Where the Red Fern Grows

Glory and victory were theirs, but sadness waited too! And close by was the strange and wonderful power that's only found...

1974 • 97 min • Drama · Family

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Synopsis

Billy Coleman works hard and saves his earnings for two years to achieve his dream of buying two red-bone coonhound pups. He develops a new trust in life as he faces overwhelming challenges in adventure and tragedy roaming the river bottoms of Cherokee country with his dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann.

Our family guide

Best from age 8

Movie Knight Score

58 reviews

69 Audience · 58 · 100%

A young boy in the Ozarks saves up to buy two coonhounds, Old Dan and Little Ann. They share many adventures hunting raccoons, but also face harsh challenges and tragedy. The film beautifully captures the bond between a boy and his dogs.

Violence & peril: 4/10
Language: 0/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 0/10
Romance & sensuality: 0/10
Scary moments: 3/10

Heads up

Hunting scenes are depicted, including animals being killed.
There are sad and emotional moments involving loss.
Some intense moments during hunting and dangerous situations.

What it models well

Perseverance and hard work
Love for animals
Resilience in the face of loss
Family bonds

Talk about it after

The cycle of life and death
Dealing with grief and loss
The importance of setting goals
Respect for nature and animals

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Where the Red Fern Grows. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.