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The Jungle Book (animated)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Jaunty animation meets jazzy songs.

Themes in this movie include:   friendship

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
  • Messages:

    The movie has positive messages about friendship, responsibility, and finding family in unexpected places.
  • Role models:

    Many of the characters are self-serving or outright evil, but they don't succeed in the end -- those who do are the generous, caring ones.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    The final battle between Baloo and Shere Khan isn't explicit, but it ends with some potentially upsetting scenes. A burning branch is tied to Shere Khan's tail as he runs away. Kaa the sly snake tries to hypnotize everyone he meets but never manages to make a meal out of anyone.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Jungle Book (animated) was written by Michael Scheinfeld

Parents need to know that this Disney classic has positive messages for kids about friendship and finding family in unexpected places. There are some scary and/or upsetting scenes, such as the final battle between Baloo (a bear) and Shere Khan (a tiger), but there's also lots of humor and catchy songs.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the music. What was your favorite song? What do Baloo's "Bare Necessities" song and "Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King have in common?
  • How does Baloo's love of good music get him into trouble?
  • Why does Bagheera worry when he finds out Baloo and Mowgli have teamed up?
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More on The Jungle Book (animated)

What’s the Story?

The 17th Disney animated feature and the last film supervised by Walt himself, THE JUNGLE BOOK is a charmer. Based on Rudyard Kipling's story, the movie tells the tale of Mowgli, the "man cub" found by benevolent panther Bagheera, who tucks the baby boy safely away with a family of wolves. Mowgli grows up happy, living in the jungles of India. But the jungle won't be safe for him once the tiger Shere Khan finds out here's there. So wise Bagheera (voiced by Sebastian Cabot) begins leading Mowgli toward civilization -- whether he wants to go or not. Along the way the pair encounters hypnotic snake Kaa (Sterling Holloway), an army of elephants, and, much to Bagheera's dismay, Baloo the bear (Phil Harris), a lovable "jungle bum" who temps Mowgli with his laid-back, "Bare Necessities" life. But when the two ditch Bagheera, life isn't all fun and games. Crazy orangutans (including their jazzy king, Louis Prima) run off with Mowgli and Shere Khan is hot on his trail. It'll take the unlikely team of Bagheera and Baloo to keep Mowgli safe.

Is It Any Good?

Kipling's classic story has been thoroughly Disney-fied, but it remains a lively and engrossing adventure with jaunty animation and delightful jazz-inspired songs. The very catchy tunes and expert voice cast deliver lots of laughs. A perennial favorite, The Jungle Book teems with lush atmosphere, lovable jungle animals, and toe-tapping song favorites like "The Bare Necessities" and "I Wanna Be Like You." Walt Disney's personal touch of cheerfully blending humor, heart, and music in a strong story dealing with life choices, is what elevates this movie. It's justifiably considered a classic despite the modest animation, which is pleasant but relatively streamlined in comparison to earlier Disney masterpieces.

The voice cast, many of whom were 1960s stars, adds considerably to the enjoyment. As the boisterous Baloo, Harris is a standout (he later provided the voice of the rascally O'Malley in The Aristocats). Memorable performances are also turned in by scat-singing Louis Prima as King Louie of the Apes, Disney veteran Sterling Holloway (the original Winnie the Pooh, and the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland) as the hissing Kaa, and Sanders, whose every syllable deliciously drips with venom. Watch this one with your kids and you'll soon "forget about your troubles and your strife" as you sing along with Baloo and Mowgli.

Movie Details

Studio: Disney, Director: Wolfgang Reitherman
Run time: 78 minutes
Theatrical release: 10/17/1967, DVD release: 10/2/2007
MPAA Rating: G

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 4.0

    Expressive animation. Fun characters. Catchy songs. Endures as a crowd-pleasing Disney classic.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    A jazzy movie with lovable characters and hilarious songs, this movie should be watched more often by young ones everywhere. Shere Khans a little freaky as is the snake, but surely something kids these days will cope with.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

  4. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0

    2 year old enjoyed it - Will hold off on watching again

    It was good. My daughter who is 2 liked it but here are a few of my concerns... • through out the movie they talk about Shere Khan (tiger) wanting to kill the boy - a little upsetting • the snake Kaa is freaky • the last fighting scene is somewhat violent

  5. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 3 and give it 4.0

  6. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    i laughed

    This is a sweet movie & funny we have this at home & my kids love it. they like the music & stuff.

  7. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Mississippi
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

  8. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 2.0

    Note to parents

    The Kaa scene can be sexually sensitive to audiences.

  9. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 3.0

    good

    not the best disney classic

  10. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Oh... god... it's so good...

    This movie, is so good!!!

  11. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

  12. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Good Movie!

    My son loves animals. So when they put this out I went and got it for him. As most 4 year olds are he has a hard time sitting through the whole thing but for most of it. He really enjoys it. If you have a child who loves animals, this is a good movie for them.

  13. I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    A fun classic

    Always up-beat songs, doesn't stop being funny and it's just a thrill for the family. Watch it if you haven't.

  14. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Golden Oldie

    My son loves it even though we do have to skip any scene with Kaa the snake in it, even now that our son is 4, he's scared out of his wits. Apart from that, the perfect movie for small kiddies.

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