Common Sense Media Review
Charming live-action tale has intense peril, some violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Peter Pan (2003)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Parents say this film stays true to the book but tends to feature a darker atmosphere with intense and sometimes violent scenes, making it unsuitable for very young children. While some family members appreciate the film's visual appeal and character depth, many warn that its mature themes and frightening elements might be too disturbing for kids under 10.
- dark atmosphere
- unsuitable for young
- true to book
- graphic scenes
- parental guidance recommended
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 38 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a charming and adventurous adaptation that closely follows the original book, showcasing the complex relationship between Peter and Wendy while delivering a mix of action and romance. However, some viewers feel it contains mature content and graphic scenes not suitable for younger children, raising concerns about the appropriateness of its PG rating.
- charming adaptation
- complex relationship
- mature content
- action and romance
- viewer concerns
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
This story begins with Peter Pan, the boy who would not grow up, leaving Neverland on occasion so he can listen to the stories that Wendy tells her brothers, Michael and John. One night, Peter's shadow is caught in the window. When he comes back to get it, Wendy sews it on, and Peter invites them back to Neverland. There they meet up with the Lost Boys, and battle Captain Hook (Jason Isaacs). This film version focuses on the relationship between Peter and Wendy. In Neverland, Peter tells Wendy she will never have to grow up but then makes her into the mother of the Lost Boys. She assures him (and herself) that they are only playing, but she feels the pull of the adult world. She even tells Peter that Captain Hook is "a man of feeling" while he is just a boy. Feelings are taken very seriously in this film. Fairies like Tinkerbell can have only one feeling at a time. Peter cannot answer when Wendy asks him what his feelings are. And Hook has a deadly poison made up of "a mixture of malice, jealous, and disappointment."
Is It Any Good?
Director/screenwriter P.J. Hogan's sumptuously beautiful retelling of the classic story maintains its timeless charm. The production design is simply gorgeous, with exquisite period detail. Even state-of-the-art special effects like flying and computer graphics are consistently conceived and gratifyingly believable. The jarring notes are Peter's (unforgivably) American accent and some anachronistic-sounding music. Ludivine Sagnier does her best as Tinkerbell, but the fairy is probably best portrayed as a spot of light.
Some Pan lovers will object to some gentle tweaking of the story. But it's not so much to be politically correct or bring it up to date as it is to remove any distractions from what in today's view would be seen as sexism.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why someone might not want to grow up. What do grown-ups do to keep the best part of childhood inside themselves? Is that what Barrie was doing in writing this story?
How is this version of Peter Pan similar to and different from other versions?
How does this version mine comedy out of violence? Why is the absurdity of, for instance, Captain Hook shooting and killing pirates who talk out of turn funny to some?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 25, 2003
- On DVD or streaming : May 4, 2004
- Cast : Jason Isaacs , Jeremy Sumpter , Rachel Hurd-Wood
- Director : P.J. Hogan
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Book Characters , Pirates
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : adventure action sequences and peril
- Last updated : December 19, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate