Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beautiful, moving cartoon tale based on classic book series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
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Where to Watch
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The Boxcar Children
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Parents say that the movie is a gentle and sweet adaptation of a beloved children's book, featuring kind and caring characters that resonate well with younger audiences. While the animation has received mixed reviews, with some finding it lacking polish, the film's wholesome message and mild suspense make it a suitable choice for family viewing, especially for children under age six.
- gentle story
- kind characters
- suitable for young
- mixed animation reviews
- wholesome message
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 6 kid reviews
What's the Story?
THE BOXCAR CHILDREN tells the moving story of four orphaned children who set off to build a home together. Fearful that their grandfather will be unkind and uncaring -- he "hated" their mother and never attempted to contact the family -- they feel they're better off on their own. After a brief respite in a bakery and an escape from the owners who want to take the youngest to an orphanage, they find themselves in an idyllic forest in a natural world of plenty. And, in an amazing stroke of good luck, an abandoned boxcar stands as if it's always been waiting for them. The children, led by the oldest, Henry (Zachary Gordon), and big sister Jessie (Joey King), cleverly use all the resources at hand to fulfill their dream of a comfortable home. The little ones, Violet (Mackenzie Foy) and Benny (Jadon Sand), bring joy, hope, and optimism to the endeavor. It's all working well, especially when Henry finds work in a generous doctor's home and is able to provide for them all. It isn't until Violet becomes ill that the children realize they may not be able to do it all on their own. Dr. Moore (J.K. Simmons) and a kindly stranger (Martin Sheen) prove to be more than interested onlookers, and the Boxcar kids find that trusting the right people can make all the difference.
Is It Any Good?
Visually beautiful, well-acted, and with a classic story well told, this is a satisfying, moving film. Considerably slower and more deliberate than most 21st-century children's fare,The Boxcar Children takes hold of and carries the viewer into the lovely world of Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. In that world of abundance and beauty, people are generally kind. It's an idealized, heartwarming tale that looks at kids who never argue, work together without complaint, and find joy in even life's smallest treasures. Good deeds are rewarded; endings are happy. Highly recommended for families who will enjoy sharing that special world, if only for the time it takes to watch it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about movies made from books. What are some reasons filmmakers might have to change the book when they make a film? Which stories have you both read and seen that stay true to the intention and heart of the book? Did seeing The Boxcar Children make you want to read the book?
Stories and adventures about kids who must fend for themselves are very popular. Have you ever pretended to be all on your own? Why is it fun to read, watch, or play such a story?
Why did Dr. Moore refuse to take the reward money from Mr. Alden? What did he want more than money? If he had been poor, do you think it would have been OK for him to accept the reward? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 5, 2014
- Cast : J.K. Simmons , Martin Sheen , Joey King
- Directors : Mark A.Z. Dippe , Dan Chuba
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Hammerhead Productions
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 81 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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