After I read the book to my kids, we rented the movie. I wanted to inspire them to listen to and read more books and I think watching the movie afterward is a great way to do that. My kids enjoyed it a lot. Of course, the movie is very dated and it's hard to believe we watched it back in our day thinking that they movie looked great. But that aside, it held my childrens' interest (ages 4 & 6) quite well. There is nothing negative (language, etc.) in it that isn't portrayed as negative in the movie. For example, while some of the children display gluttony, selfishness and rudeness, etc., they are all portrayed as negative character traits that you would want to avoid. The only problematic part of the movie for me was the boat ride. It's a little scary for young children, but skipping quickly through it should solve that problem. I allowed my children to watch it and while they seemed afraid during that part of the movie, they quickly forgot once it was over. Overall, I'd say this a great family movie - especially for slightly older children.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Pure, sweet imagination for both kids and adults.
Themes in this movie include: family relationships, honesty, materialism
updated 11.06.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was written by Ed Grant
Parents need to know that overall this is an excellent, imaginative family film. While it doesn't have any content that would be considered inappropriate for kids, author Roald Dahl's signature dark humor is evident. There are a few scary/tense scenes that may disturb younger or more sensitive children. Slugworth is a creepy character (who turns out OK in the end). When Wonka takes the kids on a wild boat ride through a tunnel, some icky images appear and the kids on the boat are terrified. All of the ticket-winning kids end up in some kind of peril (some wind up in more dangerous situations than others), but they all turn out safe and sound in the end.
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 different kids' choices as they go along on the tour. What would you do if you were one of the kids? When has being honest been rewarded for you?
- Compare this version to the more recent Johnny Depp version. Which do you prefer, and why?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
What’s the Story?
Reclusive candy mogul Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) comes out of hiding to announce a contest: five golden tickets will be enclosed in candy bars to be sold throughout the world. Those finding the tickets will receive a lifetime supply of chocolate and a tour of his mysterious factory. Impoverished Charlie (Peter Ostrum) finds the fifth ticket, and visits the factory with his beloved Grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson). The four other children, who tour the factory with Charlie, suffer colorful fates when their bratty instincts overcome them. Charlie finds himself as the only child remaining at the end of the tour. At first he's denied the grand prize, but when he passes a final test, Wonka rewards him with the biggest prize of all: the chocolate factory.
Is It Any Good?
Unlike the kind of children's movie that fizzles out, Willy Wonka actually gets better as it goes along. Unfortunately, scripter Roald Dahl (adapting his book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) devotes nearly the first half of the film to the golden-ticket contest. Though containing a few choice moments (and the hit song "The Candy Man"), this section of the film pales in comparison to the second half, in which Wonka leads us through "a world of pure imagination." The eccentric inventor assumes center stage and the travelers are for the most part creepy, self-centered souls who learn by being punished, not rewarded.
The role of Wonka makes terrific use of Wilder's playfulness and manic energy. Though the film's candy-colored sets may seem a bit primitive when compared to today's computer-generated special effects, it does indeed stand the test of time. Preschoolers will be dazzled by the film's bright color-scheme and broadly-drawn characters but may be frightened by a few scary moments; 5-to 8-year-olds will comprehend the film's message, and respond to the memorable songs and snappy dialogue, but older kids and preteens are this film's ideal audience.
Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros., Director: Mel Stuart
Run time: 98 minutes
Theatrical release: 6/30/1971, DVD release: 8/28/2001
MPAA Rating: G for all audiences
Run time: 98 minutes
Theatrical release: 6/30/1971, DVD release: 8/28/2001
MPAA Rating: G for all audiences
Our Members Say
See all 20 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Educational
A great classic that kids today can enjoy, too
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I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Educational
My kids loved the movie because it is educational and fun.
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
If you've read the book then this is the next step
This movie has good role models, however there are some bad parts. For example, in one of the most fanous scenes from the movie Wonka takes everyone on a scary boat ride in the chocolate river which might seem scary for kids under 6.
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
If you've read the book then this is the next step
This movie has good role models, however there are some bad parts. For example, in one of the most fanous scenes from the movie Wonka takes everyone on a scary boat ride in the chocolate river which might seem scary for kids under 6.
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I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
A real winner
Although; the plot deviates from the book towards the end- which my daughter (17) didn't like; and there was scene with a boat ride that was much too scay for my son(5), overall the movie was very enjoyable. It's one of the only ones we can watch together as a family.
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
Scary at times
This movie was on TV and for the longest time I couldn't watch it because the Oompa Loompa's were really scary to watch. It's a brilliant work of imagination for its time and has you wanting to be good like Charlie and crave chocolate for at least a couple of weeks.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
classic
this is one of those classics that don't look great at first but then turns out perfect. i loce this movie so much. it is one of my favorites yet the matrix (my first favorite) kicks this movies ass
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
spectacular !
great(and somtimes strage)movie.
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
Sacry stuff here
I'll be honest - I HATE this movie! It scared me to death as a kid and still creeps me out. Willy Wonka is weird. The kids on the tour are HORRIBLE. It'll never be shown in my house.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
A classic
My kids identified with Charlie's deprivation (although they are hardly on his level) and noted the reward for his honesty. Yes the characters behave horribly but they get their just desserts. The boat ride is scary; those who are sensitive closed their eyes. Also, adults will have to be able to take hearing the "Oompah loompah" song from their kids for the next week.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Eh...
I don't know why Willy Wonka is considered a 'classic.' It is boring at times, not all that funny, and Willy Wonka himself comes across as a bit sadistic. There are people who compare this to Wizard of Oz, which was a far better classic. Overrated. Good for kids: 6+
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Good Movie
I brought it to school once.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
This is a classic, and SO much better than the remake with Johnny Depp. It teaches kids some pretty good lessons, and is very entertaining. Love it!
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Favorite movie
Willy wonka and the chocalate factory is my favorite movie.i watched it with my aunt and my parents we all laughed at the funny and crazy things Willy Wonka did. you should watch this movie its really funny.
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
WB IS EVIL!!!!
WB IS SO EVIL WHEN THEY MADE THIS MOVIE THAT IN THE BOAT RIDE, FIRST THEY SHOW GREEN SMOKE, THEN A WORM, THEN THEY SHOW A WORM GOING ACROSS A RESTING GUY'S MOUTH! THEN THEY SHOW THE GUY'S EYE IN HORROR, THEN THEY SHOW A CHICKEN BEING BEHEADED, AND OTHER SICK STUFF LIKE THAT! WHAT WERE THEY THINKING! THE DIDN'T EVEN GET THE TITLE RIGHT. (the book is called CHARLIE and the Chocolate Factory)
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 100% | of parents say it's too violent |
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say it's educational |
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