Alpha and Omega 2: A Howl-iday Adventure – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Alpha and Omega 2: A Howl-iday Adventure

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2013

32%

WISE Score

IMDb

A forgettable direct-to-video wolf sequel that even preschoolers might find boring.

5/10

→

Alpha and Omega 2: A Howl-iday Adventure

movie

G, 2013

32%

WISE Score

IMDb

A forgettable direct-to-video wolf sequel that even preschoolers might find boring.

Jump to

Also rated on

5/10

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is one of those movies that exists purely to fill streaming catalogs and occupy toddlers for 45 minutes. The 1.8 out of 5 on Letterboxd tells you everything you need to know.

It's technically safe—no nightmare fuel, no inappropriate content—but it's also aggressively mediocre. The animation is stiff, the story is forgettable, and multiple parents have noted the weirdly sexist wolf dialogue that feels like it time-traveled from 1950.

If your 5-year-old is obsessed with wolves and you need 45 minutes of peace, fine. But don't expect them to remember it tomorrow, and definitely don't expect any meaningful family bonding or developmental value. There are hundreds of better animated films that are just as safe and actually worth watching.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media pegs this at 6+, which is about right for content safety, but honestly even 5-year-olds might get bored. The upper limit is maybe 8 at most—older kids will see right through the cheap animation and weak plot.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Common Sense Media notes the film models some family cooperation and holiday themes, but parent reviews specifically call out sexist roles and dialogue with traditional gender stereotypes. The emotional content is simplistic rather than genuinely heartwarming, and the pacing is weak enough that even young viewers may disengage.

Imaginative

This is a formulaic direct-to-video sequel with zero originality. The holiday premise is generic, the wolf adventure setup is tired, and reviews consistently describe it as 'weak and forgettable.' No creative spark, no visual innovation, no invitation to wonder or explore. It's paint-by-numbers animation that brings nothing new.

Safe

IMDb parent guide rates violence, profanity, and frightening scenes as 'mild' with no alcohol/drug content. Common Sense Media recommends it for age 6+. The main safety concern is a missing pup plotline that could cause brief anxiety, but nothing graphic or traumatic. No surprise content that would shock young viewers.

Enriching

Minimal educational or developmental value. The story offers basic 'family sticks together' messaging but in the most surface-level way. Parent reviews note problematic gender roles that actually work against positive values. The 4.7 IMDb and 1.8 Letterboxd ratings reflect how little this offers even as entertainment, let alone enrichment.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

It's technically safe for young kids with minimal violence or scary content
The holiday theme and missing-pup plot are simple enough for 5-6 year olds to follow
Available on multiple free streaming platforms, so at least you won't pay for disappointment
Short enough that the pain ends quickly

⚠

What to Watch For

Parent reviews specifically call out sexist dialogue and traditional gender roles for the wolf characters
The quality is direct-to-video level—expect stiff animation and weak voice acting
The missing pup storyline might cause brief anxiety for very sensitive kids
It's genuinely boring; even the target age group may lose interest

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if someone in our family got lost during the holidays?"
"Did you notice how the boy wolves and girl wolves acted differently? What did you think about that?"
"What's your favorite part about celebrating holidays with our family?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic