The Good Dinosaur – Pixar’s Most Underrated Journey

🦖 Introduction

🦕 This review is part of the Pixar Movie Series Guide – explore all animated adventures in order!

The Good Dinosaur is often overlooked, but for many families (including ours), it’s one of Pixar’s most emotionally resonant films. Combining jaw-dropping landscapes with a tender, deeply personal story, it stands apart from other animated adventures.

While many Pixar films balance humor with emotion, this one leans more into introspection, grief, and the journey toward emotional resilience – making it ideal for slightly older children and adults who appreciate layered storytelling.

🧬 Story & Characters

The film is set in an alternate timeline where the asteroid never wiped out the dinosaurs. Instead, they evolved into intelligent, agriculture-practicing creatures. Our young hero is Arlo, the smallest and most timid member of his Apatosaurus family.

Arlo desperately wants to “make his mark” – a rite of passage within the family – but fear holds him back. When tragedy strikes and his father dies in a flash flood while trying to help Arlo face his fears, the emotional weight of the story becomes clear.

Soon after, Arlo is swept far from home and must navigate unfamiliar wilderness. Along the way, he meets Spot, a human boy who behaves more like a loyal dog than a speaking character. Their relationship starts with distrust and rivalry but evolves into a touching bond based on survival, empathy, and eventual friendship.

Despite limited dialogue, the characters communicate with facial expression, action, and silence, proving that emotional depth doesn’t require long conversations. The pairing of Arlo’s cautious nature with Spot’s wild instincts forms the emotional heart of the film.

🎨 Visuals, Sound & Atmosphere

Visually, The Good Dinosaur is a technical marvel. The natural environments are rendered with breathtaking realism: you can almost feel the cold of the river, the texture of the muddy ground, or the sharpness of the storm winds. Some scenes – especially the opening shots of misty mountains or the night sky – feel like nature documentaries.

This hyper-realism contrasts with the more cartoonish look of Arlo and the other dinosaurs. While some viewers found this jarring, it actually helps keep the focus on the story’s emotional grounding, allowing Arlo’s expressions and body language to take center stage.

The sound design is subtle but effective – water rushing, branches snapping, wind howling. Composer Mychael Danna (with brother Jeff) delivers a score that’s understated and reflective, emphasizing the quiet, lonely moments and the wonder of Arlo’s surroundings. The music never overwhelms but instead gently guides the emotional rhythm.

💔 Themes & Emotional Impact

What truly sets The Good Dinosaur apart is its willingness to deal directly with grief, fear, and emotional growth. Arlo’s journey is not just physical – it’s internal. He has to come to terms with guilt, loneliness, and what it means to be brave even when afraid.

The film does not shy away from tough moments. The death of Arlo’s father is emotionally intense – more so than many other Pixar films. It’s quiet, sudden, and deeply personal, especially for children who may have already experienced loss or separation.

Later in the film, a dreamlike scene shows Arlo drawing his family in the sand with sticks, only to have Spot do the same and reveal that he too has lost his family. It’s wordless, but heartbreaking – a moment of shared vulnerability that bonds the characters and resonates with the audience.

At the same time, the movie offers humor and hope: Spot’s wild antics, Arlo’s awkward innocence, and a quirky family of cowboy-style T-Rex ranchers provide moments of levity that balance the darker emotional beats.

👨‍👧‍👦 Our Experience & Recommendation

Watching this film as a family, we were deeply moved. While the emotional themes are heavier than in typical animated features, they are presented with sensitivity and care. My daughter was captivated by the visuals and intrigued by the story, though the loss of Arlo’s father prompted some emotional questions – a great opportunity for discussion.

For parents, The Good Dinosaur offers something rare: a story that treats children as emotionally capable. It doesn’t talk down to its audience but instead invites them to reflect, empathize, and grow.

We’ve seen it multiple times, and it still holds its power. Each rewatch offers new details – a visual cue, a gesture, a look – that deepens the connection to Arlo’s journey.

It’s best suited for kids aged 8 and up, especially those who can handle themes of loss and resilience. Very young children may find parts frightening or too sad, but older ones will likely find it deeply rewarding.

📌 FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions