We picked up the Mary Martin version of Peter Pan from a thrift store one day, and the next week my boys (ages 4 and 3) found this version at the library. For the past couple of weeks, they've alternated between the two versions every time they've gotten to watch a video, but this one is definitely their favorite. My older son is usually easily frightened by suspense and tension in movies and TV (he even hides his eyes while watching Charlie and Lola), but I think seeing the audience in this movie made the story seem less real to him and therefore less scary. Both boys love the music and dancing, which gets them up and moving instead of watching the movie like couch potatoes. One downside I have noticed is that my boys play-fight more since I let them watch this.
Tools for this page
Peter Pan (2000)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Leap-out-of-your-seat fun; great intro to theater.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 7 and Up
What to watch out for
-
Violence & scariness:
-
Sexy stuff:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Peter Pan (2000)
Parents need to know that kids will see some obviously staged fights, some dated stereotypes, and questionable behavior of the sort forgiveable in a fantasy. Kids will see battles between the pirates, Native Americans, and the children. The kids are captured, Peter is wounded, and Hook throws himself over to be eaten by a crocodile. A dated stereotype of Native Americans has them saying "ugh" a lot, but they are also portrayed as Peter's courageous allies, which was controversial when the story was written. Wendy is objectified as a "mother," and it is assumed, by her as well as the boys and the pirates, that her role is to care for males and kids. Though forgiveable in a fantasy like this, the kids do run away from home with a strange boy. There is no profanity, but Tinkerbell does call Peter a "silly ass" several times, which parents might explain was more commonly used to mean "donkey" when the story was written.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the stereotypes and discuss what the play means. Why do the "Indians" in this play say "ugh" so much? What does the way the Native Americans are portrayed tell you about how they were regarded? What about Wendy? Why do you think everyone assumes she will take the role of "mother" to them if they can only capture or keep her? Do you think a modern girl would either expect or want to take care of all those boys? Or would she rather engage more in their adventures? What does the way Wendy is portrayed tell you about how girls and women were regarded when this story was written? What is the message of the play? Do you think that message is still relevant today, even if some of the other elements of the play are dated?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
Our favorite version of this classic story
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Have you seen it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
