Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action-packed sci-fi sequel explores AI sentience.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Tron: Ares
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say the movie offers stunning visuals and an impressive soundtrack but suffers from a confusing plot and weak character development, especially regarding the main actor's performance. While some viewers enjoyed the action elements, many felt disappointed by its failure to live up to expectations set by its predecessor.
- visuals impressive
- plot confusing
- character development weak
- action over story
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In TRON: ARES, the third movie in Disney's long-running sci-fi series, shady CEO Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters) develops an advanced security program named Ares (Jared Leto). Dillinger sends Ares to lead a group of fellow AI programs from the digital grid into the real world on a dangerous corporate espionage mission. The self-aware artificial intelligence must kidnap rival tech mogul Eve Kim (Greta Lee) to extract an innovative code that will revolutionize the industry. As Ares tries to fulfill his mission, he starts to question his directives and purpose—and to grow closer to Eve, who has her own reasons for looking for the "permanence" code.
Is It Any Good?
A few of the characters are pretty thinly fleshed out, but this sequel does boast a standout Nine Inch Nails soundtrack and stunning visuals. Like its predecessors, Tron: Ares—directed by Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Rønning—mixes sleek visual effects, fast-paced action, and questions about technology, humanity, and control. Leto is well cast as a soulful-eyed AI program who's grappling with the limits of his programming and the complexities of human emotion. And Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne's screenplay offers subtle humor and nostalgic pop culture references, including an amusing recurring nod to Depeche Mode.
The supporting cast members, led by Lee, Peters, and Jodie Turner-Smith (who plays another of the AI security fighters), are talented, and they make the most of their underdeveloped arcs. Gillian Anderson makes an impact in a small role as Julian's mother and the former CEO of the family company. Rønning keeps the pace brisk, making the most of the propulsive NIN beats and the video game aesthetic that has defined the franchise. The result is a threequel that's both nostalgic and timely, reflecting contemporary anxieties over the seemingly unstoppable rise of artificial intelligence and corporate power.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how effectively Tron: Ares explores what it means to be "human." Does it offer a meaningful perspective on humanity, free will, and sentience?
Do the action sequences and peril feel appropriate for younger viewers? Are the action and violence necessary to the story?
What insights about artificial intelligence, corporate power, or the ethics of technology does the movie offer?
Which of the movie's characters do you consider a role model? What character strengths do they demonstrate?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 10, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : December 2, 2025
- Cast : Jared Leto , Greta Lee , Evan Peters
- Director : Joachim Rønning
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Friendship , Robots , STEM ( AI , Science )
- Run time : 140 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence/action
- Last updated : February 2, 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