Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animated magic tale with spells, pranks, and mild peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Academy of Magic
What's the Story?
In THE ACADEMY OF MAGIC, Aura (voiced by Laura Megan Stahl) doesn't realize she's been gifted with magical abilities until her 16th birthday. Then her magical robot companion, Yodel (voiced by Ben Diskin), wakes up and tells her it's time to journey to the Academy of Magic. There, Aura discovers she is a naturally gifted student on her way to being at the top of her class—until she discovers that the academy hides dark secrets. With the help of her robot friend, Aura sets out to uncover the truth behind the school's hidden past. As she learns more about magic and the cost of power, she must discover whether she has what it takes to find the truth and set things right.
Is It Any Good?
The Academy of Magic tries to bring a new twist to a classic fantasy story, but it doesn't quite hit the mark. The movie has positive messages about kindness, friendship, and doing what's right. Aura is a brave and likable main character who helps her friends and stands up for herself, even when others make fun of her. However, the movie takes a lot of ideas from other well-known magical school stories, like Harry Potter, without adding enough of its own unique touch. The animation looks outdated, and the style feels a little unfinished. While there are some funny moments—like playful magic tricks and Yodel's jokes—the story seems predictable, and the climax feels rushed.
Still, The Academy of Magic has a few bright spots. Its themes of friendship and doing the right thing will appeal to younger viewers who enjoy stories about magic. While it may not stand out for older kids or teens, it could be a fun watch for younger children who love adventure and fantasy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories of magical kids and teens. Why do you think this theme manages to stay popular in books and movies? What are some examples?
What mistakes did the characters make, and what did they learn from them? Have you ever learned something important from a mistake?
How is Aura a positive role model?
What did you notice about some of the bullying characters' behavior throughout the movie? How did their attitudes change and why do you think they did?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 25, 2025
- Cast : Ben Diskin , Laura Megan Stahl , Michael Johnston
- Directors : Jorgen Klubien , Cindy Robinson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Level 33 Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate