
The Land Before Time
1988, Adventure/Kids and family, 1h 6m
33 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Beautifully animated and genuinely endearing, The Land Before Time is sure to please dino-obsessed tykes, even if it's a little too cutesy for older viewers. Read critic reviews
You might also like
Where to watch
Show all servicesThe Land Before Time Videos
The Land Before Time Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Littlefoot
Voice
Cera
Voice
Ducky
Voice
Petrie
Voice
Grandfather
Voice
Littlefoot's Mother
Voice
Critic Reviews for The Land Before Time
All Critics (33) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (23) | Rotten (10)
-
The animation is fine. But the Stu Krieger screenplay contains violence that might be hard on the younger ones, preachiness that's hell on adults and a never-let-up cuteness that can turn minds of all ages to mush.
June 8, 2015 | Full Review… -
Sharp animation and powerful visualisation of scale will enthrall a young audience but the clumsy cub-scout moralising feels, well, extinct.
June 8, 2015 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
It looks and sounds as if it came out of the Disney Studios of the '40s or '50s. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing -- that's as much a compliment (in terms of the quality of animation) as it is a criticism.
June 8, 2015 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
The Land Before Time is as handsome and honest an animated feature as any produced since Walt Disney`s death; it may even be the best.
June 8, 2015 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review… -
Do dinosaurs really lend themselves to ootsie-cutesiness?
June 8, 2015 | Full Review… -
For the most part, pic is about as engaging as what's found on Saturday morning TV.
July 6, 2010 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Land Before Time
-
Jul 26, 2020Maybe it's just nostalgia that makes me love The Land Before Time, but I'm pretty sure the beautiful scenery at least does hold up. And that theme music, oh my God, right in the chest... That might be nostalgia again...Gimly M Super Reviewer
-
Oct 18, 2015It's been near enough thirty tears since I saw this movie in the cinema with my mum and grandma. It is still beautifully animated, full of charm but also, THAT moment, is still as sad as ever. Loved it.Ian W Super Reviewer
-
Jul 17, 2012From producers Steven Spielberg and George Lucas comes the beloved family film The Land Before Time. The story follows a group of young dinosaurs that are separated from their herds, and must band together in order find them again. The animation is pretty good, as are the character designs. Additionally, the voice work is excellent; fitting each character especially well. And, the score by James Horner is also exceptional, enhancing the moods and tones of the film. The Land Before Time is a wonderfully enjoyable animated film that's fun for all ages.Dann M Super Reviewer
-
May 08, 2012This film I remember so much when I was a kid, and not one scene has left my mind it resonates as one of the greatest animated films ever made. Its dark at times but endures courage, friendship, hope and survival just to reach the one place we can call home. Fitting for all kids and adults alike, it also happns to be linked to one of my favourite names in the buisness ;)Luke E Super Reviewer
The Land Before Time Quotes
Littlefoot: | Mother, what's a long neck? |
Littlefoot's Mother: | Well, that's what we are, Dear. |
Littlefoot: | Why can't I play with that three-horn? We were having fun. |
Littlefoot's Mother: | Well, we all stick to our own kinds. The three-horns, the spike-tails, the swimmers, the flyers... we never do anything together. |
Littlefoot: | Why? |
Littlefoot's Mother: | Because we're different. It's always been that way. |
Littlefoot: | Well, why? |
Littlefoot's Mother: | Oh, don't worry so much. When we reach the Great Valley, there'll be many many long necks for you to play with. |
Littlefoot: | [sighs] I wish we were there now. |
Littlefoot's Mother: | Well, it's a long way yet. Past the Great Rock that Looks Like a Long Neck, and pass the Mountains that Burn... still a long way, but we'll get there. |
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