Voltron: Legendary Defender – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Voltron: Legendary Defender

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2016

76%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

DreamWorks' slick reboot of the '80s robot-lion classic delivers genuine heart, diverse heroes, and space battles that actually land emotionally.

95%

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Voltron: Legendary Defender

show

TV-Y7, 2016

76%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

DreamWorks' slick reboot of the '80s robot-lion classic delivers genuine heart, diverse heroes, and space battles that actually land emotionally.

95%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is what a modern reboot should be—DreamWorks took an '80s toy commercial and turned it into legitimately compelling sci-fi with heart. The animation holds up, the voice acting is solid, and the writers clearly cared about telling a real story with stakes and consequences.

Yes, it's long (8 seasons!), and yes, it gets emotionally heavy at times with character deaths and war themes. But it's also one of the better animated action shows on Netflix that treats its young audience with respect. The diverse cast, strong character development, and genuine emotional beats make it more than just 'kids watch robots fight.'

Fair warning: younger kids (7-8) may need some support during the heavier moments, and the fandom got... intense... about certain plot choices in later seasons. But as a family watch for elementary through middle school? It delivers. Just be ready to explain what 'forming Voltron' means for the 47th time.

Age Fit

Best for kids 7-14 who can handle action violence and some emotionally heavy moments. The sophisticated storytelling and character development will engage tweens, while younger elementary kids will love the robot lions and space adventure aspects.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Strong emphasis on teamwork, friendship, and sacrifice throughout the series. Characters model cooperation and growth, though there are some darker emotional moments (character deaths, war themes) that may be heavy for younger viewers. The show balances action with genuine character development and positive relationships.

Imaginative

Reimagines the classic Voltron franchise with fresh storytelling and world-building. Features creative alien civilizations, compelling sci-fi concepts, and inventive action sequences. The show invites kids to think about space exploration, teamwork dynamics, and problem-solving in high-stakes situations.

Safe

Action violence is present but stylized (robot combat, space battles). Some character deaths occur that may be emotionally intense for younger kids. No gore, sexual content, or inappropriate language. Common Sense Media rates it for age 7+, which aligns with the content level. Netflix Kids Mode available provides parental control options.

Enriching

Explores themes of leadership, responsibility, identity, and the costs of war. Characters face meaningful moral dilemmas and personal growth arcs. The show doesn't talk down to its audience and deals with complex emotional territory including loss, duty, and sacrifice. Strong representation with diverse cast.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely good storytelling that respects its audience—this isn't just filler content, it's a well-crafted sci-fi adventure with real stakes
Diverse cast of Paladins with distinct personalities and meaningful character arcs that show growth, vulnerability, and leadership challenges
Balances exciting action with emotional depth—kids get robot battles AND characters dealing with loss, identity, and responsibility
Strong themes of teamwork, found family, and what it means to be a hero when the galaxy is counting on you
High production values with fluid animation and engaging world-building across 8 seasons

⚠

What to Watch For

Some main characters die, and the show doesn't shy away from the emotional weight of war—this isn't Paw Patrol in space
Later seasons get darker and more complex; younger kids who start at 7 may need check-ins as themes intensify
8 seasons is a LOT of content (78 episodes)—be prepared for your kid to want to binge and talk about it constantly
Action violence throughout, though it's robot-on-robot combat rather than graphic

Conversation Starters

"Which Paladin would you want to be? What makes a good leader when everyone's scared?"
"The show deals with some characters dying—how did that make you feel? Want to talk about it?"
"If you had to form Voltron with four other people, who would you pick and why?"
"What do you think about how the team handles disagreements? Do friends always have to agree?"

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