Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Wild

film

The Wild

2006

An adolescent lion is accidentally shipped from the New York Zoo to Africa. Now running free, his zoo pals must put aside their differences to help bring him back.

Ages 6+Source checked

Why this age? The film is rated G and uses comic animation, but includes separation, frightening animal attacks, captivity, perilous escapes, a volcano eruption, and a villain who dies. Younger children may need reassurance. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age6+

Strongest cautions

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

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Typical merchandise tie-ins common for Disney animated films.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

The antagonist is left to die during a volcanic eruption; the death is framed non-graphically and is not treated as a major grief event.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Likely limited to mild insults or name-calling, with no evidence of profanity or slurs. The G rating supports a low concern, though the excerpt cannot confirm every line.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Includes a mild, humorous crush between Benny the squirrel and Bridget the giraffe.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Children may find the separation, rabid dogs, vultures, captivity, volcano, and threatened animals frightening, though the tone is comedic.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Animated fights, animal attacks, chases, a stampede, cliff danger, and a climactic confrontation occur, with little realistic injury detail.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters face separation, dangerous animals, captivity, and a volcanic crisis to rescue loved ones and protect each other.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The imaginative animal world, comic problem-solving, camouflage plan, unusual journey, and invented adventure encourage playful imagination.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse group of zoo animals acting as a team.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The setting introduces zoo animals, Africa, migration, and animal behavior, but teaching facts is incidental rather than the main purpose.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Friends cooperate to rescue Ryan, support Samson, and ultimately reject cruelty and domination.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes honesty, accepting one’s identity, family loyalty, friendship, cooperation, and rejecting manipulative leadership.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Samson eventually models honesty and courage despite his initial lies.

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 Wild would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Wild, 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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