Common Sense Media Review
Charming animated escape tale has some peril, scares.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Chicken Run
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 29 parent reviews
Parents say that this film is much darker and scarier than expected, making it unsuitable for younger children, particularly those sensitive to themes of death and violence. Although some find it charming and engaging with clever humor, many parents advise caution due to disturbing scenes that could lead to nightmares or lasting fears.
- dark themes
- scary scenes
- sensitive content
- appropriate age
- clever humor
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 46 kid reviews
Kids say the film features a group of chickens plotting an escape from a cruel farmer, filled with humor and adventure, but also carries darker themes that may be unsettling for younger audiences. Many reviewers suggest that the movie is better suited for older children due to its violent undertones and moments that may frighten young viewers.
- dark themes
- suited for older kids
- humor and adventure
- unsettling moments
- claymation style
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
CHICKEN RUN has arrived, to the joy and relief of the many fans of Nick Park's Oscar-winning Wallace and Gromit short films. In his studio's first feature-length movie, a brave chicken plots an escape from a small Yorkshire chicken farm. The stern and angry Mrs. Tweedy (voiced by Miranda Richardson) and her hen-pecked husband have bullied their hens into producing eggs, but now they've set up a fierce-looking machine that turns chickens into chicken pies. Ginger (Julia Sawalha) is a smart, brave, loyal chicken who won't leave unless she can take the others with her. When an American circus rooster named Rocky (Mel Gibson) arrives, Ginger gets him to agree to teach the chickens to fly over the fence so they can find a place where they can live in freedom.
Is It Any Good?
Animator Nick Park is a master at creating a world that's enchantingly believable. The farm seems to be set in the 1950s, and every detail, down to the last nail in the last board on the hen house wall, looks exactly as it should. The chickens are highly individual, completely believable, and wildly funny, as are the side characters. Parents and kids alike will delight in Park's Rube Goldberg-like machines and split-second action sequences.
Kids may not get all the jokes in Chicken Run, and some of the 1950s references may even escape adults. There is a wonderful variety of British accents here, but that shouldn't deter non-Brit viewers. Both kids and adults will find much to enjoy in the chickens' adventures and their incredibly creative, highly detailed, animated world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Chicken Run's intended audience. Is it meant for children or adults? Both? How can you tell?
How does the cartoonish violence heighten both the comedic and scary parts?
How is this movie a parody of "prison break" movies like The Great Escape or The Shawshank Redemption?
How do the characters in Chicken Run demonstrate integrity, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 23, 2000
- On DVD or streaming : November 21, 2000
- Cast : Julia Sawalha , Mel Gibson , Miranda Richardson
- Director : Nick Park
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : general audiences
- Last updated : November 6, 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