Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this 1978 animated adaptation of The Lord of the Rings was cutting-edge at the time with its incorporation of live-action elements, but this hybrid style heightens some of the action sequences and makes the battle scenes frightening for under-8 audiences. Although there is a pub scene in which the Hobbits and others are drinking and smoking pipes, the potentially objectionable content is the violence that is prevalent throughout Frodo's journey to get rid of the Ring. The Ringwraiths, Orcs, Nazguls, and other creatures are far scarier than the villains in most animated films. On the other hand, J.R.R. Tolkien's tale emphasizes the importance of teamwork and friendship, and that is still a major theme of the movie.

Sexual Content

Not applicable

Violence

Many of the Fellowship's skirmishes with the Ringwraiths, Orcs, and the rest of Sauron's Army are likely to frighten younger audiences. In Moria, the remains of the long-dead dwarves are shown (they're bones). Orcs are freaky looking, and the battle results in deaths. The combination of live-action and animation makes certain scenes seem all the more realistic, creating a creepier, scarier mood through the darker parts of the film.

Language

Not applicable

Social Behavior

This is a story of how even the smallest among us can make the biggest differences. It's a universal hero's journey where the hero, like always, can only triumph over his obstacles with the help of many allies, in this case elves, men, dwarves, etc. Cooperation, teamwork, good vs. evil -- it's all there.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

The Hobbits stop at a pub where they and other characters drink what's presumably alcohol and some smoke pipes.