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Parents' Guide to

Dragon's Dogma

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Violent, sexual video game-based anime isn't for kids.

TV Netflix Anime 2020
Dragon's Dogma Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

Sam M.
Sam M. Parent of 2-year-old
November 8, 2021
age 18+

DollarTree Berserk

Occasional moderate gore, not much more violent then the game but way more sexual. Despite the ultra serious and preachy tone this anime (like many others) has a fixation on huge bouncy (bare) breasts. Even during an attempted rape the camera ogles the victim's heaving (bare) bosom and the same person bares them to her rescuer (they burst out of her top in a borderline comical matter). Another episode features several nude prostitutes (breasts and butts visible). One is being sexed from behind while her boobs are cupped by her lover. A couple of episodes involve graphic sex with a succubus (full front and back female nudity) one scene is brief with doggy style sex and another is a lengthy sequence with missionary thrusting and passionate foreplay (cunnilingus, sucking on breasts) that ends with her turning into a monster and being strangled. One episode centers on opium addiction. Otherwise the show is just dull and pretentious. Hollow characters, little emotion other tham dreary brooding, lack of any levity, trite psuedo-philosophical musings on morailty and little action despite the high octane source material. At least the animation was better than expected (especially on those breast physics).
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

DRAGON'S DOGMA is anime series based on the video game of the same name. Ethan (voiced in English by Greg Chun) lives an idyllic life with his pregnant wife Olivia (Christina Vee), and often spends time with Louis (Jeanie Tirado), a local orphan. But when a dragon (David Lodge) burns down the village and removes his heart, Ethan is resurrected as an "Arisen" by a mystical pawn he names Hannah (Erica Mendez). Together they set out to slay the dragon that destroyed his world. It's a difficult journey, and as Ethan's thirst for vengeance grows, he becomes less human.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

This dark series, which was originally released as ONA (original net anime), features the monstrous creatures and "hack and slash" violence the original video game it is known for. Each installment, the title of which is named after a deadly sin, features Ethan, once a genuinely good man with a big heart, struggling to combat his personal demons as he fights the evil forces that surround them.

Some folks will appreciate the narrative, which shows how an individual can lose his humanity if he allows darkness to consume him. But anime purists might take issue with the series' aesthetic, which sometimes looks more like a video game than an online series. Nonetheless, Dragon's Dogma is entertaining, if you're mature enough to handle it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the popularity of anime. What is it about the genre that speaks to so many people around the world? How does Dragon's Dogma seek to appeal to such a global audience?

  • Does anime have to feature violent content in order to be considered anime? What about sexual content? Is this a cultural thing, or a marketing strategy? Does it ever go too far?

  • If you're familiar with the Dragon's Dogma video game, how does the series relate? Do you think they did a good job of adapting the story for television?

TV Details

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 suggesting a diversity update.

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