Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Good Dinosaur

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The Good Dinosaur

2015

An epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? PG-level danger includes a parent’s death, frightening storms and predators, attacks, cliffs, floods, and separation. The emotional themes of grief, courage, and goodbye may be intense for younger children. 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
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Arlo's father dies early in a tragic accident; Spot's parents are also confirmed to be deceased.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Predators are shown attacking; injuries are implied or briefly shown, but not gory.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild insults or exclamations only.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Includes frightening storms, tense near-death experiences, and menacing pterodactyl predators.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Characters consume fermented fruit and hallucinate in one scene.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes intense chase sequences, animal attacks, and battles with predators like pterodactyls and raptors.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Arlo's growth from cowardice to true bravery is the main arc.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages imaginative thought regarding alternate history and animal behavior.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The cast features diverse voice actors, though the characters are dinosaurs.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons on geography and nature.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and empathy are the core narrative drivers.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of family, overcoming fear, and the importance of kindness.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Arlo learns responsibility and bravery; the Tyrannosaurs are depicted as hardworking and honorable.

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