Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Bad Guys

film

The Bad Guys

2022

When the Bad Guys, a crew of criminal animals, are finally caught after years of heists and being the world’s most-wanted villains, Mr. Wolf brokers a deal to save them all from prison.

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? PG-rated animated action includes heists, police chases, peril, mind control, fights, imprisonment, and a villain’s attempted attack, but the tone is humorous and violence is non-graphic. Themes of crime and reform may suit older elementary viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Violence3/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Romance2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

General tie-in to the book series, but no overt product placement.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Contains very mild insults consistent with a family-friendly film.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

A very light, non-explicit attraction between two characters.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Contains moments of mild tension, peril for the main characters, and a villain using mind control.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Frequent cartoon action includes chases, fights, attempted attacks, captures, explosions, and dangerous rescues. Violence is stylized and usually consequence-light.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters risk capture and danger to rescue friends, expose wrongdoing, return stolen property, and choose accountability over escape.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Inventive heists, disguises, hacking, escapes, animated set pieces, and problem-solving strongly encourage imaginative play and storytelling.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse ensemble of different animal species working together.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides incidental lessons on empathy and social perception.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Helping vulnerable characters, comforting friends, rescuing others, and recognizing goodness are central to the characters’ transformation.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes support empathy, personal change, resisting labels, loyalty, accountability, and proving goodness through choices rather than reputation.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists begin as thieves and manipulators but show courage, loyalty, remorse, and genuine reform; their earlier criminal conduct is clearly treated as wrong.

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. How did the story handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in The Bad Guys would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Bad Guys, 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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