TL;DR: Paddington in Peru is the rare three-quel that actually justifies its existence. It’s a warm, visually lush hug of a movie that swaps the rainy streets of London for the Amazon rainforest. It’s safe for almost all ages, though there's a bit of "jungle peril" that might make sensitive toddlers cling to your arm. If you’re looking for the antidote to the Skibidi Toilet brain rot that’s been leaking into your living room, this is it.
Quick Links:
- Watch the original: Paddington
- Watch the masterpiece: Paddington 2
- Read the source material: A Bear Called Paddington
- For the younger set: The Adventures of Paddington
If you’ve been living under a rock (or just haven't had a kid in the last decade), Paddington Bear is the polite, marmalade-obsessed immigrant from "Darkest Peru" who ended up at Paddington Station and was adopted by the Brown family.
While the original A Bear Called Paddington books by Michael Bond are mid-century classics, the modern movies have turned this bear into a cultural icon of radical kindness. We’re talking about a bear who can stare down a hardened criminal and make them want to bake a cake. In a world where kids are constantly bombarded with "edgy" humor or high-octane sensory overload on YouTube, Paddington is a slow, intentional breath of fresh air.
Kids love Paddington because he’s a "polite disaster." He tries his best, he follows the rules, and yet he somehow always ends up covered in flour or flooded in a bathroom. It’s relatable for kids who feel like they’re constantly navigating a world built for adults where they don't quite fit.
For us, it’s the "gentle media" factor. According to Screenwise community data, about 82% of parents with kids ages 4-9 prioritize "pro-social behavior" when choosing movies. Paddington doesn't just check that box; he owns the box. He’s the anti-hero of the "Ohio" era—he isn't weird for the sake of being weird; he’s just authentically himself, and he assumes everyone else is trying their best, too.
The third installment takes the Brown family back to Paddington’s roots. They head to Peru to visit Aunt Lucy at the Home for Retired Bears, only to find she’s gone off on a mysterious quest.
The Themes: Heritage and Belonging
This movie digs deeper into the "where do I come from?" question. Paddington has spent years becoming a Londoner, but this trip forces him to reconcile his British identity with his Peruvian heritage. For families who are navigating multi-cultural identities or even just moving to a new town, these themes are gold. It handles the idea of "home" with a lot of nuance—showing that you can belong to two places at once.
The New Cast Members
Olivia Colman shows up as a guitar-playing nun (yes, really), and Antonio Banderas plays a dashing but questionable riverboat captain. It’s got that Wes Anderson-lite aesthetic that makes it actually enjoyable for parents to watch. You won't be checking your watch or scrolling TikTok halfway through.
If your kid finishes the movie and suddenly wants to make "Darkest Peru" their entire personality, here is how to lean into that interest with high-quality media:
This is the Nick Jr. animated series. It’s shorter, punchier, and perfect for the 3-6 age bracket. It maintains the spirit of the movies without the 100-minute runtime. It’s great "bridge" media for when you need 20 minutes to actually cook dinner without someone starting a fire.
If you haven't read the original books, start here. They are fantastic read-alouds. The chapters are episodic, so you can read one a night. It’s a great way to transition from screen time to "connection time."
If your kids like the "small creature in a big world" vibe and the gentle humor of Paddington, they will love Marcel. It’s quirky, incredibly kind, and deals with themes of loss and community in a way that’s accessible but not depressing.
I know, you're already watching it. But Bluey and Paddington share a DNA of emotional intelligence. If Paddington is about how to treat your neighbor, Bluey is about how to treat your family.
Check out our full guide on why Bluey is basically therapy for parents
- Ages 3-5: They will love the physical comedy (the "slapstick"). Be prepared to explain that Aunt Lucy isn't "lost" in a scary way, she’s just on an adventure. Some of the jungle scenes with Olivia Colman’s character might feel a bit intense, but nothing a quick lap-cuddle can't fix.
- Ages 6-9: This is the sweet spot. They’ll catch the verbal jokes and the subplots about the Brown kids growing up.
- Ages 10+: They might act like they’re too cool for it because they’re busy playing Roblox or Fortnite, but they’ll likely get sucked in if you put it on. It’s "comfort food" media.
In Paddington in Peru, there are sequences involving a plane crash (handled humorously), rushing rapids, and some slightly spooky ancient ruins. Compared to the average Marvel movie, it’s a walk in the park. But if you have a child who is particularly sensitive to "characters in danger," you might want to give them a heads-up that everyone—including the bear—is going to be just fine.
Paddington is a masterclass in soft skills. Use the car ride home to ask a few low-pressure questions:
- "Why do you think Paddington is so polite, even when people are mean to him?"
- "The Browns went all the way to Peru to find Aunt Lucy. What’s the bravest thing you’ve done for someone you love?"
- "If you had to move to a totally different country, what’s the one thing you’d bring to remind you of home?" (Besides an iPad).
Expect a sudden demand for marmalade sandwiches. Pro-tip: Most kids actually hate the bitter orange peel in traditional British marmalade. If you want to avoid a "this is gross" meltdown after you’ve gone to three stores to find the fancy jar, try an apricot jam or a "no-peel" sweet orange marmalade first. Tell them it’s the "special Peruvian recipe."
Paddington in Peru is a win. It’s culturally literate, emotionally resonant, and visually stunning. It’s one of the few times you can take the whole family to the theater and not feel like your brain is melting into a puddle of Minecraft blocks and YouTube sound effects.
It’s a reminder that being "kind and polite" isn't just for bears—it’s a pretty good way for humans to live, too.
Learn more about how to find "Low-Stimulation" shows for your kids