Parents' Guide to

The Jungle Book (Animated)

By Michael Scheinfeld, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Jaunty animation meets jazzy songs in Disney classic.

Movie G 1967 78 minutes
The Jungle Book (Animated) Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 4+

Based on 38 parent reviews

MattyB81
MattyB81 Parent of 4-year-old
January 19, 2021
age 6+

Kill Kill Kill

Within the first 10 minutes there are lines such as “Sher Khan wants to kill you” “Sher Khan will kill the boy” “he will be killed” etc etc - Totally unnecessary. Turned it off!
ferrencebeeb
ferrencebeeb Parent of 3 and 5-year-old
March 21, 2020
age 3+

My 3 year old giggled his way through it :)

My two (3 yo & 5yo) do get scared by things from time to time, and my 3 year old gets bored when scenes are a bit longer and a lot of talking, so I sat with them throughout this. I'd actually forgotten how funny it is. There are loads of great comedy moments, and just fun bits. They both really loved it, and my 3yo was losing it giggling quite a bit. My 5yo didn't like the tension when the tiger was trying to hunt the young deer, but I told her nothing happens and she was fine again. Then when Baloo gets a beating from the tiger I told them both that he was going to be fine before it suggested otherwise. About 20 mins from the end I also told them both that mowgli goes to the man village at the end, but that it's his choice, and it's fine that he does that. I didn't see the child abduction bit as being an issue. I think it was done in a way that was ok for young kids to handle, and neither of mine were phased by it. And it's not like they're going to make it to adulthood thinking that child abduction is anything but deeply wrong. I loved watching it too!
See all 38 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The 17th Disney animated feature and the last film supervised by Walt himself, THE JUNGLE BOOK is a charmer. Based on Rudyard Kipling's story, the movie tells the tale of Mowgli, the "man cub" found by benevolent panther Bagheera, who tucks the baby boy safely away with a family of wolves. Mowgli grows up happy, living in the jungles of India. But the jungle won't be safe for him once the tiger Shere Khan finds out here's there. So wise Bagheera (voiced by Sebastian Cabot) begins leading Mowgli toward civilization -- whether he wants to go or not. Along the way the pair encounters hypnotic snake Kaa (Sterling Holloway), an army of elephants, and, much to Bagheera's dismay, Baloo the bear (Phil Harris), a lovable "jungle bum" who temps Mowgli with his laid-back, "Bare Necessities" life. But when the two ditch Bagheera, life isn't all fun and games. Crazy orangutans (including their jazzy king, Louis Prima) run off with Mowgli and Shere Khan is hot on his trail. It'll take the unlikely team of Bagheera and Baloo to keep Mowgli safe.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (38 ):
Kids say (25 ):

Kipling's classic story has been thoroughly Disney-fied, but it remains a lively and engrossing adventure with jaunty animation and delightful jazz-inspired songs. The very catchy tunes and expert voice cast deliver lots of laughs. A perennial favorite, The Jungle Book teems with lush atmosphere, lovable jungle animals, and toe-tapping song favorites like "The Bare Necessities" and "I Wanna Be Like You." Walt Disney's personal touch of cheerfully blending humor, heart, and music in a strong story dealing with life choices, is what elevates this movie. It's justifiably considered a classic despite the modest animation, which is pleasant but relatively streamlined in comparison to earlier Disney masterpieces.

The voice cast, many of whom were 1960s stars, adds considerably to the enjoyment. As the boisterous Baloo, Harris is a standout (he later provided the voice of the rascally O'Malley in The Aristocats). Memorable performances are also turned in by scat-singing Louis Prima as King Louie of the Apes, Disney veteran Sterling Holloway (the original Winnie the Pooh, and the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland) as the hissing Kaa, and Sanders, whose every syllable deliciously drips with venom. Watch this one with your kids and you'll soon "forget about your troubles and your strife" as you sing along with Baloo and Mowgli.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the music. What was your favorite song? What do Baloo's "Bare Necessities" song and "Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King have in common?

  • How does Baloo's love of good music get him into trouble?

  • Why does Bagheera worry when he finds out Baloo and Mowgli have teamed up?

Movie Details

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