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The Sword in the Stone

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Delightful classic brings Arthur legend to life.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Wart/Arthur is often bullied but never becomes a bully himself. Merlin instills in Arthur the importance of a good education and teaches life lessons -- courage, the power of love, and the importance of brains over brawn -- creatively. Also addresses the importance of fair play in competition.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Wart is often punished by his guardian and bullied by Kay.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Addresses the power of crushes to hurt feelings.
  • Language:

    The bad witch Madam Mim has some words for Merlin, but it's never too harsh.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Sword in the Stone

Parents need to know that the main character experiences some bullying, but otherwise the film offers lots of positive lessons about courage, the importance of brains over brawn, the importance of fair play, and the power of love.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what made Arthur the one who could pull the sword out of the stone? What did he learn from his adventures with Merlin? How will what he learned help him to be a good king? How did Madame Mim cheat? How did Merlin fight back when she did?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 3.0

    I love it, but it's not a blockbuster

    There is magic and some violence with the witch and even the mistreatment of Arthur. Parents should always watch something WITH their child to explain any iffy content.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Cute and fun for all ages

    This isn't my favorite Disney movie. (There are others that surpass this one in many aspects.) But it is very cute and quite enjoyable. I especially like the parts where Merlin transforms Arthur into a squirrel, a fish, and a bird. And the Wizard's Duel between Madame Mim and Merlin is pretty awesome as well. :)

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    daddy long legs 11 years old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    great great for all ages!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Great original Disney Classic!!!

    Fantastic, humorous, and highly entertaining film about what King Arthur was taught to make him a great ruler. Great for kids and adults alike! Fantastic family movie!

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

    i laughed

    My kids have this movie & they like it.

  7. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    this movie rocks!!

    one of the only movies that still feels magical.. there is some wizard dueling, possibly scary scenes w/ fish and the usual evil enemy, but this movie is tons of fun!!

  8. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 2.0

    Based on violence

    We previewed this movie hoping to share it with our 4 year old daughter. My husband remembered it as rollicking fun. I remembered it being essentially about battles, fighting, sword fights, etc. Within two minutes of the title, both of us were on the same page - absolutely not for OUR 4 year old. In the opening scene, the brothers torment each other something fierce. Sure, kids really do that, but do we need to encourage it?

  9. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    Delightful!

    My five-year-old adores knights and he loved this. I am extremely selective about what he sees, and can really say that this film is unique in the sea of kid's film. Great music, plot, message, language, humor, everything. I recommend it highly!!

  10. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

  11. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0

    Really Good Kids Movie

    Animated

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