Muppet Treasure Island
Parents say
Based on 7 reviews
Kids say
Based on 15 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
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 suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know this comedy is filled with cartoon action throughout and is best for kids who already know the difference between real and make-believe violence. It's a pirate swashbuckler with swords, knives, gunshots, captures, and exaggerated villains (including the outrageous one-legged Long John Silver). Many of the beloved Muppet characters are in comic danger over the course of the movie. Setting the tone, one puppet early in the film asks in disbelief: "He died? And this is supposed to be a kids' movie!" But no one actually dies in the film, although one character is an orphan who is still grieving for his father. In an early scene some characters are seen drinking in a tavern and one is intoxicated.
Community Reviews
Love this movie, but...
Report this review
Most disappointing of the muppets
Report this review
What's the Story?
The Muppets take to the high seas in this lively version of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel. The adventure begins when pirate Billy Bones (Billy Connelly) gives a treasure map to young orphan Jim Hawkins (Kevin Bishop) and his friends Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat. After a narrow escape from map-seeking pirates, the three manage to get on board the ship of Captain Smollet (Kermit the Frog). But trouble brews when nasty pirate king Long John Silver (Tim Curry) and his monster Muppet minions appear, dead set on getting the map and treasure. Wild comedic adventure ensues, including a narrow escape from a gang of wild boars and their very beautiful queen (Miss Piggy), who's livid at the frog captain for abandoning her at the altar.
Is It Any Good?
This loose adaptation of the classic tale is full of the kind of humor the Muppets are famous for, from jokes about Disney to a pirate with a talking lobster instead of a talking parrot. Tim Curry has a blast as the pirate Long John Silver, and Kevin Bishop is believable and earnest as young Jim Hawkins. There are funny songs, zany characters, and an entrance by Miss Piggy that's right up there with Elizabeth Taylor's in Cleopatra.
Through all the joking, though, the message of loyalty, friendship, and finding your destiny comes through loud and clear. This is a very funny movie that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in this movie. Did anything seem too intense for a kids' movie? What's the difference between funny and scary action?
How does this Muppet movie compare to others? What makes a movie endure through time?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 26, 1996
- On DVD or streaming: June 4, 2002
- Cast: Jennifer Saunders, Kevin Bishop, Tim Curry
- Director: Brian Henson
- Studio: Buena Vista
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Adventures, Book Characters, Pirates, Puppets
- Run time: 99 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- MPAA explanation: all audiences
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Muppets from Space
Plenty of jokes and mayhem to keep kids and parents amused.
-
Treasure Island (1950)
Avast! Disney's live-action, seagoing landmark.
-
The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland
Sesame Street fans will love this sweet movie.
For kids who love laughs
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