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Bedknobs and Broomsticks poster

Is Bedknobs and Broomsticks OK for Kids?

FamilyAnimationFantasy
6+
G⭐ 7.1 / 101971 · 1h 57m
Robert Stevenson

Where to Watch

United States

Stream

Disney Plus

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Streaming data by JustWatch

What's In It

Based on the actual screenplay
🗡️Violence
Mild▼
Moments in the script, mildest → most intense
2
Cartoon / Comedic
4
Action & Peril
0
Injuries & Death Shown
0
Graphic & Disturbing
  • A rough animal soccer match on the Isle of Naboombu features physical, cartoonish action between animal players
  • A German aerial raid on a coastal town is depicted with explosions mentioned as sirens sound
  • In the climactic battle, Miss Price's substitutiary locomotion spell animates medieval suits of armor, spears, and pikemen to fight off invading German soldiers
  • Miss Price threatens to transform Charles (who has dared to turn into a rabbit) as a disciplinary consequence, played for comedic effect
  • No blood, gore, or on-screen deaths are shown; the tone throughout stays whimsical and heroic rather than graphic
💬Language
Very Mild▼
Moments in the script, mildest → most intense
8
Mild Words
(damn, hell)
0
Moderate
(ass, b**ch)
0
Strong
(sh*t)
0
Extreme
(f**k)
  • Characters say 'bother' (3 times), 'ruddy' (4 times), and 'bloody' (1 time) — all mild British exclamations
  • No use of 'hell,' 'da**,' or 'darn' occurs in the script
  • No f-words, s-words, or any strong/extreme profanity of any kind are present
👻Scary Scenes
Moderate▼
Moments in the script, mildest → most intense
0
Mildly Tense
1
Startling Moments
1
Genuinely Scary
0
Deeply Disturbing
  • Children are startled when they discover Miss Price is a witch after secretly watching her fly on a broomstick
  • A German aerial invasion raid brings a genuinely scary sequence with sirens and bombing
  • Paul becomes trapped inside a suit of castle armor during the frantic battle sequence, a tense moment resolved when the children show him compassion
  • Miss Price and the children are confronted and locked in by Bookman, a shady underworld figure, creating a tense but non-graphic standoff
  • All scary moments are resolved with the group's bravery and magic prevailing, and nothing lingers as traumatic
💕Romance
Moderate▼
Moments in the script, mildest → most intense
3
Crushes & Holding Hands
0
Kissing & Dating
1
Suggestive
0
Sexual Content
  • Mr. Browne shows clear romantic interest in Miss Price and tries to convince her to become his show-business partner
  • The pair sing 'Eglantine,' a song with romantic undertones as Mr. Browne suggests she could be his partner in an entertainment career
  • The children suggest Mr. Browne become their father, and Miss Price asks if he'll return, indicating a budding family/romantic bond
  • No kissing, sexual content, or anything beyond mild flirtation and suggestive song lyrics occurs
🍺Substances
Mild▼
Moments in the script, mildest → most intense
2
Mentioned in Passing
2
Shown Casually
0
Featured Prominently
0
Glorified or Abused
  • Witchcraft ingredients like poisoned dragon's liver, henbane, aconite, and hellbore are mentioned as spell materials, not real-world drugs
  • A sulphur smell is associated casually with witchcraft/magic being performed
  • Mr. Browne is shown drinking at a pub to steady his nerves, shown casually and not glorified
  • Petrol coupons and rationing are mentioned in the context of black market goods sold on Portobello Road
⚡Stimulation
Extreme▼
Moments in the script, mildest → most intense
0
Gently Engaging
1
Exciting
3
Intense
1
Overwhelming
  • The bedknob travelling spell activation includes exciting magical light effects as a recurring sequence
  • An underwater lagoon musical number features colorful sea creatures dancing in an intense, sensory-rich scene
  • The Isle of Naboombu soccer match is a lively, physically intense sequence with animal players
  • The substitutiary locomotion spell sequence is overwhelming, with dozens of animated household objects dancing throughout the house at once
  • The final battle sequence combines animated armor and weapons in an intense, fast-paced confrontation with German soldiers — younger or sensory-sensitive children may find the combination of noise and chaos a lot to take in
Bedknobs and Broomsticks — Heads Up for Parents

Despite its whimsical, musical tone, the film includes a genuinely 'Scary'-rated German aerial bombing raid with sirens and explosions, plus a wartime battle where animated armor and weapons fight actual German soldiers — content parents may not expect from a Disney musical fantasy of this era.

About Bedknobs and Broomsticks

During WWII, three London children evacuated to the English countryside discover their reluctant guardian, Miss Price, is a trainee witch, and together they embark on a magical quest to find a powerful spell before it falls into the wrong hands. The film blends whimsical musical fantasy — including a trip under the sea and an animal soccer match — with wartime peril as the group ultimately uses magic to defend the English coast from a German invasion.

✅
Fine for kids to watch alone
The film is appropriate for children ages 6 and up to watch independently, though parents of younger or more sensitive children may want to be present during the aerial bombing raid and the final battle sequence, which are more intense than the film's playful musical sequences.

Family Takeaways from Bedknobs and Broomsticks

What it gets right

  • ✓Shows the wartime evacuation experience with warmth, as Mrs. Hobday arranges for London children to find safety in the countryside
  • ✓Depicts a found-family arc believably, with initial reluctance from Miss Price giving way to real affection and protectiveness toward the children

Bedknobs and Broomsticks Cultural & Values Guide

Cultural & Values Guide

Values & Themes
●Traditional family values

The film centers on the formation of a found family, with the children suggesting Mr. Browne become their father and Miss Price and the children bonding as a family unit through their shared wartime experience and magical adventures.

Cast:Angela LansburyDavid TomlinsonRoddy McDowallSam JaffeJohn Ericson

Is Bedknobs and Broomsticks Appropriate for Your Child's Age?

✗Age 5: Not recommended for 5-year-olds
✓Age 8: Generally appropriate for 8-year-olds
✓Age 10: Generally appropriate for 10-year-olds
✓Age 12: Generally appropriate for 12-year-olds
✓Age 13: Generally appropriate for 13-year-olds
✓Age 15: Generally appropriate for 15-year-olds
✓Age 17: Generally appropriate for 17-year-olds

Individual children may vary — use your judgment.

Parents also ask about Bedknobs and Broomsticks

  • Is Bedknobs and Broomsticks appropriate for a 6-year-old?
  • Does Bedknobs and Broomsticks have violence?
  • Is Bedknobs and Broomsticks OK for kids?
  • What is the age rating for Bedknobs and Broomsticks?

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