MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN
Comical adventures through history make learning fun for families.
Should You Watch It?
Yes. This is a fun, exciting animated comedy that turns history into an adventure children may want to explore further. Its excellent animation and positive messages about family, redemption, and standing against paganism and tyranny give the entertainment a worthwhile moral center.
The story is not as cohesive as it could be. Too many historical visits make the adventure feel scattered, and younger children may need help with the brief scatological humor and light pagan references.
For a lively family outing that may inspire children to learn more about history, take the trip.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESMr. Peabody is a genius dog who has adopted a boy named Sherman. To teach Sherman about history, he invents the Wabac Machine, which carries them into the past.
On Sherman’s first day of school, he meets Penny, a girl who challenges his intelligence. When Sherman shows her the time machine, the two travel to Ancient Egypt and disrupt history. Mr. Peabody, Sherman, and Penny must then journey through several historical settings to repair the damage and find their way home.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is a highly entertaining family film. The animation is excellent and fun, and the comedy makes history feel lively and accessible to children.
The main weakness is the storyline’s cohesion. The movie visits so many historical periods that reducing the number of adventures might have made the story stronger. Even so, it remains exciting, funny, and engaging.
The Worldview
The film presents a strong Christian and moral worldview, taking a stand against paganism and tyranny. It also portrays a government social worker as the villain and criticizes the totalitarian government of the French Revolution, with Robespierre shown as a real villain. One line says the French monarchy should have shared its wealth, including food, while the story otherwise focuses more on family than politics.
At the heart of the film is the relationship between Mr. Peabody and Sherman. Their story is about learning how to relate as a family and grow together. Sherman loves Mr. Peabody, and their relationship offers a positive picture of a father and son. Penny begins as a troublemaker who leads Sherman into disobedience, but she eventually learns her lesson.
The film uses some light pagan references while presenting its message against paganism. Its emphasis on teaching children about history also connects with Scripture’s call to remember and pass on what has come before: “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD” (Psalm 78:4).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Strong Christian, moral worldview that keeps taking a stand against paganism and, in one sequence, also against a government social worker and against the new totalitarian government in the French Revolution that shows Robespierre as a real villain, but there is some pagan content presented, a socialist comment about redistributing wealth, including food; no foul language, but some scatological humor; light animated violence of falling from a cliff or sky but nothing graphic, child bites other child, sword fighting; no sex; no nudity; no alcohol use; no smoking or drug use; and, one child is a trouble maker and a bully but in the end gets along, plus references to Gandhi and yoga.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Mr. Peabody and Sherman are learning how to relate as a family. What helps a family grow in love, patience, and responsibility?
Ephesians 6:4 · Colossians 3:12–14Sherman disobeys Mr. Peabody’s instruction and creates serious problems. Why is obedience difficult, and how can we respond when disobedience causes harm?
Ephesians 6:1 · Proverbs 12:1The film takes a stand against paganism and tyranny. What does Scripture teach about worshiping God alone and resisting injustice?
Exodus 20:3 · Micah 6:8The movie makes history entertaining and memorable. Why is it important to remember what previous generations have experienced?
Psalm 78:4–7 · Romans 15:4The Final Word
MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN is a funny, energetic family adventure with excellent animation and a strong emphasis on family, history, and moral courage. Its crowded storyline and brief content concerns keep it from being perfect, but it is still WORTH THE TRIP for families.
