The Sword in the Stone (1963)
Kernel Score: 79% · 4,054 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Animation, Family, Fantasy
Released: 1963-12-25
Runtime: 79 minutes
Is The Sword in the Stone worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A boy named Wart is tutored by the wizard Merlin in this early Disney take on the King Arthur tale. It's episodic and minor next to Disney's greats, but it's charming and good for younger kids.
Watch it if you
- like classic hand-drawn Disney animation
- want a gentle, funny film for young kids
- enjoy Merlin's comic magic
Skip it if you
- want a tight story or big stakes
- expect the polish of Disney's best
Best for: Family afternoon
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Sword in the Stone
- 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
Wart is a young boy who aspires to be a knight's squire. On a hunting trip he falls in on Merlin, a powerful but amnesiac wizard who has plans for him beyond mere squiredom. He starts by trying to give him an education, believing that once one has an education, one can go anywhere. Needless to say, it doesn't quite work out that way.
The Sword in the Stone parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that The Sword in the Stone is a classic G-rated Disney animated fantasy about a boy who becomes King Arthur, featuring magic and whimsical adventure.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Mild fantasy peril involving a witch and transformations, non-graphic and comedic in tone.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Sword in the Stone
If you liked The Sword in the Stone, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Jungle Book (1967) — 83%: Loose, episodic and funny classic Disney adventure
- Robin Hood (1973) — 81%: Easy-going Disney take on a classic English legend
- One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) — 80%: Charming older Disney animation for all ages
- Alice in Wonderland (1951) — 81%: Whimsical classic with surreal gags
- Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) — 79%: Disney mix of magic and wartime adventure
- The Aristocats (1970) — 82%: Gentle, music-filled classic animal adventure
Director
Cast
- Sebastian Cabot as The Narrator/Sir Ector (voice)
- Karl Swenson as Merlin (voice)
- Junius Matthews as Archimedes the Owl (voice)
- Martha Wentworth as Madam Mim / Old Lady Squirrel (voice)
- Norman Alden as Kay (voice)
- Rickie Sorensen as Wart (voice)
- Ginny Tyler as Little Girl Squirrel (voice)
- Alan Napier as Sir Pellinore (voice)
- Richard Reitherman as Wart (voice)
- Robert Reitherman as Wart (voice)
The Sword in the Stone FAQ
Is The Sword in the Stone worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A boy named Wart is tutored by the wizard Merlin in this early Disney take on the King Arthur tale. It's episodic and minor next to Disney's greats, but it's charming and good for younger kids.
Where can I watch The Sword in the Stone?
In the US you can stream The Sword in the Stone on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Sword in the Stone OK for kids?
The Sword in the Stone is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that The Sword in the Stone is a classic G-rated Disney animated fantasy about a boy who becomes King Arthur, featuring magic and whimsical adventure.
What movies are like The Sword in the Stone?
If you liked The Sword in the Stone, try The Jungle Book, Robin Hood, One Hundred and One Dalmatians and Alice in Wonderland.