Steps is a 2026 animated fantasy-comedy from the United States, with production ties to Australia and Canada. It combines adventure, comedy, fantasy, family, and musical elements.
The film is directed by Alyce Tzue and John Ripa. The screenplay is credited to Ava Tramer, James Madejski, Jen Chuck, Dana Schwartz, and Felicia Ho. The voice cast includes Ali Wong, Amanda Seyfried, Stephanie Hsu, Nikki Glaser, Bette Midler, Daniel Radcliffe, Peter Dinklage, Young Mazino, and Damian Priest.
The story follows Lilith, one of Cinderella’s misunderstood stepsisters. Tired of living in Cinderella’s shadow, she steals the Fairy Godmother’s wand and disrupts the Royal Ball. Her actions accidentally put the kingdom under Priscilla’s control. Lilith then joins Cinderella on a dangerous journey to repair the damage and their fractured relationship.
Steps is a new interpretation of the classic Cinderella fairy tale. Netflix announced the project as a musical animated comedy based on the familiar story. The film arrives on Netflix on November 20, 2026.
Steps Age Rating
Steps is officially rated PG for action, thematic elements, rude humor and brief suggestive material.
Violence & Peril
The violence in Steps is expected to be mild to moderate and strongly cartoon-based. The story includes fights, chases, magical dangers, biker trolls, evil henchmen, and perilous encounters in the Screaming Woods.
Characters face physical danger during the fantasy adventure. However, the animated setting keeps the violence far removed from realistic action. Parents should expect slapstick fighting, magical chaos, crashes, and characters being chased or knocked around.
One potentially unsettling element is the Screaming Woods. The name and fantasy setting may create brief spooky moments for particularly sensitive children. The trailer and official synopsis suggest adventure rather than sustained horror.
The story also involves magical transformation. Margot is accidentally turned into a frog, which could briefly surprise younger viewers.
Language
The official PG rating does not specifically cite language. Instead, the MPA lists action, thematic elements, rude humor, and brief suggestive material as the reasons for the rating.
Parents should therefore expect relatively mild dialogue rather than frequent strong profanity. Sarcasm, insults, teasing, and comedic name-calling fit the film’s comedic style.
The available official rating information does not identify racial slurs or particularly strong derogatory language. The film’s humor appears more focused on fairy-tale jokes and character-based comedy.
Mature Themes
The main mature themes involve family conflict, jealousy, insecurity, resentment, and feeling overlooked. Lilith’s frustration comes from constantly feeling less important than Cinderella.
The film also explores the complicated relationship between stepsisters. Children may encounter ideas about favoritism, comparison, sibling rivalry, and the desire to create an identity outside another person’s success.
The story includes a villain taking control of the kingdom. This creates mild themes involving power, authority, and political control, although the presentation remains within a fantasy-comedy setting.
The MPA also identifies brief suggestive material. Parents can expect some playful romantic references connected with Cinderella, the Prince, and the Royal Ball.
There is no indication from the official rating that nudity, drug use, or smoking are significant elements. The available rating information also does not identify sexual activity as a major part of the film.
Is Steps Suitable for Kids?
Ages 5–7: With Guidance. Younger children may enjoy the colorful animation, magical characters, fairy-tale setting, and silly humor. However, some chase sequences, fantasy peril, and louder action may frighten sensitive children.
Ages 8–12: Yes. Most children in this age group should be comfortable with the film’s fantasy action and comedy. The family conflict and themes about jealousy may also provide useful opportunities for discussion.
Ages 13–15: Yes. Teenagers should generally find the content easy to handle. Older viewers may also appreciate the film’s jokes, fairy-tale references, and more mature relationship themes.
Final Recommendation: Steps is generally suitable for children around 7 or 8 and older, with parental guidance recommended for younger or easily frightened viewers.
What Parents Can Do
- Explain that the film explores sibling jealousy and feeling overlooked. This can help children understand Lilith’s actions without excusing her mistakes.
- Remind younger viewers that the fighting and magical danger are fantasy-based. The animated style keeps the peril considerably lighter than realistic action.
- Discuss the sisters’ relationship after watching. Ask children how Lilith and Cinderella could have handled their frustrations differently.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: Is Steps rated PG?
A: Yes. Steps is rated PG for action, thematic elements, rude humor and brief suggestive material.
Q: Is Steps appropriate for kids?
A: Yes. The film is designed as a family animated fantasy, but younger children may need guidance during action and spooky fantasy sequences.
Q: Does Steps have scary or violent scenes?
A: The film contains cartoon action, chases, magical peril, biker trolls, evil henchmen, and dangerous fantasy situations. The violence is presented in an animated and comedic style.
Q: Does Steps contain bad language or slurs?
A: The PG rating does not cite language as a reason for the rating. Expect mild insults, sarcasm, and rude humor rather than prominent strong profanity.
Q: Does Steps have sexual content?
A: The MPA cites brief suggestive material. This appears connected mainly to romantic and playful dialogue surrounding the Prince and the Royal Ball.
Q: Where can I watch Steps?
A: Steps is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on November 20, 2026.