Preteen girl looking at a cell phone with her parents

Family movie night? There's an app for that

Download our new mobile app on iOS and Android.

Parents' Guide to

The Canterville Ghost

By Tom Cassidy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Spooky animated Oscar Wilde story has death-related themes.

Movie NR 2023 89 minutes
The Canterville Ghost movie poster: A young White woman with red hair stands in front of her family with a ghost over her right shoulder.

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This functional retelling of the Oscar Wilde ghost story provides enough entertainment for younger viewers venturing into the world of spooky movies. The Canterville Ghost is lighthearted but suitably gothic, and comic relief is provided by a cocky pair of prankster brothers. Fry gives a spirited performance as the grumpy ghost, Sir Simon De Canterville, and is reunited with his former comedy partner Hugh Laurie, although his role as the Grim Reaper is fleeting. Indeed the concept of death haunts the movie, which may be troubling for the youngest of viewers, although it strongly presents the idea of an afterlife. Elsewhere Miranda Hart's wacky ghosthunter, The Ghost Catcher, grates. But with strong messages of friendship, teamwork and courage, The Canterville Ghost is a solid adaptation that covers some tough subjects.

Movie Details

Inclusion information powered by

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.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate