Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mythical family adventure with nostalgic vibes has peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Secret Kingdom
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A brother and sister take a magical journey in THE SECRET KINGDOM, a hidden realm beneath their bedroom floor. An army of pangolins tells them they must protect the enchanting land from the ancient evil enemy known as "The Shroud." To save the Kingdom, they embark on a quest to find and unite five mystical treasures, facing epic challenges that test their courage. Peter (Sam Everingham) and Verity (Alyla Browne) navigate through The Secret Kingdom, fighting to preserve its magic and overcome the looming threat of the evil Shroud. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about teamwork, resilience, and the power of believing in themselves.
Is It Any Good?
The Secret Kingdom is an exciting adventure-fantasy film that feels reminiscent of movies like The NeverEnding Story and The Goonies. It tells the story of Peter and Verity, two siblings who are dealing with some tough times after moving to a new house with their parents. One day, they discover a magical realm beneath their house, where they learn that Peter is destined to be the king. But there's a dark force called "The Shroud" that wants to destroy everything, and Peter must find the strength to defeat it.
Although The Secret Kingdom may not be as great as those classic movies, it certainly tries its best. The movie seems to take inspiration from those films and tells a familiar story filled with adventure, puzzles to solve, and lessons about bravery and kindness. While the visual effects may not be top-notch due to a limited budget, most kids won't mind and might still enjoy the movie. It may not become a timeless favorite, but there's enough here to entertain and share some positive messages with young viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about mystical adventure stories featuring kids. Why do you think people like to watch movies where kids are the main characters in the story? Do you think that makes it more enjoyable for a younger audience? Why or why not?
Were there any moments in the movie that reminded you of other films or stories? How does this movie pay tribute to or draw inspiration from other adventure films?
Were there any elements of the movie that you found surprising or unexpected? How did they affect the overall enjoyment or impact of the story?
How did the movie use music and sound effects to impact the viewing experience? Did it create feelings of tension, excitement, or other emotions?
How did Peter and Verity demonstrate courage? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 9, 2023
- Cast : Alyla Browne , Sam Everingham , Alice Parkinson , Gabrielle Chan
- Director : Matt Drummond
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Saban Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action/peril and thematic elements
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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