Parents' Guide to

The Indian in the Cupboard

By Rafael Munsi, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Classic, heartwarming fantasy will rivet kids.

Movie PG 1995 97 minutes
The Indian in the Cupboard 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 16 parent reviews

XXSuperMumXX
XXSuperMumXX Adult
October 14, 2020
age 18+

90's im 25 and i found it horrible

i would not recommend, i watched it yesterday and it was so boring i would read the book its much better :3 i do have to admit, there is some funny parts!the mane plot is about a boy named omri who use's a cupborad to bring a toy alive. the book is way better. please dont buy this!

This title has:

Too much swearing
awesomemeerkat
awesomemeerkat Adult
July 9, 2020
age 8+

Perfect for family movie night!

Are you're looking for a film that won't scare a very young audience but will be entertaining at the same time? If yes, then this is the movie! The movie really stands out for the great character strengths found in the young boy. The only things to look out for is a brief scene of Motley Crue music video "Girls" with gyrating, scantily clad women. There is also a scene of a "fight" between the Indian and the Cowboy in which the Cowboy is hit by a speeding arrow. (no blood)There is also a short bullying scene in which the young boys money is stolen. WARNING: The Indian in the film is beyond annoying.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 16 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In this film adaption of THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD, the popular book by Lynne Reid Banks, a young boy receives a magical cupboard and key that bring to life an 18th century Iroquois warrior who's all of three inches tall.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (16):
Kids say (8):

This film comes to life with help from E.T. veteran Melissa Mathison's script and the technical wizardry of Industrial Light and Magic of Star Wars renown. (It's no coincidence that Omri briefly brings to life Darth Vader.) The illusion of The Indian in the Cupboard is magical, bringing together a wistful school boy and miniature warrior in delightful detail. The friendship between young Omri and the mature Little Bear is a journey of self-discovery and growth. The strength of the film is Little Bear, played by Litefoot, who teaches Omri about the pain of personal loss, and the responsibility that is part of growing up. "Boo Hoo" Boone, the crying cowboy, is a foil for the stoic Little Bear and provides comic relief reminiscent of the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz.

Though a wonderful film for children, anyone who likes a good story will be satisfied. Viewers familiar with the novel may be disappointed that several key characters are left out of the screen version. But overall, The Indian in the Cupboard offers a fine example of a book adaptation.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what older kids have had to give up as they've grown up, such as their blankets and childish toys. How did Omri deal with the loss of his friends at the end of The Indian in the Cupboard?

  • Families may want to discuss how they make their friends feel cherished every day. How did Little Bear express his love for Omri?

  • How do the characters in The Indian in the Cupboard demonstrate compassion and integrity? Why are those important character strengths?

Movie Details

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