The Land Before Time (1988)
Release Date:
1988
Movie Rating:
G
Runtime:
1h 9m

Synopsis:
In The Land Before Time, a young dinosaur named Littlefoot embarks on a journey to find the Great Valley, a lush paradise where food is plentiful. Along the way, he meets other young dinosaurs: Cera, a stubborn triceratops; Ducky, a cheerful saurolophus; Petrie, a nervous pteranodon; and Spike, a gentle stegosaurus. Together, they face various challenges, including dangerous predators and natural obstacles, as they navigate through a prehistoric landscape. The group must rely on each other to overcome these hurdles and reach their destination. As they travel, they encounter different environments and creatures, each adding to their adventure. The Land Before Time is a tale of friendship and perseverance set in a world of dinosaurs.






The Land Before Time, released in 1988, is an animated adventure film for kids that captures the journey of young dinosaurs in a prehistoric world. The movie is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its heartwarming story and positive messages about friendship and perseverance. While some parents note the film's emotional intensity, most agree that it is a charming and engaging experience for children.
Why Kids Should Watch The Land Before Time
The Land Before Time is celebrated for its touching narrative and valuable life lessons.
- Promotes themes of friendship and teamwork as the young dinosaurs work together to find their way.
- Features a strong character in Littlefoot, who shows resilience and leadership.
- Offers visually captivating animation that appeals to children's imaginations.
- Includes a memorable musical score that enhances the emotional depth of the story.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Land Before Time
Some parents express concerns about the film's emotional intensity and themes of loss.
- Contains scenes of separation and loss that may be emotionally challenging for young viewers.
- Includes moments of peril that might be frightening to sensitive children.
- The depiction of natural disasters and predatory threats could be intense for some kids.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers themes of friendship, resilience, and teamwork.
What Parents Should Know About The Land Before Time
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the characters demonstrate teamwork and support each other through challenges. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, the death of Littlefoot's mother is a significant emotional moment that may require parental guidance. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the film shows the dangers of straying from the group and the importance of sticking together. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the characters frequently work together and support each other, highlighting the importance of cooperation. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the movie delivers a message about the power of friendship and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Land Before Time is praised for its engaging story and positive messages, making it a beloved choice for family viewing. While the film does contain some emotional and intense moments, these are often seen as opportunities for meaningful discussions between parents and children. Overall, the movie's strengths in storytelling and character development make it a worthwhile experience for young audiences. Parents looking for similar films might consider other classic animated adventures like "The Lion King" or "Finding Nemo" for their positive themes and engaging narratives.
Official The Land Before Time Trailer
The Land Before Time, released in 1988, is an animated adventure film for kids that captures the journey of young dinosaurs in a prehistoric world. The movie is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its heartwarming story and positive messages about friendship and perseverance. While some parents note the film's emotional intensity, most agree that it is a charming and engaging experience for children.
Why Kids Should Watch The Land Before Time
The Land Before Time is celebrated for its touching narrative and valuable life lessons.
- Promotes themes of friendship and teamwork as the young dinosaurs work together to find their way.
- Features a strong character in Littlefoot, who shows resilience and leadership.
- Offers visually captivating animation that appeals to children's imaginations.
- Includes a memorable musical score that enhances the emotional depth of the story.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Land Before Time
Some parents express concerns about the film's emotional intensity and themes of loss.
- Contains scenes of separation and loss that may be emotionally challenging for young viewers.
- Includes moments of peril that might be frightening to sensitive children.
- The depiction of natural disasters and predatory threats could be intense for some kids.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers themes of friendship, resilience, and teamwork.
What Parents Should Know About The Land Before Time
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the characters demonstrate teamwork and support each other through challenges. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, the death of Littlefoot's mother is a significant emotional moment that may require parental guidance. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the film shows the dangers of straying from the group and the importance of sticking together. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the characters frequently work together and support each other, highlighting the importance of cooperation. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the movie delivers a message about the power of friendship and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Land Before Time is praised for its engaging story and positive messages, making it a beloved choice for family viewing. While the film does contain some emotional and intense moments, these are often seen as opportunities for meaningful discussions between parents and children. Overall, the movie's strengths in storytelling and character development make it a worthwhile experience for young audiences. Parents looking for similar films might consider other classic animated adventures like "The Lion King" or "Finding Nemo" for their positive themes and engaging narratives.
Official The Land Before Time Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Land Before Time
The Land Before Time's most common core values include Friendship, Perseverance, and Courage. Throughout the movie, kids witness the power of friendship as Littlefoot and his companions support each other through thick and thin, showing that true friends stick together no matter the challenges. Perseverance is highlighted as the young dinosaurs face numerous obstacles on their journey, teaching children the importance of never giving up, even when the path seems difficult.
Courage is another key value, as the characters bravely confront their fears and dangers, demonstrating that being brave doesn't mean not being scared, but rather facing those fears head-on. For example, when the group encounters a dangerous predator, they must summon all their courage to protect each other and continue their quest.
Other Core Values Explored: Family love | Teamwork | Bravery | Dealing with loss | Determination | Empathy | Respect | Helping others | Resilience | Trust | Standing up for others | Emotional growth
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Land Before Time
Importance of Family: The Land Before Time teaches kids the importance of family through Littlefoot's journey. After losing his mother, Littlefoot learns to cherish the memories and values she instilled in him. This lesson shows children how family bonds can provide strength and guidance, even when loved ones are no longer present.
Building Friendships: Throughout their adventure, Littlefoot and his friends learn the value of building friendships. Despite their differences, they come together to support one another, demonstrating to kids how forming strong bonds can help overcome challenges and create lasting connections.
Facing Fears Head-On: The young dinosaurs face numerous dangers, teaching children the importance of facing fears head-on. By confronting their fears, they grow braver and more resilient, showing kids that courage can help them tackle difficult situations.
Working as a Team: The group of young dinosaurs learns that working as a team is essential to overcoming obstacles. By combining their unique strengths and supporting each other, they achieve their goal, illustrating to children how teamwork can lead to success.
Holding Onto Hope: The journey to the Great Valley is filled with uncertainty, but the dinosaurs hold onto hope. This lesson teaches kids that maintaining a hopeful outlook can provide motivation and strength, even in the face of adversity.
Other Lessons Learned: Overcoming Failure | Never Giving Up | Supporting Your Friends | Embracing Differences | Finding Courage | Letting Go of the Past
Why Kids Love The Land Before Time
The Land Before Time is a captivating adventure that transports kids to a prehistoric world filled with fascinating dinosaurs and thrilling escapades. Young viewers are drawn to the brave Littlefoot and his band of dinosaur friends, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. The movie is a rollercoaster of excitement as the group embarks on an epic quest to find the Great Valley, encountering breathtaking landscapes and mysterious creatures along the way.
Kids will be on the edge of their seats during the heart-pounding escape scenes and near misses with dangerous predators. The camaraderie and teamwork among the dinosaurs add a layer of fun and excitement, as they learn to rely on each other's strengths to overcome obstacles. With its mix of adventure, humor, and the enchanting world of dinosaurs, The Land Before Time is a delightful journey that keeps kids entertained and eager to see what happens next.