Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Hopeful animated buddy adventure has peril, mild scares.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Arco
What's the Story?
ARCO—an animated sci-fi fantasy written and directed by French filmmaker Ugo Bienvenu (dubbed in English for U.S. release)—follows 10-year-old Arco (voiced in English by Juliano Krue Valdi and in the original French by Oscar Tresanini), a boy from the peaceful, technologically advanced society of the year 2932. Arco breaks the rules to use his family's time-travel technology (which seems to involve him wearing a rainbow flight suit and flying) in hopes of visiting the time of the dinosaurs—instead, he accidentally ends up in 2075, a time when the world is struggling with environmental challenges. Seemingly stuck in the past, Arco is discovered by Iris (Romy Fay/Margot Ringard Oldra), a curious girl who lives with her robot live-in nanny, Mikki (Mark Ruffalo/Swann Arlaud), and baby sibling while their parents are on an extended work trip. After Arco falls from the sky and into the past, Iris takes him in and decides to help him try to find a way home, even if it puts both of them in danger with the authorities, who want to arrest what they perceive as a threat.
Is It Any Good?
This visually dynamic French animated family movie combines time travel with environmental themes and sweet buddy-comedy vibes. The story is simple enough for children to understand, focusing on two clever tweens who are trying to be independent while also wishing for their parents' support. Arco and Iris' friendship is fraught with the challenges of Iris' time period but also a delight to watch. Their fast friendship is necessary and demonstrates how bright and quick-thinking each of them is, even though (like most kids in movies) they disobey the rules and try to solve problems on their own. The screenplay also includes a trio of odd-seeming men who follow Arco and Iris. They at first seem borderline creepy but end up being something altogether less menacing and are responsible for the most of the movie's humor. In the English-language cast, they're well-voiced by Will Ferrell, Andy Samberg, and Flea.
While the movie's tone is mostly hopeful and reflective, Arco doesn't shy away from suspenseful and downright emotional moments. The scenes when each of the tweens misses their parents are heart-tugging, as are a couple of tear-jerking sequences involving farewells and reunions. Some critics have compared this French movie to Studio Ghibli's slate of films, and that's apt. Arco is thoughtful and original, an ideal pick for moviegoers who love Miyazaki's filmography or The Wild Robot.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the personal and environmental messages in Arco. According to the movie, what does the distant future offer that the near future doesn't?
How does Arco's journey explore what it means to belong? Have you ever felt caught between worlds or unsure where you fit in?
Arco often has to make difficult decisions. Which moments required the most bravery? Were there choices you agreed or disagreed with?
How do Arco and Iris change throughout the movie? What do you think about the movie's final shots? What impact did Arco have on Iris' life?
How do the characters demonstrate compassion, empathy, courage, teamwork, and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 14, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : February 24, 2026
- Cast : Will Ferrell , America Ferrera , Natalie Portman , Andy Samberg
- Director : Ugo Bienvenu
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Neon
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , Robots
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 79 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action/peril, mild thematic elements and a brief injury image
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Common Sense Selection , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : December 14, 2025
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