Abstract
Given the significant influence of media on the development of children’s beliefs and attitudes regarding gender, it is important to investigate the portrayal of masculinity in children’s media. This content analysis sought to examine themes of masculinity expressed by male characters in the 30 top-grossing animated movies for children. Results indicated that masculinity themes were prevalent in children’s animated movies regardless of whether the movies featured humanoid or non-humanoid characters. The most common themes reported across the movies included violence, inspires fear, and risk taking. Although more positive traits associated with masculinity, such as leadership and assertiveness, were also present in the movies, we argue that violence and inspiration of fear are characteristics associated with toxic masculinity and may have negative implications for young viewers. We recommend that parents and interested stakeholders monitor the quality of children’s media exposure for deleterious messages regarding masculinity and look for ways to enhance media literacy.