Kubo and the Two Strings – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Kubo and the Two Strings

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2016

79%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A visually breathtaking stop-motion epic about grief, memory, and origami magic—gorgeous but genuinely scary in parts.

7.7/10

97%

7.6

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Kubo and the Two Strings

movie

PG, 2016

79%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A visually breathtaking stop-motion epic about grief, memory, and origami magic—gorgeous but genuinely scary in parts.

7.7

97%

7.6

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7.7/10

97%

7.6

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Screenwise Verdict

This is Laika Studio firing on all cylinders—a visually jaw-dropping masterpiece that treats kids like they can handle complex emotions. The stop-motion animation alone is worth the watch just to show your kids what real artistry looks like.

But let's be real: this isn't Moana. It's darker, slower, and genuinely sad in parts. The ghostly sisters are nightmare fuel for some kids, and the whole movie deals with death and loss in ways that require emotional maturity. If your kid still gets scared by Ursula in The Little Mermaid, wait on this one.

For families ready to have deeper conversations about grief, memory, and what it means to honor those we've lost, Kubo is exceptional. It's the kind of film that stays with you and opens up meaningful dialogue. Just make sure you're watching it together, especially the first time, because those scary parts hit hard.

Age Fit

Best for kids 9+ who can handle darker themes and scary imagery. The emotional sophistication and slower pacing may lose younger kids, while the frightening elements could cause genuine distress for sensitive viewers under 8.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Features themes of family, courage, and remembering loved ones. Models perseverance and cooperation through Kubo's quest. Emotionally mature handling of loss and grief, though some scenes are melancholic. The tone is generally kind-hearted with strong emphasis on storytelling and memory as healing forces.

Imaginative

Stunning stop-motion animation with origami magic as a central creative element. The visual storytelling is extraordinary and deeply original, blending Japanese folklore with unique artistic vision. Invites wonder about mythology, craftsmanship, and the power of stories themselves. The film's aesthetic is genuinely unlike anything else in animation.

Safe

Contains some genuinely frightening imagery including ghostly sisters with masks, a giant skeleton monster, and themes of death/loss that may be intense for younger viewers. Characters die on-screen (though handled tastefully). The villain (Kubo's grandfather) is quite menacing. Violence is stylized but present throughout. No gore, nudity, or inappropriate content, but the darker tone and scary moments require parental awareness.

Enriching

Rich exploration of grief, memory, and how we honor those we've lost. Draws from Japanese mythology and samurai traditions, offering cultural exposure. Themes of forgiveness, identity, and the importance of storytelling are woven throughout. Encourages discussions about family history and what makes us who we are. The craftsmanship itself is educational—kids can see stop-motion artistry at its finest.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Absolutely stunning animation that shows kids what's possible with artistry and patience—the stop-motion work is museum-quality
Handles heavy themes (death, loss, memory) with grace and emotional intelligence, offering a mature way to process grief
Rich Japanese cultural elements and mythology woven throughout, exposing kids to samurai traditions and folklore
Celebrates storytelling itself as a powerful force for healing and connection
Strong messages about courage, family bonds, and forgiveness without being preachy

⚠

What to Watch For

The ghostly sisters are legitimately creepy with their blank masks and eerie movements—several parents report nightmares
A giant skeleton monster battle scene that's intense and could frighten younger viewers
Main character's parents are dead/dying, and themes of loss permeate the film—not a light watch
Some violence (sword fights, magical battles) though stylized and not gory
The pacing is slower and more contemplative than typical animated films—some kids may find it boring

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Kubo's stories were so important to the people in his village?"
"What would you want to remember most about someone you love?"
"How did Kubo show courage even when he was scared?"
"What did you think about the ending—why did Kubo tell the story he did?"
"If you could bring origami to life like Kubo, what would you make?"

Deep Dive

If you’re used to the polished, hyper-saturated look of modern CGI, Kubo and the Two Strings will feel like a revelation. There is a tactile, hand-crafted weight to every frame that digital animation just can’t replicate. When you see the paper characters fold and flutter, you’re looking at a technical feat that earned a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes for a reason. It’s one of those offbeat animated movies that reminds you animation is an art form, not just a way to keep kids quiet for two hours.

The "Scary" Factor is Different Here

Most "scary" kids' movies rely on jump scares or loud noises. Kubo plays a different game. The Sisters—those masked, floating figures—are unsettling because of their stillness and their eerie, calm voices. They represent a persistent, predatory threat that feels much more "real" than a cartoonish villain.

If your kids are used to the high-energy, joke-a-minute pace of a typical blockbuster, the first twenty minutes might feel slow. But once the quest kicks in, the action is top-tier. The battle with the giant skeleton is a standout, not just for the scale, but for the choreography. It’s a great bridge for older kids who are over the usual princess tropes and want something that feels like a "real" adventure movie.

A Different Kind of Hero’s Journey

We’ve seen a thousand movies about a "chosen one" finding a magical sword. Kubo subverts that. The magical armor isn't just a power-up; it’s a connection to a family history that is messy and painful. The film treats memory as a literal superpower.

This is the movie to pick when you’re ready for best films for older kids that don't talk down to them. It deals with the idea that you can love your family even when they’ve hurt you, and that "winning" doesn't always mean destroying the bad guy. The ending is quiet, contemplative, and might leave you with more questions than answers—which is exactly why it’s worth the watch.

Why it sticks

You’ll likely find yourself Googling the "making of" videos as soon as the credits roll. Knowing that the massive skeleton was a physical puppet or that the waves were made of actual fabric changes how you view the film. It turns the viewing experience into a conversation about creativity and persistence. If you have a kid who likes LEGO, Minecraft, or anything involving building, they’ll appreciate the sheer engineering required to make this world move. It’s a rare film that manages to be both a technical marvel and a genuine tear-jerker.

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