Pocahontas (1996)

56% of critics liked it
(50 reviews)
63% of users liked it
(489,879 ratings)

In this animated retelling of one of history's greatest romances, a beautiful American Indian princess saves the life of a European settler, and the pair enter into a lifelong love-affair that transcends race or borders. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: G, 55 min.
Directed By: Mike Gabriel, Billy Connolly
Written By: Susannah Grant, Carl Binder, Philip LaZebnik, Andrew Chapman
Genres: Animation, Kids & Family, Musical & Performing Arts

In Theaters: Jun 16, 1995 Wide
On DVD: Jun 6, 2000
Studio: Buena Vista Distribution Compa

Critic Reviews

Laura Shapiro, Newsweek
Just about everything in this lavish, animated feature is for the pigtail set.
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine
[A] handsome, deeply felt, even more deeply reverent animated musical.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Overall this seems like a reasonable stab at an impossible agenda.
Rita Kempley, Washington Post
All Disney has really done in its disappointing 33rd animated feature is revive the stereotype of the Noble Savage.
Jeremy Gerard, Variety
The Disney artists have created a vivid palette for the picture.
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
Why make a Disney cartoon and take all the fun out of it?
Scott G. Mignola, Common Sense Media
Fine for kids; just don't expect a history lesson.
Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
The film of the Disney Renaissance likeliest to elicit a shudder of dismay from all but the most maniacal Disney buffs.
, Film4
Forgettable.
David Hepworth, Empire Magazine
Not only historically dubious, but the dullest Disney animation for years.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Overall, Pocahontas is a triumph as a visual experience (though the music is unusually bland), but a disappointment as a film.
, Time Out
Pocahontas can't get stirred dramatically for political correctness, the finale will please nobody, and the songs are duff. That said, there are enough incidental felicities to pass the time pleasantly.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
One of the most scattered of the studio's famed animated features.
Michael Szymanski, Wordmag.com
Disney is always great about re-releasing their classics, but each time, something new is in store.
Matt Brunson, Creative Loafing
As long as Republicans are in power, the line "You think the only people who are people are the people who look and think like you" will remain relevant.
Michael Szymanski, Wordmag.com
A good one to explain tolerance and diversity to the young ones in your family.

Read all 16 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Alexander D

Good+
Bethany M

A childhood favourite and a classic! I loved Pocahontas as a child!
AJ V

I loved this movie when I was a kid, but now, I'm not as crazy about it. It does have a good Disney Princess, good songs, and nice animation. The story isn't fantastic, but it's good enough for a kids movie. Overall, a good Disney movie.
Michael E

not the best disney movie and definitely doesnt follow history at all
Jennifer X

It blew my mind when I found out John Smith was played by Mel Gibson. I don't think I've ever seen a proper Mel Gibson movie, save for this one. Regardless, I just don't buy the romance between Pocahontas and Smith. Just because you guys had a jaunt painting with all… More
It blew my mind when I found out John Smith was played by Mel Gibson. I don't think I've ever seen a proper Mel Gibson movie, save for this one. Regardless, I just don't buy the romance between Pocahontas and Smith. Just because you guys had a jaunt painting with all the colors of the wind I'm supposed to believe that your love is one for the history books? Please. Plus Kokoum was ten times hotter.
Conner R

Pocahontas is a severely under-appreciated movie. On the basis that it contains the voice talents of Mel Gibson and Christian Bale alone makes it a must see. It also has some really great ideas about the world that existed before the English took over America. Sure, some of it is… More
Pocahontas is a severely under-appreciated movie. On the basis that it contains the voice talents of Mel Gibson and Christian Bale alone makes it a must see. It also has some really great ideas about the world that existed before the English took over America. Sure, some of it is historically shady and the supernatural element is hokey, but it's the best way to tell the story of Pocahontas to kids. The truth is, this is a very well done movie that is much more fun and genuine than it gets credit for.
Brad W

A really enjoyable kids movie, but what really stands out is the mind bending and wonderful music. The story will bore some kids, but other will really like this.
Richard C

C+
Tim S

The end of Disney draws nigh.
Dead A

Everything about this movie was cheap. But still I will give it two star because somehow I find it a little tiny miny bit interesting.
Jennifer D

Holy racism! Why am I shocked? Mel Gibson and Disney. Ouch.
Jason O

Not one of my favorite Disneys
Thomas B

another disney classic. just not as classic as others
Emily A

This movie is one of the indicators that contemporary Disney hand-drawn animation was going down. A really ridiculously romanticized plot and an unlikeable title character make this hard to watch. The villain wasn't even any good. I can't think of anything good to say about… More
This movie is one of the indicators that contemporary Disney hand-drawn animation was going down. A really ridiculously romanticized plot and an unlikeable title character make this hard to watch. The villain wasn't even any good. I can't think of anything good to say about this. Blech. It didn't even entertain me as a child.
Dean M

While not an instant classic on a par with other contemporary animated musicals from the Disney Studios, <i>Pocahontas</i> is still a genuine pleasure, with fine songs, superb animation, and a story that can entertain young and old alike.
Luke B

Relies too much on Disney's formula. Adds nothing new and no effort seems to of been put into the character designs or songs. Even the vocal talents are pretty flat and it also contains DIsney's least threatening and laughable villain. Don't mind about the historical… More
Relies too much on Disney's formula. Adds nothing new and no effort seems to of been put into the character designs or songs. Even the vocal talents are pretty flat and it also contains DIsney's least threatening and laughable villain. Don't mind about the historical inaccuracies as this is Disney. Terence Malick's The New World this is not.
Dan S

Not a bad kid's movie
Lafe F

I loved the "Colors of the Wind" song. A Disney American History lesson. Well-done, but not too interesting.
Rachel F

One of my favorite Disney movies of all time. It has a fantastic soundtrack.
danny d

decent, disney is always solid