The Magician’s Elephant parents guide: Is the animated movie kid-friendly? (Age range and more)

After a fortune teller reveals that his sister might still be alive, an orphaned boy named Peter (Noah Jupe) embarks on an epic journey to find her and the “magician’s elephant” that will lead him to her. The Magician’s Elephant is a tender new computer-animated film coming to Netflix on Friday, March 17. Based on the book of the same name by Kate DiCamillo, The Magician’s Elephant is sure to be a popular pick with families this weekend.

For parents interested in watching the movie with their kids, you might be wondering if it’s appropriate. After all, just because it’s animated doesn’t mean that it’s meant for children! Luckily, The Magician’s Elephant is definitely geared toward a younger audience and is an excellent choice for a family movie night.

Keep reading to get all the details you need as a parent before going into the movie, including what it’s rated and what to be aware of regarding the film’s content and themes. Don’t worry; there aren’t any big spoilers here!

The Magician’s Elephant age rating

The movie is rated PG, meaning parental guidance is suggested due to some mild peril/action and thematic elements that could be considered mature. It’s recommended for children ages eight and up.

Is The Magician’s Elephant a kid’s movie?

The novel this movie is based on is considered children’s fiction, so the film is targeted toward younger viewers. The movie doesn’t feature any romance, sex, or drugs, but there are a few sequences of (mild) violence that might disturb some viewers.

Peter, the main character, is an orphaned child often put in harm’s way as he embarks on an adventure to find his sister. There are also some moments where we see the titular in chains.

Is The Magician’s Elephant sad?

Overall, The Magician’s Elephant is an uplifted and heartfelt tale, but there are some sad moments involving the film’s themes of loss and separation from family members. It’s no worse than your standard Disney/Pixar fare.