Better Nate Than Ever – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Better Nate Than Ever

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2022

76%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A theater-kid underdog story with heart—think Billy Elliot meets Broadway, but with training wheels and Disney polish.

83%

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Better Nate Than Ever

movie

PG, 2022

76%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A theater-kid underdog story with heart—think Billy Elliot meets Broadway, but with training wheels and Disney polish.

83%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a solid, warm-hearted Disney+ movie that does exactly what it sets out to do: celebrate the weird theater kid. It's got decent reviews (83% on RT), positive messages about being yourself, and genuinely sweet moments.

The LGBTQ representation is a highlight—Nate is clearly coded as gay, but it's handled so naturally that it's just part of who he is, not a "very special episode." For families looking for inclusive content, this is a great pick.

That said, it's not groundbreaking cinema. The story is predictable, the Disney polish makes everything a bit too neat, and if your kid isn't into theater, they'll probably zone out. The 6.4 IMDb and 3/5 Letterboxd ratings suggest it's pleasant but not memorable.

Bottom line: If you've got a kid who belts Hamilton in the shower or dreams of Broadway, this is a lovely, age-appropriate watch. For everyone else, it's a perfectly fine family movie night option that won't offend anyone but won't blow minds either.

Age Fit

Best for 8-13 year olds, especially theater kids or those who love performing arts. The Common Sense age 10+ feels right for the themes (sneaking away, mild bullying, subtle LGBTQ content), but mature 8-year-olds who love musicals will enjoy it. Teens 14+ might find it too wholesome and Disney-fied unless they're already musical theater nerds.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models perseverance, self-acceptance, and pursuing dreams despite adversity. Nate faces bullying and rejection but remains kind and optimistic. The relationship with Aunt Heidi and best friend Libby emphasizes family support and true friendship. The tone is warm and encouraging, celebrating being different rather than conforming. Some mild tension around sneaking to NYC, but handled age-appropriately with positive resolution.

Imaginative

Centers on theater, Broadway dreams, and creative expression through performance. The fish-out-of-water NYC adventure invites wonder about pursuing artistic passions. However, it's a fairly conventional underdog-kid-chases-dream narrative without groundbreaking originality. The musical theater elements and audition sequences celebrate creativity, but the story follows a predictable arc. Inspires kids interested in performing arts more than it breaks new storytelling ground.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 10+, suggesting mild content concerns. No violence, gore, sexuality, or frightening scenes. The main 'risk' is kids sneaking to NYC without permission, but it's framed as an adventure with a responsible adult (Aunt Heidi) entering the picture. Some bullying depicted but not graphic. LGBTQ-friendly themes (Nate is implied to be gay, which is handled naturally and positively) might be a consideration for some families, but presented age-appropriately. Overall very clean family content.

Enriching

Strong themes of authenticity, resilience, and self-acceptance. Nate's journey teaches that success isn't just about landing the part—it's about having courage to try. Positive representation of a creative, possibly LGBTQ kid as the hero. Introduces kids to theater culture and Broadway. The message about being yourself even when you don't fit in is valuable. However, it's more heartwarming than deeply thought-provoking, offering emotional lessons more than cognitive challenge. Entertaining enough to hold attention while delivering its message.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Celebrates kids who don't fit the mold—Nate's a creative, sensitive kid who gets to be the hero without changing who he is
Positive, natural LGBTQ representation that normalizes being different (Nate is coded as gay but it's never made into a 'problem')
Strong friendship and family themes—Libby's loyalty and Aunt Heidi's support show healthy relationships
Actually entertaining for theater kids and families who love musicals—the Broadway setting and audition sequences have genuine charm
Teaches resilience and self-acceptance without being preachy—it's about having courage to try, not just winning

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What to Watch For

Kids sneak to NYC without permission—it's framed as adventure and works out fine, but younger kids might get ideas (good convo opportunity about trust and safety)
Some bullying scenes where Nate gets teased for being 'different'—not graphic but could hit close to home for sensitive kids
Niche appeal—if your kid isn't into theater or musicals, they might find this boring; it's very Broadway-specific
The LGBTQ themes are subtle and age-appropriate, but if that's not something you want to discuss with your 8-year-old yet, be aware

Conversation Starters

"Nate gets bullied for being different. Have you ever felt like you didn't fit in? What helped you feel better?"
"Nate and Libby sneak to New York—was that brave or just risky? What would you have done differently?"
"What's something you dream about doing that feels really hard or scary? What's one small step you could take toward it?"
"Aunt Heidi had her own dreams that didn't work out exactly as planned. Does that mean she failed, or did she find something else good?"

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