The Land Before Time
Performance & Direction: The Land Before Time Review
Last updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Land Before Time (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Family.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Land Before Time features a noteworthy lineup led by Gabriel Damon . Supported by the likes of Candace Hutson and Will Ryan , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Land Before Time (1988) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Land Before Time
Quick Plot Summary: The Land Before Time is a Family, Animation, Adventure film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. An orphaned brontosaurus named Littlefoot sets off in search of the legendary Great Valley. A land of lush vegetation where the dinosaurs can thrive and live in peace. Along the way he meets four other young dinosaurs, each one a different species, and they encounter several obstacles as they learn to work together in order to survive. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the filmmakers' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: The Land Before Time
Ending Breakdown: The Land Before Time resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to family resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the family themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Land Before Time reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Land Before Time?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Family films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Land Before Time
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $12.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $84.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Land Before Time Budget
The estimated production budget for The Land Before Time is $12.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Land Before Time
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Where to Watch The Land Before Time Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoThe Land Before Time Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about The Land Before Time age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Land Before Time is 69 minutes (1h 9m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, The Land Before Time is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Land Before Time worth watching?
The Land Before Time is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Family movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Land Before Time parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Land Before Time identifies it as G. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Land Before Time?
The total duration of The Land Before Time is 69 minutes, which is approximately 1h 9m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Land Before Time
Maybe 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... _Final rating:★★★½ - I really liked it. Would strongly recommend you give it your time._
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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