This is a great dog/sports movie. The only mildly violent scene is where a boy is repeatedly pelted with basketballs, thrown hard by the coach. There is a little bit of mild language, but otherwise this is a great movie suitable for kids.
Air Bud
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
A high-flying dog tale for kids.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 6 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
-
Violence & scariness:
-
Sexy stuff:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Air Bud was written by Heather Boerner
Parents need to know that this movie, while mostly lighthearted, does depict a child dealing with the death of his father. It also depicts abuse -- animal abuse and physical abuse of a boy by his coach -- though it makes it clear that both are wrong, and both are punished. If you don't have a dog already, be aware that kids may be inspired by this film to bring home stray dogs and try to teach them to play basketball.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the proper treatment of pets. Does Josh display responsibility when it comes to Buddy? What are signs of abuse, and what should you do if you discover them? How would you react if you saw adults doing things wrong?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Air Bud
What’s the Story?
After being abandoned by his comically mean clown owner (Michael Jeter), playful golden retriever Buddy meets Josh (Kevin Zegers), a depressed 12-year-old whose father has just died and mother has just relocated the family to a new town. The town holds all sorts of secrets for a curious kid -- a basketball court hidden behind overgrown vines and the dilapidated fence of an abandoned church, a basketball legend lurking behind the calm exterior of a school janitor, and, most important, a rare and talented dog who can make baskets. Buddy is talented at a lot of things, but his most important talent is that he draws Josh out of his shell. The two form a fast friendship, and when Buddy makes a basket at one of Josh's games, he becomes the team's mascot. All is well until Buddy's mean owner finds out about Buddy's talent and comes to claim him. Then Josh must decide whether to let Buddy go or try to save him from abuse.
Is It Any Good?
AIR BUD aims straight for the heart, with its infectious mix of drama, silly villains, impish doggy antics, and adventure. All along, viewers are learning something about responsibility, loyalty, and love. Far from being alienated, having Buddy's love gives Josh a family again. He's happy, his mother is happy, and Josh even gains a mentor and father figure in the form of coach Arthur Chaney (Bill Cobbs).
Air Bud's got it all: a fluffy golden retriever, a basketball final game, a car chase, and mean but comically non-threatening villains. You can see why it spawned a series of videos, and your little one may want to see them all. Be aware that none of the successors are nearly as good.
Movie Details
Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Director: Charles Smith
Run time: 98 minutes
Theatrical release: 8/1/1997, DVD release: 1/6/1998
MPAA Rating: PG for brief mild language
Run time: 98 minutes
Theatrical release: 8/1/1997, DVD release: 1/6/1998
MPAA Rating: PG for brief mild language
Our Members Say
See all 6 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
-
I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Perfect kid movie
-
I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
Sports and Dogs= Nice Film.
When my sister first made me see this film, I groaned. I thought that it would turn out like the Beethoven films. I was wrong. This film is cute, put a smile on my face, and, well, I like animals.
-
I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
not again....
The first movie in this series was really good (read my review of it..). But by the time we get to this one, the 5th in the series, they have barely changed the plot, the endings are going from sweet to cheesy, they don't have the touching moments that manage to make me cry anymore, and the whole thing is GETTING REALLY BORING! My recommendation, see the first two and that's it. The rest are stupid and boring, and that is coming from me, a huge dog lover. The filmmakers should get with the program and STOP MAKING THESE!! they are really starting to bug me...
-
I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
Touching, i cried
This movie might seem really stupid, but it's not. It is really interesting and funny. Also, it is mainly bright and cheery! However, one very sad scene made me cry, (I won't give away any spoilers, but poor dog!) and it is really hard to make me do that (I stayed dry-eyed at Marley and me...). So if you are a dog-lover you might want to arm yourself with tissue when you watch this. (parents may also cry at the sentimental ending). Overall, wonderful movie! 7+
-
I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
I cried and laughed!
Air Bud was about friendship between a boy and a dog, and it was a very toughing movie. You will see a clown worker trying to capture this dog, and take it away. When the boy has the dog, he brings him to the grass, throws a ball then runs away. 7+!
-
I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
such a good movie
i havent seen this 1 in a while, but i used to watch it all the time when i was younger and i really enjoyed it!!! parents, anyone can watch this movie, theres no sex, no violence, no anything!!
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Have you seen it?
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
