I took my 6-year old daughter to the movie. We both loved it. It is a beautiful movie. The monsters are expressive & have interesting personalities. Max was great. It wasn't scary or sad for her. I think adults will understand the sad part of the story and understand the parallels with Max's real life. It is appealing to adults & children. For kids, probably 1st grade and older -- young children who can sit still well and aren't easily frightened. The movie, at 1 1/2 hrs, went by fast for us.