Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fantastic musical special promotes environmental awareness.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
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Octonauts & the Great Barrier Reef
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 32 parent reviews
Parents say the movie is generally well-received for its educational and conservation themes, with many praising its appealing animation, catchy songs, and positive messages suitable for young children. However, some parents express concerns about frightening elements for sensitive kids and issues related to character representation and conflict resolution, suggesting that while engaging, it may require parental discretion depending on the child's temperament.
- positive messages
- suitable for young children
- some scary elements
- educational value
- character representation issues
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 2 kid reviews
What's the Story?
OCTONAUTS & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF sees the underwater rescuers setting a course for the world's larges coral formations on a mission to provide help to the living things there. Upon arriving, they meet a coral polyp named Corey who's eager to find a place to put down roots among the larger coral. He and this new Octonaut friends meet the local residents just in time to help them fend off an outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish, who spell disaster for the reef. With some quick thinking, they pool their resources to protect their home and send the unwanted guests packing.
Is It Any Good?
The Octonauts show off their best qualities -- resourcefulness, helpfulness, and kindness -- in this utterly delightful musical special. We first meet darling Corey and see the magnitude of the Great Barrier Reef through the eyes of this tiny newcomer with big dreams. As he takes in his new surroundings and meets new neighbors, viewers come to appreciate the diversity of the notable habitat. That same diversity becomes invaluable as the Octonauts launch a massive rescue mission to protect the delicate reef from an invasive species and to ensure that Corey's new home is in tip-top shape.
Octonauts & the Great Barrier Reef is exceedingly fun to watch (even for grown-ups!) because of the fun original songs, the positive themes, and the likable characters who teach about their real-life counterparts. Families that watch together can expand on what this story introduces about natural diversity, ecosystems, and matters related to conservation. The story's message of environmental responsibility is prominent without being preachy and relatable to the appealing characters, making it well positioned to inform youngsters and remind adults of the need to protect vulnerable ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the examples of compassion and teamwork they see in Octonauts & the Great Barrier Reef. How does being able to see a situation through Corey's eyes help inspire the Octonauts' efforts? Would their ability to succeed have been different without everyone's help? How does each resident play a role in it?
Corey doesn't let being small dampen his dreams. What are your kids' dreams and goals for when they are older? In what ways are they inspired by the people around them as Corey is by the grown coral?
Does this story change how you think about the environment and conservation? What steps can you take where you are to help protect the world's endangered ecosystems? Where can you learn more about doing so?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 13, 2020
- Cast : Paul Panting , Simon Greenall , Teresa Gallagher
- Director : Blair Simmons
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 47 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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