Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cozy Halloween special with the Peanuts crew; name-calling.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 32 parent reviews
Parents say that while many view this movie as a cherished Halloween tradition that brings joy and laughter, others express concerns about its inappropriate language and themes of bullying, making it less suitable for young children. Despite its nostalgic appeal and iconic moments, critics argue the movie sends negative messages about kindness and respect, prompting some parents to reconsider its appropriateness for their kids.
- nostalgic appeal
- language concerns
- bullying themes
- family tradition
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 31 kid reviews
Kids say this classic Halloween special is a beloved tradition, both fun and meaningful, teaching important life lessons despite some outdated humor and instances of bullying. Many viewers appreciate its nostalgic charm, engaging characters, and simple storytelling, asserting that it remains relevant for families, while a few express concerns about the portrayal of unkindness among the characters.
- timeless tradition
- fun and meaningful
- simple storytelling
- important lessons
- concerns about unkindness
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
It's almost Halloween, and the optimism is infectious in IT'S THE GREAT PUMPKIN, CHARLIE BROWN. Linus (voiced by Christopher Shea) is crafting his annual letter to the Great Pumpkin (think Santa in a pumpkin patch), Charlie Brown (Peter Robbins) is thrilled about being invited to a party, and Lucy (Sally Dryer) has the perfect witchy costume. No one believes Linus' tales of the Great Pumpkin's visit—Sally (Kathy Steinberg) wants to, though, so she decides to spend the night waiting with Linus in the pumpkin patch. Charlie Brown, in his ghost costume that looks more like a potato, trick-or-treats all night, and all he has to show for it is a bag of rocks. Lucy bobs for apples and comes up with a beagle kiss—blech!
Is It Any Good?
You can almost smell the donuts, cider, and piles of leaves on a crisp fall day when you start watching this classic Peanuts Halloween special. Generations of trick-or-treaters have grown up on It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. One of the most memorable images isn't the arrival of the Great Pumpkin (maybe next year, Linus), but rather of Snoopy hamming it up atop his red dog house as a WWI flying ace—he takes his costume very seriously.
The special does have its saltier moments, with kids repeatedly calling one another "stupid" and "blockhead," along with Charlie Brown's signature gallows humor (he gripes that Lucy wants him to "kill [himself]" every time she tricks him into falling down). But when the festivities are over and Linus is still shivering in that pumpkin patch, waiting for the Great Pumpkin, Lucy sweetly retrieves her little brother and puts him to bed without a single quip. It's a difficult end to the holiday for Linus, but he wakes up the next morning determined to wait in the pumpkin patch all over again, just like so many Peanuts fans will come back to this gem year after year.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about their favorite Halloween traditions. (For some, it's watching It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!) Have you ever tried apple bobbing? Do you like carving pumpkins? If you could hand out something extra-special at Halloween, what would it be?
Families can also talk about how Snoopy took his Halloween costume so seriously—and just how funny it is to see him flying his dog house. When you put on your costume, will you get into character? Why, or why not?
How does Linus demonstrate integrity and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 12, 2000
- Cast : Christopher Shea , Peter Robbins , Sally Dryer
- Director : Bill Melendez
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Mexican Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Holidays , Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 25 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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