Parents' Guide to The Polar Express

Movie 2004 G 92 minutes
The Polar Express movie poster: A dramatic scene of a huge train next to a small boy on a snowy night

Common Sense Media Review

By Nell Minow , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 6+

Book-based treat is full of adventure and positive messages.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 6+?

Any Positive Content?

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  • The Polar Express movie: Three kids and Conductor, along with a huge crowd, look at Santa and his reindeer
  • The Polar Express movie: The Polar Express pulls up next to a boy on a snowy night
  • The Polar Express movie: A young boy stands outside his front doorstep at night

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 68 parent reviews

Parents say the adaptation of this beloved holiday story deviates significantly from the original book, introducing unsettling themes that many find inappropriate for young children; several reviewers highlight the creepy animation and characters, like the menacing conductor and the hobo, which create unnecessary tension throughout the film. While some families enjoy the adventurous spirit and moral lessons, most parents recommend caution, especially for sensitive or younger viewers, due to the pervasive dark undertones and moments that might leave children frightened.dark themescreepy animationunsuitable for young childrenSanta questioningunnecessary peril
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age 5+

Based on 96 kid reviews

Kids say that the movie is a mix of magical moments and unsettling imagery, with some viewing it as a childhood favorite, while others find it disturbing or poorly animated. It garners divided opinions; some appreciate the positive messages and family themes, while others criticize it for its darker elements and portrayal of characters, often leaving younger children perplexed or scared.negative animationmixed messageschildhood favoritedisturbing imageryfamily themes
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What's the Story?

In THE POLAR EXPRESS, Hero Boy (voiced by Daryl Sabara and Tom Hanks), lies awake on Christmas Eve afraid that he won't hear from Santa, whose existence he's beginning to question. Then he suddenly hears a sound and runs outside to see an enormous locomotive pull up in front of his house; the Conductor (also Hanks) invites him to board. The train is bound for the North Pole, and Hero Boy will have many adventures and find the answer to his questions before he wakes up in his own bed on Christmas morning.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 68 ):
Kids say ( 96 ):

Director Robert Zemeckis has done a good job of maintaining the integrity of Chris Van Allsburg's brief book in its expansion to feature length. The complications of the journey are well-paced and consistent with The Polar Express' themes, though some supporting characters, such as the smug Know-It-All (Eddie Deezen), aren't especially likable. The movie becomes less successful after the arrival at the North Pole, when the extra material starts to feel like filler, particularly when a nice selection of timeless Christmas standards on the soundtrack gives way to a lackluster rock song that brings the story to a standstill.

The animators have done their best to preserve the look of Van Allsburg's lovely illustrations. The result is attractive enough, if coarser and less graceful. There are moments of great beauty, especially the woozy ride as viewers watch a golden train ticket carried away by an eagle. And there are wonderfully imaginative images, dancing waiters pouring hot chocolate from silver pots with triple spouts, and Santa's huge workshops with viewing screens for naughty-nice monitoring and pneumatic tubes for transporting toys. Despite its uneven final stretch, the film's vivid imagination and festive spirit make it a memorable addition to the holiday canon.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about The Polar Express' portrayal of Santa and the Christmas spirit. Do you relate to characters who have mixed feelings about the holiday? What are your own experiences with Christmas?

  • What are the lessons punched into the tickets that are given to the children? Why are they the right ones for that particular child?

  • When the Conductor says, "Sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see," what is he talking about? Why can't some people hear the bell? Who is the mysterious villain, and why is he there?

  • How do the characters demonstrate courage and curiosity? Why are these important strengths?

Movie Details

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The Polar Express movie poster: A dramatic scene of a huge train next to a small boy on a snowy night

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