

While both movies feature magical elements, the land of Kumandra in Raya is fictional and Encanto is set in a real country, Colombia. In related fashion, Encanto is all about strengthening the family one is born into, whereas Raya accumulates a strong found family during the course of her film. Where Raya's journey takes her far from home to all the other lands of Kumandra, Mirabel's is noteworthy for the fact that it takes place entirely in her family's house and community. In terms of story, Raya and Encanto are actually quite different. But there's more linking these latest Disney features than their high quality and studio of origin. Of course, both films were included in Disney's new hybrid release model in which theatrical releases are quickly followed by Disney+ premieres, and Raya and Encanto both rank among the best animated films of 2021.

In a year marked by many movie industry firsts, Raya and the Last Dragon and Encanto mark one particular new record for Disney.
