Dickens & Rumi
Cover of My Favorite Martian

film

My Favorite Martian

1999

Ambitious television reporter Tim O'Hara stumbles upon a martian whose spaceship has accidentally crashed on Earth. Thinking this is his ticket to a Pulitzer Prize, Tim makes plans to expose the martian, who, posing as Tim's Uncle Martin, takes human form and has plans of his own. In fact, all of Tim's efforts to divulge the truth are systematically thwarted by the resourceful alien, who ultimately recruits Tim to help him repair his ship for a return to Mars.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? PG comic science-fiction peril includes a shooting, deaths by monster attack, surgery-like imagery, kidnapping, threats to kill, and frightening transformations; romance and language are mild. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Generic brand usage consistent with 1999 setting.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

A monster transformation kills two guards, and a villain threatens to kill Martin; Martin later revives from a deathlike state.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Features mild, non-gory creature transformations and minimal injuries shown briefly.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Language appears limited to mild insults and occasional mild expletives, without slurs or sustained profanity.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

A crush, jealousy, a kiss caused by disguise, and a developing relationship between Tim and Lizzie are present but secondary.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Alien transformations, interrogations, pursuit, a self-destruct system, dangerous escapes, and a character in a deathlike coma may frighten younger viewers.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Includes some suggestive jokes and mild adult situations common in 90s family comedies.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Minor references to alcohol, typical for an adult-oriented family comedy setting.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Characters are knocked out, pursued, restrained, shot, injured, attacked by a monster, and tossed through the air; violence is mostly comic but includes lethal action.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Tim and Lizzie repeatedly face capture, pursuit, dangerous technology, and threats to help Martin escape, though some actions are reckless or deceptive.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Inventive alien technology, shapeshifting gum, a sentient suit, shrinking devices, and imaginative escape plans drive the story.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse ensemble cast, though not a central focus of the narrative.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental interest in science fiction concepts and space exploration.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Tim ultimately helps Martin repair his ship, protects his privacy, apologizes for betrayal, and accepts him as a friend.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story favors friendship, honesty, loyalty, apology, cooperation, and compassion over exploiting or exposing someone for personal advancement.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Tim begins by exploiting Martin for a story and secretly records him, but accepts responsibility, apologizes, and chooses friendship; other adults show mixed judgment.

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 My Favorite Martian would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in My Favorite Martian, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating