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101 Dalmatians

  • 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

    Lovable cartoon classic for all ages.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
  • Violence & scariness:

    A very convincing villain and threat of turning puppies into a coat.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Cruella smokes her signature long cigarettes.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of 101 Dalmatians was written by Nell Minow

Parents need to know that this is an excellent film with a slightly scary villain for the very young and impressionable.

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 responsibilities of raising a pet (the popularity of the movie created a high demand for dalmatian puppies among kids). Do kids think they would be able to maintain enthusiasm for their pet? Would they be responsible for feeding, brushing, playing, and walking it? What kind of commitment is it to raise a pet, particularly a dog?
Did this review help you decide?

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More on 101 Dalmatians

What’s the Story?

Like Lady and the Tramp, this story is told from the perspective of dogs, this time two dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, the cherished pets of Roger and Anita. Anita's old friend, one of the most notorious villains in movie history, is the aptly named Cruella De Vil. Her henchmen kidnap Perdita's puppies and 84 others so she can make them into a dalmatian fur coat. Pongo and Perdita, with the help of their animal friends, undertake a daring rescue.

Is It Any Good?

The puppies are adorable, and the movie is exciting, funny (with a sly poke at television and the kids who watch it), and fun.

Movieline magazine once asked actresses to name the most memorable female villain in the history of the movies -- Cruella was at the top of the list.

Movie Details

Studio: Disney, Director: Clyde Geronimi
Run time: 79 minutes
Theatrical release: 01/01/1961, DVD release: 03/03/2008
MPAA Rating: G for general audiences

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Comedy, action and suspense for the little ones.

    Classic movie. There is a fair bit of smoking, and might be a bit scary for sensitive ones. The use of the word 'idiot' might put some off.

  2. I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 4.0

    Dalmation Love

    I think this movie is wonderful, and any age can watch it. It's timeless! Cruella might be the tiniest bit scary to really younger children, and the thought of turning cute puppies into coats might scare them, but other than that this movie is a classic family film!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0

    Animated!

    Nothing objectionale about this kiddie comedy that revolutionilzed popularity in dalmations. Love Cruella the most.

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    cute story

    My younger brother loved it, but as far as the movies I allow my daughter to watch, I try to limit them to educational as much as possible.

  5. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title off for age 4 and give it 2.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    "you idiot"

    my 4 year old started calling everyone "you idiot" after watching this

  6. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0

    Great Kids Movie

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

    One of the best Disney films!

    Wish they still made 'em like this classic!

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

    woof!

    some of the scenes with Cruella might be a little frightening to younger kids..

  9. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

  10. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title off for age 0 and give it 0.0

  11. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

    A classic, and a must-see for all families.

  12. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 3.0

  13. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    This is a good movie! It is 500 times better than the non-animated one!

  14. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

  15. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

  16. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Every Kid Must See

    It came out when i was little but is still a great movie.

  17. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    a- must-read- book for every 8 year old.

    i want to see the movie....

  18. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Idaho
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    101 Dalmatians

    This is a movie that the whole famly can sit down to enjoy. There is a little vilence toward the puppys but not a bunch. I think it is a great movie for little kids to watch.

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

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