Parents need to know that while Disney toned down Mark Twain's story, there are mature social themes here, including: references to a father beating his son; an oblique comment about a man who ran away from the Civil War; folk superstitions such as curing warts with a dead cat in the graveyard; the difficulty an aunt faces in raising her orphaned nephews; whippings as punishment for misbehaving children; an alcoholic who is suspected of murder; poor "river folk" who travel the Mississippi looking for work; and, a Native American as a cold-hearted killer. 'Parents should be aware that two characters are killed (non-explicit, but very threatening scenes), that a staggering drunk is framed for a murder, that an adult hits kids and threatens to kill them, and a boy refers to being beaten by his father. There is a funeral for a character who is thought to be dead as well as a near-lynching of a man suspected of murder. Scenes of peril include children being chased, a bible used as a defense against a knife attack, and a dream-sequence of a character in danger. Adults are unable to protect children, and children sneak away from home with references to running away.

Families can talk about the themes of loyalty, friendship, and doing what is right, even if it means breaking an oath. How does Tom's relationship to Huck change from one of hero-worship to real friendship? Huck is clearly wary of the townspeople, and families might want to talk about how his character develops during this movie. Tom is portrayed as a daring and intelligent boy, yet there are also example of times he is headstrong and manipulative those around him. Families might discuss which characteristics of Tom, Huck, Aunt Polly, the Widow Douglas, and Becky they admire and which they see in themselves.