‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Sees Renewed Appreciation in 2025
The 2021 Disney animated film “Raya and the Last Dragon” is experiencing a surge in recognition and praise four years after its initial release, fueled by discussions surrounding representation and quality storytelling in animation.
Released during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the film initially faced challenges reaching a wide audience, despite earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. The story centers on Raya, a warrior princess voiced by Kelly Marie Tran, who embarks on a quest to save her world, Kumandra, from a sinister force. The film’s stunning animation and complex characters have resonated with viewers, particularly within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.
Notably, “Raya and the Last Dragon” features significant AAPI representation both on screen and behind the camera, with a voice cast including Daniel Dae Kim, Gemma Chan, and Sandra Oh, and co-writers Adele Lim and Qui Nguyen. This commitment to authentic storytelling is a key factor in the film’s growing appreciation, as highlighted by many viewers seeking more diverse narratives in mainstream media. Disney’s dedication to inclusive storytelling is increasingly important as audiences demand more representation in film. You can learn more about Disney’s commitment to diversity here.
The film’s themes of unity, forgiveness, and trust continue to resonate with audiences, and its nuanced portrayal of characters – avoiding simplistic “good” versus “bad” tropes – has been widely praised. Critics and viewers alike are revisiting the film, recognizing it as an underrated gem within Disney’s animated catalog. For those interested in exploring similar films, The American Film Institute offers a comprehensive list of award-winning animated features.
Disney+ continues to stream “Raya and the Last Dragon,” and officials anticipate continued engagement with the film as awareness grows.
