Animal Crackers – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Animal Crackers

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2017

65%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Magic animal crackers let you transform into animals to save the family circus—cute idea, meh execution.

67%

→

Animal Crackers

movie

PG, 2017

65%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Magic animal crackers let you transform into animals to save the family circus—cute idea, meh execution.

67%

Jump to

Also rated on

67%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Animal Crackers has a legitimately fun premise—who wouldn't want magic cookies that turn you into animals?—but it lands squarely in 'fine, I guess' territory. The reviews tell the story: critics gave it a mild pass, audiences were slightly warmer, but that 5.8 IMDb and 2.5 Letterboxd rating? Ouch.

It's safe, it won't rot anyone's brain, and it might buy you 90 minutes of peace. But there are dozens of better animated family movies on Netflix that are just as safe and actually, you know, good. This one had a troubled production (sat on a shelf for years) and it shows.

If your kid is deep in an animal phase and you've exhausted better options, sure, queue it up. Otherwise, keep scrolling.

Age Fit

Best for ages 5-9 who are into animal stories and magical transformations. The premise will appeal to early elementary kids, but older kids will likely find it too babyish and the execution too bland. Common Sense Media's age 6 recommendation feels right.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Family-centered story about saving a circus with themes of cooperation and working together. The presence of an 'evil uncle' villain keeps it from being purely gentle, but the overall tone is positive and pro-social. Common Sense Media's age 6 rating suggests age-appropriate emotional content without excessive meanness or cruelty.

Imaginative

The core concept—magical animal crackers that transform you into different animals—is genuinely creative and sparks imaginative play possibilities. The circus setting and shape-shifting premise invite kids to wonder 'what animal would I want to be?' However, execution appears middling based on the lukewarm critical reception (5.8 IMDb, 2.5 Letterboxd), suggesting the imaginative premise doesn't fully deliver.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 6, and the premise (family saving circus with magic cookies) suggests no graphic content, gore, or inappropriate material. The 'evil uncle' villain is typical family-movie fare without being genuinely frightening. Netflix platform is straightforward streaming without concerning interactive elements. Main safety note is ensuring kids understand the fantasy transformation element isn't real.

Enriching

While there are likely themes about family loyalty and perseverance, the mediocre reviews (5.8 IMDb, 60 Metacritic, 2.5 Letterboxd) suggest this doesn't rise above standard kids' fare. The circus-saving plot and animal transformations offer some entertainment value but limited deeper meaning or skill-building. It's watchable but not particularly memorable or growth-promoting.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The shape-shifting premise is genuinely fun and will spark 'what animal would you be?' conversations
Family-centered story about working together without being preachy
Safe, predictable entertainment for a rainy afternoon when you need something harmless
Voice cast includes some recognizable names (though the movie didn't make much noise when released)

⚠

What to Watch For

The 'evil uncle' villain might be slightly mean for very sensitive younger kids, but it's standard cartoon-villain stuff
Reviews suggest this is pretty forgettable—don't expect the next Pixar masterpiece
Kids might want to eat animal crackers and expect to transform (spoiler: they won't)

Conversation Starters

"If you could turn into any animal, which one would you pick and why?"
"What do you think it would feel like to suddenly have four legs or wings?"
"Why do you think the family wanted to save the circus? What makes something worth fighting for?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic