Robin Hood – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Robin Hood

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1985

48%

WISE Score

Obscure 1985 animated Robin Hood that even nostalgic parents probably don't remember—and for good reason.

Robin Hood

movie

G, 1985

48%

WISE Score

Obscure 1985 animated Robin Hood that even nostalgic parents probably don't remember—and for good reason.

Jump to

Also rated on

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Here's the truth: this 1985 Robin Hood is the kind of movie that exists in a bargain bin at a thrift store, and even at $1.99, you'd probably pass it over.

The Robin Hood story itself is great—brave hero, clever schemes, helping the downtrodden, medieval adventure. But this particular animated adaptation has a 40% audience score and a 6.5 IMDb rating for a reason. It's forgettable, cheaply animated, and lacks the charm of Disney's 1973 version or the excitement of more modern takes.

If your kid is obsessed with Robin Hood and has already exhausted every other option, sure, throw this on. But if you're building a family movie queue, skip it. There are dozens of better ways to spend 90 minutes—even just reading a Robin Hood picture book would probably be more engaging.

Not harmful, not offensive, just... not worth your time.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media suggests age 7+, which seems right for the mild animated action. But honestly, unless you're a completist trying to watch every Robin Hood adaptation ever made, there are way better options for kids 5-10.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Classic hero-versus-villain structure with themes of helping the poor and standing up to injustice. The animated family-comedy tone keeps things light, though the greedy Sheriff antagonist provides standard conflict. Models cooperation between Robin and Maid Marion. No major emotional red flags, but the 1985 production likely feels dated in pacing and humor.

Imaginative

The Robin Hood legend offers some inherent adventure appeal—forest hideouts, clever schemes, medieval settings. However, this 1985 animated adaptation appears to be a low-budget, straightforward retelling without notable creative distinction. No awards, no standout creatives, and a 40% Rotten Tomatoes audience score suggests it doesn't spark much imagination or wonder compared to other Robin Hood versions.

Safe

Common Sense Media suggests age 7+, indicating mild adventure conflict but nothing shocking. The comedy-adventure-animation-family genre combo and synopsis suggest standard cartoon action (sword fights, Sheriff villainy) without graphic violence, mature themes, or surprise disturbing content. No identified safety red flags, though specific content details are sparse.

Enriching

The Robin Hood story carries classic themes of justice, generosity, and resistance to tyranny—worthwhile values. However, a 6.5 IMDb rating and low audience scores suggest this particular adaptation is forgettable and unlikely to spark meaningful discussion or lasting impact. It's educational in the sense that kids learn the Robin Hood legend, but probably not engaging enough to truly enrich.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Introduces kids to the classic Robin Hood legend—stealing from the rich, helping the poor, standing up to corrupt authority
Animated family-comedy format keeps the tone light and non-threatening for younger viewers
Maid Marion as a spy adds a small twist to the traditional tale
At least it's not algorithmically-generated YouTube content?

⚠

What to Watch For

Dated 1985 animation and pacing will likely bore modern kids raised on Pixar and DreamWorks
40% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes suggests even fans of the era found this forgettable
Standard cartoon sword-fighting and Sheriff villainy—mild action appropriate for age 7+
You might spend more time explaining why the animation looks 'weird' than actually enjoying the story

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Robin Hood steals from the Sheriff? Is it ever okay to break the rules?"
"If you could be Robin Hood or Maid Marion, which would you pick? What would your secret hideout look like?"
"The Sheriff makes people pay all their money to him. What would happen if that happened in our town?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic