Parents' Guide to

Anne of Green Gables

Movie NR 1986 199 minutes
Anne of Green Gables Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Common Sense Media By Common Sense Media , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 7+

Faithful, sensitive take on classic novel is great for kids.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 7+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Anne of Green Gables Movie: Scene #1
  • Anne of Green Gables Movie: Scene #2
  • Anne of Green Gables Movie: Scene #3
  • Anne of Green Gables Movie: Scene #4

Parent and Kid Reviews

See all
age 7+

Based on 24 parent reviews

brysong
brysong Parent
December 11, 2021
age 7+

Where to purchase online

After a google search, I just purchased it for $13.99 at https://www.anneofgreengables.com/ . The drop-down menu on this webpage indicates you can't purchase it at the mainstream streaming services at the date of this review.
CommonSenseChristian
CommonSenseChristian Adult
February 7, 2014
age 9+

Your Family Will Find a Kindred Spirit in Anne

Anne of Green Gables is, without question, one of the most beautiful movies ever made. Anne Shirley is a well-rounded, dynamic character who grows and matures throughout the movie, yet never loses her endearing mix of cleverness, whimsy, and independence. Matthew and Marilla provide the first real family Anne has ever known, and are good at it, too. Other characters, like Diana and Gilbert, will quickly find a place in your heart. The gorgeous scenery of Prince Edward Island will have you yearning for a Canadian getaway. Cautions are mild and are more jump-off points for family discussion than cautions. These include: Anne's temper, Rachel Lynde's tendency to gossip and judge, and Marilla's semi-frequent referral to Anne as a "heathen," as well as treating her as such. Some scary scenes include Matthew's death and the serious illness of a toddler. Also, for length's sake, wait until your kids are a bit older. Otherwise, Anne, red hair and all, is a gem.
See all 24 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, an adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's novel, young orphan Anne Shirley (Megan Follows) is sent to picturesque Avonlea, on Canada's Prince Edward Island, to live with a new family. At the story's outset, the odds are against Anne. Middle-aged siblings Marilla (Colleen Dewhurst) and Matthew (Richard Farnsworth) expected a boy -- someone who could take on much of the work at their farm. While Anne quickly wins Matthew over, Marilla proves a tougher nut to crack. But driven by love, persistence, passion, and the willingness to work hard, Anne is able to transcend her difficulties and fulfill her dreams.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (24 ):
Kids say (25 ):

This movie is gorgeous to look at and brimming with simple truths about love, friendship, and family. The book has been adapted several times, but this version of Anne of Green Gables stands out as the one young viewers will remember. Beautifully adapted and dramatized, this evocation of turn-of-the-century Canada is peopled with finely drawn characters whose personal stories captivate viewers. "Bosom friend" Diana Barry is played earnestly by Schuyler Grant, and Jonathan Crombie is a fan favorite as Anne's tormentor-turned-friend Gilbert Blythe. Follows herself is a delightful Anne, lit by an inner fire, hilariously outspoken, and strong-willed.

Dewhurst and Farnsworth embody the proud and isolated sister and brother who come to love Anne. Farnsworth, in particular, gives a subtle, poignant performance -- the scene in which Matthew first meets Anne is priceless. His silent reactions as she chatters incessantly tell more about the man than any speech could. Anne serves as a strong role model, and her story is told with humor and a refreshing lack of sentimentality. (Her story continues in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel.)

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Anne in Anne of Green Gables. Is she a role model? Is she like any kids you know in real life? How do you think she'd be different if the movie was set in modern times?

  • If you've read the book, how does the movie compare? Which do you like better, and why? If you haven't read the book, does watching the movie make you want to check it out?

  • Talk about the choices available to girls (and women) at the turn of the century. Why did Marilla feel that Anne would be "of little use" to them? And how did Anne overcome the difficult odds she faced at the beginning of the film?

  • How do the characters in Anne of Green Gables demonstrate curiosity, self-control, and empathy? What about humility and gratitude? Why are these all important character strengths?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

Anne of Green Gables Poster Image
See all recommended movie lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate