Charlotte's Web (2006)

Movie review by Cynthia Fuchs, Common Sense Media
Charlotte's Web (2006) Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 5+

Enchanting take on a beloved children's classic.

G 2006 97 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 5+

Based on 41 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 48 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know Charlotte's Web is unusually respectful of its much-loved source (E.B. White's classic novel) and its young audience. While the movie does refer to the farmer's plan to kill Wilbur for Christmas dinner, the pivotal (and most potentially upsetting) moment is the death of a central character, which is followed by appropriate mourning and recovery by her barnyard friends. Some of the animal characters are initially unfriendly to a new arrival, and Templeton the rat scavenges objects and talks about being selfish and sneaky. Crows attack him, with their point-of-view shots suggesting the danger he's in. There's also some name-calling. Loyalty, acceptance, and faith in your friends are important themes of this emotionally powerful movie.

Community Reviews

tierraverde
tierraverde Adult
April 11, 2022
age 5+
Whitney H.
Whitney H. Adult
April 18, 2021
age 4+

Quality Adaptation

This film version stays true to the book, which should be enough to recommend it. The cinematography captures the charm of the story, as does the dialogue (mostly). The only criticism I have is that the scenes among the animals in the barn involve a fair amount of quick-exchange, cheap humor that will go over the head of a young child and not really add much for the adults watching along. Pretty much everything else is well-done. The story is easy to follow for a young child, but it isn't too slow for the adults. The acting is good and plays smoothly with the CGI animals. A 3- or 4-year-old should be old enough to appreciate the film, but just make sure your child is ready to be introduced (albeit, very gently) to the concept of death.
See all 41 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In this adaptation of E.B. White's 1952 Newbery Award-winning book, CHARLOTTE'S WEB, barnyard animals are reluctant to befriend Wilbur, who's fated to be served up as the humans' Christmas dinner. But Wilbur (voiced by 10-year-old Dominic Scott Kay) is so sweet, curious, and affable that they're soon won over. And Charlotte A. Cavatica (Julia Roberts), the spider who spins her webs in the barn doorway, decides to find a way to save Wilbur's life.

Is It Any Good?

Here's a welcome surprise: A children's movie that's thoughtful, entertaining, and enchanting. This newest big-screen version of Charlotte's Web, based on E.B. White's 1952 Newbery Award-winning book mixes performances by real-life actors and animals with animated mouths, slipping gracefully into the world of the barnyard without ever doubting its magic. Whether you're new to the story or already adore the book, Gary Winick's movie is a special treat.

The one questionable lesson offered by Charlotte's Web is that embodied by Fern. A tomboy through and through, she worries her mother (to the point that she visits a doctor, trying to understand why her daughter spends so much time with the farm animals). When Fern at last abandons her overalls for a pretty yellow dress, Mom (Essie Davis) feels reassured. But the film needn't offer this transformation as a sign of Fern's "proper" socialization. Really, tomboys can be mature too.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can discuss the importance of words and their role in Charlotte's Web. How are words important for communicating, even between species? How do they help shape our impressions of others?

  • How do the animals come to see one another as friends, even though at first they're put off by their differences?

  • If you've read the book, how does the movie compare to what you imagined in your head?

  • How do the characters in Charlotte's Web demonstrate compassion and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

  • Charlotte's Web Poster Image

    Charlotte's Web

    Gentle, much-loved barnyard classic delights all ages.

    age 7+
  • Charlotte's Web (1973) Poster Image

    Charlotte's Web (1973)

    Heartwarming tale of love and friendship.

    age 5+
  • Stuart Little Poster Image

    Stuart Little

    Sweet book-based tale has some emotional intensity.

    age 7+
  • Babe Poster Image

    Babe

    Heartwarming farm story is touching and a bit scary.

    age 6+

Character Strengths

Find more movies that help kids build character.

  • Little boy whispering to a girl
    Communication
    See all
  • Holding hands
    Compassion
    See all
  • Kids in class
    Integrity
    See all

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

  • Cartoon picture of a book
    Book Characters
    See all
  • Cartoon sheep and horse
    Horses and Farm Animals
    See all

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate