Is Pixar’s Soul Kid Friendly? Parents Guide

Wondering if SOUL on Disney Plus is ok for kids? Rated PG for language and some deep content, Pixar’s SOUL may not be kid friendly for all ages. It may not be the Pixar you’re used to which may disappoint some, but SOUL is a more complex, spiritual movie that older kids can appreciate. Here’s what parents need to know in this SOUL Parents Guide.

Is Pixar’s Soul Kid Friendly?

Joe (Jamie Foxx) is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn’t quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz and he’s about to get an opportunity of a lifetime when he falls into a manhole into the Great Beyond – a place where unborn souls await until it’s their turn on earth. 

Joe helps 22 (Tina Fey) find their passion, and he discovers what it means to have soul.

Parents need to know that Pixar’s Soul is different than other Pixar movies and may be boring for young kids. There are spiritual elements where unborn souls prepare to be assigned a trip to Earth.

Language

There is a scene where young child souls repeat the word hell over and over. It’s used in context, and meant to be funny, but totally unnecessary. It’s just one of those things when a young kids hears a word and repeats it. 

There are also other words like stupid, idiot, and imbecile. 

Mature Content

SOUL is heavy. And with that comes mature content like talk of life and death, following your dreams, and death of a parent. There is also talk of an afterlife. 

Is SOUL Appropriate for Kids Under 10?

Admittedly, SOUL can be slow at times. While it’s a beautiful film, some people aren’t going to “get it.” There were times when I was a little confused if I wasn’t paying attention. And it’s weird and trippy. I would most compare it to Pixar’s Inside Out, but without a Bing Bong or a Joy to lighten the mood a little. 

There are some comedic elements that help break up the monotony, and characters that kids will love! I would recommend SOUL for kids ages 10 and up. Kids younger than that can certainly enjoy it, but it may not hold their interest for an hour and 40 minutes. 

In the Virtual Press Junket, the Director answers is Soul too earnest? My answer is no. With all the remakes that Disney has been making lately, I’m always grateful for an original story and new content. This is different, and different is good. 

No, this didn’t make me sob like Coco, but there were certain elements that made me cry, especially when Joe talks about his dad. These emotional quotes from SOUL hit hard. SOUL digs deep, and makes us think about what is most important in life. Where do we find our spark? 

There are so many lessons to learn from SOUL and a solid appreciation for pizza. That’ll win me over any day. I adore SOUL, because it causes my kids to ask hard questions in an age-appropriate way. And frankly, it’s good for my soul.