Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Engaging Irish animation deals with grief; some peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Riverdance: The Animated Adventure
What's the Story?
RIVERDANCE: THE ANIMATED ADVENTURE tells the story of a young Irish boy named Keegan (Sam Hardy), who is struggling to overcome the passing of his grandfather (Pierce Brosnan). This is until he ventures off with his friend Moya (Hannah Herman) into the mythical world of the Mageloceros Giganteus, where they teach Riverdance as being a true celebration of life. Perhaps it's through learning to love life, that Keegan can best understand death.
Is It Any Good?
Following on from the likes of Wolfwalkers and Song of the Sea, this is another animated adventure that thrives in the enchantment that derives from Irish mythology, and folklore. Though Riverdance: The Animated Adventure is a little predictable at times -- as with so many family movies, the story begins with the loss of a parent figure in the opening act -- these tropes don't impact the film's emotional heartbeat. If anything, there is something oddly comforting about the familiarity.
That said, it can feel a little emotionally manipulative. Though needless to say such manipulation works, leading to a number of moving scenes. The animation style is beautiful to look at, and though a little strange at first, watching a collective of Mageloceros Giganteus (a fancy way of saying "massive deer") do the iconic Riverdance does make for engaging and striking entertainment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Riverdance: The Animated Adventure deals with grief. How did Keegan come to terms with the death of his grandfather? Have you experienced the loss of a loved one, be that a family member or even a pet? How did you feel? How might this movie help other kids deal with grief?
How does Keegan show courage and teamwork? Why are these such important character strengths to have? Can you think of a time when you've had to show these traits in your own life?
The film is very much about the passing on of family values and traditions, across generations. Discuss what values and traditions you have within your own family. Where did they originate from?
This movie is one of several Irish animations that delve into the country's folklore and mythicism. Did this movie make you want to learn more?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 14, 2022
- Cast : Pierce Brosnan , Brendan Gleeson , Jermaine Fowler
- Directors : Eamonn Butler , Dave Rosenbaum
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sky Cinema
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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