Tools for this page
Print

Ben 10: Alien Force

(Rated TV-Y7-FV, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring Greg Cipes, Yuri Lowenthal, Ashley Johnson, Where to watch: Cartoon Network, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Boy hero grows up, but still fighting aliens.

Themes in this show include:   family relationships, growing up

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    The show's intent is to entertain rather than educate.
  • 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.
  • 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.
 

What to watch out for

  • 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 an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    The series comes complete with a broad line of toys and games for kids.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Ben 10: Alien Force

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Ben 10: Alien Force?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 15 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    THE BEST SHOW IN THE WORLD!

    I love Ben 10 alien force! Better than the original!

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    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.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 1.0

    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!!

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title off for age 12 and give it 2.0

    This is not for 8 year olds

    There is a lot of fighting, sex and there is even name calling in the show, but no cursing. Kevin calls someone a PINHEAD and the characters even date during the show, and they do boy-girl crushes. No eight-year old should watch it.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 2.0

    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.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name