Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves

film

Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves

1997

The joke's on absent-minded scientist Wayne Szalinski when his troublesome invention shrinks him, his brother and their wives so effectively that their children think they've completely disappeared. Of course, this gives the kids free rein to do anything they want, unaware that their parents are watching every move.

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? Comic peril, shrinking accidents, a threatening cockroach, a brief fainting/medical emergency, and mild bullying may unsettle younger children, but the PG adventure is generally gentle. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Romance2/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Includes brief references to common household brands like Hot Wheels, which is standard for the setting.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Contains very mild insults or generic exclamations common to family-friendly sitcoms.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

A young crush and an unwanted kiss occur briefly; the girl rejects it for lacking permission.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

The shrinking premise creates mild suspense as the tiny characters face ordinary household objects as if they were giant threats.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild innuendo or situations related to teen dating, but nothing explicit.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Mostly slapstick peril: falls, an insect encounter, party disruption, and children standing up to a bully; no sustained serious fighting.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The characters face dangerous small-scale obstacles and illness, while Adam and Jenny act bravely and protect others.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Shrinking technology, inventive use of household objects, problem-solving, and imaginative miniature-world adventures are central.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Represents a typical nuclear family structure with varying personalities and interests.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Promotes interest in science through the inventor character's perspective, though the science is fictional.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Family members cooperate to rescue one another, care for Mitch, free an insect, and ultimately show understanding and support.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The film emphasizes responsibility, listening to children, respecting boundaries, accepting different interests, and repairing family relationships.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Children show initiative, care for a sick cousin, set a boundary, and confront bullying; adults learn from their mistakes, though some act recklessly.

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 Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves, 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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