Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Non-musical sequel a fun adventure for young kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Annie: A Royal Adventure!
What's the Story?
Annie (Ashley Johnson) is now living comfortably with Daddy Warbucks (George Hearn), who has just learned that he's to be knighted by the king of England. So Annie, friends old and new, Daddy Warbucks, and faithful servants Punjab and Asp set sail on a luxurious ocean liner. They're bringing along Doctor Eon (Ian McDiarmid), who holds the secret to the 20th century's greatest innovation. Little do they suspect that the lovely Lady Hogbottom (Joan Collins) will stop at nothing to get her hands on Dr. Eon's invention. When Annie and friends discover what she's really up to, it's up to them to save Buckingham Palace.
Is It Any Good?
Young kids will enjoy watching the colorful adventures of Annie as she continues to help her friends in need, even though she's now happy and comfortable with Daddy Warbucks. Fans of the original musical should note that this is not a musical, although the cast does sing "Tomorrow" at the very end, and none of the original cast members return to the same roles. This cast is able, though, and Joan Collins in particular is fun to watch displaying her knack for comedy as the villain.
The pacing in the middle slows a bit, but it picks back up soon enough, and kids will really relate to Annie (who's as down-to-earth as ever) and her friends as they get in and out of trouble. And they'll enjoy rooting for the kids as they try to thwart Lady Hogbottom's evil plan, with excitement and laughs along the way.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Annie, who was created over 80 years ago, is still popular. Why do we like Annie?
Have you seen the Broadway musical or the movie based on it? Did you like this movie as much? Why, or why not?
Annie sometimes lets her imagination run away with her. Has that ever happened to you? What happened?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 31, 2004
- Cast : Ashley Johnson , Joan Collins , George Hearn
- Director : Ian Toynton
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Rastar Productions , Tristar Television
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate