Minecraft: Story Mode – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Minecraft: Story Mode

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2015

52%

WISE Score

73%

IGDB

Netflix's interactive Minecraft show that turns block-building into a passive choose-your-own-adventure—emphasis on 'passive.'

Minecraft: Story Mode

game

2015

52%

WISE Score

73%

IGDB

Netflix's interactive Minecraft show that turns block-building into a passive choose-your-own-adventure—emphasis on 'passive.'

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, if your kid is obsessed with Minecraft, they've probably already found this and watched it. The good news: it's safe, reasonably wholesome, and won't rot their brain more than any other screen time.

The bad news: it's just not very good. The 6.7 IMDB rating is generous. This is what happens when you take an incredibly creative, open-ended game and force it into a linear story format—you lose everything that made it special. The interactive elements are a neat gimmick for about 10 minutes.

The real question is why you'd let them watch someone else make choices in a Minecraft story when they could be building their own. This sits in that weird Netflix limbo of 'not terrible enough to forbid, not good enough to recommend.' If they want to watch it, fine. But don't expect them to remember it fondly or ask for a rewatch.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media pegs this at age 10, which feels about right for the adventure elements and narrative complexity. Younger Minecraft fans (7-8) could handle it, but honestly, they'd rather be playing the actual game. Upper age interest drops off hard around 12-13.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Based on the Minecraft universe, this interactive narrative show emphasizes teamwork and friendship. Common Sense Media's age 10 rating suggests age-appropriate content with positive modeling. However, limited data on specific character dynamics and pacing. The format likely follows typical adventure story beats with cooperation themes inherent to Minecraft culture.

Imaginative

Built on Minecraft's creative foundation, the show adapts the block-building universe into a story format. While Minecraft itself is highly imaginative, this is a passive viewing experience rather than active creation. The narrative structure and choice-based elements (if retained from the game version) offer some creative engagement, but it's fundamentally watching rather than building.

Safe

Common Sense Media age 10 rating and Netflix Kids Mode availability indicate appropriate content guardrails. IMDB 6.7 suggests generally family-friendly fare. Minecraft universe typically avoids graphic violence, though adventure elements likely include mild peril and conflict. No indicators of inappropriate content, but sparse data on specific scenes.

Enriching

As an adaptation of a video game into passive viewing, the enrichment factor is limited. While it may explore themes of problem-solving and friendship, it lacks the hands-on learning and skill-building of actual Minecraft gameplay. The IMDB 6.7 rating suggests middling entertainment value. Likely offers some moral lessons but minimal cognitive growth opportunities.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Familiar Minecraft universe may comfort kids who love the game
Interactive elements (if functional) offer some agency in storytelling
Generally safe, age-appropriate adventure content
Available in Netflix Kids Mode for easy parental peace of mind

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What to Watch For

The 6.7 IMDB rating tells you everything—this is aggressively mediocre
Kids expecting actual Minecraft gameplay will be disappointed by passive viewing
Netflix's interactive show format is largely abandoned technology that can feel clunky
May feel dated even to kids who weren't around when it came out

Conversation Starters

"Would you rather watch someone else play Minecraft or actually play it yourself?"
"What choices did you make in the story? Would you pick differently next time?"
"How is this different from watching Minecraft YouTube videos?"
"Do you think this would work better as an actual game or as a regular show?"

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