WISE Score
IMDb
Thomas gets a 2D makeover and starts jumping off the tracks, which is either a toddler's dream or a train purist's nightmare.
2.5
If you're a Thomas purist who wants the slow, methodical charm of the original model-train era, look elsewhere. This is a high-energy, 2D reboot designed specifically for the iPad generation.
It’s sweet, safe, and incredibly wholesome, even if the engines now defy the laws of gravity. For a toddler who just wants to see bright trains doing cool stuff, it's a winner. For the parent who misses the Ringo Starr narration, it's a bit of a sensory adjustment.
Perfect for the 2-to-5 crowd. It's bright, loud, and simple. Older kids who grew up on the previous iterations will likely find it 'babyish' or just plain wrong.
The core of Sodor remains intact: kindness, cooperation, and being a 'really useful engine' are the main drivers of every plot.
The shift to 2D animation allows the engines to move more like traditional cartoon characters—jumping, stretching, and being more expressive—which leans into kid-logic over train-physics.
This is a preschool-first production. No violence, no scary themes, and very low stakes. Even the 'villains' like Diesel are mostly just mischievous.
Strong focus on social-emotional learning, specifically around managing frustration and working with friends who have different strengths.
There is a massive divide between how adults feel about All Engines Go and how kids feel about it. If you look at the IMDb score, you'll see a dismal 2.5/10. That isn't because the show is bad—it's because adult fans of the original series felt betrayed by the shift from 'realistic' trains to 'bouncy' cartoon characters.
But here's the reality: your three-year-old doesn't care about the heritage of the Rev. W. Awdry’s books. They care about the fact that Thomas can now jump over a bridge and sing a high-tempo song about friendship.
This version of Thomas leans much harder into the 'kid' aspect of the characters. Thomas is voiced by an actual child, and he acts like one. He’s impulsive, he gets excited, and he makes mistakes. The show has moved away from the 'authoritative narrator' style and instead lets the engines speak for themselves.
For parents, the biggest win is the social-emotional component. The show spends a lot of time on 'The Island of Sodor' logic, which basically translates to: how do we get this cargo to the destination when everyone wants to be the leader? It’s a 10-minute masterclass in preschool negotiation tactics.
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