Parents' Guide to The Canterville Ghost

Movie NR 2023 89 minutes
The Canterville Ghost movie poster: A young White woman with red hair stands with a ghost over her right shoulder.

Common Sense Media Review

Tom Cassidy By Tom Cassidy , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Spooky animated Oscar Wilde story has death-related themes.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

  • The Canterville Ghost Trailer
  • The Canterville Ghost: A young White woman with red hair and blue dress stands next to a male ghost in olden days clothes.
  • The Canterville Ghost: A young woman with red hair and a young White man with black hair look worried.
  • The Canterville Ghost: A White man with long white hair and a pointy beard holds a human skull.

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 1 parent review

 

 

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What's the Story?

In THE CANTERVILLE GHOST, grumpy ghost Sir Simon de Canterville (voiced by Stephen Fry) has scared away everyone from his house for the past 300 years. But he meets his match when the Otis family move in and refuse to be afraid.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 1 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

This functional retelling of the Oscar Wilde ghost story provides enough entertainment for younger viewers venturing into the world of spooky movies. The Canterville Ghost is lighthearted but suitably gothic, and comic relief is provided by a cocky pair of prankster brothers. Fry gives a spirited performance as the grumpy ghost, Sir Simon De Canterville, and is reunited with his former comedy partner Hugh Laurie, although his role as the Grim Reaper is fleeting. Indeed the concept of death haunts the movie, which may be troubling for the youngest of viewers, although it strongly presents the idea of an afterlife. Elsewhere Miranda Hart's wacky ghosthunter, The Ghost Catcher, grates. But with strong messages of friendship, teamwork and courage, The Canterville Ghost is a solid adaptation that covers some tough subjects.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the scary moments in The Canterville Ghost. Which scenes did you find most frightening? Did you feel scared after the movie had finished? How much scary stuff can kids handle?

  • What examples of curiosity, teamwork, and courage can you give from the film? Why are these such important character strengths to have? Can you think of any examples when you've shown these traits?

  • What were some of the differences between Sir Simon de Canterville and the Otis family?

  • What do you think the movie was trying to say about loss and grief? Have you ever lost someone close to you? How did you feel?

Movie Details

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The Canterville Ghost movie poster: A young White woman with red hair stands with a ghost over her right shoulder.

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