Common Sense Media Review
Clever animated take on the folktale has some violence.
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Robin Hood
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 34 parent reviews
Based on 28 kid reviews
Kids say the animated film effectively combines humor with heartwarming moments, featuring engaging characters and a clever take on the folktale. However, some parents express concern about its portrayal of stealing and suggest advising younger viewers about the film's darker themes, including mild violence and moral questions surrounding the characters' actions.
- funny characters
- heartwarming moments
- parental concerns
- mild violence
- moral questions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Walt Disney's animated ROBIN HOOD recounts the story of the famous outlaw and Little John, here depicted as a fox and a bear. Wild animals portray the other folkloric characters, making the story even more engaging for kids. Robin Hood and Little John are uninhibited, mischievous pranksters that "rob the rich to feed the poor". Dressed as female fortune tellers, they pilfer Prince John's money, jewels, hubcaps and even the royal robes off his back. But Robin's antics are countered by his compassion for the impoverished peasants of Nottingham, who benefit from his redistribution of wealth. His romance with Marian is treated with a light hand and resembles school-age infatuation. In her armoire, Maid Marian keeps a cherished picture of Robin -- his wanted poster.
Is It Any Good?
Walt Disney's clever adaptation is entertaining and skillfully animated. Kids will enjoy the melodrama and action, as well as musical interludes in a folksong style. Peter Ustinov lends his vocal talent to Prince John, creating a delightfully nefarious screen villain. Prince John is the pinnacle of poor character: vain, greedy, gullible, and temperamental with a habit for thumb sucking.
As Disney character animation delights, folk songs add a light-hearted flair. One song, "Love," received an Oscar nomination. As an introduction to swashbuckling comic adventure, this Robin Hood is good fun all around. Just be aware that it's more violent than you might remember from your childhood.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it was OK for Robin to steal (while reminding them that it wouldn't be OK for them to steal) in Robin Hood.
How do the characters in Robin Hood demonstrate empathy? Why is this an important character strength?
How do the characters who are usually the "good guys" like Prince John act bad, and how do the "bad guys" like Robin Hood do the right thing?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 8, 1973
- On DVD or streaming : July 4, 2000
- Cast : Andy Devine , Brian Bedford , Peter Ustinov
- Director : Wolfgang Reitherman
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Empathy
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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