Common Sense Media Review
Inspiring story about brave sled dogs; injuries, dog deaths.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Eight Below
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a mix of emotional storytelling and intense, scary moments, especially for younger viewers, with many mentioning the distressing scenes involving animals. While some found it entertaining and recommend it for family viewing, many felt that certain scenes, such as the deaths of the dogs and the aggressive wildlife, might be too frightening for children under nine.
- emotional storytelling
- intense scenes
- recommend for families
- potentially frightening
- age-appropriate warnings
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In EIGHT BELOW, scientist Davis McLaren (Bruce Greenwood) arrives in Antarctica in search of a meteorite and embarks on an excursion led by guide Jerry (Paul Walker). Also on the trip are Jerry's team of eight sled dogs and his human pal Cooper (Jason Biggs). When Jerry and Davis get stuck in a storm and Davis is injured in a fall, the team has to rush them both back to base, leaving the dogs behind in perilous conditions. And so the dogs' adventure begins. They must break loose from their tether, find food and shelter during the storm, and face a fierce leopard seal. This goes on for some 175 days, while Jerry, stuck back in the States, tries to get back to Antarctica to save them.
Is It Any Good?
The dogs in this inspirational movie are excellent—courageous, expressive, smart, and adorable. Eight Below's human co-stars? Well, they're good, too. But however moving Jerry's story may be, whenever the film turns back to the dogs, it pulses with a terrific vigor.
Early scenes of their trek are gorgeous, the dogs running through a grand landscape, tiny but still vibrant as they seem in tune with their environment. From gallant elder dog Jack to new kid Max to courageous Maya, the dogs are completely winning, their efforts to look out for one another inspiring and their wonderful faces enchanting. There are important messages from the humans' behavior, too: Jerry demonstrates courage, compassion, and perseverance, and the film highlights the role that friendship and teamwork play in achieving the impossible.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the loyalty between Jerry and his dogs in Eight Below. While other people think he goes too far, he sees the huskies as family members. How does the movie make the dogs seem like people, with the help of soundtrack music and close-ups to show expressive faces?
Characters show courage, compassion, perseverance, and teamwork. Why are these important strengths? How do they affect the outcome of the story? Can you think of times you've shown any of these in your own life?
How does this dog movie compare to others you've seen? What's your favorite dog or animal movie, and why? Do you think watching stories about animals helps you feel more compassionate toward them?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 17, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : June 20, 2006
- Cast : Bruce Greenwood , Moon Bloodgood , Paul Walker
- Director : Frank Marshall
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Buena Vista
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 120 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some peril and brief mild language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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