The Gruffalo
Common Sense says
- G
- 2011
- 40 minutes
Parents say
Kids say
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Get it now on
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Did this review miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive, diverse representations in books, TV shows, and movies. Want to help us help them? Suggest a diversity update
Suggest an update The Gruffalo
A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The Gruffalo is based on the acclaimed children's book of the same name, so kids might be encouraged to follow up with a reading session. A few scenes show Mouse envisioning being eaten by the animals he encounters, so very young kids might need an extra cuddle, but other than that, this is a wonderful special to enjoy with little ones.
Stay up to date on new reviews.
User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
Too scary!
great film but suspense may be too much for some toddlers
Lovely heart warming tale about monster and mouse
So Cute!
What's the story?
On a stroll through the deep, dark wood, Mouse (voiced by James Corden) encounters three animals who think he looks like a tasty meal -- but he outwits each one by telling them that he's scheduled to meet THE GRUFFALO, an imaginary creature that Mouse describes as having large teeth, sharp claws, and a poisonous wart on his nose. Imagine Mouse's shock to discover that the Gruffalo (Robbie Coltrane) actually exists! When the Gruffalo then threatens to eat him, Mouse claims to be the fiercest creature around, offering to prove it if the monster will follow him back through the wood. As they encounter the three animals again, each is frightened by the sight of the Gruffalo, who interprets their fear as directed at Mouse and flees for his life.
Is it any good?
This enchanting adaptation is masterfully animated to reflect the book's original drawings and set to beautifully crafted music. It offers a great opportunity for parents to hit the couch with their kids and take in a truly wonderful story. Based on the award-winning children's book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the show breathes life into these loved characters and teaches a lesson about not letting size intimidate you. The crafty mouse uses his smarts to escape the larger and more powerful animals, who fall for his tricks out of unfounded fear.
There are some perilous scenes when the mouse envisions his own death at the hands of the animals, but other than that, The Gruffalo is perfectly suited -- and very entertaining -- for kids of all ages.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the story in The Gruffalo. Do you think Mouse was scared when he met the animals who wanted to eat him? Did he show his fear? How did he outsmart them? Were you surprised that they fell for his trick?
Kids: How does the show compare to the book? Did you like the animation style? Were the characters like you imagined them? What other books would you like to see made into TV shows or movies?
What are your family's rules about TV? Why do parents set time limits and monitor what shows you can watch? How do these rules keep you safe?
Movie details
- On DVD or streaming: August 16, 2011
- Cast: Helena Bonham Carter, John Hurt, Robbie Coltrane
- Directors: Jakob Schuh, Max Lang
- Studio: NCircle Entertainment
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Book Characters
- Run time: 40 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: November 25, 2019
Our editors recommend
For kids who love literary fun with young kids
Themes & Topics
Top advice and articles
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.
Streaming options powered by JustWatch