Happy Tree Friends

Website review by Liz Perle, Common Sense Media
Happy Tree Friends Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 18+

Gory, ultra-violent, cynical, black-humored site.

http://www.mondomedia.com/shows/happytreefriends/
Rate website

Parents say

age 16+

Based on 49 reviews

Kids say

age 14+

Based on 505 reviews

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.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this website.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this is a violent, mean-spirited site aimed right at your tweens and teens (as ads for iPods amply prove). It masquerades as cute, but characters are routinely gutted, blood spurts everywhere, rats gnaw at bodies. Parents, don't be fooled by the fact that the DVDs are sold at tween stores like Hot Topic. There is also no warning on this site. Ask your kids if they have seen the site. Then examine what they think is so funny about this violence.

Community Reviews

JoeZeep
JoeZeep Adult
August 25, 2020
age 18+

Disgusting and sinister

No child should see this. It is disgustingly violent and it seems to be made intentionally to look like a regular cartoon, as this is how the episodes begin, but it gradually gets more and more violent until it becomes sickening. Parents who only watch for the first few minutes would be fooled.

This title has:

Too much violence
2 people found this helpful.
Slenderman__
Slenderman__ Adult
May 18, 2022
age 17+
This is so bloody and horrible! I watched it for a little bit, and I'm an adult, this made me disturbed. Using little animals in horrid brutal scenarios! All of this is bad, I wouldn't let my kids watch this! Just disgusting. I mean, I only recommend adults watching this, do not watch this if you're under 16 years old!

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
1 person found this helpful.
See all 49 parent reviews

What’s It About?

A rotating group of cartoon stories show cute little characters who end up tortured, maimed or dead. Kids can watch short films then join part of a cyber chat world posting comments, showcasing artwork, etc.

Is It Any Good?

This site, in spite of its cheery name, is not for kids. Frankly, it's not for anyone. It is nightmare-inducing stuff. Characters lose their guts, brains, and eyeballs. It's as intentionally gross as it can be. There is nothing redeeming about this site. It is overwhelmingly commercial as well.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about violence in cartoons. How do you feel about seeing cartoon characters maimed, tortured, or killed? Do you think if animated characters are the object of violent acts, it's more acceptable than in live-action movies or shows?

Website Details

  • Genre: Fan Sites
  • Pricing structure: Free
  • Last updated: November 4, 2015

Our Editors Recommend

  • MyToons Poster Image

    MyToons

    Fun animation site has closed its doors.

    age 14+

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate