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Parents' Guide to

LEGO Batman: The Movie -- DC Superheroes Unite

By Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Lighthearted superhero action is fun -- but big toy ad.

Movie NR 2013 71 minutes
LEGO Batman: The Movie -- DC Superheroes Unite Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 5+

Based on 7 parent reviews

Tristan P.
Tristan P. Parent of 4-year-old
May 13, 2018
age 3+

Ok for young kids

It’s a lego movie so ok for kids Some fighting and destruction scenes (or as my four year old says - Joker is doing monkey business)
Azariah D.
Azariah D. Adult
February 20, 2018
age 5+

A great movie form travelers tale. Kids and adults will enjoy.

It is also a video game.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much consumerism
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

When Bruce Wayne beats Lex Luthor as Gotham's "Man of the Year," it inspires Lex to cook up an evil plan to become president. This plan requires freeing the Joker from Arkham Asylum, using a Kryptonite-powered gun. The Joker takes the opportunity to also free all of Batman's other fearsome foes (Catwoman, Penguin, Bane, etc.). Batman and Robin take the case. Superman offers to help, but Batman refuses. Finally, when Luthor and the Joker begin rampaging through town in a giant Joker robot, spreading a dangerous chemical (designed to influence election results), Batman changes his mind and the Justice League swoops in to help.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (7 ):
Kids say (14 ):

LEGO Batman: The Movie -- DC Superheroes Unite will entertain adults just as effortlessly as it does kids. It's funny to see the opening credits, designed, LEGO-style, to copy the opening credits for Tim Burton's Batman (1989). It even lifts parts of Danny Elfman's original Batman music score (as well as parts of John Williams' Superman score).

The movie looks great and moves well, using its 71 minutes wisely. It has time for both thrills and humor without feeling rushed or forced, and the characters are funny and likeable. The only real issue is that it takes place, more or less, within the real superhero universe, and fans may balk at the somewhat jokey treatment of their heroes. Otherwise, though the movie doesn't specifically mention toys for sale, it's hard to escape that the entire thing plays like a toy ad.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the movie's violence. Is it scary or over the top? Is it necessary to tell a superhero story with a lot of violence?

  • What does Batman learn over the course of the movie? Why is he so reluctant to reach out to others?

  • Does this movie make you want to own more LEGO toys? Why or why not?

Movie Details

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.

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