Brave dog saves kids in fun but tense fact-based film.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
some
This adventure contains plenty of peril: from dogs falling off of snowy cliffs to children who are so ill that their lives hang in the balance. We see small coffins being fit for those kids who might not make it through the epidemic. Dogs growl and fight. Some kids will be scared of Steele, the bully, and the grizzly bear. There are also bonks on the head given for comedic effect.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.
Some flirtatious behavior between dogs. "I know where all of the bones are buried," says Steele to Jenna when he is trying to get her to go out with him.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.
Positive themes of friendship, acceptance of those who are different, bravery, and selflessness.
Positive Role Models
a little
Friends help each other save the day. Their friendship is almost as important as the main character's heroic deeds, because they encourage him to believe in himself.
Educational Value
very little
Since the movie is based on a true story, kids will learn some lessons about the role dogs play in Alaska's rural communities.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that there are thrills aplenty in Balto, an animated adventure based on a true story about rural Alaskan kids with a serious illness. Youngest viewers might not understand the threat that looms over the town, but older kids will get the gravity of the situation when they see small coffins being fit for those kids who might not make it through the epidemic. Dogs growl and fight and are in peril; some kids will be scared of Steele, the bully, and the grizzly bear. On the positive side, the movie promotes acceptance and reinforces the value of friendship. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
Balto is and will always be one of my favorite childhood movies besides the land before time and all dogs go to heaven
Balto is a wonderful film that is a must for kids and families alike I personally own at least 3 different formats of the franchise and two soundtracks not to mention books plushies etc. I don’t understand how people can accuse this film of having to much sex in it it clearly does not people seem to forget that balto was made by amblin the same people responsible for making films such as the land before time and an American tale if this film truly had that much sexual content in it your local libraries wouldn’t have this film in the children’s section they would have this movie in the adult section and since balto isnt in the adults section then it must be in the kids section right ? If course I am balto was made with kids in mind they would never put anything into a child’s movie with the intention on being action packed and somewhat accurate children back then craved adventure in films back then it always kept them entertained and never wanting to leave ( believe me I was one I know what I am talking about I was raised in the 90s and born in 1986 balto isn’t as bad as everyone says it is there’s certainly a lot worse out there today like family guy and American dad and not to mention Rick and Morty those shows are so disgusting offensive and crude they take everything wrong with the world today and then it into a dirty shame filled joke balto has none of those things so parents shouldn’t worry about their kids watching balto because let’s be reasonable here balto isn’t going to teach your kids how to give the neighbors dog a blowjob that kind of content exists on shows like family guy future Rama American dad Rick and Morty and so forth. I’m finicky when it comes to choosing movies to add to my collection I won’t bring anything into my house that encourages that kind of behavior likewise I rented balto from blockbuster video before buying it beforehand back in the 90s and found that there was nothing inappropriate throughout the film whatsoever
Overlooked in the very long row of 1990's family animal movies. Little in runtime and big on action and some romance too.
What's the Story?
Based on a true story, BALTO centers on a brave dog who saved the lives of Alaskan children with diphtheria when he brought medicine to them through the snow. Half wolf, half domesticated dog, Balto (voiced by Kevin Bacon) has a hard time fitting in with either species. A jealous rival frames Balto for theft, ensuring that Balto will not be chosen to lead a rescue mission. But when the rescue party gets lost, Balto steps in to save the day, with the help of his friends, a Russian goose (voice of Bob Hoskins) and two polar bears (both voice of pop star Phil Collins).
Though it's not the most original or beautifully animated kids' movie out there, Balto is engaging, and kids will probably be quite entertained. There are some good laughs, and the voice performances are well done. Be aware that there is some peril and scary scenes involving the mean dog Steele and a grizzly bear encounter. Kids may also get upset when they see the small coffins that are being made for kids who might not survive the epidemic.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Balto's struggle to fit in. Was it fair of the other dogs not to accept him? Can you think of examples this type of unfair judgment that you've witnessed?
How did Balto's friends help him in difficult times? Are your friends there for you when you're having problems?
How could you find out more about the dog who inspired this movie?
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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.
