Common Sense Media Review
Animated feature tells story of Moses; some violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Prince of Egypt
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 30 parent reviews
Parents say the film blends stunning animation and powerful music with a rich retelling of a biblical story, but it also contains intense themes that may be inappropriate for very young viewers, such as slavery, graphic violence, and sexual innuendo. While some families find it to be a meaningful way to discuss serious topics, others cautioned against its potential to frighten sensitive children.
- intense themes
- stunning animation
- meaningful discussions
- parental guidance needed
- not for young children
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 63 kid reviews
Kids say this animated film is visually stunning and has a powerful story, but it also contains dark themes and intense scenes that may be too much for younger viewers, particularly around the violent depictions of the plagues and slavery. While many appreciate its faith-based message and consider it a great family movie, parents are cautioned to watch it with their children due to some suggestive content and scenes that could be frightening for kids under 10.
- appealing animation
- dark themes
- parental guidance
- great musical score
- story of faith
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
DreamWorks SKG's first animated feature, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, respectfully retells the story of Moses. The movie takes some liberties, with Moses (voiced by Val Kilmer) and Ramses (voice of Ralph Fiennes) raised as brothers who love each other deeply. But Moses learns that he was born enslaved and that the man he loves and respects as his father, the Pharaoh Seti (Patrick Stewart), once ordered the murder of babies. Moses runs away and marries the spirited Tzipporah (Michelle Pfeiffer), until he receives a message from God telling him that he must return to Egypt and "free the slaves."
Is It Any Good?
This movie has some astonishing visual effects, particularly a chariot race that rivals Ben Hur and the parting of the Red Sea. The filmmakers of The Prince of Egypt have done a good job of making a traditional tale exciting and vivid, with compelling characters, though the musical numbers are largely forgettable. Rameses, loving Moses but terrified of being responsible for the end of a dynasty, is a flawed but understandable character. And Miriam (Sandra Bullock) and Tzipporah are strong, intelligent women.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Prince of Egypt's themes of taking responsibility and the importance of freedom. How do these themes fit within the story of Moses and what can be learned from them?
How does this compare to other film interpretations of passages from The Bible?
How was violence used in the movie to show the barbarity of slavery? Do you think this violence was necessary? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 18, 1998
- On DVD or streaming : October 26, 2004
- Cast : Michelle Pfeiffer , Ralph Fiennes , Val Kilmer
- Directors : Brenda Chapman , Simon Wells , Steve Hickner
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : DreamWorks
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense depiction of thematic elements
- Last updated : February 26, 2026
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate