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Parents' Guide to

The Rugrats Movie

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

'90s animated tale has some cartoon violence, peril.

Movie G 1998 79 minutes
The Rugrats Movie Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 4 parent reviews

iselramos44
iselramos44 Parent
July 13, 2023
age 6+

The Rugrats Movie Is Very Funny For All Ages

This film gets a toilet jokes Also introduction of Tommy's brother is heartwarming There is joking in maternity ward about looking for a his new sibling

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
Turanaga L.
Turanaga L. Adult
April 22, 2023
age 6+

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE RUGRATS MOVIE takes its toddler heroes through two adventures -- getting lost in the woods and having to share parents with a new baby. Frustrated that his new baby brother is getting all the attention, Tommy Pickles devises a scheme to return the infant to the hospital. But things go awry, and Tommy and the rest of the gang find themselves lost in the woods. Will they make it back to the safety of home?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (12 ):

Fans of the television series will be happily at home with this movie. Kids will like the potty humor, although some may be concerned by the drooling wolf, mischievous monkeys, or the other perils the kids face as they try to find their way back home. Parents may appreciate the use of voice talents like David Spade, Busta Rhymes, and Whoopi Goldberg.

The Rugrats' trademark "kid-cam" use of floor- level perspective provides a few bright moments, and the kids' efforts to understand the world around them are occasionally fresh and funny. The movie is not much more than a long version of the television show, but for many in its targeted audience, that's just fine.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Tommy's concerns about his new baby brother, Dylan. How does a new baby change the family dynamic? What's positive about being an older sibling?

  • Did the violence and peril seem necessary to the movie, or did it seem like it was forced in to make the movie more exciting?

  • Does this '90s movie still seem relevant, or does it seem dated?

Movie Details

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