Common Sense Media Review
By Fernanda Camargo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tweens mirror Ocean's Eleven in North Pole heist.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Naughty Nine
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 21 parent reviews
Parents say that while some viewers enjoyed this fun kids' movie for its engaging story and positive lessons about sibling relationships, others found it inappropriate due to perceived themes of moral ambiguity and controversial elements like gender diversity and a Black Santa. Despite the polarized opinions, many agreed that the film aimed to address important issues, even if it was not fully appreciated by all audiences.
- fun storytelling
- controversial themes
- lessons of morality
- mixed audience reactions
- target age group
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 9 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In THE NAUGHTY NINE, Andy Steele (Winslow Fegley) leads a group of wholly talented, partly mischievous kids who find themselves without a gift from Santa on Christmas morning. Thinking they may have landed on the "naughty list," they come together to break into the North Pole and recover their missing presents. After concocting a plan in their basement to board an airplane through the Northern lights, what will these tweens discover in their adventure?
Is It Any Good?
This tween heist is a great blend of action and adventure, perfect for families' holiday watchlist. In some ways, The Naughty Nine is similar to classic Christmas movies with limited budgets and ambitious plans of adventures in the North Pole. At the same time, it provides a modern version of a winter wonderland, paired with a quick-witted script that swiftly moves from scene to scene. Designed for short attention spans, it promises to hold a long-term place in the hall of holiday family fare, ending with a cliffhanger that promises to expand the franchise.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it means to be on the "naughty list." What are some of the things characters do to avoid being on that list?
Santa reminds the main character that there's always an opportunity to change. Caretakers can encourage children to think about personal improvement by sharing aspects of themselves they would like to change.
The Naughty Nine is a group of skilled kids, each with unique talents. What are you passionate about?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 22, 2023
- Cast : Winslow Fegley , Danny Glover , Camila RodrÃguez , Derek Theler
- Director : Alberto Belli
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Disney Channel Original Movies
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Holidays
- Run time : 83 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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