The Last Unicorn

Movie review by Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media
The Last Unicorn Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 9+

Classic '80s animated fantasy has some scary moments.

G 1982 93 minutes
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Parents say

age 10+

Based on 38 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 21 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Last Unicorn is an unconventional, mythological family film. Not a typical fairy tale with a traditional good-vs.-evil plot and happy ending, it has sad moments, challenging decisions to be made, and no easy resolutions. The story -- about a unicorn who fears she may be the last of her species on earth and sets out to find the others -- was original and offbeat when it was made and remains so decades later. Though the film is often funny and lyrical and has a tender story with a strong musical spine, younger or very sensitive kids could find a number of sequences and visuals extremely scary. A flaming red bull rampages through and threatens the most vulnerable characters. A hideous witch, along with the ghoulish creatures she holds captive, is grotesque and menacing. A ferocious harpy (a legendary flying monster) attacks and destroys. A huge tree appears to have bizarrely large breasts that threaten to crush a sympathetic magician, and a few other visuals show large cartoon breasts. The movie has been released on video and DVD several times since it was first shown in theaters in 1982. The Enchanted edition is the classic movie at its best, both visually and conceptually, with terrific bonus features updating the history and steadily powerful impact of the film.

Community Reviews

Ispeaktherealtruth
Ispeaktherealtruth Adult
September 23, 2021
age 12+

Great Movie Wrong Rating

The little ones might be scared by a couple things in this movie there's a big bird what kills the witch at the beginning and there's the bull he was just a big Fireball in the shape of bull . Towards the end of the movie the bull runs over the prince and the castle comes crumbling down sending King Haggard crashing to his death On to the adult Parts in the movie there's a tree that the wizard turns into a girl and her large chest is clearly visible the bird that kills the old witch it shows its chest which has nipples when the Unicorn turns into the girl you do not see any frontal nudity her hair is basically covering everything but when they do a long shot of her laying there you do see her bare behind for a second or two also towards the end there is a brief view of the unicorns chest as a girl As far a dark movie it's not the ending is a happy one this was one of my favorite movies as a kid and this still is one of my favorite movies of all times as an adult I do agree the rating of Pg might of been a little more appropriate for it I'd skip it if your kid under 12 And then you might want to watch it first to decide if it right for your kid
Holly R.
Holly R. Adult
April 12, 2020
age 10+

Good but not for small children

It’s a good movie but it’s not really for kids. There are minor swear words, violence, and partial nude cartoon breasts on monster creatures. It’s still a good movie but it’s for older kids and adults who enjoy animation. The animation isn’t the greatest that Topcraft has ever produced (a lot of their animators went on to work for famous Japanese company Studio Ghibli which is known for its lovely animation) but the acting is top notch. The Shout Factory release is the best way to see it but that version has minor swearing (damn and hell are used but that’s it I think). The unfeeling unicorn learns what regret and love feels like... Really sad in places but a good movie...

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 38 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE LAST UNICORN finds a graceful and gentle unicorn (Mia Farrow in a touching, thoughtful performance) concerned that she may be the last unicorn on earth. The unicorn knows that her species is immortal, so she leaves the beauty and security of her forest to travel the world and find out what happened to the others. Her odyssey sends her to strange and unfamiliar places; introduces her to an array of bizarre and wonderful characters; puts her in grave danger from some dastardly villains; and, most unexpectedly, finds her transformed into a beautiful woman who falls in love with the handsome Prince Lir (Jeff Bridges). With two trustworthy accomplices, a stumbling wizard named Schmendrick (Alan Arkin), and a bandit leader's wife named Molly Grue (Tammy Grimes), the unicorn learns much about herself, solves the mystery of the missing unicorns, and must finish with a profoundly unselfish deed.

Is It Any Good?

The Last Unicorn is an early example of the artistry of Japanese animation, combined with an imaginative, unique concept and terrific storytelling. It has easily maintained its place in fantasy moviemaking history. Budget limitations meant that directors Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass, author-screenwriter Peter S. Beagle, and producers Martin Starger and Michael Chase Walker had to aspire to greatness in unorthodox ways. They were able to gather a wonderful cast of character actor, including the witty Robert Klein, Christopher Lee at his most full-voiced, and Angela Lansbury at her most witchy, and Jimmy Webb wrote the stunning music, performed by the rock band America. Though it's not a movie for everyone -- certainly not for little kids who could have nightmares populated by the Red Bull and the witch -- there is enough romance for the romantic, enough philosophical reflection for the most serious students of human nature, and enough laughs and funny insights for those who love to be amused. Highly recommended, with special kudos to the Enchanted edition for its wonderful extras.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how The Last Unicorn is, and has always been, considered "unconventional" and "original." What are some of the things that separate it from other animated fairy tales and adventures? Though it was made decades ago, how is it still unique?

  • Did watching this movie inspire you to read the book from which it was adapted? Would it surprise you to know that the book is a fantasy classic and was popular with both young adults and adults? What do you think makes a book a classic?

  • How did the music in this film, written by Jimmy Webb and performed by the rock band America, set the tone and the tempo and enrich the story for you? Do you like or not like the fact that music sometimes tells you how to feel while you're watching a movie?

Movie Details

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