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Parents' Guide to

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off

By Polly Conway, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Fun, vibrant anime retelling has some sex, violence.

TV Netflix Anime 2023
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off TV show poster: Animated Scott raises a fist

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

  • Scott Pilgrim Takes Off TV show screenshot 1: Scott and Ramona meeting for the first time.
  • Scott Pilgrim Takes Off TV show screenshot 2: Ramona Flowers in the bathroom.
  • Scott Pilgrim Takes Off TV show screenshot 3: Scott and Ramona run to right.

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 1 parent review

Ivy J.
Ivy J. Adult
November 18, 2023
age 15+

AWESOME

I loved the plot twits and how colorful the show is. It's pretty funny and overall a good watch! Finished the show the same day. Only thing that kind sucks is that you barely see scott, only at tye start and end do you see him.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Scott Pilgrim (voiced by Michael Cera) is "between jobs," but he's happy mooching off his "cool gay roommate," Wallace Wells. When the girl he's literally seen in his dreams shows up in real life, Pilgrim is smitten. But Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) isn't easily won over. When the League of Evil Exes gets involved with their relationship, things take a sharp turn into the surreal.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (6 ):

It's a treat to have the original cast return for this quirky love story. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off doesn't tread new ground story-wise, but visually, turning his adventure into an anime proves to be a stellar alternative telling. Culkin once again shines as the sardonic Wallace Wells, and though the real-life Cera has finally aged out of awkward teen roles, he vocally still nails the apathetic but still somehow compelling Scott.

Teens will enjoy the "retro" touches -- a plot point involves a mail-order DVD from Netflix. That was normal in 2004, the year O'Malley's graphic novels were originally published as a tale of modern young love and strife. It's questionable, though, whether it was normal at that time for a 23-year-old to date a 17-year-old, which is repeated in this series but not addressed as inappropriate. That said, it's a period piece that should still strike a nerve for a new generation.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about different types of storytelling. Pilgrim's tale has been told in graphic novels, a movie, and now, an animated series. What's different about each of these styles? Do you prefer one over the other?

  • What's special about Scott and Ramona's romance? Do you find Scott's approach romantic? Why or why not?

  • What do you think about the violence in this series? Even though it's cartoonish, do you think it affects the story positively or negatively?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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