User Score
7.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 179 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 29 out of 179

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  1. Apr 13, 2012
    10
    I love this movie. I think it is a great movie and I believe the right cast was chosen. Josh Hutcherson was a great Jess, Annasophia Robb was a perfect Leslie, Bailee Madison was a cute Maybel, Zooey Dushenel was an good teacher. I think the creativity and imagination put into this book and then film was inspiring and a great family film. The ending was very sad and I felt for Jess. The was Josh showed us how Jess was feeling was incredible and more than I expected! Overall a lovely film and perfect for a family get together! Expand
  2. ViganO
    Jul 31, 2009
    10
    This is with no comment the best movie I ever saw.And this was the first movie which made me cry because the sad ending. This is the best movie ever made.
  3. RoyalBlue
    Feb 24, 2007
    9
    The film was a fantastic adaptation of the novel. Sensitive, lovely, and touching, the movie used fantasy as a metaphor for tragedy and "moving on," just like the novel. The people who complain about the movie's last third should--and please forgive me--grow up. Yes, it is SAD. Tragedy IS tragic. Why shouldn't a movie mirror life and show that growth--even happiness--can come from loss?! That's what art does; it reflects life in all its complexity. Well worth seeing and, with any luck, will become a classic touchstone film in the genre. Expand
  4. LukeC.
    Feb 20, 2007
    9
    Incredible! It's a story that you don't see everyday. I don't know about you, but I love using my imagination. And the film was way better when I used my imagination to "inhance" the film. I loved it. Made me want to run into the forest and cry, but it was cold outside. Yeah the trailers had nothing to do with the film really, but i guess people who have read the book know better and the trailers were to apeal to an action loving audiance. I'm going to see it again, and I sugest you see it too! Expand
  5. BradL
    Jun 25, 2007
    10
    Perhaps the single most heart wrenching movie I have ever seen. Let me say this: Pan's Labyrinth was a masterpiece, and delved into the depths of a young child's heart and mind using an astounding mixture of connecting metaphors and a scary journey in juxtaposition to an even scarier world. It was truly saddening, because it had to be. It explained it's sadness in a way that can be traced through it's own tale. That said, Bridge to Terabithia manifests within the soul a more profound (indeed, THE most profound) sadness, one which I have only felt when those closest to me have passed on. Never in my life has art created something that saddens me and eludes an answer. Pan's Labyrinth's answer is traceable; Terabithia's lies beyond my mind's ability to explain, perhaps because it is so real, so alone, so transcendental. What I can say is that it is in one perspective ironic that I am saddened by those who cannot feel this way because they have forgotten what it was like to once possess an open mind, like a child's. A cynical layer of myself would say it's too childish and can be seen through. But the truth elicited in Terabithia shows that each layer is at once important and ridiculous, and underneath this lies what a true open mind is: one that is not afraid to admit that everyone must be right, that everyone must be wrong, that for now, this is all complete garbage. This is beautifully perfect. Expand
  6. CristopherG.
    Feb 9, 2008
    10
    Best family film of the year by far. Great acting by Hutcherson and Robb, especially Robb (stole every scene she's in) and Zoey was top notch like always. Quite sad in the end, but a great moral message is delivered which made this movie a classic fairytale/coming of age story that will be remembered for a long long time.
  7. EmmaR.
    Nov 30, 2007
    9
    The way Disney advertised this movie is so cruel. It shows that Disney thinks making money is more important than being truthful. If Disney didn't have faith in the movie, they shouldn't have made it. I can't belief the company that made this wonderful movie is the same company that advertised it in such a misleading way. This movie reveals what a greedy selfish company Disney is these days. I miss those days when Disney were happy to provide us wih quality movie. Now Disney's become one of those stupid major company that wants nothing but money! Anyway the movie was great. No part of it felt boring. The children's acting looked so real (unlike the girl from the Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, her acting was totally fake.) I wonder if AnnaSophie Robb is really anything like the character she plays. Anyway, when I went to watch the movie I had already read the book. I was kind of confused when I saw the trailers, but the movie did turn out to be loyal to the book. It even added a little to the book. When I took my older brother (who's kind of into fantasy stuff) to see this movie, I didn't tell him what the movie was about. His reaction was so funny. Anyway if you're sick of those fantasy movies that are all the same (eg. Narnia, The Never Ending Story) this is certainly the movie for you. The occastional action sequences are average, but the magical the story was told will blow you away. If you don't like this movie you clearly don't have the ability to feel love and pain. In other words go see this movie. If you can tink deeply about things you'll love it. Expand
  8. Marquis
    Mar 26, 2007
    9
    An excellent family film that never panders. It is not the Narnian fantasy the trailers make out but a very real story about a beautiful friendship, family tension, choices, standing up for oneself, and loss. I was concerned about the loss, but someone reminded me that Charlotte's Web has a similar heartache to it. That this loss is dealt with in tender yet realistic tones elevates it. My children loved the film. It has the air of a classic about it. Expand
  9. TrinN.
    Mar 5, 2007
    9
    Though the movie was great, I think the book was slightly better. And I am shocked to see people who didn't bother to read the book (and even some who did) go on and on about how awful the ending to this movie was! Please. Either do some research, read more books, or maybe just accept the fact that life is not always kind. Please stop complaining that you were misled about the kind of story this is. The book is very well known and the movie kept the book's name. Also, maybe you should keep in mind that the author of this book wrote it to help her own young son deal with a very simular loss in his own life. Maybe that will help you keep an open mind. Expand
  10. JimmusMaximus
    Apr 14, 2007
    9
    Fantastic movie. The dimwits complaining that it was not like the trailer should similarly downgrade all movies. Here's a shocker for you folks, products are not always like the commercials they advertise them in either. Those who were bored were likely hoping for an insipid Tarantino-esque bloodbath or some other Hollywood schlock. I'm sorry the people with little or no imagination were befuddled by this. It's good to see Disney getting back to making family films, even dramatic ones. Expand
  11. John
    May 25, 2007
    10
    MA and Louis H are perfect examples of the problem with the movie industry in the US. It attempts to draw in the mass movie watcher, special effect junkie, no plot or characters needed. I was surprised at first to discover that the misleading trailer (a Narnia clone) was replaced in the theatre by a deep, dark tale encompassing the trials of childhood and adventures that some of us experience as we mature. Loved the story, loved the fact that the screenplay stayed true to the novel and was not sugar coated in any way. The best part of the movie experience was the shocked silence from the 6-7 10 y/o boys sitting behind us during the latter half of the movie, that had upto that point been yammering on about special effects and were probably of the mindset of our two critics mentioned above. Expand
  12. Bea
    May 30, 2007
    9
    I think this is very good film because it has a short and very interesting plot. It´s a very unpredictable film with a tragic and surpraising end.I was particularly impreased by the script.The only bad point of the movie is the special effects,the special effects which are unconvincing.All in all I recommend this movie to anyone who would like an intelligent love story with a hint of fantasy. Expand
  13. Tony
    Jun 4, 2007
    10
    This was an excellent film. Without knowing much about the plot aside from the images shown in the trailer, I was surprised by what the movie had to offer. I will warn you though, it is a very sad movie, lite hearted in the beginning, but very serious towards the end. I wouldn't have my kids watch this one until they were a bit older. This movie literally left me feeling a bit depressed, which is a testament to the acting and scripting. If you are looking for a solid drama, with some fun thrown in that will most certainly stir some emotion, check this one out. Expand
  14. DavidS
    Jan 6, 2008
    10
    Really amazing storie that touch ur heart, brain and soul. Now im writing again. Thanks Disney and Walden Media.
  15. StephenP.
    Feb 14, 2007
    10
    We were able to see the film at the premiere and it grabbed the entire audience from the opening scenes to the very end, putting us through an emotional rollercoaster. You can't help getting sucked up into this movie's world. The characters are completely believable and sympathetic: Josh Hutcherson and Anna Sophia Robb simply become Jess and Leslie. This movie is a must-see for all ages. Expand
  16. LauraR.
    Feb 14, 2007
    10
    Outstanding film! I can't wait to see it again the day it opens. This is a movie my kids and their friends will see many times over...and I will probably be right behind them. You're crazy if you miss this one (ignore the trailers).
  17. RickA.
    Feb 15, 2007
    10
    Disney movie at it's best. If you don't walk out of this feeling good - what's the matter with you?!?
  18. DeliaR.
    Feb 16, 2007
    10
    This movie was incredible. I sobbed, along with my friend. AnnaSophia and Josh totally get into thier characters, and have wonderful acting skills. A wonderful movie, worth seeing, love, love LOVE!
  19. Nikki
    Feb 19, 2007
    10
    This was a GREAT movie and I highly recommend it. Many people complain that it isn't like Narnia but I'm glad its not. Its different (which is good) and shouldn't be/not meant to be like Narnia. People are complaining that they aren't in Terabithia a lot when I'm glad they aren't, since it's only a made up world. I highly suggest this for familys.
  20. KevinT.
    Feb 19, 2007
    9
    I loved this movie. Aside from some technical aspects (dubbing) that was a bit distracting and some rushed scenes and dialogue, this is a classic family film that has something to say. The tragedy in the film is what makes it stand out from a typical fantasy/coming of age movie. I cried for the last 20 minutes, at first because I was sad, and soon enough, for the touching, heartwarming way in which it ended. I can't wait to see it again. (And I'm 39 years old!) Expand
  21. LynnB.
    Feb 19, 2007
    10
    Very true to the book - excellent protrayal of emotion and made you use your own imagination. I loved the book, and was truely happy with how the movie presented the book. The children actors were excellent and the interactions and relationships were protrayed wonderfully. Highly recommended
  22. DawnM.
    Feb 20, 2007
    9
    Having not read the book, this movie was not what I expected, but I was still wowed and moved. Wonderful picture!
  23. TessU.
    Feb 24, 2007
    10
    This was a moving movie. It really told me that I should just be myself and not follow a crowd and to definitely keep my mind wide open.
  24. BillC.
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    A near perfect film for young adults and parents.Well written, well paced, very well acted. I went in having no knowlege of the book and very little knowlege of the film. It's a simple story with many of lifes challenges covered along the way.
  25. JimH.
    Mar 1, 2007
    10
    Wonderful movie. Nothing really can explain just how beautiful and brilliant a film Terabithia is.
  26. DanniT.
    Mar 1, 2007
    10
    Love it. Great movie. The best that I have seen in a long time. It made me cry.
  27. JoshH.
    Mar 1, 2007
    10
    Excellent picture. Worth a see, definitely. I have seen it a few times, and I always want to see it again afterwards. It is a beautiful and lovely movie with superb acting, direction, and a beautiful score to top it all off.
  28. MorganS.
    Mar 4, 2007
    10
    It is hard to put into writing just how marvelous and wonderful Bridge to Terabithia really is, yet as I attempt it, I can
  29. janq
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    Like OMG! This movie was like soooo great. I went to the mall and saw it. i went with all my girlfriends! OMG! and i just like broke up with my boyfriend while seeing this movie cuz he said that i wasnt what he wanted out of me. he likes annasophia better!
  30. Brided.
    Sep 29, 2007
    10
    Amazing and touching movie!
  31. AbbyL
    Sep 3, 2007
    10
    This movie is an absolute tear jerker. At the end I was left devastated and shocked, in a good way. I can't even speak! This movie was not so much of a fantasy, but I didn't care as the movie was so damn good. I do not recommend this movie if you hate crying.
  32. SkyT
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    The movie which made me cry since the Titanic. I love this movie, the first time I saw my sister cry for a movie. I saw the sincerity from her eyes while her tears fall. Very touching and must not be missed.
  33. JonasN.
    Nov 9, 2008
    10
    This movie is simply beautiful. The way Lesslie gives Jess an incredible gift, and teaches him to appreciate his mind. I have never cried at a movie before, but when Jess gives Maybell his hand and takes her to Terabithia, and everything becomes clear, the beauty, the incedible sadness of what happened, the message, I broke down. This movie must not be missed.
  34. MichelleC
    Jul 20, 2008
    10
    Great movie, even for an adult. I never expected the ending which made me cry but the movie was still great.
  35. PatriciaB.
    Feb 18, 2007
    10
    One of the best live action kids movies I have ever seen. A real treasure. I was a fan of the book, yet my hopes weren't high when I saw the trailer which emphasized the effects... but the movie more than delivers on the delicate evolution of Jess and Leslie's special friendship. The casting was pitch-perfect and the director made the excellent choice of giving the story a timeless feel, rather than trying to update it and pander to the kids out there who idolize Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton. This is also a wonderful film for people in their 30's and 40's who grew up reading the book - it really transports you back to your childhood, thanks to the costuming and set design. Bridge to Terabithia is a film worth recommending to kids (who can handle the sad parts) and adults. Expand
  36. DanaM.
    Mar 11, 2007
    9
    Well done story from all angles. Certainly a surprise twist to the plot near the end, but I think the way the characters dealt with the loss was excellent. I think the bullying aspect of the school day was a littlle overblown, but the reasoning for the bully personalities was eventually explained. Excellent acting all around, with Leslie portrayed briliantly by Robb. Go see it, well worth the entrance fee. Expand
  37. austinj.
    Jul 18, 2007
    10
    This movie was wonderful! Its great because its relate able to a lot of peoples lives. I had a best friend die when i was 8 from a car wreck. It was superb acting by all the actors and actresses. Its shows a stories about a great friendship and that not every thing is perfect in this world. its a great movie for people of every age or gender. you should read the book first!
  38. Aug 30, 2011
    10
    This is actually one of the rare movies which made me cried. The cast is really great (Zooey Deschanel is perfect as always).Everyone should watch this movie.
  39. Nov 9, 2011
    10
    Filled with dynamic visual effects, very real, convincing performances and a powerful story focusing on loss, friendship and imagination, Bridge to Terabithia is one of the best films of 2007. 4/4 stars.
  40. Feb 24, 2013
    9
    Bridge To Terabithia is one of my all time favorite fairy tales and when I heard they were making it into a movie, I was very excited. When I heard it was Disney doing it, I was modified. Disney has a way of taking classic tales and distorting them into happy, loving, little stories that completely ignore the underlying issues, but with Bridge To Terabithia they didn't do that. This movie was fantastic and every bit as impactful as the original story. The young leads are terrific, the movie is visually appealing, and the story is left virtually untouched. This is a good one! Expand
  41. Feb 25, 2012
    9
    bridge to terabithia
    excellent movie. It's good for all ages, and its also good for kids, in my opinion. I think its a disney movie, or disney style at least. It's a little motional (emo), but its a great movie. Good characters, and story. Its a little sad at the end , but it's a great movie overall!
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 25
  2. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. The fantasy-adventure incorporates the novel's magical and emotional elements without overplaying either -- a balance that hasn't always proven easy to maintain in the world of kid-lit adaptation.
  2. Reviewed by: Justin Chang
    70
    Some literal-minded attempts at magical realism are redeemed by the film's emotional texture, winning chemistry between the tyke leads and scrupulous adherence to a childlike point of view.
  3. 88
    This is easily the best family feature of the early year.