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The Care Bears Movie (G, 1985)

common sense media says

Not all rainbows and hugs -- some scares, too.

parents & educators say
  • 29% say there are positive messages
See all 13 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that younger preschoolers might be frightened by the scenes with Evil Spirit, a misty shape that flows out of a magical book and enlists the help of a friendless child named Nicholas to rid the world of all caring. The Evil Spirit causes a cloud quake in Care Bears' world of Care-A-Lot with visuals of broken structures and rainbow bridges. It also causes a fight between kids at the carnival where Nicholas works.

Positive messages: Care Bears work as a team with cousins from the Forest of Feelings and human children to stop the Evil Spirit.
Violence & scariness: Evil Spirit causes cloud quakes, fighting among kids, and destruction in land of Care-a-Lot.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Watch out on the next trip to the toy store.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Care Bears Movie

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why it's important to demonstrate feelings for each other. Also, kids may want to know why Kim and Jason do not have parents in the beginning of the movie.

What's the story?

What's the story?
In THE CARE BEARS MOVIE, the Care Bears, whose mission is to help those humans who have given up on ever feeling loved, target an orphaned girl named Kim, and her brother, Jason. Two Care Bears travel down to Earth and bring them back to Care-A-Lot. Fun and frolicking ensues in the puffy clouds, and the Care Bears win the hearts of the kids. Another Care Bear finds a friendless magician's assistant, Nicholas, who falls under the spell of an Evil Spirit. The Spirit corrupts Nicholas and together they begin a quest to rid all caring from the world. With the help of the bears, Kim, Jason, and the Care Bear cousins from the Forest of Feelings, Nicholas is saved and the Spirit is once again forced back into an old book.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The Care Bears Movie was made for young kids, but this movie's plot has some dark scenes and parents will want to be close at hand to comfort young viewers. Children may have questions about orphaned kids. Also, for younger kids who are still blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, the Evil Spirit may prove frightening even after the movie is over.

This film was one of the highest grossing kids movies made in Canada. It was a predecessor to the television series and the mass of merchandising that followed. Sugary sweet music provided by Carole King and John Sebastian complement the Care Bear visuals. It has a retro look to it with floating hearts, stars, and rainbows that is stylish today. It's a movie that captures the interest of children across generations.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: MGM/UA
Director: Arna Sleznick
Cast: George Engel, Jackie Burroughs, Mickey Rooney
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 77 minutes
Theatrical release: March 29, 1985
DVD release: March 20, 2007
MPAA Rating: G
MPAA explanation: all audiences
This review was written by Pam Gelman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

4
Based on 7 parent & educator reviews:
  • 29% say there are positive messages
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

bubby000038358
kid, 10 years old
 
kjnb
jhniki
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (9)
lldent2000
parent
2
 
Entertaining
The care bears movie is fine for ages 2 and up. My children love it. I haven't seen anything scary in this movie. Maybe every child is different but my kids love it. They are always asking to see it. They run around singing the songs even when the movie is not on. I even watch it with them. I have been a care bears fan since I was younger.
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LilAnimeEarth
kid, 10 years old
2
 
AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
How in the heck is a CLOUDQUAKE scary? Nothing is scary!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU CARE BEARS!!!!!!! I LOVE IT SO MUCH I WANT CARE-A-LOT TO BE REAL!!!!!!!!!! ITS NOT SCARY!!!!!!!!1
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3girlsmom
parent of and 7 , 8 , 10 year old
 
We own this
The absolute only thing that is questionable for 2-5yr olds is the scary Evil Spirit. Your young children would appreciate you sitting with them if they are sensitive at all, but there is no hurting others, crude comments, sexual innuendos, etc. My 3,4,and 6yr olds all enjoy it. The songs are very catchy and cheerful, and present a sense of love and respect.
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talfonso
adult
5
 
That's A Really Cute Movie!
I had that film on VHS, but I'll rent the DVD version of it! The only thing that I'm concerned about is - well, just the Evil Spirit, but it's a joy to watch anyway! I'm a fan of Bedtime Bear and Proud Heart Cat!
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love2
parent of 19 year old
4
 
a good movie for preschoolers and kindergarteners but some iffy content
this movie has some iffy stuff in it like: some vilonce that is a little tooo scary for a young toddler. and lots of product placement for example if your child is young and loves care bears then after they waych this movie next time yougo to the store if they see care bear stuff they will bug you and bug you to buy it.
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noelrocks
adult
 
The Carebears Movie Rocks!
Is the Carebear Movie on DVD? I know it's on VHS!(Video)
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Mr. Karl
parent of 9 year old
5
 
For young kids
It's a big movie for kids but it wasn't quite enough to pass.
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drama movie fan
teen, 14 years old
5
 
some iffy stuff
some vilonce is very iffy for young children.
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vrosesa
adult
 
Love the Care Bears!!!
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guesswhatchick ...
teen, 18 years old
 
No.
Just.... horrid. I do NOT want MY children watching this. I mean, that evil spirit thing scared ME. Imagine how terrified my poor children would be.
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phillys fan
teen, 17 years old
 
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Chrissy 505
teen, 15 years old
 
it is a great movie...when i was 5
it was okay 6 years ago but now it really sucks
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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