Parents' Guide to

The Hobbit (1977)

By Charles Cassady Jr., Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Cartoon adaptation of famous book is a great intro for kids.

Movie NR 1977 79 minutes
The Hobbit (1977) Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 7+

Based on 14 parent reviews

Milamfamily716
Milamfamily716 Adult
May 20, 2024
age 7+

Good nostalgic movie!

This was a childhood movie memory of me and my children, however, rewatching it, we noticed some scary parts such as Gollum (threatening and creepy speaking and looks), and Smaug, who kills many innocent people (nothing shown). I would not suggest this for kids who easily scare, but think it’s a great movie for almost anyone else! Have fun watching!
Brent K.
Brent K. Adult
April 29, 2024
age 13+

Fantastic overall movie, but as far as cartoon movies are concerned, it’s probably as dark as it can get. Many get it confused since it’s a Rankin Bass Production, so they naturally assume it’s designed for young children. I’d recommend watch with caution and make your own judgment for anyone with children under 13
See all 14 parent reviews

What's the Story?

After creating seasonal animated classics for TV such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and others, the team of Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass produced this cartoon adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's ever-popular fantasy novel. In the mythic realm of Middle Earth, a monstrous "worm" (dragon), the fire-breathing Smaug, seized the golden horde dug up by a race of dwarves. To defeat Smaug and restore 13 dwarf warriors to their rightful throne, the great wizard Gandalf hires an unlikely agent, Bilbo Baggins, to lead the expedition through dangerous territory. After close scrapes with trolls and goblins, Bilbo stumbles across a powerful sword and a magic ring that, along with his own wits and surprising courage, help him in the perilous quest.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (14 ):
Kids say (10 ):

Character designs and animation are effective, and though visuals were Japanese-outsourced, this doesn't have the cookie-cutter look of familiar "anime." The eclectic voice-over cast is also especially good. THE HOBBIT premiered on American network TV as a Thanksgiving-period special and remains well remembered by a generation. Though it somewhat simplifies the beloved storybook in some details and has a narrative a bit structured around TV-commercial breaks, this is an entertaining and even stirring fantasy whose delicate flavor and realistically amiable hero bridge the gap between toddler fairy tales and more grownup, slightly harder-edged fantasies (especially in the third act, when "good guys" suddenly get greedy and turn against each other). It rarely condescends, even with much backstory and narration happening in singsong verse and poetry -- really pretty faithful to Tolkien's bardic prose, though a bit old-fashioned for 21st-century viewers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the incredible world of imagination and legend created by J.R.R. Tolkien. Ask young readers if they think this cartoon gets it right.

  • Talk about how the small hobbit proves his strength. Ask kids if they feel too small and meek for life's challenges, or do they persevere like Bilbo?

Movie Details

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