Common Sense Media Review
Great effects and characters, but surprisingly violent.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Antz
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 49 parent reviews
Parents say that this film is unsuitable for children under 13 due to its frequent use of strong language and violent content, including graphic scenes and sexual innuendos. Many reviewers suggest that its mature themes and humor make it more appropriate for older teens, with some recommending it only for ages 10 and up, while expressing disappointment that such content was ever deemed appropriate for a children's movie.
- not for kids
- strong language
- graphic violence
- mature themes
- inappropriate humor
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 49 kid reviews
Kids say the film presents an entertaining yet thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of freedom and identity, but many parents feel it is not appropriate for younger audiences due to excessive swearing and violence. Despite its artistic merits and engaging story, numerous reviews suggest it targets an older demographic, with many recommending it for viewers aged 10 and up instead of the suggested PG rating.
- not for kids
- excessive swearing
- violent content
- mature themes
- age recommendation
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In ANTZ, Woody Allen provides the voice of Z, the movie's hero, and we first see him on the analyst's couch, complaining about his feelings of inadequacy. A worker ant among millions of others, he longs for some individuality. When he meets the ant princess Bala (voice of Sharon Stone), he longs to see her again. So he persuades his friend Weaver (voice of Sylvester Stallone), a soldier ant, to switch places with him. Weaver enjoys being a worker, but Z finds to his horror that he is being sent into battle by the megalomaniacal General Mandible (voice of Gene Hackman). He is befriended by Barbados (voice of Danny Glover), who is killed, along with all of the other soldiers. Only Z escapes, and it is up to him to rescue the rest of the ant colony from Mandible.
Is It Any Good?
The visual effects are dazzling, and the vocal characterizations of Allen, Stallone, and Stone are superb. But there's more death and violence than might be expected in a kids' film. The deaths of two characters and the slaughter of thousands of animated "extras" make this too intense for younger kids. Some of the more sophisticated humor may be lost on kids, but they'll find other things to laugh at.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about when to question authority and how to balance individuality with the needs and norms of the community.
How do you think Antz compares with other movies that offer an about insect's point of view, such as A Bug's Life and Honey I Shrunk the Kids?
Is it fun to think of how different things look to an ant, like how our discarded trash is an exciting "Insectopia" to them?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 2, 1998
- On DVD or streaming : November 19, 2002
- Cast : Gene Hackman , Sharon Stone , Woody Allen
- Directors : Eric Darnell , Lawrence Guterman , Tim Johnson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : DreamWorks
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Bugs ) , Friendship , STEM
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : tension, cartoon violence, and some language
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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