Common Sense Media Review
Enchanting take on a beloved children's classic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
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Charlotte's Web (2006)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 39 parent reviews
Parents say the movie captures the charm of the original book and effectively conveys themes of friendship, life, and loss, making it an emotionally resonant experience for both children and adults. While some parents felt it was appropriate for younger viewers, others cautioned about its sensitive content, particularly regarding scenes depicting animal death that can be alarming for more sensitive children.
- animal themes
- emotional impact
- friendship focus
- gentle storytelling
- family engagement
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 35 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In this adaptation of E.B. White's 1952 Newbery Award-winning book, CHARLOTTE'S WEB, barnyard animals are reluctant to befriend Wilbur, who's fated to be served up as the humans' Christmas dinner. But Wilbur (voiced by 10-year-old Dominic Scott Kay) is so sweet, curious, and affable that they're soon won over. And Charlotte A. Cavatica (Julia Roberts), the spider who spins her webs in the barn doorway, decides to find a way to save Wilbur's life.
Is It Any Good?
Here's a welcome surprise: A children's movie that's thoughtful, entertaining, and enchanting. This newest big-screen version of Charlotte's Web, based on E.B. White's 1952 Newbery Award-winning book mixes performances by real-life actors and animals with animated mouths, slipping gracefully into the world of the barnyard without ever doubting its magic. Whether you're new to the story or already adore the book, Gary Winick's movie is a special treat.
The one questionable lesson offered by Charlotte's Web is that embodied by Fern. A tomboy through and through, she worries her mother (to the point that she visits a doctor, trying to understand why her daughter spends so much time with the farm animals). When Fern at last abandons her overalls for a pretty yellow dress, Mom (Essie Davis) feels reassured. But the film needn't offer this transformation as a sign of Fern's "proper" socialization. Really, tomboys can be mature too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of words and their role in Charlotte's Web. How are words important for communicating, even between species? How do they help shape our impressions of others?
How do the animals come to see one another as friends, even though at first they're put off by their differences?
If you've read the book, how does the movie compare to what you imagined in your head?
How do the characters in Charlotte's Web demonstrate compassion and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 14, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : April 3, 2007
- Cast : Dakota Fanning , Dominic Scott Kay , Julia Roberts
- Director : Gary Winick
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Activism ( Animal rights ) , Animals ( Bugs , Farm Animals , Mice , Wild Animals ) , Book Characters , Family Stories , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales ) , Friendship , Holidays ( Christmas ) , STEM ( Nature )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Integrity
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : general audiences
- Last updated : December 4, 2025
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