In ancient China, the Huns, led by the ruthless Shan Yu, invade, breaching the Great Wall. The Emperor commands that one man from every family must serve in the Imperial Army. Fa Mulan, a spirited young woman, fears for her ailing father's life, as he has no son to take his place. To save him from certain death in battle, Mulan secretly takes his place by disguising herself as a man, risking execution and dishonor if she's caught. She cuts her hair, dons her father's armor, and joins the army, calling herself "Ping."

Mulan struggles to maintain her disguise and prove herself to her comrades and their strict commanding officer, Captain Li Shang. Her early days in the military camp are marked by mistakes and close calls, but with the help of her little dragon guardian, Mushu, who wishes to regain his place among the family's guardian spirits, Mulan begins to find her footing. Mushu provides comic relief and unwavering support as Mulan undertakes rigorous training and learns the value of teamwork and perseverance. As the troops prepare for battle, Mulan must gather her courage and embrace her identity to protect her fellow soldiers and prove her worth to her nation and herself.