Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disney classic is delightful but sometimes scary.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
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Sleeping Beauty
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 34 parent reviews
Parents say this movie offers a timeless tale with strong themes of good versus evil, although it may not resonate with younger viewers due to its darker elements and instances of moderate violence and alcohol references. While many appreciate the charm, enchanting music, and memorable characters, some parents express concerns about its suitability for very young children due to frightening scenes involving the villain and suggest it may not be appropriate for sensitive audiences.
- timeless tale
- strong themes
- dark elements
- suitable age
- charming characters
- frightening scenes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 60 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie features beautiful animation and humor, but it also has darker themes that could be scary for younger children, especially during battle scenes and involving the villain, Maleficent. While some appreciate its nostalgic charm and classic fairy tale elements, others criticize the portrayal of the princess as a passive character needing rescue and highlight problematic messages related to consent and gender roles.
- beautiful animation
- dark themes
- passive character
- problematic messages
- charming elements
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SLEEPING BEAUTY, The King and Queen happily celebrate the birth of their daughter, Princess Aurora. The young Prince, who is betrothed to the baby, and three good fairies join the celebration. But wicked fairy Maleficent isn't included, so she angrily casts a spell on the baby Princess: When she turns 16, she'll prick her finger and die. The good fairies can't remove the spell, but they change it from death to a deep sleep from which Aurora can be awakened only by love's first kiss. For her protection, Aurora is sent to live with the good fairies in a woodsy cottage until her 16th birthday is over. The fairies can't use magic because it would lead Maleficent to the princess. Aurora (called Briar Rose) grows up and meets the Prince, and they fall in love. But Aurora can't escape the spell -- she pricks her finger and falls into a deep sleep. Maleficent captures the prince, but the fairies help him escape. In a last-ditch effort, Maleficent turns herself into a terrifying dragon and sets out to stop the Prince for good.
Is It Any Good?
This is a classic Disney animated feature, and many parents and kids will find the hand-drawn animation refreshing compared to today's mostly computer-animated fare. Children also may enjoy the little squabbles of the three good fairies, which may remind them of arguments with their siblings. Be aware that there are some intense, scary scenes involving Maleficent and the fire-breathing dragon. Sleeping Beauty gives parents a chance to expose young ones to classical music; the score is based on Tchaikovsky's "Sleeping Beauty" ballet.
As in Snow White, a sleeping princess can only be awakened by a kiss from the prince. Psychiatrist Bruno Bettelheim and others have written extensively about the meaning of these stories and the ways in which they symbolize the transition to adulthood and sexual awakening. Bettelheim's theory was that such fairy tales begin to prepare children for developments they're not ready to assimilate consciously.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about scary villains in Sleeping Beauty. Is Maleficent scarier than, say, Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians? How about the witch from Snow White?
For kids who like the movies Shrek and Enchanted, what did those movies imitate from this one?
What is a classic? Why do you think this movie is considered a classic?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 29, 1959
- On DVD or streaming : October 7, 2014
- Cast : Bill Shirley , Eleanor Audley , Mary Costa
- Director : Clyde Geronimi
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- Run time : 75 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : nothing that would offend parents for viewing by children
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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