Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Historically rich adventure tale of an Alaskan Native girl.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Molly of Denali: Molly and the Great One
What's the Story?
In MOLLY OF DENALI: MOLLY AND THE GREAT ONE, 10-year old Alaska Native Molly Mabray learns about her Grandpa Nat's dream to reach the top of Denali, North America's highest mountain. She helps him and her father train and prepare for the expedition. Meanwhile, her friend Trini Mumford is busy getting ready for her military pilot mother's first visit to their home in Qyah.
Is It Any Good?
Full of fascinating historical facts and highlighting the contributions of the Native Alaska people in the first successful summit of Denali, the highest mountain in North America, this is educational entertainment at its finest. Through setbacks and a few scary moments, Molly and her grandfather successfully complete a monumental journey in Molly Denali: Molly and the Great One. Along the way her contagious enthusiasm makes it easy to root for her, and she learns a lot about the importance of gratitude, preparation and perseverance.
Young viewers will be captivated by Molly and her grandfather's journey and overjoyed by their success. They'll also laugh at the stories and antics of the extreme adventure influencer, Mac McFadden, who pops up to tag along. And while the show only playfully pokes at his tendency to exaggerate, and sometimes misstep, it serves to subtly point out his place as an outsider versus the Native Alaskans who have more skill and knowledge useful to the journey. A subtle nod to the essential roles native peoples have often played throughout history as the essential guides behind the white men grabbing the glory. The heart-warming tale wraps up with a satisfying ending that even adults will appreciate, followed by even more educational content narrated by a group of real life Alaskan kids. This is an adventure the whole family will learn from and love.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about integrity. Why is it important to keep our promises like Trini's mother tells her it is?
Point out the many times that the characters display gratitude. What is gratitude and why is it important. How does expressing gratitude make someone feel?
Ask your kids what they think about the Mac McFadden character. How is his attitude different from Molly's father and grandfather? How do his actions affect the team?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 7, 2021
- Cast : Sovereign Bell , Bethany Brown , Christian Campbell
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : PBS
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures
- Run time : 152 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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