Common Sense Media Review
By Betsy Bozdech
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Book-based adventure is fun ... if you like potty humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 29 parent reviews
Parents say this film is a delightful blend of slapstick humor and positive messaging about friendship, making it very appealing to children, particularly those familiar with the book series. While the potty humor and some questionable character portrayals raised concerns for a few viewers, many found the film entertaining and a great way to inspire creativity and laughter among kids.
- child-friendly humor
- positive messages
- creativity inspiration
- mixed parental opinions
- potty humor prevalence
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 77 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC MOVIE, Captain Underpants is the creation of best friends George (voiced by Kevin Hart) and Harold (Thomas Middleditch). They've been inseparable since kindergarten, when they bonded over their shared amusement at the word "Uranus" during a science lesson. These days, in fourth grade, they giggle over the potty-centric comic books they create and the pranks they pull at school under the nose of their by-the-book principal, Mr. Krupp (Ed Helms). When Krupp finally ends up with proof of their hijinks and vows to end the boys' friendship, George does the only thing he can think of: He flashes his plastic hypno-ring at Krupp. Somehow, it works, and the boys tell Krupp he's now Captain Underpants ... so he promptly disrobes, makes himself a cape, and dashes off to fight crime. Since the Captain doesn't have the super powers to match his superhero mindset, he causes more problems than he fixes, but the boys can't risk turning him back into Krupp, especially when a villain by the name of Professor Poopypants (Nick Kroll) arrives on the scene. How can they save their school and their friendship?
Is It Any Good?
Based on the first book in Dav Pilkey's wildly popular series about a nearly naked superhero, this animated comedy about friendship (and farts) is guaranteed to amuse the young kids in your life. You'll likely even laugh several times yourself, thanks to a cleverer-than-expected script and moments when the main characters break the fourth wall and talk directly to viewers. But here's the thing: You have to be OK with potty humor to enjoy Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie. If talk of poop (including diarrhea) or the sight of people (even animated ones) running around in their underwear makes you at all uncomfortable or offended, skip it. Because there's a lot of both of those things in this movie.
The good news is that there are also clear messages about the importance of friendship -- George and Harold realize that they don't have to be in the same class for their friendship to survive -- and empathy for others. The boys see Krupp in a new light as they learn more about his lonely life, and even though they can't help being amused by the professor's name, they acknowledge that it's wrong to laugh at someone for that reason alone. The voice actors are all well cast, and the movie's mix of animation styles keeps things lively and unexpected. Plus, it offers a nice argument in favor of arts, music, and creativity in kids' education. It's never hard to guess where the story is headed, but, all in all, you could do far worse for an afternoon/night out at the movies. As long as you don't mind poop jokes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the jokes in Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie. Some parents find the potty humor really inappropriate. What do you think? When are certain kinds of jokes appropriate -- and when aren't they? Parents, talk to your kids about your own expectations for language at home and at school.
Which parts of the movie did you find scary? Why? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
What does it mean to have empathy for another person? How do George and Harold learn empathy from their experiences with Krupp/Captain Underpants? Why is that an important character strength?
George and Harold also model good teamwork. How does that help them realize that their friendship can withstand any threat?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 2, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : September 12, 2017
- Cast : Kevin Hart , Thomas Middleditch , Ed Helms
- Director : David Soren
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Superheroes , Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Teamwork
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild rude humor throughout
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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