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Parents' Guide to

Stick Man

By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Book-based animated short celebrates love of family.

Movie NR 2015 27 minutes
Stick Man Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 4+

Based on 11 parent reviews

Mummamagpie
Mummamagpie Parent of 3-year-old
December 4, 2023
age 4+

A little scary for more sensitive little ones

My twins watched this as a treat at pre-school after enjoying the book. One of them really enjoyed it, but unfortunately my more sensitive twin found it scary. I had to reassure him all weekend that we wouldn’t put it on TV at home. Haven’t watched it all the way through myself, but it seems that there is an ongoing theme of danger throughout the film that some little ones might find distressing. My other twin keeps asking to watch it again though…
slvr
slvr Parent of 4-year-old
December 26, 2022
age 6+
My daughter, 4, was very distressed when the stickman couldn't get home and she cried. Before going to bed she cried again although she knew how it ended and was still upset.
See all 11 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Happy Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady love and three children. They celebrate the winter holiday with a decorated spruce twig serving as Christmas tree, sharing presents, sledding, and waging snowball fights in their peaceful patch of forest. Sometimes humans (who can't see that Stick Man is a real being and not a lifeless twig) and their dogs invade, posing danger. While Stick Man is out for a jog, one such canine clamps him in his jaws, beginning a series of unfortunate incidents that drag Stick Man further from his family for nearly three quarters of a year. After surviving a dunk in the ocean and being woven into a swan's nest, he sleeps on a fireplace grate and then is chosen as tinder for a human family's next cozy fire. He is ultimately rescued by Santa, who becomes lodged in the chimney above while trying to deliver gifts. Stick Man saves the Stuck Man and hitches a ride home on the Man in Red's flying sleigh.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (11 ):
Kids say (6 ):

STICK MAN handles adversity with aplomb and grace, but it's his palpable longing for his lady love and children that give this delightful rhymed cartoon its bittersweet heart and soul. Martin Freeman (Dr. Watson of British television's Sherlock and Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit) voices Stick Man cheerfully and plaintively while Hugh Bonneville (of Downton Abbey) voices a buoyant and helpful Santa. Rene Aubry's jaunty music perfectly sets the tone for Stick Man's inadvertent adventures. Lots for families with young kids to enjoy together.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what this movie wants us to feel about families. Does Stick Man love his family? How can you tell?

  • What does the movie think about humans? How do they treat Stick Man?

  • Does the movie tell you how long Stick Man is away? Does it show the seasons changing?

  • How does the story show perseverance? Why is this an important character strength?

Movie Details

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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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