Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animated fairy tale classic is enchanting but also scary.
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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 43 parent reviews
Parents say this film, while a classic and innovative milestone in animation history, contains several disturbing scenes that may frighten younger viewers, such as threats of violence and the presence of a wicked queen. Despite its beautiful animation and charming characters, many parents express concerns over its suitability for very young children and suggest it is more appropriate for ages six and up, with warnings about its darker themes.
- scary scenes
- classic animation
- suitable for older children
- dark themes
- charming characters
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 84 kid reviews
Kids say that the film is a classic animation that showcases beautiful artistry and storytelling, yet it contains outdated themes and scenes that may not be suitable for children, including violence and questionable depictions of relationships. While many appreciate its nostalgic value, there are concerns regarding its messages about gender roles, consent, and the portrayals of female characters, which some argue are problematic in today's context.
- classic nostalgia
- outdated themes
- questionable messages
- gender roles
- scary scenes
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS, the first feature-length animated film in movie history, tells the story of the original Disney Princess. In a far-off kingdom, a wicked queen (voiced by Lucille LaVerne) is so evil that she forces her lovely step-daughter, Snow White (Adriana Caselotti), to work as a servant. Obsessively vain, the queen is only happy when her Magic Mirror tells her she's "the fairest one of all." On the fateful day that the Magic Mirror informs the queen that Snow White is the fairest, the jealous queen orders a huntsman to kill Snow White and return with her heart. Instead, the huntsman instructs Snow White to flee, and he takes the queen a pig's heart. Eventually forest animals direct Snow White to a small cottage -- the home of the dwarfs, who become her friends and protectors. But the queen's mirror knows that Snow White is still alive, and the queen will stop at nothing to get rid of her perceived rival.
Is It Any Good?
Kids nowadays like their princesses and movie idols with a little edge, of which this movie has none. But while Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs may not have a heroine as brave as Mulan, as intelligent as Belle, or as talented as Ariel, she is -- like Cinderella after her -- the sweetest among the Disney princesses. Considering that the film was made in 1937, it's still a timeless tale, chock-full of the key ingredients to Disney's recipe for success: romance, mystery, mild peril, and music (many decades later, people can still sing along to "Some Day My Prince Will Come") .
Snow White has it all, and it's a testament to the original Walt Disney animators that the traditional, hand-drawn animation can still evoke so much terror (the bulging eyes that creep out of the enchanted forest, or the menacing look of the two vultures), pathos (the sight of Snow White's outstretched hand after eating the apple), and tenderness (the dwarfs mourning Snow White's apparent death). Decades have passed, and this original Wicked Queen is still among the scariest of the Disney villains, and Snow White quite possibly the loveliest of them all.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how characters like Snow White might be different if they were created today. What elements of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs make it a classic fairy tale?
How is the violence in Snow White different than the violence in other Disney movies?
Snow White is a traditional damsel in distress. How have depictions of princesses and heroines changed since 1937?
Why is the queen jealous of Snow White? Why is being beautiful so important to her? Does she learn humility or empathy?
How does Snow White demonstrate courage, compassion, and integrity in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 21, 1937
- On DVD or streaming : February 2, 2016
- Cast : Adriana Caselotti , Harry Stockwell , Lucille La Verne
- Director : David Hand
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Humility , Integrity
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Nada que pueda ofender a los padres para ser visto por los niños.
- Last updated : February 7, 2026
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