The Importance of Glasses-wearing role models.
In New Zealand, we have access to some amazing TV shows and movies that can help our kids feel represented and empowered. It’s essential to foster a sense of self-confidence from a young age, and having glasses-wearing role models on screen can be a significant step in that direction.
There are currently a plethora of animated tv series and movies where glasses wearing characters are celebrated. It is a little harder when your children get older, but the obvious choice would be Harry Potter.
This is not the be all and end all list. But this is a great starting point for younger children.
Turning Red (2022)
Character with Glasses: Mei Lee & her friend Priya
Synopsis: A thirteen-year-old girl named Mei Lee is torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the changes of adolescence. And as if the challenges were not enough, whenever she gets overly excited she transforms into a giant red panda. Movie
Despicable Me
Character with Glasses: Margo Gru
Synopsis: A thirteen-year-old girl named Mei Lee is torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the changes of adolescence. And as if the challenges were not enough, whenever she gets overly excited she transforms into a giant red panda. Margo Gru is one of Gru and Lucy Wilde’s adopted children. Movie (Series)
Stuart Little
Character with Glasses: George Little
Synopsis: When the Littles go to an orphanage to adopt a new family member, a charming young mouse named Stuart is chosen. While George is initially unwelcoming to his new brother, the family cat, Snowbell, is even less enthusiastic about having a mouse as his “master” and plots to get rid of him. Against these difficulties, Stuart resolves to face them with as much pluck, love and courage as he can muster. In doing so, he shows his beloved new family that great things can truly come in small packages. Movie (series)
Enchanto
Character with Glasses: Mirabel
Synopsis: The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift — every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger. Movie
Meet the Robinsons
Character with Glasses: Lewis
Synopsis: Boy genius Lewis gives up hope of retrieving his latest invention, which was stolen by Bowler Hat Guy, then a young time-traveler named Wilbur Robinson arrives on the scene to whisk Lewis away in his time machine. The boys spend a day in the future with Wilbur’s eccentric family and uncover an amazing secret at the same time. Movie
Cloudy with a chance of meatballs
Character with Glasses: Sam Sparks
Synopsis: When hard times hit Swallow Falls, its townspeople can only afford to eat sardines. Flint Lockwood, a failed inventor, thinks he has the answer to the town’s crisis. He builds a machine that converts water into food, and becomes a local hero when tasty treats fall from the sky like rain. But when the machine spins out of control and threatens to bury the whole world under giant mounds of food, Flint finds he may have bitten off more than he can chew. Movie
Mr Peabody & Sherman
Character with Glasses: Sherman and Mr Peabody
Synopsis: Mr. Peabody, the most accomplished canine in the world, and his boy, Sherman, use a time machine called the Wabac to embark on outrageous adventures. However, when Sherman takes the Wabac without permission to impress his friend Penny (Ariel Winter), he accidentally rips a hole in the universe and causes havoc with world history. It’s up to Mr. Peabody to mount a rescue and prevent the past, present and future from being permanently altered. Movie
The Wiggles
Character with Glasses: Emma
Synopsis: Emma wears glasses often on the Wiggles, and even has a glasses song! TV Series
Bluey
Character with Glasses: Honey
Synopsis: While not focused on glasses specifically, “Bluey” offers excellent life lessons and shows characters who are diverse and relatable. Honey is Bluey’s friend from school, and wears turquoise coloured glasses. TV Series
Rio
Character with Glasses: Linda Gunderson
Synopsis: Captured by smugglers when he was just a hatchling, a macaw named Blu never learned to fly but has a happy domesticated life in Minnesota with Linda, who thinks he is the last of his breed. But when word comes that a lone female of his kind is in Rio de Janeiro, Linda and Blu go to meet her. Animal smugglers kidnap Blu and his mate, but the birds soon escape and begin a perilous adventure back to freedom — and Linda.
Alvin & the Chipmunks
Character with Glasses: Simon and Jeanette
Synopsis: Three musical chipmunks are discovered by an aspiring songwriter who wants to use their amazing singing abilities to become famous. Available as a TV series & Movie.
We hope this list is helpful! Happy viewing!
The Little Grippers Team
Little Grippers NZ 
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