Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Complicated anime will appeal mostly to die-hard fans.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Dark Side of Dimensions
What's the Story?
Yugi (voiced by Dan Green) and his pals are back for more anime action in YU-GI-OH!: THE DARK SIDE OF DIMENSIONS. This time, they take on a rival who can travel between dimensions, adding a new level of challenge to their battles as they continue to try to solve the mysterious Millennium Puzzle.
Is It Any Good?
This sometimes-confusing anime movie is definitely not for Yu-Gi-Oh! newcomers. People familiar with the franchise may well be up to speed on the complicated story, but newbies will probably be puzzled without knowing the backstory. On the technical front, the animation in The Dark Side of Dimensions is sometimes impressive (and certainly colorful), and the fight scenes offer some visual thrills that will especially fun for people who recognize elements of the Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game. (The action involves a card-game battle, actually, that's a clear a call-out to the trading cards sold by the franchise.) On the whole, it feels like a film made for enthusiasts who may not mind its very thin material.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions fits into the rest of the franchise. Do you have to know the characters/previous storyline to enjoy the movie? Why or why not?
What do you think of the battle scenes? Does cartoon combat feel less, or more, violent than real-life action? Which has more impact?
Talk about product tie-ins/marketing. How do franchises like these help sell merchandise? Is advertising harmful to kids?
How does this franchise compare to other anime franchises aimed at kids, like Dragon Ball Z and Bakugan? What do they have in common? How are they different?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 27, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : June 27, 2017
- Cast : Dan Green , Eric Stuart , Wayne Grayson
- Director : Satoshi Kuwabara
- Studios : Screenvision Media , 4K Media Group
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , School ( High School )
- Run time : 130 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of fantasy action and some suggestive material
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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