At The Movies

Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return Runtime: 86 min Studio: Clarius Entertainment Franchise: Wizard of Oz Franchise Position: 10 Based on: Book An animated sequel to the classic Oz story, Dorothy returns to the Land of Oz to save her friends and the magical kingdom from a new evil force. Ratings: My Rating: 6.3 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 5.1 Rotten Tomatoes: 17 Metacritic: 39 Plot Summary: Dorothy receives a magical gift that transports her back to Oz, where she discovers her old friends are threatened by an evil Jester. She teams up with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion to restore harmony and overcome obstacles, learning lessons about courage, friendship, and selflessness. Critics Review: Critics gave mixed to negative reviews, citing weak story development and underwhelming animation quality. However, the film was praised for its faithfulness to the Oz universe and its attempt to deliver positive moral lessons to children. Christian Perspective: The story reflects Christian values suc...

Journey Back to Oz Runtime: 80 min Studio: Filmation Franchise: Wizard of Oz Franchise Position: 4 Based on: Book (The Marvelous Land of Oz) An animated sequel to the original Oz story, Dorothy returns to the Land of Oz to help her friends confront new challenges and restore peace to the magical kingdom. Ratings: My Rating: 7.0 The Dove Foundation: G IMDb: 6.4 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: Dorothy is transported back to Oz, where she discovers that her friends are facing new threats from evil forces. Alongside the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion, she embarks on a journey to restore order and ensure that good triumphs over evil. The story emphasizes courage, friendship, and perseverance. Critics Review: Critics noted the animation quality as charming but occasionally inconsistent. The story is faithful to the Oz universe and praised for its moral lessons and entertainment value for children. Christian Perspective: The story reinforces Christian values such as courage, ...

Zorro: The Chronicles Runtime: 132 minutes Studio: Toei Animation Country of Origin: Japan Franchise: Zorro Franchise Position: 17th Animated series bringing Zorro’s adventures to a global audience with modern animation style. Ratings: My Rating: 7.3/10 The Dove Foundation: TV-Y7 IMDb: 7.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: Young Diego Vega fights injustice using clever strategies and swordsmanship. This series emphasizes adventure and moral lessons for children. Critics Review: Animation quality praised, enjoyable for children, with lessons in courage and honor. Christian Perspective: Shows courage, protecting the innocent, and standing against evil; aligns with Christian ethics. Family Friendliness: TV-Y7 rated; action is mild, suitable for children and family viewing. Notable Songs: N/A

Zorro: Generation Z Runtime: 264 minutes Studio: BKN International Country of Origin: Germany Franchise: Zorro Franchise Position: 14th Animated series following Diego de la Vega’s descendant, who becomes a modern-day Zorro using high-tech gadgets to fight crime. Ratings: My Rating: 7.0/10 The Dove Foundation: TV-Y7 IMDb: 6.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: Set in a futuristic California, the new Zorro battles crime syndicates while protecting citizens, using both intelligence and high-tech tools. Critics Review: Received moderate praise for creativity, animation style, and introducing Zorro to a younger audience in a contemporary setting. Christian Perspective: Themes of protecting the innocent and standing for justice remain consistent with Christian moral values, despite the futuristic setting. Family Friendliness: TV-Y7 rating; mild action and cartoon violence, suitable for children and family viewing. Notable Songs: N/A

Bat Thumb Release Date: January 1, 2001 Age Rating: Not Rated Runtime: 28 minutes Studio: O Entertainment Franchise: Thumbs! Franchise Position: 3rd Tagline: N/A Ratings: My Rating: N/A Dove Foundation Rating: N/A IMDb Rating: 6.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: N/A Metacritic Rating: N/A Plot Summary: Superhero Wuce Bane (a.k.a. Bat Thumb) and his trusty sidekick, Blue Jay, are called upon to save Gaaathumb City from the evil, despicable, and poorly dressed "No Face." Will the city survive? Will Bat Thumb's true identity be revealed? Will Vicky Nail learn to control her unruly waves? Find out the answers to all these questions in this latest comic adventure from master storyteller Steve Oedekerk. Critics Review: "Bat Thumb" is a quirky and humorous parody that uses the "Thumbation" technique to bring its characters to life. The short film offers a lighthearted take on the superhero genre, with exaggerated performances and a playful storyline. While it may ...

Back to the Future: The Animated Series Age Rating: TV-Y7 Franchise: Back to the Future Franchise Position: 5 Total Runtime: 942 minutes  "Marty McFly and Doc Brown embark on animated adventures through time, solving problems and encountering historical figures in a kid-friendly format." Ratings My Rating: 7.2/10 Dove Foundation Rating: 5/5 IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 65% Metacritic: 60% Plot Summary The Animated Series follows Marty McFly and Doc Brown as they travel through various historical periods in a kid-friendly, animated format. Each episode presents new challenges, including preventing historical mishaps, avoiding time paradoxes, and helping famous figures. The show maintains the humor, cleverness, and charm of the original films while making the adventures accessible and educational for a younger audience. Critics Review Critics appreciated the series for translating the franchise into an animated, child-appropriate format. The animation was lively, and th...

An American Tail Runtime: 81 minutes Rating: G Studio: Amblin Entertainment / Sullivan Bluth Studios / Universal Pictures Franchise: An American Tail Franchise Position: Original film Tagline: A little mouse’s big dream of family, hope, and freedom. Trailer link   Cast List  Ratings My rating: 7 Dove Foundation rating: N/A IMDb rating: 6.9/10  Rotten Tomatoes rating: 77%  Metacritic rating: 38%  Plot Summary In 1885 Russia, the Jewish Mousekewitz family flees an anti-Semitic attack, hoping for a better life in America—but their young son Fievel is swept overboard during the voyage. Alone in New York, Fievel braves hardship, meets new friends like Tony and Bridget, unearths Warren T. Rat’s deception, and ultimately reunites with his family through courage and ingenuity. Critics Review Upon release, the film was praised for its animation and emotional depth, but some critics, like Siskel and Ebert, thought it was too dark for younger viewers. Rotten Tomatoes sco...

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies Release Year: 2009 Runtime: 75 minutes Age Rating: PG-13 Studio: Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment Franchise: DC Universe Animated Original Movies Franchise Position: Standalone (NOT a sequel) Tagline: When the world turns against them, heroes fight back. Trailer link:   Cast link:  Ratings My Rating: 7.2/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Approved for ages 13+  IMDb Rating: 6.7/10  Rotten Tomatoes: No score available Metacritic: No score available Plot Summary Set in a world where Superman is declared a wanted criminal after taking down a corrupt president, Public Enemies follows Superman and Batman as they team up to clear Superman’s name and stop the villainous Lex Luthor from unleashing a powerful meteor strike on Earth. The film features intense action, political intrigue, and explores themes of trust and justice. Critics Review Critics praised the film for its action-packed storyline, strong voice performances by Tim Daly (Super...

Superman/Batman: Battle of the Super Sons Release Year: 2022 Runtime: 97 minutes Age Rating: PG Studio: Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment Franchise: DC Universe Animated Original Movies Franchise Position: Standalone (NOT a sequel) Tagline: The next generation of heroes rises. Trailer link :  Cast link :  Ratings My Rating: 7.4/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Approved for all ages  IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: No score available Metacritic: No score available Plot Summary In this action-packed animated feature, Superman and Batman’s sons—Jonathan Kent and Damian Wayne—team up for the first time to face a new cosmic threat endangering Earth. As they navigate their own differences and forge a new brotherhood, the young heroes discover the true meaning of heroism and legacy. The film explores family, responsibility, and the challenges of living up to legendary parents. Critics Reviews  Critics responded positively to the film’s dynamic action sequences, char...

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse Release Year: 2010 Runtime: 75 minutes Age Rating: PG-13 Studio: Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment Franchise: DC Universe Animated Original Movies Franchise Position: Sequel (to Superman/Batman: Public Enemies) Tagline: The fate of two worlds hangs in the balance. Trailer link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXM6KXqvQuA Cast link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1645170/fullcredits Ratings My Rating: 7.3/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Approved for ages 13+ — https://dove.org/review/supermanbatman-apocalypse/ IMDb Rating: 6.7/10 — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1645170/ Rotten Tomatoes: No score available Metacritic: No score available Plot Summary Superman/Batman: Apocalypse centers on Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, who arrives on Earth fleeing the destruction of Krypton. As she struggles to control her immense powers, Darkseid seeks to capture and use her abilities for his own conquest. Superman and Batman must protect Kara while battling the forces of Apok...

Superman: Unbound Release Year: 2013 Runtime: 76 minutes Age Rating: PG Studio: Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment Franchise: DC Universe Animated Original Movies Franchise Position: Standalone (NOT a sequel) Tagline: The battle for Metropolis begins. Trailer link Cast link Ratings My Rating: 7.2/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Approved for ages 8+  IMDb Rating: 6.9/10  Rotten Tomatoes: No score available Metacritic: No score available Plot Summary Superman: Unbound follows Superman as he faces off against the brainy and dangerous villain Brainiac, who threatens to destroy Earth by capturing entire cities. The film explores Superman’s inner struggle between his Kryptonian heritage and his human upbringing. With the help of Lois Lane and the Justice League, Superman battles to save Metropolis and the planet from total annihilation. Critics Review Critics generally responded positively to the film’s action sequences, animation quality, and faithfulness to the comic book sourc...

Superman: Red Son Release Year: 2020 Runtime: 84 minutes Age Rating: R Studio: Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment Franchise: DC Universe Animated Original Movies Franchise Position: Standalone (NOT a sequel) Tagline: What if Superman had landed in the Soviet Union? Trailer link :  Cast link :  Ratings My Rating: 7.8/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Not rated (contains mature themes) IMDb Rating: 7.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes : 83% Metacritic: No score available Plot Summary Superman: Red Son imagines an alternate reality where Superman’s spaceship crash-lands in the Soviet Union instead of Kansas. Raised under Communist ideology, this version of Superman becomes a symbol of Soviet power and control. The film explores the ideological clash between East and West, the nature of power, and the definition of heroism. It features iconic DC characters in new roles shaped by this alternate history. Critics Review Critics praised the film for its ambitious storytelling, mature themes, and st...

Superman: Doomsday Release Year: 2007 Runtime: 75 minutes Age Rating: PG-13 Studio: Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment Franchise: DC Universe Animated Original Movies Franchise Position: Standalone (NOT a sequel) Tagline: The Man of Steel faces his deadliest threat. Trailer link :  Cast link :  Ratings My Rating: 7.1/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Approved for ages 13+  IMDb Rating: 6.5/10  Rotten Tomatoes: No score available Metacritic: No score available Plot Summary In this darker, more mature retelling of The Death of Superman storyline, Superman battles the unstoppable monster Doomsday, who threatens to destroy Metropolis and the world. The fierce confrontation leads to tragic consequences for both combatants. The film explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the heavy cost of being a symbol of hope in a violent world. Critics Review The film received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised the animation style and the emotional depth given to Superman’s...

Death of Superman / Reign of the Supermen Release Year: 2019 Runtime: 134 minutes (combined runtime of both films) Age Rating: PG-13 Studio: Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment Franchise: DC Universe Animated Original Movies Franchise Position: Two-part film (NOT a sequel) Tagline: The world will never be the same. Trailer link:  Cast Link Ratings My Rating: 7.6/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Approved for ages 13+  IMDb Rating: 7.3/10  Rotten Tomatoes : 87%  Metacritic: No score available Plot Summary The story begins with Superman facing off against the monstrous Doomsday, leading to a devastating battle that results in Superman’s death. In the wake of his passing, several new heroes rise, each claiming to be the true successor of the Man of Steel. The Justice League and the world must grapple with loss, hope, and the legacy of Superman as the mysterious figure behind the mask is revealed. This two-part animated film explores themes of sacrifice, identity, and he...

Superman: The Animated Series Release Year: 1996-2000 Runtime: Approximately 215 minutes (54 episodes) Age Rating: TV-PG Studio: Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment Franchise: DC Animated Universe (DCAU) Franchise Position: Standalone series (NOT a sequel) Tagline: The Man of Steel faces his greatest challenges. Trailer link :  Cast link:  Ratings My Rating: 8.5/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Approved for ages 8+ IMDb Rating: 8.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: No score available Metacritic: No score available Plot Summary This critically acclaimed animated TV series follows Clark Kent as he embraces his destiny as Superman, protector of Metropolis and the world. The show balances superhero action with character-driven stories, exploring Clark’s dual life, his relationships with Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, and battles against classic villains such as Lex Luthor, Brainiac, and Darkseid. With its mature storytelling and compelling animation, the series is a cornerstone of the DC Animated ...

Superman: The Fleischer Cartoons Release Year: 1941-1943 Runtime: Approximately 80 minutes (13 shorts combined) Age Rating: Not Rated Studio: Fleischer Studios Franchise: Superman Franchise Position: Original series (NOT a sequel) Tagline: The Man of Steel battles crime with power and justice. Trailer link: [ Intro ] Cast link :  Ratings My Rating: 8.0/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Approved for all ages  IMDb Rating: 8.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: No score available Metacritic: No score available Plot Summary This classic series of 13 animated shorts features Superman fighting a variety of criminals and villains to protect Metropolis and the world. Known for its groundbreaking animation techniques and iconic character portrayals, the Fleischer cartoons helped define Superman’s image for generations. Each short is a self-contained story showcasing Superman’s strength, courage, and commitment to justice. Critics Reviews  Critics and historians praise these cartoons for their pionee...

DC League of Super-Pets Release Year: 2022 Runtime: 106 minutes Age Rating: PG Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment Franchise: DC Universe Franchise Position: Standalone (NOT a sequel) Tagline: Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Trailer link:  Cast link :  Ratings My Rating: 7.2/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Approved for all ages —  IMDb Rating: 6.3/10  Rotten Tomatoes : 87%  Metacritic : 65  Plot Summary When Superman and the Justice League are captured, Krypto the Superdog and a team of shelter pets with newfound superpowers team up to save the day. The animated adventure showcases friendship, courage, and the unexpected heroism of animals, blending humor with action-packed sequences in the DC universe. Critics Review Critics praised DC League of Super-Pets for its family-friendly humor, vibrant animation, and heartwarming story. The voice performances, especially Dwayne Johnson as Krypto and Kevin Hart as Ace the Bat-H...

Legion of Super-Heroes Release Year: 2023 Runtime: 104 minutes Age Rating: PG-13 Studio: Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment Franchise: DC Universe Animated Original Movies Franchise Position: Standalone (NOT a sequel) Tagline: The future’s greatest heroes unite to save the galaxy. Trailer link:  Cast link:  Ratings My Rating: 7.0/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Approved for ages 12+  IMDb Rating: 6.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes: No score available Metacritic: No score available Plot Summary In the 31st century, a young and idealistic Brainiac 5 assembles the Legion of Super-Heroes, a team of powerful young heroes from across the galaxy. Facing a cosmic threat that endangers Earth and the entire universe, the Legion must overcome their differences and prove themselves as defenders of justice. This animated film explores themes of friendship, responsibility, and the challenges of leadership in a futuristic setting, blending classic superhero action with sci-fi adventure. Critics ...

Justice League: War Release Year: 2014 Runtime: 77 minutes Age Rating: PG-13 Studio: Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment Franchise: DC Universe Animated Original Movies Franchise Position: Justice League entry #5 (NOT a sequel) Tagline: The Justice League is born in the battle for Earth. Trailer link :  Cast link:   Ratings My Rating: 7.3/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Approved for ages 12+  IMDb Rating: 7.3/10  Rotten Tomatoes : 79%  Metacritic : 59  Plot Summary When the villainous Darkseid invades Earth with his Parademon army, a group of heroes must unite for the first time to defend the planet. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Cyborg, and Shazam come together to form the Justice League. The film chronicles their initial struggles to work as a team and their fight against overwhelming odds to stop Darkseid’s invasion. This high-energy animated origin story combines epic battles with character-driven drama. Critics Review Critics ...

Justice League: Throne of Atlantis Release Year: 2015 Runtime: 76 minutes Age Rating: PG-13 Studio: Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment Franchise: DC Universe Animated Original Movies Franchise Position: Justice League entry #6 (NOT a sequel) Tagline: The battle for Atlantis begins. Trailer link:  Cast link :  Ratings My Rating: 7.4/10 Dove Foundation Rating: Approved for ages 12+  IMDb Rating: 7.0/10  Rotten Tomatoes : 81%  Metacritic : 65  Plot Summary When the underwater kingdom of Atlantis rises to the surface, it triggers a conflict with the surface world. Aquaman discovers his royal heritage and must embrace his destiny to prevent a war between the two realms. Meanwhile, the Justice League works to mediate peace and confront dangerous enemies threatening global stability. This animated feature blends epic action, political intrigue, and themes of identity, loyalty, and responsibility. Critics Review The film was well received for its action seq...