Inside Out

Inside Out

movie

PG, 2015, Animation, Family

WISE
92%

WISE Score

98

Avg. Tomatometer

Pixar's emotional intelligence masterpiece that'll make you cry and finally understand why your kid melts down over 'nothing.'

IMDb8.1
RT Critics98%
MC94
TMDB7.9
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
Loading streaming options...
Screenwise Verdict

This is the rare kids' movie that actually delivers on the hype. Inside Out is Pixar firing on all cylinders—it's imaginative, beautiful, funny, and genuinely profound in its exploration of emotions and growing up.

The film's central message—that sadness isn't the enemy and that suppressing it creates bigger problems—is something most adults are still learning. Watching it with kids opens up conversations that are otherwise really hard to start. It gives you language and metaphors that actually work.

That said, it's not light viewing. Riley's struggle with depression is real, and Bing Bong's sacrifice has made grown adults sob in theaters. If your kid is sensitive or going through their own difficult transition, this might hit differently than you expect. But that emotional weight is also what makes it so valuable.

At nearly 10 years old, it still holds up beautifully—the animation, the concept, the humor all feel fresh. This is one to own, rewatch, and reference for years. It's basically required viewing for modern parenting.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-14, though the emotional sophistication really shines for 8+. Younger kids can enjoy it but may not grasp the deeper concepts; teens can still appreciate it but might feel it's 'for kids' (even though it's not).

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92

Beautifully models emotional intelligence and the importance of all feelings, including sadness. Shows healthy family relationships, cooperation between characters, and validates the full spectrum of emotions. The pacing is thoughtful rather than chaotic, and the tone respects both kids' and adults' emotional experiences. Depicts a loving, supportive family navigating a difficult transition together.

Imaginative
96

Absolutely brilliant conceptual originality—personifying emotions and creating an entire world inside the mind with Memory Islands, Abstract Thought chambers, and Dream Productions. The visualization of how memories form, how personality develops, and how emotions interact is genuinely innovative. Invites kids to think metaphorically about their own inner lives and sparks conversations about feelings in creative ways.

Safe
85

Generally very safe with no violence, gore, or inappropriate content. However, there are genuinely sad and emotionally heavy moments—Riley's depression, the loss of Bing Bong (which can be quite affecting), and the portrayal of a child struggling emotionally. These aren't 'unsafe' but they're real and can hit hard, especially for sensitive kids or those going through similar transitions. Some younger viewers may find the emotional intensity overwhelming.

Enriching
94

This is essentially a masterclass in emotional literacy disguised as entertainment. Teaches that sadness has value, that suppressing emotions doesn't work, and that it's okay to feel multiple things at once. Helps kids (and adults) understand their own emotional landscape with unprecedented sophistication. The cognitive and emotional growth opportunities are exceptional—it's a film that therapists literally recommend to families. Also just genuinely entertaining with humor, adventure, and heart.

Parent Info

Why It Might Be Great

  • Teaches emotional literacy better than any parenting book—kids learn that all emotions, including sadness, have value and purpose
  • Gives families a shared vocabulary for talking about feelings ('my Joy and Sadness are fighting right now')
  • Visually stunning and conceptually brilliant; works on multiple levels so adults are genuinely engaged too
  • Validates the difficulty of major life transitions and normalizes struggling with change
  • Actually entertaining while being educational—the humor lands and the adventure keeps it moving

What to Watch For

  • Bing Bong's sacrifice is a legitimate tearjerker that hits kids hard—be ready for questions about loss and growing up
  • Riley's depression is portrayed realistically, which is powerful but may be scary or confusing for younger viewers
  • The emotional intensity is real—some sensitive kids may find it overwhelming or need breaks
  • Might prompt some big feelings or conversations about your own family's moves, changes, or struggles

Conversation Starters

  • "If you had emotions in your head like Riley, which one would be in charge most of the time?"
  • "Can you remember a time when you felt sad and it actually helped you? What happened?"
  • "What do you think your Memory Islands would be? What's most important to you?"
  • "Why do you think Joy tried so hard to keep Sadness away from the controls? Have you ever tried to push away sad feelings?"
  • "What do you think happened to your imaginary friend (if you had one)? Where do you think they are now?"
Stills
Inside Out — still 1
Inside Out — still 2
Inside Out — still 3
Inside Out — still 4
Inside Out — still 5
Inside Out — still 6
Inside Out — still 7
Inside Out — still 8

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Related Guides