children can gain insights in life from watching Moana

Children spend an average of 50 minutes per day watching films, yet hardly any research focuses on how this can be meaningful for them. This qualitative study sheds light on whether watching films could lead to novel insights about life. Fifty-five Dutch children aged 7–12 years participated in duo interviews after watching the Disney film Moana (2016), a coming-of-age film that portrays character strengths and includes societally relevant messages. Findings indicate that children felt inspired by Moana’s perseverance, bravery, and teamwork, and connected these strengths to their own experiences. Older children identified with Moana’s coming-of-age journey. The film’s messages about strengths and norms not only aligned with values children already held, but also validated these beliefs, creating a sense of resonance. Moreover, through perspective-taking, children understood the characters’ motivations and growth, enabling them to empathize with their mistakes and reevaluate earlier judgments. Several children reflected on broader societal themes, such as environmental responsibility and beauty standards. These findings suggest that films can help children reflect on personal and societal themes, offering meaningful opportunities for growth.