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Parents' Guide to

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

By Ed Grant, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Pure, sweet imagination for both kids and adults.

Movie G 1971 98 minutes
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 27 parent reviews

MattyB81
MattyB81 Parent of 4-year-old
October 30, 2020
age 3+

Fantastic!!!

Spoilers: My 3.5 year old absolutely adores this film as do I! It has some wonderful songs, a great cast and is definitely a feel good film for all the family. It has a positive message which is to avoid gluttony, be well mannered and be honest. My daughter often references Verruca Salt being a naughty girl and rude to her daddy falling down the garbage shoot and Charlie being a good boy and being given the chocolate factory. Yes, there is a scary’ish scene with the boat, however the imagery in the background will go over a child’s head (as did it with me for 40 years) - I only just noticed the chicken and the snake. There’s nothing in this film to really pose a threat to kids and I’m extremely conscious of what my daughter views!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
2 people found this helpful.
shimmer1
shimmer1 Parent of 7, 9 and 13-year-old
September 16, 2019
age 7+

A Candy Classic Like No Other

Excellent film! Really brings the idea of a candy factory to life by drawing on every childhood dream! The overall story tells kids that too much of anything is not a good thing but that things are good in moderation. It also tells that good things can happen to good people, which is always a great message. There is one section that may be a bit scary for younger viewers - when the contest winners go into the Wonder Boat and it heads into a dark tunnel. However, as long as the little ones are prepared for it, they should be a-ok. Love the colors, the music and the acting! Gene Wilder is the best, and plays the Willy Wonka I imagined when I read the book!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
2 people found this helpful.
See all 27 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, reclusive candy mogul Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) comes out of hiding to announce a contest: five golden tickets will be enclosed in candy bars to be sold throughout the world. Those finding the tickets will receive a lifetime supply of chocolate and a tour of his mysterious factory. Impoverished Charlie (Peter Ostrum) finds the fifth ticket, and visits the factory with his beloved Grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson). The four other children, who tour the factory with Charlie, suffer colorful fates when their bratty instincts overcome them. Charlie finds himself as the only child remaining at the end of the tour. At first he's denied the grand prize, but when he passes a final test, Wonka rewards him with the biggest prize of all: the chocolate factory.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (27 ):
Kids say (112 ):

Unlike the kind of children's movie that fizzles out, this film actually gets better as it goes along. Unfortunately, scripter Roald Dahl (adapting his book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) devotes nearly the first half of the film to the golden-ticket contest. Though containing a few choice moments (and the hit song "The Candy Man"), this section of the film pales in comparison to the second half, in which Wonka leads us through "a world of pure imagination." The eccentric inventor assumes center stage and the travelers are for the most part creepy, self-centered souls who learn by being punished, not rewarded.

The role of Wonka makes terrific use of Wilder's playfulness and manic energy. Though the film's candy-colored sets may seem a bit primitive when compared to today's computer-generated special effects, it does indeed stand the test of time. Preschoolers will be dazzled by the film's bright color-scheme and broadly-drawn characters but may be frightened by a few scary moments; 5-to 8-year-olds will comprehend the film's message, and respond to the memorable songs and snappy dialogue, but older kids and preteens are this film's ideal audience.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the different kids' choices as they go along on the tour in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. What would you do if you were one of the kids? When has being honest been rewarded for you?

  • Compare this version to the more recent Johnny Depp version. Which do you prefer, and why?

  • How does Charlie demonstrate empathy and integrity in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? Why are these important character strengths?

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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