Common Sense Media Review
By Common Sense Media
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Adventurous animal tale will have kids riveted.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
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Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 36 parent reviews
Parents say that this film is a heartfelt, family-friendly adventure that captures the love and loyalty between pets and their owners, making it especially appealing to animal lovers. However, some parents express concerns about intense scenes that could be too scary for sensitive young children, particularly moments of animal peril and a few crude humor elements.
- family-friendly
- emotional journey
- mild humor
- suitable for young viewers
- some intense scenes
- pet peril
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 32 kid reviews
Kids say this is a heartwarming and emotional film that effectively conveys messages about perseverance, teamwork, and love, appealing to viewers of all ages. While it has some sad moments and mild peril that might be too intense for very young children, many find it a classic that should be shared with the family.
- emotional journey
- great for families
- positive messages
- mild peril
- classic film
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When their owners go on vacation at the start of HOMEWARD BOUND: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY, golden retriever Shadow (voiced by Don Ameche), bulldog Chance (Michael J. Fox), and Himalayan cat Sassy (Sally Field), are left with a friend. After a few days, Chance becomes convinced that something's wrong and runs away; Sassy and Shadow follow. Determined to go home, they traverse the Sierras, ford rivers, and tangle with unfriendly bears. Shadow becomes a hero by finding a lost little girl and alerting her parents. Afterward, when the three pets are taken to a shelter to await their family, they again break out and continue their difficult journey. Exchanging wisecracks all the way, Chance, Shadow, and Sassy finally arrive home, where they're welcomed with open arms.
Is It Any Good?
Witty dialogue and well-cast voices make this movie a delight from start to finish. Fox and Ameche do a terrific job of giving voice to their canine characters; Ameche is particularly poignant as the older and much wiser Shadow. Field, hilarious as the snide and sharp-tongued Sassy, constantly berates Chance for his impetuous behavior and less-than-perfect manners. The animals themselves perform some riveting stunts.
As the threesome makes their way home, viewers of Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey are carried along through a landscape full of peril and beauty. Although there are some scary moments -- like when Shadow and Chance confront a bobcat, or when the elderly Shadow falls into a deep ditch on the last leg of their journey -- the banter keeps things light. The well-written script contains plenty of kid-friendly humor, but even adult viewers will enjoy Sassy's stinging putdowns and Shadow's deep-voiced wisdom.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what kids should do if they get separated from their parents, like the animals do in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.
How did Shadow, Chance, and Sassy cope with their fear of being alone?
What is your favorite animal movie, and why? Why are animal movies so popular?
How do the characters in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey demonstrate teamwork, perseverance, and courage? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 10, 1993
- On DVD or streaming : August 10, 1993
- Cast : Don Ameche , Michael J. Fox , Sally Field
- Director : Duwayne Dunham
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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