Parents' Guide to

The Emperor's New Groove

Movie G 2000 78 minutes
The Emperor's New Groove Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Nell Minow , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 6+

Fun, goofy cartoon misrepresents Incan culture.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 6+?

Any Positive Content?

  • A man and llama back-to-back with legs pressed against cliffs in order to stay in place
  • Two men; the shorter, skinner one shows off a model-sized castle
  • A skinny blue woman cheesily grins as a beefy man

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 12 parent reviews

Isaiah L.
Isaiah L. Adult
June 28, 2023
age 5+

Great Movie

I would not be hesitant to watch this movie. It is great and I've watched it with my 4 year old. He loves it and thinks it hilarious. The are like 3 spots with some language like "I'll kill you" but other wise totally kid appropriate! Great movie, would recommend!
Katherine R.
Katherine R. Parent of 8, 10, 14, 18+, 18+ and 5-year-old
March 10, 2024
age 5+
See all 12 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE follows the story of spoiled emperor Kuzco (voiced by David Spade). When Kuzco dismisses his advisor, Yzma (Eartha Kitt), she decides to poison him. Her dim but muscular sidekick Kronk (Patrick Warburton) accidentally gives Kuzco the wrong potion, and instead of being killed, he's turned into a llama. Kuzco needs to get help from a peasant named Pacha (John Goodman) to get his body and his kingdom back, and the pair embark on a wild adventure in which they go over a rushing waterfall, get covered with scorpions, are cornered by jaguars, and get chased by Yzma and Kronk.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (12 ):
Kids say (46 ):

Fast, fun, and funny, this film deserves to be taken out of the rarified category of "animation" and called what it is: a cartoon. The Emperor's New Groove has more in common with classic Warner Brothers toons like Bugs Bunny and Road Runner than with Disney animation classics. That said, it's important to note that while the film offers a story inspired by Inca culture, it's not a faithful historical representation. There are anachronisms, such as a restaurant on the road and a fantastic vision of the emperor's palace.

Unlike other animated adventures, this story has no perky heroine singing about her dreams, no adorable animal sidekicks, no soulful romantic duet. In fact, there's no love interest at all. It's pure nonstop action and comedy, with a kind of freewheeling, even improvisational tone that's refreshing to watch. The movie even spoofs itself, along with other movies from The Fly to The Wizard of Oz.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the main character's transformation in The Emperor's New Groove, both physically and mentally. How do you think Kuzco's animal transformation helps him become a better person?

  • This movie about Inca culture was written and directed by White men and has no Latino voice actors. Do you think lived experience is necessary to tell an accurate, cultural story? How might the inclusion of Latino talent have influenced or changed The Emperor's New Groove?

  • Why do you think a character like Kuzco thinks all people are selfish, while a character like Pacha finds good in everyone? How do these very different characters learn to trust each other?

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

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