Adventure Time: Distant Lands – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Adventure Time: Distant Lands

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2020

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Four emotionally ambitious Adventure Time specials that hit harder than the original series—in the best and most tear-inducing ways.

92%

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Adventure Time: Distant Lands

show

TV-PG, 2020

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Four emotionally ambitious Adventure Time specials that hit harder than the original series—in the best and most tear-inducing ways.

92%

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92%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is what happens when a beloved kids' show gets to grow up alongside its audience. Distant Lands is Adventure Time for people who watched the original series as kids and are now ready for stories about grief, mature relationships, and existential questions.

The four specials are genuinely excellent television—ambitious, emotionally intelligent, and willing to take creative risks. Critics loved it for good reason. But this isn't throw-it-on-for-the-kids entertainment. These are contemplative, sometimes heavy stories that demand attention and emotional engagement.

'Together Again' in particular is a gut-punch meditation on death and letting go that will wreck any parent who watches it. It's beautiful, but intense.

If your kid loved Adventure Time and is ready for something more emotionally mature, this is a slam dunk. If they just want silly cartoon adventures, stick with the original series. And honestly? This might be even better for the parents than the kids.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-14 who loved the original Adventure Time series, though older teens and adults will appreciate the emotional depth even more. The 'Together Again' special in particular is essentially a tearjerker epilogue that plays better for viewers who've grown up with these characters.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Adventure Time: Distant Lands maintains the original series' emotionally intelligent storytelling with mature themes about friendship, loss, and personal growth. The specials tackle complex emotions like grief and identity in age-appropriate ways. The tone is generally kind and cooperative, though it deals with heavier emotional content than typical kids' shows. Some episodes explore existential themes that might be intense for younger viewers but are handled with warmth and humor.

Imaginative

This is Adventure Time at its creative peak. The four specials (BMO, Obsidian, Together Again, Wizard City) each explore wildly different narrative styles and visual approaches while maintaining the franchise's signature surreal, inventive world-building. The show invites philosophical thinking about identity, time, relationships, and existence itself. The animation and storytelling are ambitious and original, pushing boundaries of what animated specials can be.

Safe

Generally safe for its target audience (8+), with no graphic violence, sexual content, or inappropriate language. However, 'Together Again' deals directly with death and the afterlife in emotionally heavy ways that could be triggering or confusing for younger/sensitive kids. Some mild cartoon violence and scary imagery typical of Adventure Time. The emotional intensity and existential themes are the main safety considerations rather than content warnings. Kids Mode is available on HBO Max.

Enriching

Exceptionally enriching for its audience. The specials explore complex themes: identity and purpose (BMO), past relationships and moving forward (Obsidian), grief and letting go (Together Again), and mentorship/responsibility (Wizard City). Strong character development, emotional intelligence, and philosophical depth. The storytelling rewards thoughtful viewing and can spark meaningful conversations about life, death, love, and personal growth. High critical acclaim (92% RT, 82 Metacritic, 8.6 IMDb) reflects its quality.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely sophisticated storytelling that treats kids like they can handle complex emotions about loss, identity, and relationships
Each special takes creative risks with different animation styles and narrative approaches—this isn't just more of the same
Outstanding critical reception (92% RT, 8.6 IMDb) because it's actually that good, not just nostalgia bait
Explores LGBTQ+ relationships (Marceline and Bubblegum) with genuine depth and maturity
Perfect for families who loved the original series and are ready for the 'grown-up' epilogue

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What to Watch For

'Together Again' is a beautiful meditation on death and the afterlife that will absolutely make you cry—preview it before showing younger/sensitive kids
These are more emotionally intense and contemplative than the original series; not the right vibe if you want light background entertainment
Really works best if you've watched Adventure Time; jumping in cold means missing a lot of emotional payoff
Some existential themes might confuse or worry younger viewers without context

Conversation Starters

"BMO goes on a space adventure alone—what would you do if you were exploring a new place by yourself?"
"Marceline and Bubblegum talk about their past relationship. Why do you think it's hard sometimes to stay friends with people we care about?"
"Together Again shows what happens after someone dies in Adventure Time. What do you think happens after life? What do you hope for?"
"Peppermint Butler becomes a teacher. Have you ever had to teach someone something? What was that like?"

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