Scott Pilgrim Takes Off

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2023

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Anime remix of the Scott Pilgrim saga that subverts expectations—more exes, more fights, more feelings, now with 100% more anime flair.

7.7/10

96%

85%

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Scott Pilgrim Takes Off

show

TV-MA, 2023

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Anime remix of the Scott Pilgrim saga that subverts expectations—more exes, more fights, more feelings, now with 100% more anime flair.

7.7

96%

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96%

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Screenwise Verdict

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is a genuinely good show—the critical acclaim is deserved. It's clever, beautifully animated, and takes real risks with its source material in ways that pay off.

That said, this is firmly teen-and-up territory. The constant fighting (even if stylized), the relationship drama, and the whole 'defeating evil exes' premise requires emotional maturity to process. It's not gratuitously violent or inappropriate, but it's definitely not family viewing with younger kids.

For teens who love anime, gaming culture, or the original Scott Pilgrim property, this is a solid watch that actually has something to say about relationships, growth, and accountability. It's entertaining AND has substance, which is the sweet spot. Just make sure your kid is actually 13+ and can handle the content—Common Sense Media didn't pull that age rating out of thin air.

Age Fit

Best for teens 13+ who can handle stylized violence and relationship drama. The anime style, video game references, and meta-storytelling will appeal most to teens and adults familiar with the Scott Pilgrim universe or who enjoy genre-bending animation. Younger kids won't get the references and might be confused by the romantic complexity.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Anime adaptation of the Scott Pilgrim universe features relationship drama, breakups, and emotional conflict as core themes. While it models some cooperation and character growth, the romantic chaos and fighting mechanics aren't exactly 'emotionally healthy' viewing for younger audiences. The tone is irreverent and sarcastic rather than warm. Pacing is energetic but not chaotic.

Imaginative

Highly creative anime reimagining of the Scott Pilgrim story with original twists on the source material. The visual style is bold and inventive, blending video game aesthetics with anime conventions. The premise itself—fighting evil exes to date someone—is wildly imaginative, and this adaptation reportedly subverts expectations from the original comics and movie. Strong marks for originality and creative world-building.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, which suggests some content concerns. The Scott Pilgrim universe includes stylized fighting/violence (video game-style combat), romantic relationships, some language, and potentially suggestive content. No explicit gore or nudity expected, but the 'evil exes' premise involves combat sequences. Netflix Kids Mode is available, suggesting some guardrails. The violence is cartoonish rather than realistic, but it's still present throughout. Not something that would shock parents familiar with the property, but younger kids might find some content intense.

Enriching

Strong critical reception (96% RT critics, 82 Metacritic) suggests meaningful storytelling and artistic merit. The series explores themes of relationships, personal growth, consequences of past actions, and self-awareness. The meta-narrative and subversion of expectations can prompt discussions about storytelling and character development. Entertainment value is clearly high based on ratings. However, it's primarily entertainment-focused rather than explicitly educational or skill-building.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Critically acclaimed (96% on RT) with fresh takes on beloved characters that even fans of the original will find surprising
Gorgeous anime animation style that blends video game aesthetics with emotional storytelling
Explores relationship dynamics, personal accountability, and character growth in ways that can spark real conversations about how we treat people
Meta-narrative approach teaches media literacy—how stories can be retold and reimagined in meaningful ways
High entertainment value for teens who appreciate anime, gaming culture, and romantic comedies with an edge

⚠

What to Watch For

Stylized fighting sequences throughout (video game-style combat with 'evil exes')—not gory but constant
Romantic relationships, breakups, and emotional messiness are central themes
Some language and mature themes that earn the 13+ rating
The irreverent, sarcastic tone might normalize casual treatment of relationships if watched without context

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Scott has to fight Ramona's exes? What does that represent about dealing with someone's past?"
"How do the characters grow throughout the series? Who changes the most and why?"
"This show plays with expectations if you know the original story—what did you think about the twists?"
"Do you think the way relationships are portrayed here is realistic? What's exaggerated for comedy?"

Stills