Spider Riders

TV review by Larisa Wiseman, Common Sense Media
Spider Riders Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 7+

Warriors battle evil bugs in fun anime series.

WB Kids' Animation 2006
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Parents say

age 8+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that although this series focuses on an ongoing war between the Spider Riders and evil mutant insects called the Invectid, it's all lighthearted fun. The teenage warriors model positive behavior by taking on the huge responsibility of defending their land -- and working together to do so -- and the evil characters are non-threatening to the point of being comical at times. Obviously, there are plenty of insects, so it might not be the best choice for bug-phobic kids.

Community Reviews

Angelistic-101
Angelistic-101 Adult
September 27, 2013
age 8+

Arachnophobes, beware!

I'll admit it, a show about warriors that battle insects and creepy bugs freaks me the heck out, but for some strange reason, I actually enjoyed this series growing up. I remember when this series first came out in 2006 and I was in grade 8 at the time. For some reason I just fell completely in love with it. The villains are hilarious and so mysterious, they don't ever appear too scary and evil, and the warrior heroes are so full of positivity and enthusiasm, it just warms my heart. This show openly displays how protagonist Hunter Steele learns to cope with his new powers and duty as a Spider Rider, as well as learning how to settle his differences and opinions with his partner and spider, Shadow. This show is filled with many positive messages, and openly displays the importance of teamwork, friendship, enthusiasm, and several other great things. It really is a great anime and it's not filled with negative messages. Young teens working together to accomplish a goal. No sex, drugs, alcohol or any of that nonsense. The only thing you have to be cautious of, is the fact that there are giant spiders in the series (arachnophobes beware!) and the warriors' excessive overuse of the words, Arachna Power, Spider Rider(s), and Let's ride! Hahaha other than that, this show is awesome!

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
kristianjl
kristianjl Adult
April 9, 2008
not rated for age

Poorly Executed

I watched the premiere with my son. This is a pretty derivative, unimaginative show. And although some of the backgrounds looked pretty nice, the execution is poor. The voices of the spiders don't have any quality that differentiates them from humans. We were pretty bored by it.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

SPIDER RIDERS follows the adventures of 13-year-old Hunter Steele after a strange sequence of events lands him in the fantastic \"inner world\" of Arachna. There he meets a small group of young warriors who call themselves the Spider Riders -- because they partner with humongous spiders during battle -- and joins their fight to save the land from the evil Invectid, a band of giant insect mutants. Although he's a little clueless, the skills needed to be a great warrior seem to come naturally to Hunter. He must also form a trusting relationship with his battle spider, Shadow. Hunter's lovely friend Corona coaches him on everything Spider Rider, including how to summon his \"Arachna-power.\" She also keeps Hunter focused; as a typical teenage boy from the normal \"outer world,\" Hunter understandably has a bit of trouble shifting his focus from food and pretty girls to the important tasks at hand.

Is It Any Good?

Spider Riders is sure to captivate the tween set with its compelling mix of action, fantasy, sci-fi, and comedy, with elements of everyday teen life thrown in to keep the story ever so slightly grounded in reality. Some of the dialogue may seem a bit silly and stilted, but the story is engaging, the action/battle sequences are entertaining, and the animation is dazzlingly colorful.

Overall, the series is lighthearted fun, with teens portrayed in a positive light as caring and responsible human beings. Even the evil insects -- one of whom actually sounds like Jerry Lewis at his slapsticky best -- are fairly non-threatening and provide some unexpected humor here and there. Kids who are bug-phobic might not be the series' biggest fans, but those who love fantasy cartoons and anime should enjoy it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the changes Hunter must deal with as he adjusts to his new life as a Spider Rider. How does he react to becoming a Spider Rider? Is he daunted by the prospect or excited? Do you think he really knows what's involved, or is he in for some big surprises? How does he handle his new powers? How would you feel if you were suddenly thrown into a strange land and had to adjust to a whole new life -- and, on top of that, were given special powers to help defend the land?

TV Details

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