Peter Pan Wendy – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Peter Pan Wendy

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2023

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Disney's latest live-action remake sends Wendy to Neverland—but with a 5.4 rating, you might wish you could fly away too.

4.4/10

63%

5.4

→

Peter Pan Wendy

movie

PG, 2023

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Disney's latest live-action remake sends Wendy to Neverland—but with a 5.4 rating, you might wish you could fly away too.

4.4

63%

5.4

Jump to

Also rated on

4.4/10

63%

5.4

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Look, Peter Pan is a great story. This version? Not so much.

Disney's 2023 live-action remake checks the 'safe family entertainment' box but delivers little magic beyond that. The 5.4 TMDB rating tells you what you need to know: it's watchable but forgettable, the kind of movie that plays in the background while kids are half on their iPads.

The imaginative world of Neverland is inherently appealing, and younger elementary kids might enjoy the adventure and flying sequences. The themes about growing up versus staying young forever are meaningful—but this version doesn't explore them with much depth or heart.

If your kid is begging to watch Peter Pan, honestly just show them the 1953 animated version (problematic elements and all—it's a teaching moment). Or read the book together. This 2023 remake feels like homework Disney assigned itself, not a labor of love. It's not bad enough to avoid, but it's not good enough to seek out either.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-10 who are into fantasy adventure and can handle mild pirate peril. Older kids will likely find it boring and prefer the animated version or just... literally anything else.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Classic story about adventure and growing up with themes of friendship and bravery. However, Peter Pan narratives often include some darker elements (lost boys, pirates, kidnapping) that can feel emotionally complex. The pacing of Disney live-action remakes tends to be adequate but not particularly warm or nurturing in tone.

Imaginative

Neverland is inherently imaginative—flying, fairies, mermaids, pirates. The fantasy world invites wonder and exploration. However, this is a remake of a remake of a classic, so originality is limited. It's more 'visiting someone else's imagination' than sparking new creative thinking, though the visual spectacle of Neverland can inspire play.

Safe

Family-friendly adventure with expected pirate action and sword fights, but nothing graphic or traumatic. Peter Pan stories involve some peril (kids in danger, Captain Hook as villain) but it's genre-appropriate and telegraphed. No surprise disturbing content, though younger kids might find Hook and crocodile scenes mildly scary. The 5.4 TMDB rating suggests it's bland rather than problematic.

Enriching

The core theme—choosing between childhood freedom and growing up—has meaningful potential, but Disney's 2023 live-action remakes are notorious for being soulless cash-grabs that don't add depth to the original stories. The low 5.4 TMDB rating suggests this doesn't deliver emotionally resonant storytelling. Kids might get surface-level entertainment but limited character growth or lasting insight.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Classic adventure story about the tension between childhood freedom and growing up—eternally relevant
Neverland's visual world (fairies, pirates, flying) can spark imaginative play afterward
Safe, predictable family entertainment if you just need something inoffensive on a rainy afternoon
Sword fights and adventure without graphic violence—age-appropriate action

⚠

What to Watch For

That 5.4 TMDB rating isn't a typo—this is reportedly pretty forgettable and might bore kids (and you)
Captain Hook and crocodile scenes might spook younger or sensitive viewers
It's 106 minutes of a story you've probably already seen done better in the animated version
The 'girl power' updates feel performative rather than genuinely enriching, per typical Disney remake formula

Conversation Starters

"If you could fly to any magical place like Neverland, where would you go and what would it be like?"
"Wendy has to decide between staying young forever or growing up—what do you think you'd miss most about being a kid?"
"Why do you think Peter doesn't want to grow up? What's good about getting older?"
"If you were going on an adventure, who would you bring with you and why?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Peter Pan Wendy? Put this WISE score on your site