Brave (2012)
Kernel Score: 78% · 14,009 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Released: 2012-06-21
Runtime: 93 minutes
Is Brave worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A Scottish princess refuses an arranged marriage, and a spell goes wrong. It's pretty and has a good mother-daughter story, but it's less inventive than Pixar's best.
Watch it if you
- like fairy-tale adventures with a strong heroine
- enjoy lovely Highlands scenery
- want a mother-daughter story
Skip it if you
- want Pixar at its best
- dislike predictable plots
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Brave
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In the mystical Scottish Highlands, Merida is the princess of a kingdom ruled by King Fergus and Queen Elinor. An unruly daughter and an accomplished archer, Merida one day defies a sacred custom of the land and inadvertently brings turmoil to the kingdom. In an attempt to set things right, Merida seeks out an eccentric old Wise Woman and is granted an ill-fated wish. Also figuring into Merida's quest — and serving as comic relief — are the kingdom's three lords: the enormous Lord MacGuffin, the surly Lord Macintosh, and the disagreeable Lord Dingwall.
Brave parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that Brave is a Pixar fantasy about a rebellious Scottish princess who defies tradition and faces a witch's curse.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes a menacing bear transformation, sword fighting, and scary chase scenes typical of Pixar fantasy adventure.
- Sex, romance & nudity: None — No romantic or sexual content is present.
- Language: A little — Mild name-calling and rowdy clan banter, nothing stronger.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: A little — Kingdom feast scenes include background drinking common to a medieval setting.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Brave
If you liked Brave, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Frozen (2013) — 81%: Disney story about family bonds and a determined heroine
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010) — 87%: Warm animated fantasy with a spirited hero
- Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) — 89%: Fairy-tale feel with sharper wit
- Frozen II (2019) — 80%: Disney story of a determined heroine and family bonds
- The Incredibles (2004) — 85%: Pixar family adventure
- Castle in the Sky (1986) — 93%: Adventure with spirit and wonder
Director
Brenda Chapman
Cast
- Kelly Macdonald as Merida (voice)
- Emma Thompson as Elinor (voice)
- Billy Connolly as Fergus (voice)
- Julie Walters as The Witch (voice)
- Robbie Coltrane as Lord Dingwall (voice)
- Kevin McKidd as Lord MacGuffin / Young MacGuffin (voice)
- Craig Ferguson as Lord Macintosh (voice)
- Peigi Barker as Young Merida (voice)
- Steve Purcell as The Crow (voice)
- Patrick Doyle as Martin (voice)
Brave FAQ
Is Brave worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A Scottish princess refuses an arranged marriage, and a spell goes wrong. It's pretty and has a good mother-daughter story, but it's less inventive than Pixar's best.
Where can I watch Brave?
In the US you can stream Brave on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Brave OK for kids?
Brave is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that Brave is a Pixar fantasy about a rebellious Scottish princess who defies tradition and faces a witch's curse.
What movies are like Brave?
If you liked Brave, try Frozen, How to Train Your Dragon, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and Frozen II.