Common Sense Media Review
Surreal animated Disney classic with mild peril.
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Alice in Wonderland
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 33 parent reviews
Parents say this film, while visually delightful and entertaining for children, contains subtle drug references and hints of violence that may warrant a higher rating in today's context. Many reviewers found it suitable for young ones, as long as parents are prepared to discuss its confusing elements and potentially scary themes, particularly involving the Queen of Hearts.
- visual delight
- drug references
- hints of violence
- suitable for children
- parent discussions
- confusing elements
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 48 kid reviews
Kids say this movie offers a magical and whimsical experience, filled with beautiful animation and a surreal storyline. While many find it charming and recommend it for all ages, some reviewers express concerns about its darker themes, including mild peril and elements like smoking, which may not be suitable for very young children.
- magical whimsy
- beautiful animation
- darker themes
- suitable for ages
- surreal storyline
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
ALICE IN WONDERLAND, the children's classic by Lewis Carroll about the girl who falls down a rabbit hole, is presented by Disney in this lively and tuneful version. Alice is reading with her sister when she sees a white rabbit, fully dressed, muttering about being late. She follows him down a rabbit hole to Wonderland, where she grows bigger and smaller, meets the Cheshire Cat, attends a mad tea party, talks to a caterpillar who puffs on a hookah, and triumphs over the Queen of Hearts, before finding that it was all a dream.
Is It Any Good?
Kids may enjoy the movie's silly characters, like the Mad Hatter and March Hare (especially the celebration of "unbirthdays"), and the tantrums of the despotic Queen of Hearts. Like another perennial favorite, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland is the story of a girl who thinks she wants to go somewhere exciting, but, once she gets there, spends the entire time trying to find her way home. Wonderland may be different and exciting, but its inhabitants are often rude and unfriendly, even hostile.
It's worth noting that Alice does just about everything we tell kids not to do, including going off with strangers and eating and drinking things that may be dangerous. She acknowledges her mistakes in a song that kids will relate to: "I Give Myself Very Good Advice (But I Very Seldom Follow It)."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the dreamy world Alice finds herself in Alice in Wonderland. Which of these wild characters is your favorite? Why do they celebrate un-birthdays in Wonderland? Could you celebrate one right now? Why does Alice sing the song "I Give Myself Very Good Advice (But I Very Seldom Follow It)"? When did you give yourself good advice and not follow it?
Families can talk about how this original version differs from Time Burton's Alice in Wonderland (2010) starring Johnny Depp, or how it differs from Lewis Carroll's original work.
How does Alice demonstrate curiosity and perseverance in Alice in Wonderland? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 28, 1951
- On DVD or streaming : July 4, 2000
- Cast : Ed Wynn , Kathryn Beaumont , Sterling Holloway
- Director : Clyde Geronimi
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Perseverance
- Run time : 75 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 28, 2025
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