Parents' Guide to

The Black Stallion

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Breathtakingly beautiful, magical classic is a must-see.

Movie G 1979 118 minutes
The Black Stallion Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 14 parent reviews

mlinds
mlinds Parent of 5 and 9-year-old
August 11, 2022
age 6+

Some gorgeous footage and fun in this classic horse movie

We (my 9 and 5 year olds and me) pretty much categorically love horse movies without too much conflict— and really liked but didn’t love this one. The beginning shipwreck scenes are scary (and were very realistic to my kids— they kept asking if it had really happened) but were manageable with a heads-up and some covered eyes. The section of the film with the boy and horse are absolutely stunning and engaging. The rest of the film wasn’t quite as much, but it was enjoyable and we are fine with slower paced films. My mom thought it was corny and unrealistic— but some of that comes with the territory with horse movies!

This title has:

Great role models
cynthia F.
cynthia F. Parent of 6-year-old
November 21, 2021
age 5+

Great adventure!

This story was beautifully told. The cinematography is from a bygone era, back when it mattered to set up a shot or a scene just so. No cgi here. The musical score is phenomenal. Yes there is loss and the poor child is on his own, on a desert island. But he doesn't lose hope and I think a story like this is inspiring for young and old. The horse and the boy started the relationship right from scene one and they are truly friends. My 6 year old wanted to watch it again the next day despite the fact that it didn't have mind blowing animation or special effects. There is something to be said for old fashion story telling. It is two whole hours and he was spell bound the entire time. Make some popcorn and settle in!

This title has:

Great role models
See all 14 parent reviews

What's the Story?

As THE BLACK STALLION begins, a young boy named Alec Ramsey (Kelly Reno) is on a ship with his father. Everything seems mysterious to him: the exotic passengers, the high-stakes poker game his father is playing, the wild and beautiful black horse he comforts with sugar cubes. Then the ship is destroyed in a storm, and only Alec and the horse survive. Alec patiently and persistently tames the horse; eventually they're rescued and return to Alec's home. When the horse runs to a farm, Alec meets Henry (Mickey Rooney), a former trainer. They enter the horse in a race against two champions -- can he and Alec triumph?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (14):
Kids say (9):

Walter Farley's novel was adapted by director Carroll Ballard and Francis Ford Coppola's studio into one of the most breathtakingly beautiful, genuinely magical movies ever made. Part of the magic is that the movie has the courage to be quiet. There's very little dialogue, and there are long stretches without a single word. This allows The Black Stallion's images to do the work, and the cinematography by Caleb Deschanel is a joy for the eye and the spirit, creating exactly the right atmosphere for what Pauline Kael said "may be the greatest children's movie ever made."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about The Black Stallion's more intense scenes. Are they more or less scary than explosive scenes in action/superhero movies? Why? Do different kinds of scary/violent scenes have different impact?

  • How does Alec demonstrate courage and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?

  • For those who've read the Walter Farley novel the movie is based on, how do the two compare? Why do you think filmmakers sometimes make changes to book stories? Which do you usually like better -- the book or the movie?

  • The friendships in this movie aren't particularly traditional; can you think of other movies about unusual friendships? What do they have in common?

  • What's the importance of the story Alec's father tells about Alexander the Great and his horse? Why does the horse trust Alec? Why is it important for Alec to win the race?

Movie Details

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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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