Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Celebration of Disney animation is fun—but only just fine.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Wish
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 50 parent reviews
Parents say the movie offers a mixed experience, with many finding its animation and themes appealing while others criticize its storyline and perceived agenda. Although some children enjoyed the movie and its visual style, many adults expressed concerns about the confusing narrative, lack of memorable songs, and a perceived shift away from traditional Disney storytelling.
- mixed reviews
- confusing narrative
- appealing animation
- modern themes
- child-friendly
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 55 kid reviews
Kids say the movie feels cheap and emotionally flat, receiving widespread criticism for its uninteresting plot, lack of character development, and forgettable songs. While some viewers appreciated the animation style and certain positive messages, many believe it doesn't live up to the high standards of Disney films, especially for a 100th anniversary celebration.
- cheap production
- bland plot
- forgettable songs
- disappointing characters
- mixed animation reviews
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Set in the fictional kingdom of Rosas, WISH follows 17-year-old Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose), who learns a troubling secret about the magical King Magnifico's (Chris Pine) leadership methods. She wishes on a star to help her community, only to be surprised by how her wish comes true.
Is It Any Good?
Wish is cute and fun to watch, especially once you realize that it's a hat tip to all of the Disney Animation movies that have come before it. But this 100th anniversary musical also feels a bit like AI's answer to the prompt: "Make a Disney Animation movie for the modern day." For Disneyphiles, it's a gift that will make their hearts soar. You're meant to notice the movie's many legacy nods, from the 2D animated storybook opening to when Asha is singing "This Wish" and her hair blows in the wind just like Pocahontas' did in "Colors of the Wind." These little nods roll in from all directions, and there's an endorphin rush from every one you catch. The songs written by Julia Michaels are on par with Disney classics (Magnifico's "This Is the Thanks I Get" is catchy fabulous, a number hilariously relatable to both parents and politicians) and are destined to fit in perfectly on a Disney greatest hits compilation.
However. Homage is one thing, and self-derivative is another. Wish is so busy winking that it waters down its own story. Instead of being the next great Disney Animation movie, it's a bop that's likely to land with a lot of buzz and then disappear. It's fine, and it serves a purpose, but Wish is robbed of the opportunity of being its own movie, and that might leave audiences dreaming about how it could have been so much more. (That said, watch through the credits to see if you can name all of the Disney Animation movies!)
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the elements that are present in many Disney Animation movies. Which ones does Wish lean into? Which clichés does it avoid? What references to other Disney Animation movies did you notice?
What does the saying "absolute power corrupts absolutely" mean, and how is that shown in Wish?
What was Asha's "weakness," and how does that quality motivate the plot? If you were asked in a job interview what your strength and your weakness was, what would you say?
How do the characters in Wish demonstrate integrity and courage? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 22, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : January 23, 2024
- Cast : Ariana DeBose , Chris Pine , Alan Tudyk
- Directors : Chris Buck , Fawn Veerasunthorn
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Queer Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Disney
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements and mild action
- Last updated : February 9, 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