Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Super Mario Bros.

film

Super Mario Bros.

1993

Mario and Luigi, plumbers from Brooklyn, find themselves in an alternate universe where evolved dinosaurs live in hi-tech squalor. They're the only hope to save our universe from invasion by the dino dictator, Koopa.

Ages 11+Source checked

Why this age? PG-rated but unusually dark for a family adventure, with kidnappings, dystopian oppression, a mother’s death, attempted murder, frightening transformations, and sustained peril. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age11+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

Based on a major video game brand, though the film itself is largely an independent creative departure.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Daisy’s mother is crushed to death, Lena is fossilized, and Koopa is transformed into a dinosaur and then slime; grief is present but brief.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Contains some light gross-out elements involving physical transformation, goop, and the 'de-evolution' process.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Features some mild profanity and name-calling.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

A Catholic orphanage appears in the backstory, but religious belief or practice is not a central theme.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Includes mild romantic subplots, a crush, and a farewell kiss.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

A dystopian city, threatening dictator, kidnappings, dangerous creatures, imprisonment, transformations, and repeated rescue peril can be frightening.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Contains brief, mild innuendo typical of 90s family comedies.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

A nightclub appears, but no drinking, smoking, vaping, or drug use is identified; substance use is not a notable story element.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Peril, kidnappings, prison escape, fights, attempted murder, weapons, and battles occur, though violence is largely fantastical and comic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The brothers repeatedly enter danger, escape imprisonment, confront Koopa, and protect others despite fear and overwhelming odds.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The film strongly encourages imaginative engagement through parallel dimensions, dinosaur evolution, inventive technology, unusual creatures, and problem-solving.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast in terms of actors, though the character roles are typical of 90s action archetypes.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Touches on concepts of evolution and archaeology in a highly fictionalized, fantastical context.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate cooperation and care for those oppressed by the villain.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story supports loyalty, helping others, resisting oppression, and using abilities for good, while depicting dictatorship and exploitation negatively.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Mario and Luigi show persistence, courage, and loyalty while rescuing others, though some characters make reckless or morally mixed choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Super Mario Bros. would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Super Mario Bros., and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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