Common Sense Media Review
Heartwarming farm story is touching and a bit scary.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
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Babe
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 33 parent reviews
Parents say this film is a mix of charming storytelling and unsettling themes surrounding food and violence, making it a potentially confusing experience for young audiences. While many find it heartwarming and entertaining, several reviewers caution against viewing it with sensitive children due to its intense scenes and underlying messages about animal slaughter and carnivorism.
- sensitive content
- charming storytelling
- intense themes
- talking animals
- parental discretion
- audience engagement
Summarized with AI
Based on 21 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is heartwarming and charming, featuring an endearing pig that captures the hearts of both children and adults. While it delivers positive messages about friendship and courage, several reviews caution that it contains intense scenes, making it important for parents to be aware of the potentially scary moments.
- heartwarming story
- positive messages
- intense scenes
- family-friendly
- memorable characters
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
BABE, an endearing little pig who is raised by sheepdogs, befriends the animals on Hoggett's farm and ultimately becomes a herder himself, triumphing against some pretty steep odds. "This is a tale," a narrator says, "of an unprejudiced heart," perfectly setting the tone for what may be the best-loved family movie of the 1990s.
Is It Any Good?
This movie is filled from beginning to end with marvelous images. There are the animals who can talk (to each other, not to humans) in subtle mouth movements and well-cast voices; the never-never land of Hoggett's farm, a realistic setting with just a touch of magic; and endless surprising details, like the trio of singing mice who introduce scenes but are otherwise relinquished to small corners of the screen, the more to delight sharp-eyed viewers on the lookout for them.
But Babe is not merely a treat for the eyes. The story of this spunky little pig, who seems to have no future but to eat and be eaten, will inspire every viewer. It's a tale about making a place for yourself in the world. While Babe occasionally seems unnecessarily harsh in letting the real world seep into its fairy tale story, children seem to take it in stride; even young kids tend to be only briefly saddened by moments like a dog's puppies being given away. The biggest worry a parent can have about showing Babe to kids is that they'll insist on asking for a pet pig (or perhaps decide to become a vegetarian).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what life on a farm like the one in Babe 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?
How would this movie be different if it were animated? Why do you think animation changes the way we experience a movie?
Have you read the book upon which this movie is based? How does it compare to the movie?
How does Babe demonstrate perseverance? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 4, 1995
- On DVD or streaming : November 19, 1997
- Cast : Christine Cavanaugh , Hugo Weaving , James Cromwell
- Director : Chris Noonan
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Animals
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 8, 2026
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