The Emoji Movie – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Emoji Movie

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2017

35%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A soulless 90-minute smartphone ad disguised as a kids' movie—safe but spectacularly uninspired.

3.5/10

→

The Emoji Movie

movie

PG, 2017

35%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A soulless 90-minute smartphone ad disguised as a kids' movie—safe but spectacularly uninspired.

3.5

Jump to

Also rated on

3.5/10

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Let's be honest: The Emoji Movie is widely considered one of the worst animated films ever made, and the numbers back it up (6% on Rotten Tomatoes, 3.5 on IMDb). It's a shameless cash grab built around product placement, with a paper-thin plot stolen from better movies.

That said, it's perfectly safe for young kids, and some of them genuinely enjoy the bright colors and simple humor. If your 6-year-old is begging to watch it, it won't hurt them—but don't expect to sit through it without wanting to scroll your phone.

There are dozens of better animated options that are just as safe but actually creative, enriching, and entertaining for the whole family. This one's fine for a distracted afternoon, but it's not going on anyone's favorites list.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media says 6+, and that tracks—it's simple enough for early elementary kids who won't notice (or care) that it's creatively bankrupt. Older kids and adults will be checking their phones. Literally no one over 10 needs to watch this.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Delivers a basic 'be yourself' message with colorful, non-threatening animation. Parents report it's fine for family viewing with some humor that lands for young kids. No mean-spirited content, though the emotional depth is about as shallow as a text message.

Imaginative

This is corporate product placement masquerading as creativity. The entire premise is a 90-minute ad for smartphone apps. Zero originality (it's essentially Wreck-It Ralph but worse), no world-building that sparks curiosity, and nothing that invites kids to create or explore beyond 'hey, emojis exist.' Critics gave it a 6% on Rotten Tomatoes for good reason.

Safe

Completely safe for kids—PG for mild rude humor, no scary scenes beyond a very tame emoji deletion threat. IMDb parent guide confirms minimal concerns. It won't traumatize anyone; it'll just bore the adults in the room.

Enriching

Offers virtually nothing beyond passive entertainment. The 'be yourself' moral is delivered with all the subtlety of a billboard. No skill-building, no meaningful themes, no conversations worth having afterward. Kids might laugh at a few jokes, but they'll learn more from literally any other animated film from the past decade.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Completely safe and age-appropriate for young kids (6+) with bright colors and mild humor
Short runtime means it's over quickly
Some young kids genuinely enjoy it despite adult disdain—it's simple enough to hold their attention
Available on Netflix, so it's easy background viewing when you need 90 minutes of peace

⚠

What to Watch For

Blatant product placement for apps like Candy Crush, Spotify, and others—it's essentially a feature-length commercial
Adults will find it painfully dull and derivative
Sets a low bar for what counts as 'good' animation—you might want to follow this up with something actually creative

Conversation Starters

"What was your favorite emoji character? Why do you think Gene wanted to be 'normal' instead of different?"
"How many apps did you recognize in the movie? Do we use any of those?"
"If you could be any emoji, which one would you be and why?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic