Common Sense Media Review
Great adaptation for young kids and fans of the books.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Madeline
What's the Story?
One of the most beloved heroines of children's literature is brought to life in this movie based on the classic series of books by Ludwig Bemelmans about the "twelve little girls in two straight lines" who live in "a small house in Paris that was covered with vines," and especially "the smallest one," Madeline (Hetty Jones). Bemelmans' gorgeous water colors turn into gorgeously photographed Paris, set vaguely in the 1950s, setting the stage for Madeline's nighttime race to the hospital for an appendectomy, her fall into the Seine and rescue by the brave dog Genevive, and her adventures with Pepito, the son of the Spanish ambassador. Oscar-winning actress Frances McDormand plays Miss Clavel, the nun who cares for her charges with imagination, wisdom, and love, and courage. Veteran British actor Nigel Hawthorne is stern Lord Covington, who wants to sell the small house covered with vines and close down the school.
Is It Any Good?
Young children, especially fans of the books, will enjoy the film. Newcomer Hetty Jones is a spunky Madeline, brave enough to say "Pooh Pooh" to a tiger, smart enough to know that if she asks Pepito to be extra quiet he will find some way to do something noisy, and determined enough to find a way to stop Lord Covington from selling the school his late wife loved so dearly.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the film compares with the original Madeline book. Which do you like better?
Would you have done anything differently if you were making this film?
How did you like mixing in Pepito from Madeline and the Bad Hat?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 10, 1998
- On DVD or streaming : December 15, 1998
- Cast : Frances McDormand , Hatty Jones , Nigel Hawthorne
- Director : Daisy von Sherler Mayer
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : momentary language
- 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