Arthur the King – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Arthur the King

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2024

70%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A scrappy street dog and a pro racer form an unbreakable bond during a 435-mile endurance race—tissues required.

70%

7.6

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Arthur the King

movie

2024

70%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A scrappy street dog and a pro racer form an unbreakable bond during a 435-mile endurance race—tissues required.

70%

7.6

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70%

7.6

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Screenwise Verdict

Arthur the King is exactly what it promises: a heartwarming, true-story adventure about a man and a dog defying the odds. It's not breaking new ground cinematically (critics gave it a middling 54 on Metacritic), but audiences are eating it up (97% RT audience score) because it delivers genuine emotion without cynicism.

The WISE score sits at 70 because while it's wholesome and enriching with strong messages about loyalty and perseverance, it's not particularly imaginative—it's a familiar formula executed well. The safety score dips slightly due to animal peril scenes that will wreck sensitive kids, and the 13+ rating is fair, though mature 10-11 year olds could handle it.

This is a solid family movie for animal lovers and adventure seekers. Just know going in: you will cry, your kids might cry, and you'll probably want to adopt a dog immediately after. It's manipulative in the best way—the kind of movie that reminds you why we tell stories about friendship and second chances.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-12 and up, especially kids who love animals and adventure stories. The 13+ Common Sense rating is reasonable given animal peril scenes, but mature tweens who can handle emotional intensity will find this rewarding. Adults will enjoy it too—it's a solid family movie night pick.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models loyalty, perseverance, and the transformative power of human-animal bonds. The story centers on teamwork, friendship, and overcoming adversity through a 435-mile adventure race. Emotional tone is uplifting with themes of redemption and finding purpose. Some intense moments during the race and animal peril scenes prevent a higher score.

Imaginative

Based on a true story of adventure racing, which limits imaginative scope—it's more inspirational than creative. The exotic locations and extreme sports setting provide visual interest, but the narrative follows a fairly predictable underdog-and-dog formula. Doesn't invite creative expression or exploration beyond appreciation for the real-life events.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, suggesting some intense content. Adventure racing involves physical peril, and there are likely scenes of the dog in danger or injured that could be distressing for younger viewers. No indication of inappropriate content like gore, sex, or graphic violence, but animal peril and intense sports sequences warrant caution. The high audience approval (97% RT) suggests nothing unexpectedly disturbing.

Enriching

Strong messages about loyalty, determination, and the bond between humans and animals. Based on true events, it offers insight into adventure racing and showcases perseverance through extreme challenges. The underdog story provides emotional growth opportunities and discussions about compassion for animals. However, it's more heartwarming than intellectually challenging—solid life lessons but not deeply complex.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Based on a true story that celebrates loyalty, perseverance, and the transformative power of unexpected friendships
Sky-high audience approval (97% on Rotten Tomatoes) suggests it delivers the emotional goods without being manipulative
Showcases adventure racing across stunning locations—kids get exposure to extreme sports and global geography
Models compassion for animals and the idea that second chances matter, both for dogs and humans
Family-friendly without being saccharine—real stakes, real emotions, accessible for tweens and up

⚠

What to Watch For

Animal peril scenes will be tough for sensitive kids—the dog faces danger and likely injury during the race
Some intense sports sequences with physical risk and exhaustion that could be stressful
Emotional moments may hit hard—this is a cry-your-eyes-out movie, so prepare accordingly
Common Sense Media suggests 13+, though mature 10-11 year olds who love animals could handle it with context

Conversation Starters

"What do you think Arthur taught Michael about what really matters in life?"
"Have you ever had an unexpected friendship that changed how you saw things?"
"The team pushed themselves to extreme limits—when is it worth it to keep going, and when should you stop?"
"If you could compete in an adventure race, what would be the hardest part for you?"
"Why do you think people form such strong bonds with animals, even in tough situations?"

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