Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Savvy docu with strong messages for girls; swearing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Taylor Swift: Miss Americana
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Based on 55 kid reviews
Kids say this documentary is a powerful and inspiring portrayal of Taylor Swift, highlighting her struggles with mental health, body image, and sexual assault, while also addressing significant social issues like sexism and politics. However, parents should be aware of the extensive swearing and mature themes, making it more suitable for teens and older audiences rather than younger children.
- strong messages
- swearing present
- mature themes
- inspiring portrayal
- not for young kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
From its early scenes -- home movies of Taylor Swift at the piano as a little girl entertaining loved ones with brash self-confidence -- to its final moments showcasing a grown-up well on her way to activism and self-awareness, TAYLOR SWIFT: MISS AMERICANA tells a very personal story. Swift's voice and director Lana Wilson's camera take viewers into the singer-songwriter's happiest moments as well as to times of her greatest vulnerability and sadness. Multiple sequences show Swift's collaborative writing process, the thrill she derives from performing, and the setbacks that she's had to overcome. As Swift's story unfolds, audiences meet her supportive family, her musical team, and her adoring fans, as well as some who've delighted in exploiting her.
Is It Any Good?
Swift's candid, unpretentious narration, as well as choice footage of her as a child, a teen, and a young woman, make this movie highly accessible for both fans and casual viewers. There's a lot to like in Taylor Swift: Miss Americana, especially for the girls who make up much of her international fan base. Swift talks directly to them. She describes the lessons she's learned, the successes she's had, the calamities she's lived through, and, most inspirationally, the hard work and resilience that it takes to rise above the heartbreaking challenges of growing up -- whether you're famous or not.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the intentions of documentaries: to inform, entertain, persuade, or inspire. Which category or categories best describe Taylor Swift: Miss Americana? Why?
Talk about the differences between "concert" movies and films like this one that show a musician's personal journey. Concert movies are prized because they bring shows to audiences everywhere. What benefits do fans receive from movies like this one? How did it affect your feelings about Swift?
What valuable character strengths (e.g., perseverance, courage) does Swift rely upon to achieve her goals? Pick one of those traits and show why it was important. In what ways, if any, is Swift a role model?
Do you agree with the filmmakers' choice to include profanity in the film? It's likely that the goal is to show their subject authentically, but what may result from that decision in terms of intended viewers?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 31, 2020
- Cast : Taylor Swift
- Director : Lana Wilson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Gratitude , Perseverance
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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