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The Smurfs

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Little blue gnomes share, care, and learn.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Most episodes teach a clear lesson about appropriate behavior and promote togetherness and sharing. The Smurfs have one-note personalities, but that's helpful for young viewers, who aren't used to complex characters. Smurfette is the only female character.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Smurfs was written by Deirdre Sheppard

Parents need to know that this classic animated series promotes togetherness and sharing. Although some skeptics believe the Smurfs' mushroom village is a spoof of communism, kids won't pick up on that possibility. They're much more likely to notice Gargamel's mean personality and relentless pursuit of the Smurfs, which may frighten some very young viewers.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about being part of a group. How does working together help the Smurfs succeed? Should you always do what the group says, or are there times when it's better to think for yourself? How can you tell the difference? What would your name be if you were a Smurf?
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More on The Smurfs

What’s the Story?

THE SMURFS is a now-classic cartoon series about a community of little blue gnome-like creatures who work together to keep their mushroom village running smoothly and stay out of the clutches of evil wizard Gargamel and his cat, Azrael. The hit series had a successful run on NBC's Saturday morning line-up from 1981-1990 and now airs in reruns on Boomerang. The Smurfs' kid-friendly adventures teach some worthwhile lessons. For instance, when Brainy Smurf turns himself into a real monster for Halloween the other Smurfs feel it's unfair, so Brainy turns everyone into monsters -- much to the dismay of Papa Smurf, who wanted them all to put in the time and effort required to make a real costume. In the end, the Smurfs learn that cheating and taking short cuts are less rewarding in the long run.
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Is It Any Good?

While the show is simplistic, its positive storylines teach kids many valuable lessons. Lessons aside, some interesting rumors have been attached to the series over the years. The most popular is that the series' creators used the show as a way to spread Communist ideas -- the Smurfs' lack of individual identity is one of the main arguments for this theory.

But kids won't care about any of that. They'll enjoy The Smurfs for the sweet, funny characters and their kind acts of sharing and teamwork. Overall, it's a very entertaining show for the younger set. Even if the rumors are true and the series' creators did have ulterior motives, their political messages are displayed in good taste and fly below the radar of all but the most eagle-eyed viewer.
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    mariosuperslugge ...
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    great

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    moviegeek
    I rate this title on and give it 5.0

    Who doesn't love the Smurfs???

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    jazzyjammrz
    I rate this title on and give it 5.0

    Smurfs!

    I LOVE the smurfs! my friend's nickname is Smurf......... so cool! SMURFS ARE COOL!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    pugparent
    I rate this title on and give it 4.0

    AWESOME

    THE SMURFS ARE AWSOME!!! they are cute too

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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