Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
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Watch-outs
What this film brings
Content barometer
Violence
2/5
Moderate
Fear
2/5
A few scenes
Sexuality
1/5
Allusions
Language
0/5
None
Narrative complexity
1/5
Accessible
Adult themes
0/5
None
Expert review
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a bright, fast moving animated adventure that blends high school comedy, sea fantasy, and a coming of age story, with an overall family friendly tone. The main sensitive elements involve striking transformations, ocean chases, a sea captain determined to hunt Krakens, and a deceptive mermaid antagonist who brings real tension through betrayal and escalating danger. The intensity stays moderate and highly stylized, with no gore and little visible injury, yet several scenes may still unsettle younger viewers, especially giant creature imagery, underwater peril, and moments where Ruby feels ashamed, overwhelmed, or responsible for trouble. Romance is very mild and limited to an innocent crush and prom related feelings, while language remains clean. For parents, the key issue is not mature content but the mix of fantasy action, brief fear, and emotional conflict, which makes it better for children who already handle energetic adventure stories well. I would suggest watching with younger kids if they are sensitive to sea monsters, betrayal by a trusted friend, or scenes where a teen heroine loses control of her body and emotions.
Synopsis
Ruby Gillman, a sweet and awkward high school student, discovers she's a direct descendant of the warrior kraken queens. The kraken are sworn to protect the oceans of the world against the vain, power-hungry mermaids. Destined to inherit the throne from her commanding grandmother, Ruby must use her newfound powers to protect those she loves most.
Difficult scenes
Early in the film, Ruby falls into salt water and suddenly transforms into a giant sea creature. The sequence is visually big and chaotic, with panic, pursuit, and fear of being seen by everyone, which may unsettle younger children even though the animation stays playful. Captain Gordon Lighthouse is more threatening than silly at times because he is actively trying to track and harm Krakens. In one ocean confrontation, he attempts to attack Ruby with hunting gear, creating a sense of real danger even though the violence is not graphic. Ruby becomes close to Chelsea, and the story later leans into misplaced trust and manipulation. When Ruby realizes that important truths were hidden from her or that she has been used, the emotional impact is strong, with crying, betrayal, and fear for her family and town, which some children may find more upsetting than the action scenes.
Where to watch
No verified platform for the US market yet. We keep this section updated as availability changes.
Availability checked on Apr 01, 2026
About this title
- Format
- Feature film
- Year
- 2023
- Runtime
- 1h 23m
- Countries
- United States of America
- Original language
- EN
- Directed by
- Kirk DeMicco
- Main cast
- Lana Condor, Toni Collette, Annie Murphy, Sam Richardson, Liza Koshy, Will Forte, Colman Domingo, Jaboukie Young-White, Blue Chapman, Ramona Young
- Studios
- DreamWorks Animation
Content barometer
Violence
2/5
Moderate
Fear
2/5
A few scenes
Sexuality
1/5
Allusions
Language
0/5
None
Narrative complexity
1/5
Accessible
Adult themes
0/5
None
Expert review
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a bright, fast moving animated adventure that blends high school comedy, sea fantasy, and a coming of age story, with an overall family friendly tone. The main sensitive elements involve striking transformations, ocean chases, a sea captain determined to hunt Krakens, and a deceptive mermaid antagonist who brings real tension through betrayal and escalating danger. The intensity stays moderate and highly stylized, with no gore and little visible injury, yet several scenes may still unsettle younger viewers, especially giant creature imagery, underwater peril, and moments where Ruby feels ashamed, overwhelmed, or responsible for trouble. Romance is very mild and limited to an innocent crush and prom related feelings, while language remains clean. For parents, the key issue is not mature content but the mix of fantasy action, brief fear, and emotional conflict, which makes it better for children who already handle energetic adventure stories well. I would suggest watching with younger kids if they are sensitive to sea monsters, betrayal by a trusted friend, or scenes where a teen heroine loses control of her body and emotions.
Synopsis
Ruby Gillman, a sweet and awkward high school student, discovers she's a direct descendant of the warrior kraken queens. The kraken are sworn to protect the oceans of the world against the vain, power-hungry mermaids. Destined to inherit the throne from her commanding grandmother, Ruby must use her newfound powers to protect those she loves most.
Difficult scenes
Early in the film, Ruby falls into salt water and suddenly transforms into a giant sea creature. The sequence is visually big and chaotic, with panic, pursuit, and fear of being seen by everyone, which may unsettle younger children even though the animation stays playful. Captain Gordon Lighthouse is more threatening than silly at times because he is actively trying to track and harm Krakens. In one ocean confrontation, he attempts to attack Ruby with hunting gear, creating a sense of real danger even though the violence is not graphic. Ruby becomes close to Chelsea, and the story later leans into misplaced trust and manipulation. When Ruby realizes that important truths were hidden from her or that she has been used, the emotional impact is strong, with crying, betrayal, and fear for her family and town, which some children may find more upsetting than the action scenes.