Common Sense Media Review
Jaunty animation, jazzy songs, iffy representation.
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The Jungle Book (1967)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 47 parent reviews
Parents say this animated classic is a favorite among young children, who enjoy the catchy songs and fun characters like Baloo and Bagheera. While many find it engaging, some parents express concerns about darker themes, mild violence, and a few troubling elements, suggesting caution for particularly sensitive viewers.
- catchy songs
- engaging characters
- darker themes
- mixed reviews
- caution advised
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 27 kid reviews
Kids say this animated classic is beloved for its catchy songs, vibrant animation, and entertaining characters, making it a must-see for families. However, some reviews highlight concerns about the limited representation of female characters, potentially scary scenes for younger viewers, and the film's portrayal of certain characters as racial stereotypes.
- catchy songs
- fun animation
- family friendly
- limited representation
- scary scenes
- racial stereotypes
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE JUNGLE BOOK is Disney's 17th animated feature and the last film supervised by Walt himself. Based on Rudyard Kipling's story, the movie tells the tale of Mowgli, the "man cub" found by benevolent panther Bagheera (voiced by Sebastian Cabot), who tucks the baby boy safely away with a family of wolves. Mowgli (Bruce Reitherman) grows up happy, living in the jungles of India. But the jungle won't be safe for him once tiger Shere Khan (George Sanders) finds out he's there. So wise Bagheera begins leading Mowgli toward civilization—whether the boy wants to go or not. Along the way the pair encounters hypnotic snake Kaa (Sterling Holloway), an army of elephants, and, much to Bagheera's dismay, Baloo (Phil Harris), a lovable, easygoing bear who tempts Mowgli with his laid-back "Bare Necessities" life. But when Mowgli and Baloo ditch Bagheera, life isn't all fun and games. Mischievous monkeys and their king orangutan, Louie (Louis Prima), run off with Mowgli, and Shere Khan is hot on his trail. It'll take the unlikely team of Bagheera and Baloo to keep Mowgli safe.
Is It Any Good?
Kipling's classic story has been thoroughly Disney-fied, but it remains a lively, engrossing adventure with jaunty animation and delightful jazz-inspired songs. The very catchy tunes and expert voice cast deliver lots of laughs. The Jungle Book teems with lush atmosphere, lovable jungle animals, and toe-tapping song favorites like "The Bare Necessities" and "I Wanna Be Like You." Walt Disney's personal touch of cheerfully blending humor, heart, and music in a strong story dealing with life choices helps elevate this movie. It's justifiably considered a classic despite the modest animation, which is pleasant but relatively basic in comparison to earlier Disney masterpieces. All of that said, some elements of the movie have aged poorly, such as its relationship to race and lack of female characters.
But the voice cast, many of whom were 1960s stars, adds considerably to the enjoyment. As the boisterous Baloo, Harris is a standout (he later provided the voice of the similarly rascally O'Malley in The Aristocats). Memorable performances are also turned in by scat-singing Louis Prima as King Louie of the Apes, Disney veteran Sterling Holloway (the original Winnie the Pooh and the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland) as the hissing Kaa, and Sanders, whose every syllable deliciously drips with venom. Watch this one with your kids and you'll soon "forget about your troubles and your strife" as you sing along with Baloo and Mowgli.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the harmful stereotypes in The Jungle Book. How do negative representations of characters on-screen impact people in real life?
Music plays a large role in the movie. What was your favorite song? What do Baloo's "Bare Necessities" song and "Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King have in common? How does Baloo's love of good music get him into trouble?
How do the characters in The Jungle Book demonstrate compassion, courage, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 18, 1967
- On DVD or streaming : October 2, 2007
- Cast : Louis Prima , Phil Harris , Sebastian Cabot
- Director : Wolfgang Reitherman
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 78 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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