
The Secret Garden
1993, Drama/Kids and family, 1h 41m
42 Reviews 100,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
The Secret Garden honors its classic source material with a well-acted, beautifully filmed adaptation that doesn't shy from its story's darker themes. Read critic reviews
You might also like





Where to watch
Show all servicesThe Secret Garden Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Mary Lennox
Colin Craven
Mrs. Medlock
Lord Craven
Dickon
Martha
News & Interviews for The Secret Garden
Critic Reviews for The Secret Garden
All Critics (42) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (37) | Rotten (5)
-
The result is an instant classic -- rich, dense, resonant, powerful.
August 1, 2013 -
While drawing superb performances from her young leads, Holland has masterfully contrasted the garden -- a place where melodic robins seem almost conversant -- with the dread of Misselthwaite.
August 1, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review… -
The movie's dark themes, unhurried pace and talkiness make it something of a gamble for many children. But older children -- especially those who have been asking specific questions about death -- may find some nourishment in this garden.
August 1, 2013 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
This enchanted tale vividly shows how love heals and nurtures barren souls, makes them flourish like abundant Edens.
August 1, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review… -
Rather than a fresh breeze, it's the stale air of gilded calculation, the uncomfortable feeling that things are excessively "just so," that overhangs much that is genuinely appealing about this film.
August 1, 2013 | Full Review… -
It's as if the moviemakers were trying to cook up a New Age Yorkshire pudding, without meat drippings -- what's missing is Burnett's robust optimism and animistic energy.
August 1, 2013
Audience Reviews for The Secret Garden
-
Feb 15, 2015Maggie Smith is in this! It's a charming period piece and is gorgeous to look at. The soundtrack is a bit OTT but it doesn't detract from this powerful adaptation. Still fresh!Juli R Super Reviewer
-
Sep 25, 2012Production values are pretty good. In terms of the overall storyline, I'm afraid that I have lost some of the magic of youth that allows this to be appreciated.John B Super Reviewer
-
Apr 15, 2012Sweet and enchanting tale inside and outside its deeper theme. The Secret Garden brings you to a magical world of secrets and an adventure towards revival of one's soul.August S Super Reviewer
-
Nov 04, 2011Caught this on television late in the morning, saw Deakins's name, and decided to go back to childhood with a viewing. I cannot think of another kids movie that looks like a Bergman/Nykvist collaboration and that's a good thing for Mr. Deakins who lets the kids fable unfold amidst a Victorian, rich, and moody backdrop. The acting from all the youngsters is commendable. The story doesn't get laborious like other movies of its ilk and most importantly 'The Secret Garden' exists somewhere else, outside from what Hollywood wants families to see, outside from the mainstream of the movies starring twelve-year-olds who are already actors/musicians/models/products and only bring an expectance of witless dialogue and a total destruction of the phrase 'family fun' to the movies they star in. What I'm getting at is this movie wouldn't get a green light in todays movie climate and that's a shame.Jonny B Super Reviewer
The Secret Garden Quotes
Mary Lennox: | Nobody ill could scream like that. |
Mary Lennox: | No one ill could scream like that! |
Mrs. Medlock: | It's that child, my lord. She's created absolute havoc here. I've tried to control her. She must be sent away. She'll kill Master Colin. |
Lord Craven: | You brought us back to life, Mary. You did something I thought no one could do. |
Colin Craven: | Are you making this magic? |
Mary Lennox: | No, you are. |
Movie & TV guides
About Tomatometer
The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review
About Audience Score
The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher.
Verified