If you grew up reading the 1948 classic My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett, you probably remember Elmer Elevator as a brave, resourceful kid who uses chewing gum and a comb to outsmart wild animals.

The 2022 Netflix film, directed by Nora Twomey and produced by the legendary Irish studio Cartoon Saloon, takes that foundation and adds a massive amount of emotional depth. The story follows Elmer, who moves to a gloomy city with his mother. They’re struggling financially—a reality the movie doesn't shy away from—and Elmer feels the weight of his mother’s stress.

To "fix" things, he runs away to Wild Island to rescue a captive dragon, Boris, thinking the dragon’s power will solve all his problems. What follows isn't just a quest; it’s a beautifully animated exploration of what it means to be scared and how to find courage when you feel small.

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In an era of high-decibel, hyper-active content, My Father’s Dragon is a breath of fresh air. It’s "slow media" in the best way possible. It respects a child’s attention span without needing to hit them with a joke or an explosion every thirty seconds.

Most kids' movies treat parents as either perfect superheroes or bumbling idiots. This movie shows Elmer’s mom as a real person who is stressed about rent and a failing shop. Kids are perceptive; they know when we’re worried. This film provides a bridge to talk about how families handle hard times together without the child feeling like it’s their job to "save" the day.

Boris the Dragon (voiced by Gaten Matarazzo from Stranger Things) isn't a fierce, fire-breathing beast. He’s clumsy, anxious, and afraid he’ll never become a "real" dragon. For kids who feel pressure to be the best at sports, school, or Roblox, Boris is an incredibly relatable character. He teaches that being a "hero" is often just about showing up, even when you’re shaking.

If your kid is a purist, they might notice some changes. The book is very episodic—Elmer meets a lion, Elmer meets a gorilla, Elmer uses a tool from his knapsack. The movie is much more of a character study.

The film expands on why Elmer goes to the island. In the book, it’s a whimsical adventure; in the movie, it’s an escape from real-world anxiety. Both are great, but the movie is definitely "heavier." If you have a sensitive kid, you might want to read the book together first to build some familiarity with the world of Wild Island.

Check out our guide on the best classic books turned into movies

We talk a lot at Screenwise about the quality of digital consumption. There is a massive difference between a kid zoning out to a 10-hour loop of Skibidi Toilet and a kid engaging with the hand-drawn artistry of Cartoon Saloon.

The animation in My Father’s Dragon is stunning. It looks like a storybook come to life, with rich textures and a color palette that shifts with Elmer’s mood. This is the kind of media that actually inspires kids to pick up a pencil and draw, rather than just asking for more "Ohio" memes.

If your kids are into the "vibe" of this movie, they should definitely check out:

Recommended Ages: 5 to 10

Learn more about navigating scary themes in kids' movies

Let’s be real: sometimes "artistic" movies can be boring for parents. This one isn't. It’s short (about 1 hour and 40 minutes) and the voice acting is top-tier.

However, be prepared for your kid to ask some tough questions afterward. The movie deals with the idea that parents don't always have the answers. For a kid, that's a terrifying realization. Elmer spends the whole movie thinking he can "buy" his way back to happiness, only to realize that life is messy and that's okay.

If you’re looking for a movie to just "babysit" the kids while you fold laundry, this works—but you’ll miss out on a great opportunity for a conversation. This is a "co-viewing" goldmine.

If you want to move beyond "Did you like it?" here are a few prompts:

Check out our guide on how to have better conversations about media

My Father’s Dragon is a 10/10 recommendation for intentional parents. It’s beautiful, it’s soulful, and it respects your child's intelligence. In a digital world full of loud, flashy distractions, this movie is a quiet, powerful reminder that being brave doesn't mean you aren't afraid—it just means you keep going anyway.

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