TL;DR: The Kid Who Would Be King is an underrated 2019 fantasy adventure that reimagines Arthurian legend in modern-day London. It’s a refreshing break from "brain rot" content, offering genuine lessons on leadership and integrity without being cringey. Best for ages 8-12.
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If you missed this one when it hit theaters, you aren't alone. It didn’t have the massive Marvel marketing machine behind it, but it has since become a stealth favorite for parents looking for "real" movies.
The story follows Alex, a totally ordinary twelve-year-old who thinks his biggest problem is dodging bullies at his South London school. That changes when he finds a sword stuck in a concrete pillar at a construction site. Spoiler: It’s Excalibur.
Suddenly, Alex is the "Once and Future King," and he has to recruit a band of knights—including his best friend Bedders and the very bullies who were tormenting him—to stop the medieval enchantress Morgana from enslaving England. It’s directed by Joe Cornish, the guy who gave us Attack the Block, so it has a gritty, grounded energy that makes the magic feel surprisingly earned.
In a world of "Ohio" memes and Skibidi-everything, kids are actually starving for stories where they have agency. This movie delivers that in spades.
- The "No Adults" Factor: Like The Goonies or Stranger Things, the adults are largely sidelined or oblivious. The kids have to solve the problem themselves.
- Modern Magic: Seeing a wizard (a teenage version of Merlin) walk into a fried chicken shop or seeing Excalibur used alongside hoodies and backpacks makes the fantasy feel accessible. It’s not "long ago and far away"; it’s right now.
- The Stakes: The movie doesn't talk down to them. The threat feels real, and the action sequences—especially a massive battle involving an entire school—are genuinely thrilling.
We talk a lot about "digital wellness," but a huge part of that is character. How do kids treat each other when they think no one is looking? How do they handle a toxic comment section or a lobby full of griefers in Roblox?
The Kid Who Would Be King centers on the "Code of Chivalry," which Merlin translates for the modern world:
- Never be a quitter.
- Always tell the truth.
- Respect the ones you love.
In an era of deepfakes and "clout chasing," a movie that unironically argues that telling the truth is a superpower is pretty radical. It teaches kids that leadership isn't about being the loudest or the strongest; it’s about accountability. Alex isn't a hero because he has a magic sword; he’s a hero because he chooses to include people, even the ones he doesn't like.
While it’s rated PG, this isn't a "set it and forget it" movie for the 5-and-under crowd.
Probably a bit much. The "Mortes Milles" (undead knights) are flaming skeletons on horseback. They are objectively creepy and might lead to some "there’s a monster under my bed" conversations at 2:00 AM. If your kid is sensitive to "scary" visuals, maybe stick to The Sword in the Stone for now.
This is the sweet spot. They’ll understand the school dynamics, the nuances of the friendship, and the "epic" scale of the quest. It’s a great alternative to the 50th rewatch of a generic animated sequel.
Older teens might find the "power of friendship" themes a little earnest, but the action choreography is solid enough to keep them engaged if they're watching with younger siblings.
There are a few things that might trigger the "parental radar":
- The Scares: As mentioned, the undead knights are scary. They appear at night, they have glowing eyes, and they move with a jerky, supernatural vibe.
- Bullying: The movie opens with some pretty realistic bullying. It’s not "cartoonish" bullying; it’s the kind of verbal and physical intimidation that happens in real hallways. However, the movie handles the resolution of this beautifully—not through revenge, but through reconciliation.
- Language: There’s some mild "British" swearing (think "bloody" or "pissed off"), but nothing that will make you dive for the remote.
- Family Themes: There’s a subplot about Alex’s absent father. It’s handled with a lot of emotional honesty, but if your family has dealt with abandonment or estrangement, it might spark some big feelings.
Check out our guide on how to talk to kids about movie violence
If you watch this with your kids (and you should, it’s actually fun for adults too), here are a few ways to bridge the gap between the screen and real life:
- The Enemy of My Enemy: Alex has to knight his bullies to save the world. Ask your kid: "If you had to pick one person you don't get along with to be on your team in Fortnite, who would it be? Why?"
- The Truth Rule: One of the rules of the code is "Always tell the truth." In the movie, Alex finds out a hard truth about his dad. Talk about why telling the truth is harder than lying, especially when it feels like a lie would "protect" someone.
- Modern Knights: What does "chivalry" look like on a Discord server or in a group chat? Does it mean standing up for someone being dogpiled? Does it mean not sharing a screenshot that would embarrass someone?
The Kid Who Would Be King is a rare bird: a big-budget adventure movie that actually has a soul. It’s not trying to sell toys, and it’s not trying to set up a 12-movie "cinematic universe." It’s just a great story about a kid trying to do the right thing when the world feels like it’s falling apart.
In a digital landscape where kids are constantly bombarded with "ironic" or "cynical" content, the earnestness of this movie is its greatest strength. It’s a reminder that being a "king" (or a leader, or just a good friend) isn't about the sword you carry—it’s about the promises you keep.
- Watch it: It’s currently available on most major streaming platforms.
- Read the Legend: If they loved the movie, try The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro (for older teens) or the classic King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table by Roger Lancelyn Green.
- Explore more: Check out our guide to the best Arthurian retellings for kids.
Ask our chatbot for a curated list of "Hero's Journey" movies for your next family night