Tools for this page
Print
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 3, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Heartwarming farm story touching and a bit scary.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    A scene of wild dogs attacking a herd of sheep is surprisingly strong. Nods to the reality of farm life (that animals are eaten by humans) don't fit well with the otherwise fanciful nature of the movie.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Babe

Parents need to know that Babe's separation from his mother, mirrored in a later scene in which a mother dog watches her pups being given away, can be disturbing to children who have had similar experiences. A scene of wild dogs attacking a herd of sheep is surprisingly strong. Nods to the reality of farm life (that animals are eaten by humans) don't fit well with the otherwise fanciful nature of the movie.

Read our full review by M. Faust

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what life on a farm might really be like. Which animals live on farms? Do you think they interact with each other the way the animals do here? What other movies have talking farm animals?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Babe?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0

    adorable

    MY WHOLE FAMILY LOVES THIS MOVIE its such a cute movie but maybe a bit scary i know im almost 10 but that kitty freaked me out lol

  2. I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    A New Classic

    I've never met anyone who didn't enjoy this heartwarming tale of a pig who is nurtured by a mother-figure border collie and thus, thinks that he too should be herding sheep. The animals "talk" to one another and the topic of stereotypes and discrimination/bias are handled in a positive way. The issue of animals being bred to be eaten is present but could only disturb the most sensitive of very young viewers. There is a brief scene of animal poaching but it is not violent. There is a shotgun present in a scene where the farmer considers slaughtering the pig but again, no violence. This film leaves you feeling good and presents many positive themes for kids. (The scene with the duck -- who thinks he's a rooster -- trying to make off with the alarm clock is too cute!) Good for young kids but also entertaining for adults.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    kids 4 and up would love it

    i loved this movie its soooooo good for little great movie WATCH THIS MOVIE

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    We love it

    My family loves this movie

  5. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy for age 5 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Great film but think carefully about what you'll serve kids to eat afterwards

    This is a great film, very sweet and heartwarming, but the realities of farm life may be strong for young viewers. My 5yo was aware that some farm animals are raised to be eaten, but that indistinct awareness didn't quite prepare her for the frank discussions about eating animals that are present in the film or for the more serious concept that the farmer kills the animals in order to eat them. I had very fond memories of the 2nd half of the film (Babe at the sheepdog competition), but had forgotten how brutally honest the film is about where food comes from in the first half. I'm not saying that this is bad information (it's a fair take on farm life, albeit with talking animals), just that many parents may not be prepared to discuss these details with a 5yo (especially as many adults don't want to face those realities themselves).

  6. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0

    Charming!

    This was such an adorable movie! Babe is so cute, although I must say, the word butt heads was used, and there was a little highlight of violence. I give it a four star review.

  7. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

  8. I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    Wonderful movie perfect for young children

    Babe is a story about a nice pig with manners that breaks down barriers of prejudice. He's a lovable, honest character, but strong as well. A good role model. Very entertaining as well. I must have watched it ten times of my own accord, and I'm an adult.

  9. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0

  10. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 4.0

    Not really for young kids

    I actually like the movie, but think it has harsh language and violence. The sheep and the dogs are at odds and each think the other is stupid...there is a good message in the end, but for younger audiences the focus might be on the words rather than the resolution. BUT...the biggest issue I have with the movie is the violent relationship between the two dogs that are like a married couple. He acts like a typical abusive partner and she comes across as the typical abuse victim prior to getting out of the relationship. She makes excuses for his abusive behaviors. I think adults should be very careful about letting young children see these parts of the movie without some discussion. But aside from these issues, it is otherwise a very cute movie that ends well with good lessons for mature enough audiences.

  11. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  12. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Not the best for the under 3 set

    Cute but not excessively cute portrayal of animals. Kids may miss some of the nuance but they still get the point. The under 3s may be upset that Babe could get eaten or be scared when the dogs attack the sheep. Some kids may also have trouble understanding the farmer's accent the first time thru but they'll get used to it. When my 5 yo allows my husband to pick the movie, this is always his first choice. Read the book to your preschooler too. The movie follows the story line quite well and it's a good early chapter book. Skip Pig in the City tho - too dark.

  13. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

  14. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Unique Creation

    The first of two movies-this one is clearly a great example of family friendly entertainment. It is a truly unique creation and communicates good lasting values. A caution for those 3 and under - some sequences may be violent and dark so you will need to be there to explain what's happening.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name