Parents' Guide to Niko: Beyond the Northern Lights

Movie NR 2024 86 minutes
Reindeer Niko and Stella fly across the night sky with other animals on the snow below on the poster for Niko: Beyond the Northern Lights

Common Sense Media Review

Kat Halstead By Kat Halstead , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 7+

Cute festive tale has positive messages, threatening scenes.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 7+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Niko — Beyond the Northern Lights: Three young reindeer stack on top of each other as they play in the weeds, a squirrel flying alongside them
  • Niko — Beyond the Northern Lights: A group of reindeer stand on a ramp on a cliff's edge, where they prepare to undertake a series of challenges
  • Niko — Beyond the Northern Lights: A family of reindeer stand in the snow

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 3 parent reviews

 

 

See all 3 parent reviews
age 7+

Based on 1 kid review

 

 

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What's the Story?

In NIKO: BEYOND THE NORTHERN LIGHTS, young reindeer Niko (voiced by Matthew Whelan) dreams of becoming a member of the Flying Forces and pulling Santa's sleigh like his father, Prancer (Paul Tylak). But when Santa's sleigh is stolen, he and fellow wannabe Stella (Emma Jenkins) must team up and put aside their differences—as well as those of their fathers—and save the day.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 3 ):
Kids say ( 1 ):

This heartfelt coming-of-age story has plenty of Christmas spirit, yet it doesn't shy away from the gray areas where people—or reindeer—make mistakes. Niko: Beyond the Northern Lights centers on an adorable reindeer determined to follow in his father's heroic footsteps. But along the way, he learns that his dad may not be the perfect role model he thought he was, and that maybe he can be a hero in his own way. The snowy landscapes are beautifully rendered, and there's a whole army of adorably wide-eyed creatures that add aww-factor, while kids will also enjoy plenty of silly moments and pops of humor. Prepare for a few frightening scenes and a tearjerker or two, but mostly plenty of festive cheer.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the themes of friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness in Niko: Beyond the Northern Lights. How did the movie show them to be important? What did the characters learn, and how did it change their behavior?

  • Both Niko and Stella showed courage and teamwork. Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of times you've shown either of them in your own life?

  • Did you find any moments of the movie scary? If so, which parts and why? What's the impact of media violence on kids?

  • How did the movie compare with other animated Christmas films you've seen? Do they have anything in common? In what ways was this different?

Movie Details

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Reindeer Niko and Stella fly across the night sky with other animals on the snow below on the poster for Niko: Beyond the Northern Lights

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