Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Book-based family comedy mixes silly fun, positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
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Yes Day
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 36 parent reviews
Based on 85 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a mixed bag; while many found it hilarious and a perfect family film with good messages, others criticized it for being cringy, unrealistic, and containing inappropriate content for younger viewers. The general consensus highlights that although it can be enjoyable for kids and families, some scenes and overall execution fall flat, making it less appealing for older audiences.
- mixed reviews
- family fun
- inappropriate content
- cringy humor
- unrealistic plot
- good messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Allison Torres (Jennifer Garner) is always saying no to her three kids—until one day the Torres family agrees to have a YES DAY. This involves parents agreeing to say yes to anything their kids want to do (with a few sensible ground rules). The concept, Allison and her husband, Carlos (Edgar Ramírez), are told, is that their kids will stop complaining about what they don't have and don't get to do on other days if they're given the occasional no-holds-barred day of fun and freedom. What Allison and Carlos aren't ready for is the wild day that their kids—teen Katie (Jenna Ortega), tween Nando (Julian Lerner), and little sister Ellie (Everly Carganilla)—have in store for them. Their "yes day" sends the Torres family across Los Angeles and into some unanticipated situations. But will the family truly find themselves more united, and more understanding of one another's positions, before the day is over?
Is It Any Good?
Viewers can go along for the ride on this heartwarming movie, which is sure to entertain younger kids and offer positive lessons for tweens and teens. Yes Day gives parents like Allison and Carlos a way to relate to the feeling that they've lost their groove since they had kids, or that their kids have no idea who they were before they became parents. (Allison and Carlos didn't just have fun pre-parenthood—they jumped out of airplanes and scaled cliffs.) But the chaos of the movie's "yes day" is sketched in shorthand, as the family goes overboard. Garner takes the cake in a couple of physical scenes involving a high-stakes capture-the-flag challenge and a knock-down brawl at an amusement park. Still, Ramírez balances her out as the family's accident-prone "good cop." And having him (and Garner) speak Spanish with their children adds a great touch that many viewers will appreciate.
Kids will likely find the antics hilarious: Carlos' indigestion post-ice cream binge, a house filled with sudsy water and makeshift water slides, roller coasters, water balloon fights, and parent-free adventures. But at the end of the "yes day," the kids also figure out that they really do want some boundaries ... and still ultimately need their parents. It's a message caregivers can get behind, suggesting that a healthier motto for adults and kids alike is "all things in moderation." Though the film doesn't take its own advice and repeatedly gives in to the children's wildest dreams, it does have worthy themes and entertainment value for families.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the concept of a "yes day." Has your family ever had one? How did it go? Was it worth it? If you haven't, does the movie make you want to have one? How could you make sure it was safe and fun for everyone?
If you've read the book, how does it compare with the movie?
Katie goes to the music festival with her friend against her parents' wishes and behind their backs. Why did she make that decision? Was it a good one? Have you ever done something without your parents' consent? How did you feel about it?
How does Yes Day show the value of communication and its role in promoting empathy? Why are those valuable character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 12, 2021
- Cast : Jennifer Garner , Edgar Ramirez , Jenna Ortega
- Director : Miguel Arteta
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Puerto Rican Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Empathy
- Run time : 129 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some rude and suggestive material, and brief language
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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