Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Kid Who Would Be King

film

The Kid Who Would Be King

2019

Old-school magic meets the modern world when young Alex stumbles upon the mythical sword Excalibur. He soon unites his friends and enemies, and they become knights who join forces with the legendary wizard Merlin. Together, they must save mankind from the wicked enchantress Morgana and her army of supernatural warriors.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? PG fantasy action includes repeated peril, demon attacks, sword fighting, a monstrous fire-breathing villain, villain decapitation, bullying, and an upsetting subplot involving an alcoholic, absent father. 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
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5

Strongest positives

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

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

There is no indicated product placement, merchandise tie-in, or story-driven pressure to buy products.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Morgana is struck down and ultimately decapitated as she vanishes; the story treats this as fantasy villain defeat rather than realistic bereavement.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minor fantasy-style combat injuries, but no graphic blood or detailed gore.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Bullying and mild name-calling are present, with some occasional mild expletives; language is not a major focus.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Uses Arthurian legend and myth; no religious practice or faith themes.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very minor, age-appropriate school-age crushes; not a central focus.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Nighttime demons, an underworld prison, a fire-breathing monstrous villain, pursuit and world-threatening danger may frighten younger viewers.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Alex learns that his estranged father was an alcoholic. The reference concerns family history rather than children using substances.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Children fight demons and a sorceress with swords, cars and tactics; characters face chases, combat and peril, though the fantasy framing limits realism.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Young characters repeatedly face demons, betrayal and a world-threatening enemy, showing bravery and persistence while learning to act responsibly.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The film strongly sparks imaginative play through modern Arthurian mythology, magical quests, inventive battle strategies and children adapting legends to their world.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast of school children and diverse representation in the supporting roles.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Introduces elements of Arthurian legend and historical references.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Alex protects Bedders, former bullies become allies, and the group learns empathy, forgiveness and cooperation in pursuit of a shared goal.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes endorse courage, cooperation, merit over birthright, reconciliation, responsible leadership and honesty, including admitting lies.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Alex and his classmates overcome bullying and betrayal, learn teamwork and defend others, though they also lie, fight and make impulsive 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 The Kid Who Would Be King would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Kid Who Would Be King, 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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