Parents' Guide to

X-Men '97

By Polly Conway, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Stellar retro animated action-adventure has violence.

TV Disney+ Kids' Animation 2024
X-Men '97 TV Show poster: Side view of VHS tapes with a character shown on each one.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Teamwork is powerful, and the X-Men feel strongly about being part of a team. Being different is OK. Accept yourself as you are.</p> ">
  • The X-Men
    1:02
  • X-Men '97 TV show Screenshot #2 - Cyclops and Wolverine solve problems together.
  • X-Men '97 TV show Screenshot #1 - The X-men detect a threat.
  • X-Men '97 TV show Screenshot #3 - Cyclops stands in front of the rest of the X-Men.

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Katherine R.
Katherine R. Parent of 8, 10, 14, 18+, 18+ and 5-year-old
March 23, 2024
age 8+

Nara B.
Nara B. Adult
March 21, 2024
age 5+

Equality and Diversity finally represented in the right way!

Marvel you have lost your mind firing Beau DeMayo. His writing and overall direction of this show are divine. Episode 2 had me crying not out of sadness but pure enjoyment. Xmen 97 made me relive my childhood. Not one character was nerfed like in those crappy Fox live-action films. Remember Xmen has always been about the team, not just wolverine and his claws!
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Professor Charles Xavier is dead, and Cyclops and his team are now running his school for young people with special powers. Sentinel technology has been co-opted by vicious villains. And X-Men Jean Gray and Cyclops are thinking about leaving the team to raise their baby in normalcy. But some want revenge against Xavier's killer, Bolivar Trask. And what's revealed in his will turns the team's world upside down. How will the X-Men proceed while still fighting for their rights and the rights of others?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (9 ):

This outstanding series deals with lots of big issues, while still remaining a rollicking good time. X-Men '97 brings along its predecessor's 1990s vibes, while adding depth to its characters' stories. The X-Men's constant fight to be accepted, as well as do good by helping other mutants, are themes powerfully furthered here. There are some fun nods to the '90s (A rave! A Benneton fashion show!), and the animation style mimics animated X-Men of the past without looking dated. This fresh, action-packed series is a worthy addition to the Marvel universe and a great watch for families with tweens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the X-Men's world and discrimination. Would you like to have powers or not? Think about how the X-Men are treated.

  • Families can talk about teamwork. How do the X-Men work together to make their world a better place?

  • Is Magneto "good" or "bad?" What do his actions show?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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