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  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 3, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Heartwarming farm story touching and a bit scary.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    A scene of wild dogs attacking a herd of sheep is surprisingly strong. Nods to the reality of farm life (that animals are eaten by humans) don't fit well with the otherwise fanciful nature of the movie.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Babe was written by M. Faust

Parents need to know that Babe's separation from his mother, mirrored in a later scene in which a mother dog watches her pups being given away, can be disturbing to children who have had similar experiences. A scene of wild dogs attacking a herd of sheep is surprisingly strong. Nods to the reality of farm life (that animals are eaten by humans) don't fit well with the otherwise fanciful nature of the movie.

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 what life on a farm might really be like. Which animals live on farms? Do you think they interact with each other the way the animals do here? What other movies have talking farm animals?
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More on Babe

What’s the Story?

"This is a tale," a narrator says, "of an unprejudiced heart," perfectly setting the tone for what may be the best-loved family movie of the 1990s. BABE, an endearing little pig who is raised by sheepdogs, befriends the animals on Hoggett's farm and ultimately becomes a herder himself, triumphing against some pretty steep odds.

Is It Any Good?

Babe is filled from beginning to end with marvelous images: the animals who can talk (to each other, not to humans) in subtle mouth movements and well-cast voices; the never-never land of Hoggett's farm, a realistic setting with just a touch of magic; and endless surprising details, like the trio of singing mice who introduce scenes but are otherwise relinquished to small corners of the screen, the more to delight sharp-eyed viewers on the lookout for them.

But Babe is not merely a treat for the eyes. The story of this spunky little pig, who seems to have no future but to eat and be eaten, will inspire every viewer. It's a tale about making a place for yourself in the world. While Babe occasionally seems unnecessarily harsh in letting the real world seep into its fairy tale story, children seem to take it in stride; even young kids tend to be only briefly saddened by moments like a dog's puppies being given away. The biggest worry a parent can have about showing Babe to kids is that they'll insist on asking for a pet pig.

Movie Details

Studio: Universal Pictures, Director: Chris Noonan
Run time: 91 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/5/1999, DVD release: 1/5/1999
MPAA Rating: G for all audiences

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0

    adorable

    MY WHOLE FAMILY LOVES THIS MOVIE its such a cute movie but maybe a bit scary i know im almost 10 but that kitty freaked me out lol

  2. I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    A New Classic

    I've never met anyone who didn't enjoy this heartwarming tale of a pig who is nurtured by a mother-figure border collie and thus, thinks that he too should be herding sheep. The animals "talk" to one another and the topic of stereotypes and discrimination/bias are handled in a positive way. The issue of animals being bred to be eaten is present but could only disturb the most sensitive of very young viewers. There is a brief scene of animal poaching but it is not violent. There is a shotgun present in a scene where the farmer considers slaughtering the pig but again, no violence. This film leaves you feeling good and presents many positive themes for kids. (The scene with the duck -- who thinks he's a rooster -- trying to make off with the alarm clock is too cute!) Good for young kids but also entertaining for adults.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    kids 4 and up would love it

    i loved this movie its soooooo good for little great movie WATCH THIS MOVIE

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    We love it

    My family loves this movie

  5. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy for age 5 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Great film but think carefully about what you'll serve kids to eat afterwards

    This is a great film, very sweet and heartwarming, but the realities of farm life may be strong for young viewers. My 5yo was aware that some farm animals are raised to be eaten, but that indistinct awareness didn't quite prepare her for the frank discussions about eating animals that are present in the film or for the more serious concept that the farmer kills the animals in order to eat them. I had very fond memories of the 2nd half of the film (Babe at the sheepdog competition), but had forgotten how brutally honest the film is about where food comes from in the first half. I'm not saying that this is bad information (it's a fair take on farm life, albeit with talking animals), just that many parents may not be prepared to discuss these details with a 5yo (especially as many adults don't want to face those realities themselves).

  6. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0

    Charming!

    This was such an adorable movie! Babe is so cute, although I must say, the word butt heads was used, and there was a little highlight of violence. I give it a four star review.

  7. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

  8. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Unique Creation

    The first of two movies-this one is clearly a great example of family friendly entertainment. It is a truly unique creation and communicates good lasting values. A caution for those 3 and under - some sequences may be violent and dark so you will need to be there to explain what's happening.

  9. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

  10. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

    Not the best for the under 3 set

    Cute but not excessively cute portrayal of animals. Kids may miss some of the nuance but they still get the point. The under 3s may be upset that Babe could get eaten or be scared when the dogs attack the sheep. Some kids may also have trouble understanding the farmer's accent the first time thru but they'll get used to it. When my 5 yo allows my husband to pick the movie, this is always his first choice. Read the book to your preschooler too. The movie follows the story line quite well and it's a good early chapter book. Skip Pig in the City tho - too dark.

  11. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 4.0

    Not really for young kids

    I actually like the movie, but think it has harsh language and violence. The sheep and the dogs are at odds and each think the other is stupid...there is a good message in the end, but for younger audiences the focus might be on the words rather than the resolution. BUT...the biggest issue I have with the movie is the violent relationship between the two dogs that are like a married couple. He acts like a typical abusive partner and she comes across as the typical abuse victim prior to getting out of the relationship. She makes excuses for his abusive behaviors. I think adults should be very careful about letting young children see these parts of the movie without some discussion. But aside from these issues, it is otherwise a very cute movie that ends well with good lessons for mature enough audiences.

  12. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Wonderful movie perfect for young children

    Babe is a story about a nice pig with manners that breaks down barriers of prejudice. He's a lovable, honest character, but strong as well. A good role model. Very entertaining as well. I must have watched it ten times of my own accord, and I'm an adult.

  13. Parent Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

  14. Parent Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

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