Tools for this page
Print

Barney: Jungle Friends

  • 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 0, age appropriate for kids over 0; suggested age 2.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Barney's jungle journey has an eco-message.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 2 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Youngest viewers will be exposed to some new animals and their habitats, such as: tegu lizards, sloths, howler monkeys, anaconda snakes, toucans, parrots, ocelots and so on. Plants and trees are also named: jasmine, honeysuckle, lavender, and an imaginary tree called the Higgelty Piggelty Pear tree.

  • Messages:

    Save the planet is the message of the day. And Barney does give some tips about recycling, taking care of plants and animals, and speaking up about saving trees. Of course, some of the material is simplistic, but nevertheless it's a good start.

  • Role models:

    Barney is a grinning purple dinosaur, yes, but he also knows how to set boundaries with his peers. He motivates kids to "pick up your part of the world," and he admonishes a character who knocks down a precious tree.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    BJ knocks down a very precious tree, making Mother Nature cry. He apologizes and the group plants a seed, in hopes that the tree will grow again.

  • Consumerism:

    The Barney franchise is apparent -- Barney has a travel book that the group uses to transport themselves into the rainforest. BJ eats chips as a snack (why not fruit, or crackers?) and leaves the bag in the forest, prompting a reprimand from other characters.

     

 

What Parents Need to Know

About Barney: Jungle Friends

Parents need to know that this Barney movie focuses on saving the Earth. It's a heavy theme dealt with lightly, by singing and dancing and getting busy cleaning things up. Series fans are sure to enjoy all of the animals that the group encounters in the rain forest. True environmentalists may cringe, especially since Mother Nature is portrayed as a ditsy hippie with a child's voice. But teaching kids the names of animals and plants is a good start on the critical journey of eco-awareness.

Read our full review by Joly Herman

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about saving the Earth. What do you do to help the environment? Do you recycle? Do you reuse the things that you can use again, like Ben does when he makes his Earth Day costume? What else can you do to help save our planet?
  • Youngest kids are the most vulnerable targets as far as advertising is concerned. Though this Barney movie concerns itself with saving the planet, there is a lot of Barney stuff out there for families to buy. Here are some tips about ad-proofing your youngest family members so that they can make Earth-friendly choices.
  • What does consumption mean? How does consumption lead to waste? How does waste affect our planet? How can we break this cycle?
Tools and tips that can help

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

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Barney: Jungle Friends?

  •  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. Parent Reviewer
    americaamerica
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    great for teenagers and elders

    love it. hate it. its so bad.i love it so much

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Age 7+
    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Must See TV

    Age 13+
    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Download This

    Age 3+
    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

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
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.