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Kubo and the Two Strings poster

Kubo and the Two Strings

AnimationAdventureFamily
8+PG8.4 / 10
2016·1h 42m·Travis Knight·LAIKA· Script read & verified

Kubo and the Two Strings is an animated adventure about a young boy with magical origami powers who must find three pieces of mystical armor...

Best watched together — Complex themes about family dysfunction, loss, and memory issues benefit from parental discussion

Heads Up for Parents

The mother character shows signs of dementia or memory loss which may be confusing or upsetting for children to witness


What's In It

Violence
Very Mild
Language
None
Scary
Mild
Romance
None
Substances
None
Stimulation
Mild

Cultural & Values Guide

Faith & Religion
Buddhist themes

The film explicitly explores Buddhist concepts of impermanence and letting go, as Kubo learns to accept loss and find peace through memories rather than clinging to the past. The entire narrative arc centers on Buddhist philosophy about the nature of attachment and acceptance.

Values & Themes
Traditional family values

The entire story is driven by honoring family legacy and the power of familial love that transcends death. Kubo's journey to understand his heritage and the sacrificial love of his parents forms the emotional and thematic core of the film.


Family Takeaways

What it gets right

  • Shows the power of storytelling and keeping family memories alive
  • Demonstrates courage in facing seemingly impossible challenges
  • Explores how love and sacrifice define true family bonds

Cast:Art ParkinsonCharlize TheronBrenda VaccaroCary-Hiroyuki TagawaMeyrick Murphy