The Rat Catcher parents guide: Is Netflix’s Roald Dahl short appropriate for kids?

In the last week of September 2023, Netflix unveiled a series of Roald Dahl shorts, each directed by the visionary filmmaker Wes Anderson. Among these captivating releases, The Rat Catcher emerged as the third installment.

This enchanting tale transports viewers to a town grappling with a rodent infestation and introduces them to a peculiar rat catcher whose appearance mirrors the prey he hunts. Hired by the town to vanquish these pesky invaders, his journey unfolds in a manner only Wes Anderson could craft.

You may already be familiar with Roald Dahl, the beloved author behind timeless classics such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, The Witches, or Matilda, among others. With such iconic kid-friendly tales, you might naturally anticipate that this short film promises a delightful family viewing.

However, before you dive headfirst into this whimsical world, you may wonder whether The Rat Catcher is indeed suitable for children. If you’ve been pondering this, you’ve arrived at the right place! Join us as we unveil our full parent guide, and discover a selection of other kid-friendly recommendations on Netflix.

The official rating for The Rat Catcher is PG, according to IMDb, which suggests that parents have some discretion in determining whether this Wes Anderson creation is suitable for their little ones. While the film doesn’t contain any explicit content such as sex, nudity, explicit language, or substance use, there are some elements of violence and gore that may be considered distressing.

The movie depicts scenes where the rat catcher uses traps and poison to eliminate rats, and there’s a moment where a rat is shown dead in a trap. The overall tone of the film is eerie and mysterious, which might unsettle some younger viewers. Additionally, the character of the rat catcher himself may be quite intimidating for some children.

Parents, being the best judges of their children’s sensitivities, should carefully consider whether The Rat Catcher aligns with their child’s age and maturity level. We recommend watching the film first to assess its appropriateness for your family. It’s also a good opportunity for parents to discuss any themes or messages in the movie and to answer any questions their children might have.

Kid-friendly movies and shows on Netflix

If you’re uncertain about The Rat Catcher, you might want to explore some of the other kid-friendly options that Netflix has to offer!

If you want to stick to Roald Dahl, Netflix is currently streaming the 2022 movie Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical. Some other recommendations are:

• Spy Kids: Armageddon
• The Monkey King
• Nimona
• The Mitchells vs. the Machines
• The Magician’s Elephant