The Secret World of Arrietty – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Secret World of Arrietty

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2010

78%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Tiny people, big feelings—Studio Ghibli's gorgeous but glacially-paced tale of a borrower girl discovered by a human boy.

7.6/10

94%

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The Secret World of Arrietty

movie

G, 2010

78%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Tiny people, big feelings—Studio Ghibli's gorgeous but glacially-paced tale of a borrower girl discovered by a human boy.

7.6

94%

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7.6/10

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing: The Secret World of Arrietty is objectively beautiful, wholesome, and well-crafted. The critics loved it (94% on RT), and it's Studio Ghibli, so the animation is breathtaking.

But let's be real—this movie moves like molasses. There's barely any plot. It's mostly a girl walking around her house very slowly while a boy watches her through the floorboards. The emotional beats are subtle and quiet. For a kid raised on Encanto or Spider-Verse, this will feel like homework.

That said, if your kid has the temperament for it—loves nature, enjoys slow-burn stories, or is already into Ghibli—this is a gem. It's safe, sweet, and genuinely imaginative. Just know what you're signing up for: art-house animation, not a thrill ride.

Age Fit

Common Sense says 5+, and that tracks for content safety. But realistically? Kids 7-10 with patience for slow storytelling will appreciate this most. Younger kids might fidget; older kids might find it babyish unless they're already Ghibli fans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Studio Ghibli's gentle storytelling shines through with themes of family bonds, courage, and cross-cultural friendship. The tone is consistently tender and age-appropriate, with characters modeling kindness and understanding. The pacing is deliberately slow and contemplative—classic Ghibli—which modern kids might find draggy but is emotionally healthy and non-chaotic.

Imaginative

The premise of tiny people living in the walls and 'borrowing' everyday objects is inherently creative and invites kids to reimagine their own homes through a miniature lens. The world-building is meticulous—watching Arrietty navigate a human-sized world with improvised tools sparks genuine wonder. Studio Ghibli's animation style brings lush, detailed environments that encourage curiosity about nature and perspective.

Safe

This is quintessential safe family viewing. Common Sense Media rates it for age 5+. No violence, gore, sexual content, or scary imagery beyond mild tension (a crow, a pest control subplot that never materializes into anything frightening). The emotional stakes involve potential discovery and relocation, but nothing traumatic or triggering. No surprise content that would shock a young viewer.

Enriching

The film explores themes of environmentalism, coexistence, overcoming prejudice, and finding courage in vulnerability. It models empathy between different 'worlds' and challenges assumptions about what's dangerous or different. However, the entertainment value for modern kids is moderate—the pacing is slow, dialogue-heavy, and contemplative. It's enriching if they can stay engaged, but that's a big 'if' for today's audience.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Stunning Ghibli animation that makes blades of grass feel epic and everyday objects magical
Models genuine empathy and friendship across differences without being preachy
Introduces kids to slower, contemplative storytelling that rewards patience
Zero violence or scary content—genuinely peaceful viewing
Strong female protagonist who's brave, resourceful, and doesn't need saving

⚠

What to Watch For

The pacing is S-L-O-W. Like, paint-drying slow by modern standards. Kids raised on Pixar might tap out.
Very little action or humor—this is quiet, meditative, and dialogue-heavy
Mild tension around the pest control subplot and a crow encounter, but nothing scary
The ending is bittersweet rather than triumphant, which might disappoint kids expecting a big finale

Conversation Starters

"If you were tiny like Arrietty, what's the first thing in our house you'd want to explore?"
"Why do you think the borrowers are so scared of being seen by humans?"
"What would you do if you found out tiny people were living in our walls?"
"Arrietty has to leave her home at the end—have you ever had to say goodbye to a place or friend?"

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