The Good Dinosaur (2015)
Release Date:
2015
Movie Rating:
PG
Runtime:
1h 33m

Synopsis:
In The Good Dinosaur, viewers are transported to a world where dinosaurs never went extinct. The story follows Arlo, a young Apatosaurus, who gets separated from his family after a storm. As he tries to find his way back home, Arlo encounters a human boy named Spot. Despite their differences, the two form an unlikely friendship and embark on a journey through a rugged and mysterious landscape. Along the way, they face various challenges and meet a variety of creatures, each with their own quirks. Arlo and Spot must rely on each other to navigate the dangers of the wild and find their way back to safety. The film is filled with adventure and showcases the bond between the dinosaur and his human companion.






The Good Dinosaur, released in 2015, is an animated adventure film that falls under the genres of family and fantasy. As a movie rated PG, it is designed for kids, offering a heartwarming tale that explores themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery. While many parents appreciate its stunning visuals and positive messages, some are divided due to its emotional intensity and moments of peril that might be challenging for younger viewers.
Why Kids Should Watch The Good Dinosaur
The Good Dinosaur is praised for its beautiful animation and heartfelt storytelling.
- Promotes themes of bravery and overcoming fears
- Features a strong bond between the main character, Arlo, and his human friend, Spot
- Offers visually stunning landscapes that captivate young audiences
- Encourages empathy and understanding through character interactions
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Good Dinosaur
Some parents express concerns about the film's intense scenes and emotional depth.
- Contains scenes of danger and loss that may be distressing
- Includes moments of peril that could be frightening for sensitive children
- Complex emotional themes might be confusing for younger viewers
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its emotional intensity and moments of peril.
What Parents Should Know About The Good Dinosaur
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Arlo learns to face his fears and shows courage, which is a positive behavior for children to emulate. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film includes scenes of loss and danger that may require parental guidance to help children process. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, characters face consequences for their actions, reinforcing the importance of making safe choices. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Arlo and Spot work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting the value of teamwork and friendship. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about finding courage and strength within oneself, delivered through Arlo's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Good Dinosaur is celebrated for its breathtaking animation and positive messages about courage and friendship. However, its emotional depth and intense scenes may not be suitable for all children, making parental guidance important. Engaging with your child during and after the movie can help them understand and process the themes. For families seeking similar content, films like Finding Nemo or Up offer comparable emotional journeys with a lighter touch.
Official The Good Dinosaur Trailer
The Good Dinosaur, released in 2015, is an animated adventure film that falls under the genres of family and fantasy. As a movie rated PG, it is designed for kids, offering a heartwarming tale that explores themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery. While many parents appreciate its stunning visuals and positive messages, some are divided due to its emotional intensity and moments of peril that might be challenging for younger viewers.
Why Kids Should Watch The Good Dinosaur
The Good Dinosaur is praised for its beautiful animation and heartfelt storytelling.
- Promotes themes of bravery and overcoming fears
- Features a strong bond between the main character, Arlo, and his human friend, Spot
- Offers visually stunning landscapes that captivate young audiences
- Encourages empathy and understanding through character interactions
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Good Dinosaur
Some parents express concerns about the film's intense scenes and emotional depth.
- Contains scenes of danger and loss that may be distressing
- Includes moments of peril that could be frightening for sensitive children
- Complex emotional themes might be confusing for younger viewers
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its emotional intensity and moments of peril.
What Parents Should Know About The Good Dinosaur
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Arlo learns to face his fears and shows courage, which is a positive behavior for children to emulate. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film includes scenes of loss and danger that may require parental guidance to help children process. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, characters face consequences for their actions, reinforcing the importance of making safe choices. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Arlo and Spot work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting the value of teamwork and friendship. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about finding courage and strength within oneself, delivered through Arlo's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Good Dinosaur is celebrated for its breathtaking animation and positive messages about courage and friendship. However, its emotional depth and intense scenes may not be suitable for all children, making parental guidance important. Engaging with your child during and after the movie can help them understand and process the themes. For families seeking similar content, films like Finding Nemo or Up offer comparable emotional journeys with a lighter touch.
Official The Good Dinosaur Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Good Dinosaur
The Good Dinosaur's most common core values include Courage, Friendship, and Self-discovery. Throughout the movie, kids witness Arlo's journey as he learns to face his fears, showcasing courage in the face of daunting challenges. His bond with Spot highlights the importance of friendship, as they rely on each other for support and companionship during their Adventure. This relationship teaches children the value of forming connections and helping one another.
As Arlo navigates through unfamiliar territories, he embarks on a path of self-discovery, learning about his strengths and capabilities. This journey encourages kids to explore their own identities and embrace personal growth.
Other Core Values Explored: Appreciating family | Being brave | Caring for others | Dealing with fear | Dealing with loss | Determination | Family love | Growth mindset | Helping others | Independence | Perseverance | Resilience | Trust
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Good Dinosaur
Facing Fears Head-On: Arlo's journey is a powerful example of facing fears head-on. Throughout the movie, Arlo encounters numerous challenges that test his courage. From navigating through dangerous terrains to confronting intimidating creatures, Arlo learns to overcome his fears, showing kids the importance of bravery in difficult situations.
Finding Courage: The movie highlights the theme of finding courage as Arlo grows more confident in himself. Initially timid and unsure, Arlo's experiences teach him to trust his instincts and take bold steps, encouraging children to find their own courage in the face of adversity.
Building Friendships: Arlo and Spot's relationship is a testament to building friendships despite differences. Their bond grows stronger as they rely on each other for survival, teaching kids the value of friendship and the importance of supporting one another.
Importance of Family: The importance of family is a central theme as Arlo's journey is driven by his desire to reunite with his family. This teaches children about the love and support that family provides, emphasizing the significance of family connections.
Embracing Differences: Arlo and Spot's friendship also illustrates the lesson of embracing differences. Despite being from different species, they learn to appreciate each other's unique qualities, showing kids that differences can be a source of strength and understanding.
Other Lessons Learned: Growing Through Discomfort | Learning from Mistakes | Supporting Your Friends | Valuing Deep Connection | Trusting Intuition | Overcoming Failure | Never Giving Up | Appreciating the Little Things | Letting Go with Love | Protecting the Environment
Why Kids Love The Good Dinosaur
The Good Dinosaur sweeps kids into a prehistoric adventure where dinosaurs roam a stunning landscape filled with excitement and surprises. Arlo, the young Apatosaurus, embarks on an epic quest that is both thrilling and heartwarming. Kids will be captivated by the fast-paced action and the near misses that keep them on the edge of their seats. The movie is filled with silly jokes and cartoon-style chaos that bring laughter and joy.
As Arlo makes unexpected friendships, like with the human boy Spot, children will enjoy the fun of seeing two unlikely companions team up to face challenges. The vibrant world of nature exploration and the quirky creatures they meet along the way add to the excitement. With its mix of adventure, humor, and the thrill of being the hero, The Good Dinosaur is a delightful journey that keeps kids entertained and eager to see what happens next.