Ben 10: Alien Force (Cartoon Network)

common sense media says

Boy hero grows up, but still fighting aliens.


parents & educators say
  • 40% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this action cartoon spin-off features lots of physical violence, including hand-to-hand battles and weapons that shoot lasers. Though there's never any blood or realistic reactions to pain, occasionally characters are seriously injured, and some die, so be sure kids can differentiate between fantasy and reality before you let them watch. The alien morphing scenes may also confuse and/or frighten very young kids. All of that said, Ben 10 fans are sure to latch on to this show and its now-older hero, who must set aside differences with an old enemy and draw on his inner strength to get the job done.

Educational value: The show's intent is to entertain rather than educate.
Positive messages: A mixed bag: Although a teen must set aside his differences with an old enemy and draw on his inner strength to conquer evil, physical force is also the only method of conflict resolution between enemies.
Positive role models: Ben makes a hard but valuable choice in deciding to put his goals over his differences with his longtime enemy. Ben's cousin Gwen is a level-headed female role model.
Violence & scariness: Lots of punching, kicking, and hurling objects at opponents. Both good and bad characters use guns that shoot lasers. Some characters are injured or killed, but it's not a bloody event; victims simply progress toward an assumed death by growing weaker and possibly oozing fluids of some kind.
Sexy stuff: Some mild flirting between teens.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The series comes complete with a broad line of toys and games for kids.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Ben 10: Alien Force

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about how heroes are portrayed in the media. What makes Ben a hero? Does being heroic mean never showing fear?

  • What role does violence play in heroes' triumph over evil? Is fighting the only answer, or are there more constructive ways to solve problems?

  • How is Ben different now that he's older?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Five years after he defeated his nemesis and took off the Omnitrix that gave him shape-morphing powers, alien conqueror Ben Tennyson (voiced by Yuri Lowenthal) is happy to be living a normal life. But when he finds out that his grandfather is missing, Ben -- now 15 -- and his level-headed cousin, Gwen (Ashley Johnson), are drawn back into the battle of the life forms. Joined by former enemy Kevin Levin (Gregory Cipes), and supported by 10 new alien forms courtesy of the Omnitrix, Ben faces his most difficult challenges yet: finding his grandfather and saving the galaxy from aliens who aim to destroy it.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Packed with action, adventure, and alien transformations, BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE beckons to science fiction-loving tweens, particularly boys. The combination of an ever-changing cast of colorful villains and the underlying mystery of Ben's grandfather's disappearance is sure to keep viewers guessing -- and coming back for more.

If your tweens have followed Ben's previous adventures, they're likely to notice that he's grown up quite a bit for this series. At 15, he's more reflective and thoughtful than before, which allows him to team up with a former enemy for the greater good. He's also determined to take the lead in battling the aliens -- not for glory, but because his grandfather is depending on him. At the same time, he's often reminded that there's no substitute for teamwork. All of this offers some worthwhile lessons for the tween boys that the show aims to entertain. But be smart about letting kids tune in, since the show does feature a lot of violence (which occasionally results in death), and some of the aliens and monsters may scare little ones.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y7-FV
Network: Cartoon Network
Cast: Ashley Johnson, Greg Cipes, Yuri Lowenthal
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Cartoon Network

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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What parents & educators say

11
Based on 5 parent & educator reviews:
  • 40% say there are positive messages

Most useful reviews by all members

 
8 is a little young, but tweens might really enjoy the aliens!
I've watched every episode and have written a more complete review here thehownotto.blogspot*/2010/03/god-andcartoon-network.html Ben learns fewer lessons than in the original and the stories have become a little blander, but friendship, family/parent role models, and teamwork are still emphasized. Violence is decreased, if anything, but the mean tirades between friends and some of the usually harmless flirting make it something younger kids don't need to see. It's a good show to watch WITH your kids, to discuss good things and bad things, and it is an awesome show to watch by yourself. XD One of my favs. Again, full Christian review at thehownotto.blogspot*/2010/03/god-andcartoon-network.html

Miwa-Sempai
teen, 16 years old
 
I really think they could do more with this series...
Basic story for eight year old boys. A bit complex, which makes it mildly interesting. Each episode really has its own plot, making it easier for younger kids to understand. But I wish they had made this for older kids, like in the 10-12 range instead of 6-10. They threw in a little romance, but not much. Let me put it this way. I can compare it to Naruto, an anime rated PG that shows later at night, aimed at kids 12+. Violence: Ben 10 has little realistic violence, no blood. They hit each other. That's about it. Naruto: People are constantly stabbing each other, with sharp, pointy things. There is blood. People get impaled. Sexuality: Ben 10: None. Naruto: The words "pervert" and "sexy" are used frequently. One older man is always spying on women. Womens' cleavage is often displayed in revealing outfits. Romance: Ben 10: Little. It is implied that two characters like each other, but that's it. Naruto: Romance is usually a humorous point. But some characters deeply love each other, and there is some serious kissing. Plot: A boy has to save the world, pretty much with only a few other kids. You know that good will win, it's for eight year olds. Naruto: A boy has a demon sealed inside of him, and people at first discriminate him because of that. The plot deals with more real topics, like war and human nature. See my point? They could add more romance and more realistic themes and violence into Ben 10 and it would still be rated PG. They could also take out the corny lines. All they need to do is be more realistic. That being said, it is still a pretty good show for young boys. But older kids beware. Anime is much better suited to those 11 and up.

zhp7654
teen, 15 years old
 
Not a kid's show
I repeat: this is not a kid's show. It's made as one. But the music, the character situations, the dialogue, the humour and others is intended for an older audience. Whether is is from Ben fighting the knights and the extraterrestrial beings or Gwen and Kevin having romance with one another, I don't think it is good enough for nine year olds and over. I think it should be iffy for 12 and above, and age appropriate for 16 and above.

loola96
teen, 15 years old
 
Sucks
i HATE ben 10 alien force they changed pretty much EVERYTHING!! bring bakk ben 10 and shut the alien force 1 down

 
Superb show...just pay attention
Its a good show with likable characters and in-depth plots, but lots of violence and some disturbing/scary images. Aliens/humans die throughout episodes, and violence and questionable content (such as flirting and darker plot elements) are always present. Parents who found teen titans questionable should be wary about letting younger kids watch it. On the other hand, young adults 12+ will love it! It's easily one of my my favorite animated shows ever.

KinbJune
teen, 13 years old
 
Ben 10: Merchandise Force
I wouldn't exactly say that this is better than the first show, but it's entertaining. Unlike the first show, this one has a plot line, and that plot line is stopping an alien invasion. It can be a bit repetitive at times, bit it keeps the audience captivated. The thing that tanked this show though, was the merchandise.

 
THE BEST SHOW IN THE WORLD!
I love Ben 10 alien force! Better than the original!

VelvetGirl353
kid, 11 years old
 
Getting Boring
Getting kinda boring on and on... This is good-but too much fighting I mean this boy's only about 16

Huaun
parent of 18 year old
 
No charisma, no personality, just a mediocre cartoon.
Be mature, doesn't mean you has to be lack of personality really man, Kevin trying to KILL several time ben and gwen, and now he is the good guy? gwen and ben now don't have any charisma, even my brother with 8 years, notice that

jamesbond
kid, 12 years old
 
A must-read book for every 8 year old

mkrox96
teen, 15 years old
 
Dude, I'm thirteen and me and my bro both watch it. Well, he watches it for the action (hes 7), and I watch it for all the flirting and romance between Kevin and Gwen. Mostly I read and write fanfiction. Either way, awesome show. They should make Kev and Gwen kiss though.

pen7777
teen, 15 years old
 
So good
I love Ben 10! Great kids si-fi, and good for tweens too!

Kassie243
kid, 12 years old
 
Great season but only for tweens and up ... it gets intense!
The role models have improved much to my liking. Even though Gwen was always quit responsible, Ben has really grown up and no more little kid pranks. The only thing I can question is the death of a major and loved character. He died saving the world in an explosion. Other than that the show is still kid friendly and will always be one of my favorite shows to watch!

kidsaredominat ...
teen, 14 years old
 
awsome show cant wait for spinoff
its a great show for me it has lots of action,and exitment and the romance isnt a problem at all its just mild flirrting.

puppylove111
teen, 15 years old
 
cool!
My brother really likes this follow up to the original Ben-10. the violence is rather cartoony if you know what i mean. My bro is 8 and I think this show is great for his age group... he watches all the episodes and loves the characters! It is appropriate and gives messages about good and evil. Ben and his cousin do call each other names sometimes, but that's it. good for kids 6+ ish.

HI67
kid, 11 years old
 
Anyone can watch it, I just don't like it
I HATE IT! I watched it, and now I hate it. I also hate Ben 10. But if you like it, WATCH IT!!

Voracious Reader
teen, 18 years old
 
I Like
I like how they're older and now can do things like Gwen/Kevin and stuff like that. The feelings are now more real, and decisions more crucial because Ben's more mature and Uncle Max isn't around. I like it better than the original show, which was for younger kids and had kind of goofball (but funny humor)!

Hikari
teen, 15 years old
 
It's Ok...
It's sometimes boring but other times it's kool to watch.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age