Common Sense Media Review
'90s adaptation of classic book has some heavy themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Secret Garden
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 26 parent reviews
Parents say this film is a beautiful and heartwarming adaptation of a classic story, emphasizing themes of healing and friendship amid darker topics such as loss and neglect, which some children might find unsettling. However, while many enjoy its charm and emotional depth, others express concern over its suitability for younger viewers due to the heavy subject matter and some potentially frightening scenes.
- heartwarming story
- heavy themes
- suitable for older kids
- beautiful adaptation
- emotional depth
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 19 kid reviews
Kids say this movie elicits mixed reactions, with some praising its beautiful transformation story and emotional depth, while others find its dark themes and characters unappealing for younger audiences. It’s generally recommended for ages 7 and up, as it blends themes of friendship and personal growth with moments that might be intense for very young children.
- mixed reactions
- emotional depth
- dark themes
- recommended ages
- transformation story
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When her parents die, spoiled Mary Lennox (Kate Maberly) is sent from India to England to live with her uncle Archibald Craven, a mysterious and lonely man. He's rarely home, leaving Mary to the care of housekeeper Mrs. Medlock (Maggie Smith). One day, Mary finds the key to THE SECRET GARDEN, once the favorite place for her uncle and his wife, whom he adored. After she died, he locked it up and swore no one would go in there again. Mary decides to find the garden, but first she investigates the crying she often hears in the night and discovers her uncle's son, Colin (Heydon Prowse). He has been confined to bed all his life and is incredibly spoiled. Mary soothes him by telling him about the garden. Later, when he has a tantrum, she's the first person ever to set limits on his behavior. Mary finds the garden, and she and Colin and the maid's brother Dickon bring it back to life. As they do, Mary and Colin get stronger in body and in spirit. When Archibald returns, he meets them in the garden. They run to him, and it's clear that the garden will heal him, too.
Is It Any Good?
This is a fine adaptation of the beloved children's book. Children respond to Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden because (at least in the beginning) she is so unlikable, a relief from all the Pollyannas and Cinderellas who are rewarded for their relentlessly sunny characters and good deeds. And then there is the pleasure of meeting Colin, who is even worse, a "young rajah" who has had his every wish granted instantly and is surrounded only by those who live in terror of his hysteria.
Mary and Colin are a perfect match for each other, and the scene in which she responds to his tantrum with fury is especially moving, as is the scene in which they enter the garden together, a wonderful metaphor for all that is going on inside their spirits.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Secret Garden compares to the book, and how Mary changes through the course of the story.
Why do you think both Mary and Colin were so spoiled when we first meet them, and what caused them to change into more caring children by the end of the film?
How do the characters in The Secret Garden demonstrate curiosity, communication, and compassion? What about perseverance and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 13, 1993
- On DVD or streaming : January 1, 2000
- Cast : Heydon Prowse , Kate Maberly , Maggie Smith
- Director : Agnieszka Holland
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Curiosity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 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
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