Parents' Guide to

Beauty and the Beast

By Common Sense Media, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Disney fave has great music, strong messages, some scares.

Movie G 1991 90 minutes
Beauty and the Beast Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you willā€”and won'tā€”find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 7+

Based on 74 parent reviews

age 12+

Beast is abusive, bad image that Belle puts up with it

Too many things in this movie cross the line. First off Gaston corners and harassses Belle in her house, after singing about making her his wife. Lots of alchohol shown That scene others mentioned of a male character forcing himself on a female, yes happens. Now the major problem is Beast is a typical abusive partner Belle keeps putting up with...then falls inlove with him. Instead of leaving, and every character wants her to stay for their freedom. Not thinking what her life will be like. But please don't show this to younger children without explaining that if a partner acts like that, LEAVE. Beast backs Belle into a wall yelling, with claws as a threat and all. She looked terrified, why would you show this to a small girl? These movies can't be for under 8 if they are mature. Keep Playhouse/Disney Junior stuff till then. At least explain with your child. I highly reccomend skipping this.
age 8+

Stockholm syndrome; Gaston's behavior is pretty rapey

This movie didn't age well. If you want to start some good discussions with your kids about consent, look no further than Gaston, who breaks into Beauty's house, chases her around, pushes her against a wall, and tries to force himself on her until she agrees to marry him. Disney has a knack for making villains so deplorable that you won't mind when they're killed off (spoiler), but this is a movie about toxic masculinity and Stockholm syndrome (falling in love with your kidnapper), and it should get shelved. The little teacup is cute, though.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (74 ):
Kids say (99 ):

Stellar music, brisk storytelling, delightful animation, and compelling characters make this a great animated feature for the whole family. Beauty and the Beast may not be Disney's most iconic movie, but it stands as one of the studio's crowning achievements, earning a Best Picture Oscar nomination (the first animated film to achieve that honor) and a Golden Globe for Best Picture.

In essence, all great stories are about transformation, and this one beats out even Cinderella as the ultimate makeover story, with Beast's inner transformation preceding his outer one. Belle remains as strong a role model now as she was when she was first created: She's confident to be herself and stick to her beliefs, even when they don't fit in with others' expectations.

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