Gender Representation from the Male Perspective in Children’s Animated Films

09.01.2026 Written by: Eszter Schmidt

This case study examines gender depiction from the male perspective in children's animated films and focuses on mainstream media and popular culture, specifically Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks Animation.

Children's media significantly shape early views of gender, identity, and social expectations. This case study examines male gender representation in children's animated films, focusing on masculine stereotypes and biases. It analyses mainstream works in popular culture.

While female representation is increasingly more challenged today, male portrayals have received less attention. This study critically examines whether the depiction of male characters evolved over time and how this portrayal may influence children's perceptions of masculinity.

Early childhood is a crucial period for the development of gender identity. Research indicates that children begin to form ideas about gender roles from a very young age. They get influenced by their family, friends, education, and the media (Birth to 5 Matters, 2021). Stereotypes at an early age can impact and shape beliefs, behaviours, and self-perception in extreme ways (Fawcett Society, 2023). For boys,  this often includes learning that masculinity is associated with strength, independence, and emotional restriction, and vulnerability or sensitivity may be unacceptable. The Fawcett Society's research (Sam Smethers, 2019) reveals that these kinds of expectations can limit emotional expression and personal development later in life, and it is evident that they are being unintentionally repeated and taught across society.

Children's animated media is often one of the first and most influential forms of entertainment for young audiences. Cartoons and animated films are powerful tools for communicating and reinforcing social standards via simple stories (BCU, n.d.). Male characters in animation were often represented through stereotypical roles such as the heroic protector, dominant leader, or the emotionally distant father figure. This kind of portrayal frequently suggests that male value comes with physical strength, bravery and control, while emotional expression is treated as weakness (EMU Thesis). Studies have shown that for decades, male portrayals in children's animations were consistently reinforcing stereotypical definitions of masculinity (Elsesser, 2025).

Reviewing animated movies from the early 2000s, there is a slight move towards a more emotionally balanced and equal depiction. Starting with Shrek (Dreamworks Animation, 2001), the story carries the characteristics of a typical fairytale story with the king looking for the "perfect" queen, the charming prince, and rescuing the princess; however, it uses them from a comical perspective. Shrek possesses some stereotypical male characteristics like strength, bravery, and violence, but they don't define his portrayal. He resists social expectations and heroism. His character suggests emotion and sensitivity (IvyPanda,2023).

Figure 1. The protagonist Shrek, Dreamworks Animation, 2001

Marlin in Finding Nemo (Pixar/Disney, 2003) is another example of a different male representation. He is portrayed as an emotional, nurturing partner and father. His anxiety doesn't turn his portrayal into a stereotypical ridicule. His paternal behaviour and serious care for his son resemble the female characteristics of motherhood, while shifting the narrative towards gender equality (Otayek, C., 2013). An interesting fact is not shared in the movie, which is that clownfish can change their gender, and this could mean Marlin is female (NDTV, 2017). The narrative showcases a number ofgonochoric male characters, a manta ray, sea turtle, sea horse, etc, but the fact that the creators chose clownfish as the protagonist can raise questions regarding gender depiction.

Figure 2. Nemo's father Marlin, Finding Nemo, 2003, Pixar & Disney

Another example from the late 2000s is How to Train Your Dragon by DreamWorks (2010). Stoick de Vast, the chef of Berk's portrayal, is the perfect fulfilment of the stereotypical male character. His great physical strength, heroic and brave behaviour are the "true" characteristics of masculinity. His emotional detachment is most visible in this relationship with his son, Hiccup. Hiccup's portrayal is the opposite of his father's, which causes tension between them. Hiccup is not good at fighting; his physical and emotional behaviour are reflected as weaknesses. His struggle and efforts are focal points of the narrative, while he proves that his intelligence and creativity can define his masculinity. The movie challenges hegemonic manhood by redefining strength through compassion (Lancaster University, n.d.); however, traditional masculine expectations like emotional control and bravery remain strong parts of the narrative (Clarke, L.L. et al. 2024). 

Figure 3. Hiccup & Stoick de Vast, How to train your Dragon, 2010

Big Hero 6 (2014) is an interesting production by Disney in many aspects. The movie features diverse characters and includes topics like mental health and grief. Hiro, the male protagonist, is a teenage boy who sadly loses his brother Tadashi at the beginning of the movie. The story takes the audience through how Hiro struggles with his grief and his efforts to avenge his brother's death. Opposed to the traditional heroic revenge scripts, Big Hero 6 shares Hiro's struggle with his grief. While the movie follows the usual "catching the villain" storyline, it also expresses Hiro's anger and sadness over loss. His violence is not defined by his masculinity but by his emotional and mental state (Gagging on Sexism, 2015).

Figure 4. Hiro & Baymax, Big Hero 6, Disney, 2014

Zootopia (Disney, 2016) and Zootopia 2 (Disney, 2025), with their male co-protagonist Nick Wilde, offer a bit of an analysis on contemporary male representation. Judy Hopps is the female protagonist who goes after her dreams and becomes a police officer, starting out in the big city. Nick Wilde is a con artist who joins Judy in Zootopia (2016). Nick's portrayal is sceptical, sarcastic and emotionally guarded. His role is purely supportive, which reflects the stereotypical depiction of male figures. Nick's emotional vulnerability is revealed through a traumatic childhood story involving prejudice. According to IvyPanda (2023), this kind of justification in the narrative aligns with the biased ideology of 'male emotional expression comes from trauma'.    

Nick's representation changes in Zootopia 2 (2025). His relationship with Judy develops from a supportive role to equality. They share authority and emotional work. Nick is socially integrated and emotionally stable. His emotionally expressive portrayal isn't compromising his competence and authority, aligning with the study by Clarke et al. (2024).

Figure 5. Nick & Judy, Zootopia 2, Disney, 2025

Despite increasing attention to gender equality in the media, most of the efforts are focused on improving female representation and leaving male stereotypes unnoticed. Female characters are increasingly portrayed as empowered, while male figures often reflect traditional masculinity. The lack of attention highlights a gap in the equality efforts and raises concerns about the potential harm caused by the pressure on male identity (Fawcett Society, 2023).In more recent children's animated films, we can see some progress toward a more equal male depiction. Contemporary narratives increasingly display male characters with vulnerability, empathy, and emotional growth. In conclusion, male representation in children's animated media has evolved over the past 25 years, but its complete transformation still requires work. The study analysed animations only from three of the biggest mainstream studios, and it would require further research to determine how male representation compares across a wider range of mainstream media. Although they offer more emotionally diverse male characters, deep-rooted stereotypes continue to shape the depiction of masculinity. This research highlights the importance of critically examining male gender representation. It plays an important role, alongside female representation, in shaping children's understanding of self-expression, identity and gender equality.

References

 Clarke, L.L. et al. (2024) The gendered behaviors displayed by Disney protagonists, Frontiers in sociology. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11102966/  (Accessed: 06 January 2026). 

FawcettSociety (2019) Fawcett research shows exposure to gender stereotypes as a child causes harm in later life, The Fawcett Society. Available at: https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/news/fawcett-research-exposure-gender-stereotypes-child-causes-harm-later-life (Accessed: 08 January 2026). 

Gagging on Sexism (2015) “Big Hero 6” Makes Big Changes to Hero’s Tale, 4 January. Available at: https://gaggingonsexism.wordpress.com/2015/01/04/big-hero-6-makes-big-changes-to-heros-tale/ (Accessed: insert date accessed). 

NDTV (2017) ‘Finding Nemo’ got an important fact about clownfish wrong, say scientists, 16 July. Available at: https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/finding-nemo-got-an-important-fact-about-clownfish-wrong-say-scientists-1725409(Accessed: insert date accessed). www.ndtv.com 

IvyPanda (2023) Gender Stereotypes in the “Frozen” and “Shrek” Movies. 29 June. Available at: https://ivypanda.com/essays/gender-stereotypes-in-the-frozen-and-shrek-movies/ (Accessed: [insert date you accessed it]). 

Otayek, C. (2013) Stereotypes in Finding Nemo (MLP4). Media Literacy 101. Available at: https://catherineotayek.wordpress.com/stereotypes-in-finding-nemo-mlp4/ (Accessed: insert date accessed

Rotten Tomatoes (2025) Zootopia 2. Available at: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/zootopia_2 (Accessed: 8 January 2026).

Images

Fig.1. Fandom (n.d.) Shrek character promotional render. Shrek (character). Available at: https://dreamworks.fandom.com/wiki/Shrek_(character) (Accessed: 8 January 2026).

Fig.2. DrLauraJean (2021) Marlin from Finding Nemo [image]. Anxiety Cognitive Formulation: Facing Fears in Finding Nemo. Available at: https://psyfiction.art.blog/2021/03/15/anxiety-formulation-facing-fears-in-finding-nemo/ (Accessed: 8 January 2026).

Fig.3. Fandom (n.d.) Hiccup and Stoick from How to Train Your Dragon [image]. Hiccup and Stoick’s Relationship. Available at: https://howtotrainyourdragon.fandom.com/wiki/Hiccup_and_Stoick%27s_Relationship (Accessed: 8 January 2026).

Fig.4. Big Hero 6 (n.d.) Big Hero 6 film promotional image [image]. Big Hero 6 | Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. Available at: https://www.mhfestival.com/events/big-hero-6/ (Accessed: 8 January 2026).

Fig.5. Rouse, L. (2025) Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde in Zootopia 2 [image]. Zootopia 2 Star Ginnifer Goodwin Finally Responds to WildeHopps Romance Shippers. The Direct. Available at: https://thedirect.com/article/zootopia-2-wildehopps-romance-shippers-ginnifer-goodwin (Accessed: 8 January 2026).

09.01.2026 Written by: Es