Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The BFG

film

The BFG

2016

An orphan little girl befriends a benevolent giant who takes her to Giant Country, where they attempt to stop the man-eating giants that are invading the human world.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Fantasy peril, frightening giants, references to cannibalism, and an orphan protagonist may unsettle younger children, though the tone is ultimately warm and hopeful. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Alcohol or drugs1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Kindness & empathy5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Generic movie-related tie-in potential, no overt product placement.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

The threat of death is constant, though on-screen character deaths are not graphically shown.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Man-eating is discussed or implied, but graphic blood and injury are minimal.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Features the BFG's unique, nonsensical language; very minimal mild insults.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Large threatening giants, danger to a child, nighttime peril, and unsettling dream imagery can frighten younger viewers.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Some scenes of characters drinking a fantasy beverage ('frobscottle') that causes gas.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Fantasy peril and some slapstick violence, primarily involving giants bullying one another or threatening humans.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists face frightening giants and serious danger with planning, loyalty, and principled bravery.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Invented language, dream imagery, giant mythology, and imaginative problem-solving strongly encourage fantasy and creative thinking.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the central bond between the orphan and the giant.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Encourages linguistic curiosity through the giant's made-up words.

Kindness & empathy5/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and caring friendship drive the story, with kindness contrasted against bullying and predation.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It strongly supports friendship, compassion, cooperation, protecting vulnerable people, and resisting cruelty rather than judging others by appearance.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Sophie shows resourcefulness and bravery, while the BFG models gentleness, loyalty, and care despite being an outsider.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in The BFG would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The BFG, 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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