Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Young dino braves nature in lovely but intense adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Good Dinosaur
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 143 parent reviews
Parents say the movie is a visually stunning yet emotionally intense experience that dives into themes of grief, overcoming fears, and the realities of life that may not be suitable for very young children. While some appreciate its heartfelt messages and emotional lessons, others criticize it for being overly dark, violent, and potentially traumatizing for kids, citing the intense scenes of parental loss and animal attacks.
- emotional intensity
- parental death
- scaring young children
- beautiful animation
- mixed reviews
- lessons on grief
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 70 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie, while visually stunning, is filled with intense and often frightening themes not suitable for younger audiences. Many reviews highlight its emotional depth and valuable messages about courage and overcoming fear, but warn that it may be too sad or violent for children, causing distress rather than enjoyment.
- emotional journey
- intense scenes
- valuable messages
- not for young kids
- visually stunning
- sad and scary
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE GOOD DINOSAUR is a tale of friendship, longing for family, and overcoming fears that takes place in an alternate-history timeline before man began to have a serious impact on Earth. Timid young dinosaur Arlo (voiced by Raymond Ochoa) is separated from his family and must travel a long, treacherous path home, learning to feed himself and deflect predators. He does so with the help of a resourceful, independent wild child he calls Spot (Jack Bright); the filmmakers get around scientific evidence that dinosaurs and man never co-existed by showing the meteor that supposedly wiped out the dinosaurs taking a wrong turn and missing Earth. The underlying narrative tells the story of a lost ecological balance, when ruthless nature was in charge, with devastating turbulence and unpredictability. Predators and destructive storms lurk around every corner, waiting to flatten even the bravest. Ultimately Arlo learns that although fear is normal and healthy, it shouldn't get in the way of living your life.
Is It Any Good?
This visually beautiful, emotionally authentic tale about a young dinosaur who experiences loss and struggles to find his way home will entrance kids and parents alike. Pixar's gorgeous animation places The Good Dinosaur's talking animals (and human) in photo-realistic natural settings that are nearly indistinguishable from actual forests, rivers, and mountains. (In fact, the images' reality could add to the scariness for young children during storms and other scenes of threat.)
Great visual moments come out of Spot's lack of spoken language skills. The best example? Arlo, who can talk, explains the concept of family by setting representative stick figures in the sand and drawing a circle of closeness around them. Spot takes it further by doing the same and then throwing burial sand over the sticks to communicate that he's now alone in the world. But ultimately, he's not -- he has Arlo, and Arlo has him, and their friendship is a solid core for another excellent, if intense, Pixar adventure.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how we can overcome our fears. Is it OK to be afraid of things? How do you know if you're too afraid of something? Does it help to face scary things with a friend or family? What does it take to "get through" something you're scared of? Do you think The Good Dinosaur is scary?
Why do we sometimes enjoy watching scary movies or shows? How much "scary stuff" can young kids handle?
What's the movie's message about friendship and family? What matters most in life? What do Arlo and Spot learn from each other?
How does The Good Dinosaur tweak history? Did dinosaurs and early man really exist on Earth at the same time? Do you think it's OK to change facts for movies? How could you find out more about what really happened to the dinosaurs?
How do the characters in The Good Dinosaur demonstrate courage? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 25, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : February 23, 2016
- Cast : Jeffrey Wright , Raymond Ochoa , Frances McDormand
- Director : Peter Sohn
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Dinosaurs ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : peril, action and thematic elements
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : February 5, 2026
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