Common Sense Media Review
Story of superhero family has violence, positive messages.
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The Incredibles
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 100 parent reviews
Parents say this film is a mixed bag, elicits strong opinions about its suitability for children due to its blend of humor and dark themes. While many appreciate the strong family messages and innovative animation, others criticize it for its intense violence, mature content, and complex themes that might be unsettling for younger audiences.
- family themes
- intense violence
- mature content
- animation quality
- parental guidance needed
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 211 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a mix of entertaining superhero action and family themes but contains elements that may be too intense for younger viewers, such as violence and references to suicide. While many appreciate its humorous and heartfelt portrayal of family dynamics, some point out that certain adult themes and darker scenes might not be suitable for all children, suggesting that parental guidance is advised.
- family themes
- intense violence
- adult themes
- humor and heart
- suitable for older kids
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE INCREDIBLES, superheroes Elastigirl (voiced by Holly Hunter) and Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) have spent years undercover, living a quiet suburban life with their son Dash (Spencer Fox), daughter Violet (Sarah Vowell), and baby Jack-Jack. Elastigirl's limbs and torso can stretch the length of an Olympic swimming pool, Mr. Incredible is super strong, Dash is super fast, and Violet can make herself invisible and create force fields. But none of them are allowed to use their powers in public after superheroes were forced underground. Keeping their talents under wraps isn't easy, particularly for Mr. Incredible, who takes on a secret mission that disrupts the status quo.
Is It Any Good?
The most incredible and engaging thing about this popular animated film is how, well, credible it is. With The Incredibles, writer-director Brad Bird and the talented folks at Pixar have climbed the Mount Everest of animation and created human characters as vivid and believable and utterly endearing as any who've ever appeared on film—animation, live-action, and everything in between. In a witty prologue, we see the superheroes being interviewed. As Mr. Incredible leans toward the TV camera, he gets slightly out of focus. It must have been tempting to take advantage of the endless precision of computer images to keep the edges sharp. But this is a movie that's clever and confident enough to permit a little imperfection in pursuit of believability.
The action sequences in The Incredibles are superbly staged, inventive, and exciting, especially the fights with a many-tentacled robot and when the Incredible family is joined by Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson), who can create ice out of the water molecules in the air. It's also a very funny movie, hilarious at every level, from school-age snickers to good-natured teen snarkiness to subtle grown-up laughter. Bird himself voices the funniest character in the film, supersuit designer Edna Mode. Most of all, though, the film has wisdom and tons of heart. It's a smart, fresh, and funny movie about the real superheroes: families who stick together.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how superpowers are portrayed in The Incredibles. Does it make you wish you had superpowers? What powers would you like to have, and what might you use them for?
What did you think of the violence in the movie? Was it more intense than in other family animations you've seen? Are there any scenes that stand out as being too much? Or does the over-the-top way it's portrayed minimize its impact?
How do the characters in The Incredibles demonstrate communication and perseverance? What about courage and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths? How might they be considered superpowers in their own right?
Even though the movie is animated, it's known for creating very realistic dynamics between characters. What aspects of the characters are relatable? Does it make you feel more invested in the story? How does this compare to other animated movies you've seen that center on families?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 5, 2004
- On DVD or streaming : March 15, 2005
- Cast : Craig T. Nelson , Holly Hunter , Samuel L. Jackson
- Director : Brad Bird
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Pixar Animation Studios
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Robots , Superheroes
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action violence
- Awards : Academy Award - Animated Feature Winner , Academy Award - Animated Feature Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Common Sense Media Award , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee , Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : May 28, 2026
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