A Bug's Life – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

A Bug's Life

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1998

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Pixar's charming underdog-ant story still works, even if the CGI screams '90s and it lives in Toy Story's shadow.

7.2/10

92%

7.0

→

A Bug's Life

movie

G, 1998

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Pixar's charming underdog-ant story still works, even if the CGI screams '90s and it lives in Toy Story's shadow.

7.2

92%

7.0

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7.2/10

92%

7.0

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Screenwise Verdict

A Bug's Life is solid middle-tier Pixar—it's got heart, clever world-building, and genuine laughs, but it's not going to blow anyone's mind in 2025. The animation looks its age (those textures!), and it doesn't have the emotional depth of later Pixar films.

That said, it's a genuinely wholesome watch with smart themes about standing up to oppression and valuing different perspectives. Hopper is scary enough to feel like stakes matter, but not traumatizing. The circus bugs are delightful, and the 'mistaken identity' plot keeps things moving.

If your kids are already Pixar fans, this is a perfectly good rainy afternoon movie. Just don't expect it to compete with the emotional gut-punch of Up or the visual feast of modern animation. It's the friend who shows up to the party, has a nice time, and everyone's glad they came—but nobody's talking about it the next day.

Age Fit

Best for ages 4-10. Younger kids might need reassurance during Hopper's scarier moments, while older elementary kids will appreciate the humor and underdog story. Tweens might find it a bit young unless they're nostalgic.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Classic Pixar storytelling with themes of courage, teamwork, and standing up to bullies. Flik's determination to help his colony models problem-solving and perseverance. The tone is warm and humorous without cynicism. Some peril and tension with the grasshopper antagonists, but handled age-appropriately. Relationships are cooperative and supportive.

Imaginative

Brilliant world-building that reimagines the insect world at ground level—a leaf becomes a stage, a dandelion seed a parachute. The 'circus bugs mistaken for warriors' premise is creative and drives inventive problem-solving (the fake bird contraption). Invites kids to see their own backyards differently. Pixar's second film showcased early CGI imagination that still holds narrative charm.

Safe

Rated G (typical for this era of Pixar). Mild peril with grasshopper threats and some tense moments (Hopper is genuinely menacing), but no gore or graphic violence. The bird scene is intense but brief. No inappropriate content, sexual themes, or language concerns. Some younger kids might find Hopper scary, but it's standard animated-villain territory. Predictable emotional beats without traumatic surprises.

Enriching

Solid themes about individuality vs. conformity, standing up to oppression, and the power of collective action. Flik's journey teaches that being different can be valuable. The 'strength in numbers' ant colony metaphor offers discussion points about community and exploitation. However, it's more straightforward entertainment than Pixar's deeper later works—the lessons are present but not as layered as Toy Story or Inside Out.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Clever world-building that makes kids see bugs and backyards with fresh eyes—every blade of grass becomes an adventure
Strong themes about courage, community, and standing up to bullies without being preachy
The 'circus bugs mistaken for warriors' plot is genuinely funny and drives creative problem-solving
Wholesome Pixar heart with humor that works for both kids and adults (though not their sharpest script)
95 minutes of solid entertainment without cheap jokes or pandering

⚠

What to Watch For

Hopper is a legitimately menacing villain—his threats feel real and some younger kids (under 5) might find him scary
The climactic bird scene has brief intensity that could startle sensitive viewers
Animation quality is noticeably dated (1998 CGI) which might make it less visually engaging for kids used to modern Pixar
Gets overshadowed by Toy Story and later Pixar films, so it's not the cultural touchstone other movies became

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the ants kept giving food to the grasshoppers for so long? What made them finally stand up?"
"Flik's inventions kept failing, but he didn't give up. When have you kept trying even when something was hard?"
"The circus bugs weren't actually warriors. How did they still help save the colony?"
"Do you think Hopper was just mean, or was he scared of something? What makes a good leader vs. a bully?"
"If you were tiny like an ant, what everyday object would you want to explore or turn into something else?"

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