If you’re thinking, "Wait, wasn't there already a Puss in Boots movie a decade ago?" you’re right. But throw out whatever expectations you have from the 2011 version. This sequel is a complete tonal and stylistic departure.

The story finds our favorite swashbuckling feline, Puss in Boots, realizing he has burned through eight of his nine lives. For the first time in his existence, he is genuinely terrified of dying. When he learns about a fallen "Wishing Star" that can grant one wish, he sets off on a quest to get his lives back. Along the way, he’s joined by his ex-fiancée Kitty Softpaws and a pathologically optimistic therapy-dog-in-training named Perrito.

They are pursued by a "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" crime family and the irredeemably "mid" (actually, he’s pure evil) Jack Horner. But the real threat? A mysterious, hooded Wolf who represents Death himself.

First off, the animation is incredible. It uses that "stepped" frame rate and painterly style we saw in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which makes every action sequence look like a living comic book. It’s a far cry from the generic, plastic-looking 3D animation that has become the standard for "safe" kids' movies.

Kids also love the humor. It’s fast, it’s self-aware, and it doesn't rely on the kind of "Ohio" level cringe humor that populates TikTok. Perrito, the dog, provides the heart and the laughs, while the "Goldilocks" crew brings a gritty, Guy Ritchie-esque vibe that older kids (Ages 8-12) will find particularly cool.

But honestly? Kids love it because it respects them. It doesn't treat them like they can't handle a story with actual stakes. In an era of Skibidi Toilet and endless sensory-overload clips, a movie that actually makes them feel something is a breath of fresh air.

This is the part where we need to talk parent-to-parent. There is a specific scene in this movie that has gone viral in mental health circles, and for good reason.

Puss, overwhelmed by the literal manifestation of Death (the Wolf), has a full-blown panic attack in the middle of the woods. He’s hyperventilating, his heart is racing, and he’s paralyzed by fear. Perrito, the goofy little dog, realizes what’s happening and simply rests his head on Puss’s stomach, helping him breathe and ground himself.

It is, hands down, one of the most accurate and touching depictions of anxiety ever put in a "kids' movie."

In a world where our kids are growing up with "main character syndrome" fueled by social media, seeing a hero like Puss—someone who is usually arrogant and fearless—be vulnerable and need help is a massive win. It’s a perfect opening to talk to your kids about what anxiety feels like and how we can support each other through it.

Check out our guide on talking to kids about anxiety and mental health

Recommended Ages: 7+

While this is a Dreamworks movie, it’s got some "teeth." Here’s the breakdown:

If your child is used to the intensity of Fortnite or the fast-paced action of The Bad Guys, they will be totally fine. If they are still in the Bluey phase, maybe give this one another year.

In the movie, Big Jack Horner is a villain who has every magical item in the world but is never satisfied. He’s a "black hole" of greed. Contrast that with Puss, who eventually learns that having one life that is meaningful is better than nine lives spent being a selfish legend.

This is a great "digital wellness" parallel. We live in an attention economy where apps like Instagram or TikTok encourage kids to "collect" lives, likes, and moments to build a "legendary" persona. Jack Horner is the embodiment of that "more, more, more" mindset. Puss’s realization—that his "one life" with his friends is what actually matters—is a beautiful argument for being present and finding gratitude in the analog world.

Learn more about helping kids navigate "Main Character Syndrome" online

After the credits roll, instead of just asking "Did you like it?" try these:

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is the gold standard for what modern family entertainment should be. It’s visually daring, emotionally resonant, and it doesn't pander. It’s a movie that parents will actually enjoy watching (and might even shed a tear during), rather than just "enduring" for the sake of the kids.

It’s a rare piece of media that actually helps your kids grow. In a sea of Roblox obbys and YouTube Shorts, make time for this one. It’s worth the 100 minutes of screen time, hands down.

If your kids loved the vibe of this movie, here are a few other recommendations that hit that same "high-quality/high-emotion" sweet spot:

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