Swiss Family Robinson

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Swiss Family Robinson

G

Released Dec 21, 1960

2h 8m

Kids & Family

Adventure

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Popcornmeter

81%

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21 Reviews

78%

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25,000+ Ratings

In this family film, the Robinson clan -- mother (Dorothy McGuire), father (John Mills) and their three sons, Fritz, Ernst and Francis -- flee the reign of Napoleon to start afresh in New Guinea. When their ship gets damaged en route, the family takes refuge on a deserted island. The Robinsons learn to live in the wild, have various adventures and build an impressive house in a tree. However, while island life is full excitement, the question of whether to return to civilization looms.

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Critics Consensus

Wholesome and energetic, the ingenious Swiss Family Robinson guides us through a thrilling adventure that leaves us wondering whether modern civilization is all it's cracked up to be.

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TIME Magazine

The Swiss Family Robinson, like most of Walt Disney's screen versions of the children's classics, is good Disney and bad culture.

Mar 9, 2009

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Steven D. Greydanus

Decent Films

Chock-full of exotic locations and animals, desert-island DIY ingenuity, and high-spirited excitement, with a poignant subplot involving the rivalry of the two elder sons.

Rated: B+

Feb 11, 2006

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Howard Thompson

New York Times

It's hard to imagine how the picture could be better as a rousing, humorous and gentle-hearted tale of family love amid primitive isolation and dangers.

May 10, 2005

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

As a tale of hardship and pioneer pluck, the tale is pure fantasy, but as entertainment its energetic and appealing.

Mar 12, 2022

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Clyde Gilmour

Maclean's Magazine

The famous 1813 novel by Johann Wyss has been turned into a fine adventure film under Walt Disney's supervision, although purists may resent the way the original narrative has been souped up with pirates and other innovations.

Oct 31, 2019

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

This feels like a believable family, even if the treehouse is a little over the top.

Jun 27, 2019

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Wesley H.

Loved this movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/27/25

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Audience Member

All time classic family film, a rare case of a movie being far better than the book. The menagerie of animals is a bit ridiculous in modern light, but the story is charming with enough excitement to carry through.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/25/25

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joe d

My favourite film as a child. Just so good.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/02/25

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Crazy P

Family classic. Love the animals they have and how they pray when they arrive on the island. Amusing how the father tries to be like his boys. Very cute movie. Definitely a must see

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/02/24

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Nick S

One of my favorite stories growing up. Great seeing this adaptation and how good it is. Definitely liked it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/08/24

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Dale R

This again features the child actors from Old Yeller and The Shaggy Dog as two of the Swiss Family children. It also features a love triangle that is done much better than in The Shaggy Dog. I was looking forward to this movie as I’d walked through the Swiss Family Treehouse at Walt Disney World a couple of times without any movie reference. While it didn’t blow me away as I’d hoped, I did enjoy it. My only real complaint is that some of the plot points seemed to come from left field, such as a stranded girl being found on the island so a love triangle could form.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/07/24

Full Review

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Ken Annakin

Director

John Mills

Father Robinson

Dorothy McGuire

Mother Robinson

James MacArthur

Fritz Robinson

Janet Munro

Roberta 'Bertie'

Sessue Hayakawa

Kuala, Pirate Chief

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Synopsis

In this family film, the Robinson clan -- mother (Dorothy McGuire), father (John Mills) and their three sons, Fritz, Ernst and Francis -- flee the reign of Napoleon to start afresh in New Guinea. When their ship gets damaged en route, the family takes refuge on a deserted island. The Robinsons learn to live in the wild, have various adventures and build an impressive house in a tree. However, while island life is full excitement, the question of whether to return to civilization looms.

Director: Ken Annakin
Producer: Walt Disney
Screenwriter: Johann David Wyss, Lowell S. Hawley
Distributor: Walt Disney Company Ltd. [gb], Buena Vista Pictures, Buena Vista Home Entertainment [br], Walt Disney Home Video [gb]
Production Co: Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 21, 1960, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Runtime: 2h 8m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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