Descendants

On a sunlit, modern kingdom built on forgiveness, the royal family of Auradon offers a path away from their parents' ruthless legacies. King Adam, formerly Beast, and Queen Belle oversee a realm where the children of Disney villains are treated as potential reformers rather than as threats. Ben, the benevolent teenage son of Adam and Belle, volunteers to mentor the newest arrivals and open doors at Auradon Prep, the hero academy in the capital. Four teenagers Maleficent’s daughter, Evie the Evil Queen’s daughter, Jay the son of Jafar, and Carlos son of Cruella De Vil, test the promise of a new life as they navigate unfamiliar rules, friendships, and the pull of their instinctive pasts together, testing loyalties.

Directed by Kenny Ortega, the film comes from an original screenplay by Sara Parriott and Josann McGibbon that builds on Disney's villain legacy rather than a preexisting novel. It premiered in 2015 as a Disney Channel movie featuring a cast.

There is no traditional box office for this title as it aired on the Disney Channel, so revenue came from ratings, streaming, and home video rather than cinema grosses, and the ratings sometimes led to sequels and a broader franchise.

Descendants left a mark as a fresh family fantasy that blends modern teen drama with fairy tale nostalgia. Its musical numbers and glossy visuals sparked a wave of fan art online, Halloween costumes, school performances, and discussions about redemption, family, and empowerment in fan communities worldwide, resonating with families everywhere.

Critics tended to praise the breezy tone and catchy songs while noting the film nails a light but emotionally resonant take on belonging and choosing your own path. The core themes of forgiveness, identity, and the cost of legacy give the story a sense of modern fairy tale enduring relevance.