A parent's guide to 'Smurfs': Is the movie suitable for little kids?
Don't stop the Smurfin' music.
Those little blue folks that first appeared in Belgian cartoonist Peyo’s 1950s comics – and became a 1980s pop-culture staple – have returned to the big screen with the hybrid animated/live-action adventure “Smurfs” (in theaters July 18). Smurf movies have been a thing for a while but the new one differentiates itself because it’s a very musical film. And a very Rihanna one, as well.
The pop star voices Smurfette – who seems to be a smaller but just as sassy version of the actual Rihanna – and has made this world her own as a producer and songwriter. She wrote and recorded the single “Friend of Mine,” one of 14 original songs on the very Smurfin’ “Smurfs” soundtrack.
So it’s got a good beat, but are your kids going to dance to it? Here’s what parents need to know going in about the new “Smurfs”:
What is Rihanna’s ‘Smurfs’ movie about?
Everything’s going pretty Smurfy in Smurf Village – dance parties, etc. – though No Name (voiced by James Corden) worries that he doesn’t have a “thing” the same way, say, Hefty Smurf (Alex Winter) is brawny and Brainy Smurf (Xolo Maridueña) is smart. But that existential crisis is compounded by Papa Smurf (John Goodman) getting Smurf-napped by the evil Razamel (JP Karliak). The wizard is hot to find a missing book of magic protected by the elder Smurf, and Smurfette and Co. venture to Paris, Munich and the Australian Outback, plus enlist the help of Papa’s brother Ken (Nick Offerman) to foil the villain’s nefarious plans.
Who else is in the ’Smurfs’ cast?
While Smurfette has long been the only female in Smurf Village, two actresses voice her pals: Maya Erskine is Vanity Smurf and Billie Lourd is Worry Smurf. Sandra Oh is Moxie Smurf, Ken’s daughter and the leader of a French freedom-fighting squad, while Kurt Russell is Ken and Papa’s long-lost brother Ron, who’s pretty much Thor in Smurf form. As for those not in the blue crew, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll and Hannah Waddingham play wizard baddies, and Natasha Lyonne is Mama Poot, matriarch of the Aussie Snooterpoots, who looks uncannily like the real Lyonne in frazzled furball form.
What is the 2025 ‘Smurfs’ movie rated?
“Smurfs” is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association “for action, language and some rude humor.” The Smurfs go on rip-roaring adventures through different dimensions that are more kid-thrilling than anxiety-inducing. And since there’s no Salty Smurf, there’s nothing too out-of-bounds in terms of dialogue. You’re more likely to find Smurfy versions of naughtier things – for example, a turtle character exclaiming, “What the shell?!”
How long is the new ‘Smurfs’ movie?
The running time is 89 minutes. From a kids’ or parents’ perspective, you cannot go wrong with a movie under 90 minutes. Kudos, guys.
How many Smurfs movies are there?
Not counting the 1975 Belgian “The Smurfs and the Magic Flute,” the new “Smurfs” is the fourth feature film. The live action/cartoon “The Smurfs” came out in 2011 and was followed by a sequel two years later. The last outing was an all-animated reboot, 2017’s “Smurfs: The Lost Village.”
Is the ‘Smurfs’ movie appropriate for little kids?
Honestly, it’s one of the best bets for younger kids in theaters right now, alongside “Elio” and “Lilo & Stitch.” All children are different, of course, but there’s nothing too scary or disconcerting for little ones. Classic villain Gargamel (JP Karliak), brother of Razamel, and his bad cat Azrael are on somewhat good behavior and not trying to have Smurfs for lunch. The Smurfs themselves are the danciest bunch this side of the “Trolls” franchise, and even when it looks like certain doom for lovable characters, they end up being OK.
It’s also got a good message as it explores themes of identity and finding what makes you special. Corden’s character has a ballad about feeling like an outsider among his own Smurf brethren but eventually he finds his own individuality, with the help of Smurfette and his friends. Overall, it’s not too Smurfin’ shabby – which is high praise considering there have been some terrible Smurf flicks. And Sound Effects Smurf (Spencer X) is an absolute delight.
Where can I watch the ‘Smurfs’ movie?
“Smurfs,” directed by Chris Miller (“Puss in Boots”), is in theaters this weekend, but families wanting to watch at home will have to hold their Smurfin’ horses. If it follows the path of similar family film “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” “Smurfs” will likely arrive on video-on-demand platforms in mid- to late August, and should be streaming on Paramount+ by late September/early October.