Common Sense Media Review
Entertaining, humorous take on biblical story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Parents say the film is widely regarded as a fun and engaging retelling of the biblical story of Jonah, featuring catchy songs and valuable lessons about mercy and forgiveness, making it suitable for families of all ages. However, some viewers find it boring, especially for younger children with shorter attention spans, and recommend caution for non-religious families due to its strong religious themes.
- fun family movie
- teaches valuable lessons
- great music
- varying audience opinions
- religious themes
- attention span issues
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 12 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In JONAH: A VEGGIETALES MOVIE, Bob the Tomato and his friend are driving three veggie children to a concert when they meet up with perennial veggie favorites, the Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. The Pirates tell the story of Jonah, a messenger who enjoyed delivering messages from God until God asked him to deliver one to a place he didn't want to go to. So, he ended up swallowed by a whale. Fortunately, God believes in second chances, so Jonah ends up just fine and a little wiser, too.
Is It Any Good?
The first Veggie Tales theatrical release features likeable computer-animated vegetables and gentle morals that create opportunities for families to talk to kids about the issues that matter most. Though Christian in origin, the values they communicate are universal. The references to God are explicit but nondenominational.
Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie may be a little long for the youngest fans of the videos, but kids five and up will be delighted with the fast, funny, and touching story. Parents even may find that it goes by quickly, because it has some of the funniest jokes of any movie this year, including those intended for adults.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about their own spiritual views -- and ask children about theirs. Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie has references to God and the Bible, but do you think the values in the movie are universal?
When we must be obedient and when should we think for ourselves?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 4, 2002
- On DVD or streaming : March 4, 2003
- Cast : Lisa Vischer , Mike Nawrocki , Tim Hodge
- Directors : Mike Nawrocki , Phil Vischer
- Studio : Big Idea
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Ocean Creatures ) , Pirates
- Run time : 83 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 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