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Parents' Guide to

The Dark Crystal

By Charles Cassady Jr., Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

A fantastic but more intense Muppet adventure.

Movie PG 1982 93 minutes
The Dark Crystal Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 15 parent reviews

thefonners
thefonners Parent of 11 and 13-year-old
February 3, 2023
age 7+

Super boring, not worth it

We only made it half way through it was so boring. Even my wife who normally enjoys these movies (she considers The Labyrinth one of her favorites) couldn't keep watching. This movie is slow and the plot is not engaging. There's no humor and the effects are even more dated than you would expect given its age. We thought it'd be better given the good reviews. Guess you either really like it or really don't.
alantaylor
alantaylor Adult
August 20, 2022
age 7+

(Written by wife of user) I promise I have high standards, tamer than Star Wars

If your child can watch movies like Star Wars or Harry Potter, they can definitely see this. The worst there is a stabbing with a crystal, there's also a hand that bleeds, a little peril, an ugly crumbling of a dying creature, and a fall down a hole--so maybe pushing an 8 for some kids. You do see a male puppet naked, but no parts or sexuality involved, and he is later clothed. I don't remember any swearing or drug use but that doesn't mean there isn't any. The story involves aliens who were separated into two personalities, one ugly and selfish--they look like vultures who went dumpster diving, the other old and hippie-like (they look like dinosaurs). The movie has a mystical vibe, and there is a prophecy that is supposed to bring them together--so you might wonder a bit what the first group of aliens brings to the second, a little confusing sort of like what they call good and evil in the force in star wars. Ugly characters aren't all bad, there's one whose eye is popping out but ends up being very insightful though a bit rough around the edges. There's a lot more environmentalism and hippie morals in the fan backstory but you don't get that in this movie. The boy and girl are very kind to each other and work together--not as many jabs like you see in modern movies. They don't deceive or abuse others like the bad characters, and for the most part good and bad is clear. It is sad to see the exploitation of an innocent group of cute puppets, but it's not portrayed as a good thing. It's a positive movie as everyone is trying to work on a short time schedule to accomplish things before the suns align--which reflects our short mission in life to conquer evil. This movie is really clean cut, and normally I feel like I have more stringent standards than others so this is unusual for me putting a lower age than others--maybe a lot of kids were spooked by the creepy looking puppets? I know I was when I was little.

This title has:

Great role models
See all 15 parent reviews

What's the Story?

On a faraway planet, a handful of decrepit, dinosaur-like creatures called Skeksis rule, thanks to the power and longevity granted them by a large, cracked gem -- THE DARK CRYSTAL. Long ago the Skeksis massacred a peaceful race called Gelflings because of a prophecy that warned about a Gelfing being able to "heal" the crystal and end the Skeksis' reign. Jen, a lone Gelfling raised by gentle monster mystics, is sent by his dying master to find the missing piece of the Dark Crystal and fulfill the prophecy. On the way, Jen discovers that he's not the last of his kind -- he finds Kira in a community of fun-loving "Podlings." But the Skeksis know of the Gelflings, and send warriors to intercept the heroes. With her village destroyed, Kira joins Jen on his quest for the Skeksis' castle.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (15 ):
Kids say (26 ):

It's predictable -- you know the quest right up front -- but it's also a wonderful fantasy movie to get wrapped up in. Chanting, gentle mystics; long-legged Landstriders; a pushy she-ogre; and a roly-poly pet Fizzgig will keep fantasy-loving adults and kids old enough for the scary parts engaged.

Though some viewers (especially younger kids) may be tempted to close their eyes during the onslaught of the horrible garthim or the gruesome scene of podlings being drained of their "life essence," the sumptuous design will dare them not to look away. The team behind The Dark Crystal (including one of the original Star Wars producers, Gary Kurtz) supposedly researched the lore of numerous different cultures to help conceive their fantasy world.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Jen accomplished his goals with the help of others, including Kira in The Dark Crystal. How hard or easy is it for the people in your family to accept help? What would you have done in Jen's place?

  • How is this story a hero's journey? What other stories follow the same formula?

  • How do the characters in The Dark Crystal demonstrate courage and teamwork? Why are those important character strengths?

Movie Details

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 suggesting a diversity update.

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