To understand the current state of , we must first look back. For decades, children's films were viewed as the lower-tier cousins of "serious cinema." The Walt Disney era of the 1930s-1960s proved that animation could be artistic, but it wasn't until the Disney Renaissance (1989-1999) that studios realized children's content was a Trojan horse for global dominance.
No discussion of for children is complete without addressing the landmines. Popular media is currently fighting a war over "hidden messages."
There is a growing concern that fast-paced (specifically the Minions style of chaotic, ADHD-friendly editing) are shortening attention spans. In response, a "slow cinema" movement for kids is emerging, led by studios like Studio Ghibli and Cartoon Saloon.