Common Sense Media Review
By Polly Conway
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun, vibrant anime retelling has some sex, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 22 kid reviews
Kids say that the show has exceptional animation and an engaging plot, but it's better suited for older kids and teens due to its references to sex, LGBTQ themes, and drug use. While many reviewers feel that the series is entertaining, they note that the TV-MA rating seems excessive, with most agreeing it is acceptable for audiences around 11-12 years old, as long as they understand the mature content.
- mature themes
- good animation
- diverse representation
- audience suitability
- excessive rating
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Scott Pilgrim (voiced by Michael Cera) is "between jobs," but he's happy mooching off his "cool gay roommate," Wallace Wells. When the girl he's literally seen in his dreams shows up in real life, Pilgrim is smitten. But Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) isn't easily won over. When the League of Evil Exes gets involved with their relationship, things take a sharp turn into the surreal.
Is It Any Good?
It's a treat to have the original cast return for this quirky love story. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off doesn't tread new ground story-wise, but visually, turning his adventure into an anime proves to be a stellar alternative telling. Culkin once again shines as the sardonic Wallace Wells, and though the real-life Cera has finally aged out of awkward teen roles, he vocally still nails the apathetic but still somehow compelling Scott.
Teens will enjoy the "retro" touches -- a plot point involves a mail-order DVD from Netflix. That was normal in 2004, the year O'Malley's graphic novels were originally published as a tale of modern young love and strife. It's questionable, though, whether it was normal at that time for a 23-year-old to date a 17-year-old, which is repeated in this series but not addressed as inappropriate. That said, it's a period piece that should still strike a nerve for a new generation.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about different types of storytelling. Pilgrim's tale has been told in graphic novels, a movie, and now, an animated series. What's different about each of these styles? Do you prefer one over the other?
What's special about Scott and Ramona's romance? Do you find Scott's approach romantic? Why or why not?
What do you think about the violence in this series? Even though it's cartoonish, do you think it affects the story positively or negatively?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 17, 2023
- Cast : Michael Cera , Mary Elizabeth Winstead , Brie Larson , Jason Schwartzman
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Anime
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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
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