Sure, this isn't a show for history buffs or die-hard Spirit enthusiasts, but it's a cute and entertaining show for kids. If the horse had any other name I think people could calm down and stop getting so angry that this isn't a "true" depiction of wild horses and their behaviour. The characters' eyes are also bigger than their mouths, so chill out. The show is entertaining and one of the few things I can watch with my toddler and not hate. The characters are sweet, mostly likable and the stories - while far-fetched - are fun and usually have some kind of lesson thrown in.
55 Reviews
Good generic "girls riding horses" show, but associating it with Spirit is 100% bait
rachelboensch9 April 2021
If you want your generic girls riding and bonding horses show, its cute and funny, and it is 100% what you would expect from this kind of show. I came as a a fan of the original but this was enjoyable on its own and doesn't require seeing the original movie.
If you were looking for something like the namesake, a movie about a wild horse stumbling through the taming of the wild west and the struggle of Native Americans, who also bonds with a human through their trials, there is nothing for you here. The only thing this has in common with the movie is the name. The only real nods to the movie within the show itself is where they show that this Spirit is the original's son in the pony tails shorts, and they occasionally use Spirit not liking rope as a plotpoint. They basically used the name as a marketing tool, they could replace Spirit with any wild horse and nothing would change.
I was gonna go for 5 stars since it was a good show but completely lied for the title, but I think other fans of the original keep giving it a terrible score just out of revenge for the title so I'll help bump it up a bit.
If you were looking for something like the namesake, a movie about a wild horse stumbling through the taming of the wild west and the struggle of Native Americans, who also bonds with a human through their trials, there is nothing for you here. The only thing this has in common with the movie is the name. The only real nods to the movie within the show itself is where they show that this Spirit is the original's son in the pony tails shorts, and they occasionally use Spirit not liking rope as a plotpoint. They basically used the name as a marketing tool, they could replace Spirit with any wild horse and nothing would change.
I was gonna go for 5 stars since it was a good show but completely lied for the title, but I think other fans of the original keep giving it a terrible score just out of revenge for the title so I'll help bump it up a bit.
A Great Cartoon
camerondalepulliam28 July 2020
This isn't about the movie.
This isn't about frontier history.
It's a stand-alone project for tween girls, and it's excellent. Empowerment, freedom, rising to meet a challenge, humility, courage, empathy, unbreakable friendships and fierce loyalty, responsibility, facing your fears, risking your life for loved ones, family, resisting the pressure to 'conform to the norm, ' admitting mistakes, apologizing and saying, "I'm sorry," childish mistakes not blown out of proportion, willful disobedience dealt with compassionately and straightforwardly, blended family, single parent - a great many situations that tween girls face are modeled and dealt with superbly.
You don't have to like the show. Just quit picking on it for not being what you want it to be. It isn't your show. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything. Young girls are watching.
This isn't about frontier history.
It's a stand-alone project for tween girls, and it's excellent. Empowerment, freedom, rising to meet a challenge, humility, courage, empathy, unbreakable friendships and fierce loyalty, responsibility, facing your fears, risking your life for loved ones, family, resisting the pressure to 'conform to the norm, ' admitting mistakes, apologizing and saying, "I'm sorry," childish mistakes not blown out of proportion, willful disobedience dealt with compassionately and straightforwardly, blended family, single parent - a great many situations that tween girls face are modeled and dealt with superbly.
You don't have to like the show. Just quit picking on it for not being what you want it to be. It isn't your show. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything. Young girls are watching.
It's not the film, but IS a great show for kids
lauradrake-138293 March 2020
No, "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" it is not. I can see why fans of the movie are disappointed (offended just screams snowflake to me) and yes, historically it is not accurate in terms of fashion and life in frontier America. There are anachronisms aplenty.
BUT it's a children's show about girls who go on adventures with their horses and learn important lessons in friendship and life.
Yes the animation is somewhat lazy (limited character types) but I would argue that the storylines are original and interesting. There is humour and some very touching moments too.
I really enjoy it as does my 4 year old daughter. And the 3 protagonists represent all kinds of girl, from girly girl to tomboy and all independent, intelligent people who are kind and loyal to their friends with an accurate amount of teenage attitude I'd say.
It really doesn't deserve the bad reviews it's getting here! The toys (barbie type dolls) are crap so buy the Playmobil stuff as this is good.
Or don't buy the toys and just enjoy a wholesome kids show about young girls and their horses.
Just chill out a bit about it!
More than one Spirit in this world.
careylanedwards-1334514 August 2017
The horse in Spirit Riding Free is not the same horse as the horse in Spirit Stallion of the Cimarron. The original Spirit was a Dun (Dun stripe down the middle of his back) The Horse in Spirit Riding Free is a Buckskin and has no Dun stripe.
Now. Problem solved. All of you that are so offended can calm down.
More than one horse name Spirit in this world. My son has a Dun horse, colored like the original Spirit because he Loves the Original movie. He also Loves the series too. Not the same story. Not the same horse. Calm down. Enjoy the series. It's good fun and in no way has insulted your favorite of the Spirits.
Also I'd like to point out that the original movie and the series are fictional. Horses do not behave in this manner. I've trained horses for over twenty years. These stories are for kids. They are not real.
Now. Problem solved. All of you that are so offended can calm down.
More than one horse name Spirit in this world. My son has a Dun horse, colored like the original Spirit because he Loves the Original movie. He also Loves the series too. Not the same story. Not the same horse. Calm down. Enjoy the series. It's good fun and in no way has insulted your favorite of the Spirits.
Also I'd like to point out that the original movie and the series are fictional. Horses do not behave in this manner. I've trained horses for over twenty years. These stories are for kids. They are not real.
Okay for kids. Film lovers will be disappointed.
aleusong317 May 2017
It should be noted while some sources said that the horse is actually Spirit's son, I believe that's far from the case as I don't think we'll ever see the characters from the original film appear on this show. This is definitely meant to be a complete rewrite of Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. I can see fans of the film won't be happy about this.
On the other hand, it's a kids show so of course things will be watered down. In this show, Spirit becomes semi-tamed (not completely tamed thankfully). He starts out as a wild horse but forms a connection with the girl Lucky, who still allows Spirit the freedom to go to and from as he pleases. And they never put a saddle or bridle on him.
As someone who loved the original film, you better believe I'm disappointed with the changes made. As far as the show goes though, it's okay. It's about as much as you would expect without getting cringey. Season 1 has a mix of good, meh, and bad episodes. If you're a horse lover, you might like the show good enough. If the writers are willing to take more chances with future seasons, it does have the potential of being a decent kids show.
On the other hand, it's a kids show so of course things will be watered down. In this show, Spirit becomes semi-tamed (not completely tamed thankfully). He starts out as a wild horse but forms a connection with the girl Lucky, who still allows Spirit the freedom to go to and from as he pleases. And they never put a saddle or bridle on him.
As someone who loved the original film, you better believe I'm disappointed with the changes made. As far as the show goes though, it's okay. It's about as much as you would expect without getting cringey. Season 1 has a mix of good, meh, and bad episodes. If you're a horse lover, you might like the show good enough. If the writers are willing to take more chances with future seasons, it does have the potential of being a decent kids show.
Well...
kinkeaddeven12 February 2021
I'm not going to deny that this is a great series for children. It teaches young girls that they can solve their own problems without being too dependent on other people; aside from friends. That's something to be admired.
The low rating comes from the title. This animated series has nothing to do with Spirit, the horse. The title of the series is meant for leeching off the success that was of Spirit, the movie. Honestly, if they changed the name of the series to something else - you couldn't even tell that this had anything to do with Spirit. The low rating is due to the disgust of clickbait.
If you're an adult looking for nostalgia - skip this. If you're an adult with children - watch it with them and silently scoff and roll your eyes.
The low rating comes from the title. This animated series has nothing to do with Spirit, the horse. The title of the series is meant for leeching off the success that was of Spirit, the movie. Honestly, if they changed the name of the series to something else - you couldn't even tell that this had anything to do with Spirit. The low rating is due to the disgust of clickbait.
If you're an adult looking for nostalgia - skip this. If you're an adult with children - watch it with them and silently scoff and roll your eyes.
This show even has me hooked!
brittany1238525 March 2018
Such a cute show! My son loves it! I've never seen the movie but apparently there's an uproar over the show vs. the movie and I guess they aren't the same or have anything to do with each other. But reguardless, it's a great show and I catch myself watching it all the time.
My 2 year old daughter is hooked, but...
casolis-tejada4 August 2020
I must say it makes me dizzy with its inaccuracies. First of, riding a horse without any gear. Is that even possible as portrayed?
2. Dress. I am appalled at the premise that since these are country girls they wear jeans and shirts and reject dresses. Same goes for Mrs. Flores, the teacher. Is this the XIX or XX century? 3. Culture. Miradero seems seems set in an alternate Politically Correct Wild West, where all races mingle smoothly, streets are tidy, public services work (except raíl serviced which get constantly interrupted) and all are Protestant and middle class, when you have a Hispanic population which at the time was very Catholic. And the name of the town, Miradero it should have given you a hint it would have been a Spanish Town...Where is the Catholic church and the Plaza? Then, names and race quite don't match for example Mrs. Flores is a typically anglo Lady not your more common Hispanic white, Maricela is redhaired and pretty much the same, redhaired and anglo. Then we have Pru and her dad...what about her mom? And why are they so intégrated? Then the Architecture, it seems like an ecclectic mix of Spanish-revival and XIX Century styles. Then you have clases and status, why does Pru and Abigail look so middle class? What makes them different from Maricela or Fortuna?
It would have made it much richer and deeper the plot and setting if it would have been made as accurate as the movie that inspired...the name at least. Also boyfriend-girlfriend stuff is more appropiate for teenagers not 7 year old kids. But Dreamworks decided to go the easyway and just project the XXI century into the XIX...
Heartbreaking
maja-karlsen25 January 2019
I LOVED the Spirit Movie as a child, it was my favorite movie, and still is at heart. When I heard a new series was coming out, I got so exited... until I saw it... it broke my heart. How could they ruin my childhood with.....THIS! The graphics are ALL wrong, it looks horrible.. Yeah I get it, it's for children.. but really....? You could have done better than this! I really hate the whole story of it too... this is not the Spirit I remember.. </3
Great show for the whole family!
sidegig17 March 2018
This is a light-hearted, family-friendly show that our daughters love. The show encourages their love of horses and just having clean-hearted fun as a young girl. It is nice to find a program that they enjoy and one that we as parents find entertaining as well.
Great show!
phenoxrainflower22 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The show is cool, it's entertaining and exciting.
I love both the show, and original movie.
But, I don't really like the part about Lucky running away to the circus because of her dad getting remarried and falling in love again, I don't really feel that it is necessary and I feel they could have done that but in a different way.
But also still doing the whole circus thing, but different.
I love both the show, and original movie.
But, I don't really like the part about Lucky running away to the circus because of her dad getting remarried and falling in love again, I don't really feel that it is necessary and I feel they could have done that but in a different way.
But also still doing the whole circus thing, but different.
What?
italiandancer14122 September 2018
Has any of the creators watched the original movie? I think not. The whole concept of the movie was the inability of anyone to tame Spirit. Adding the white stripe on his face does not make the two separate if the color and name are the exact same. The original Spirit was named such because no one could break the spirit he had to be free. If you're going to do a spin-off series, at least make it complement the original somehow. Do not allow anyone to ride Spirit because that is out of character. The tv show may be cute for kids, but it is a disgrace to the amazing movie that is "Spirit."
Favorite of ours
krisoclair9 March 2018
Perhaps if you've not seen the movie, you would enjoy the Spirit series as much as we do. We like how girls are empowered to be problem solvers even if situations are improbable and often dangerous. Watching the same episodes multiple times does not diminish the excellent characterization. We are thankful the series is continuing.
Great
gabrielamm2 April 2018
Ruined my childhood movie
goldensilvergp25 June 2017
I absolutely hate the idea of this, the plot of this story DEFEATS the whole purpose of the original movie "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" where Spirit should remain free and not ridden by ANYBODY. I am disgusted by the thought of some 12 year-old CITY girl riding such a courageous and rebellious horse. The new "Spirit" has a completely new obedient and submissive nature. I'm heartbroken that this new film has tainted my favorite childhood movie. Quite frankly, I wouldn't mind if this show was shut down.
My favorite cartoon
HlySpark4 April 2019
As a Mom of a toddler girl I end up watching cartoons and I have to say as an adult this one is by far my favorite. The characters are well written, the storylines are great, it's extremely engaging. Big bonus is that it centers on three young girls who are brave, independent, strong, and smart. Keep the seasons coming Dreamworks!
Please show your children Spirit: Stallion of The Cimarron instead
edramsey4964 June 2017
I don't believe in boycotting TV or film, but if I did, this would be first on the list. All I can do is beg you (anyone reading this) to not indulge DreamWorks with its seemingly rampant war on art. Watch the film upon which it's 'based', honestly, watch Spirit: Stallion of The Cimarron, I promise it will be a wonderful experience for anyone, adult or child. It really is a fantastic piece of film-making, let alone animation.
Leave this and other DreamWorks (usually Netflix co-produced) well alone I beg. This especially bears no resemblance to anything the film represented. The level of animation alone will show you how little DreamWorks cared about making this in any way respectable. All I can say is I hope anyone who reads this follows my advice and tells more people. I don't believe in boycotting, but if as few people watch it as possible, they might see it's not worth it. This 'remake' is an utter shambles and disgraces the beautiful film it is apparently inspired by. Please. Watch Spirit: Stallion of The Cimarron instead.
Leave this and other DreamWorks (usually Netflix co-produced) well alone I beg. This especially bears no resemblance to anything the film represented. The level of animation alone will show you how little DreamWorks cared about making this in any way respectable. All I can say is I hope anyone who reads this follows my advice and tells more people. I don't believe in boycotting, but if as few people watch it as possible, they might see it's not worth it. This 'remake' is an utter shambles and disgraces the beautiful film it is apparently inspired by. Please. Watch Spirit: Stallion of The Cimarron instead.
Not bad actually
grmvgiuliani25 October 2019
Found the show first on YouTube as 5 minute shorts, and my youngest daughter (4 yr old) seemed to like it. Then not long after we got Netflix and found it on there, she's got really into it, even my eldest daughter (13) has said she likes it (in fact they are watching happily together right now in a fort in the living room). Although the writing can sometimes be a bit simple or contrived with not too much depth there is still enough going on to keep them entertained. the characters are likeable and strong willed are good role models for young girls.
Irrational anger in s1e2
dustinbmcclain15 May 2018
Character development is terrible in this show. I was willing to let that part go for it being a child's show. Season 1 episode 2 changed my mind and made me shut off the show. The irrational anger in the father of one of the main characters was too much. I don't want my daughter thinking it is right to be angry towards someone over something that was completely out of their control. This show is terribly written and is not fluid in its story at all. It's like watching a train wreck from beginning to end and the train just keeps hitting boulders, starting back up and hitting another boulder. I guess not everyone can write like the writers of Last Airbender.
My 6 year old son loved it!
GregoryGreer16 January 2018
I came across this show on Netflix. I've never seen the original movie, and neither has my son. It sounds like this is quite different from the movie and should be viewed as a separate show. For me, personally, the show didn't do much. I thought the quality of the animation was sub-par. The story lines seemed a little silly. On the positive side, the stories were reasonably well written and carried you along. The main reason I give this 8 out of 10 stars is because my 6 year old son loved it. I'm sure my son would give it 10 out of 10 stars. He watched all the episodes one after another and never got bored. Through the eyes of an adult, I wouldn't bother, but if you want you children to be entertained, I can say that mine was greatly entertained. It always makes me happy to see my kid happy, so thanks Dreamworks for making my son happy.
Beautiful Show!
nightesprit18 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Spirit: Riding Free is one of my favourite shows. The characters are unique, the music is beautiful and the horses are very comical. I actually like it better than the original movie. Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron was an alright film. It has a beautiful soundtrack, and only a few likable Bryan Adam's songs. I loved the narration, choosing Matt Damon was very smart. The plot, although, was downright predictable and there was too many constant scenes of chasing. It didn't make me laugh, cry or feel any emotion. That's what differs the television series from the movie. It made me feel something – humour, and I sometimes feel like I relate to the protagonist.
Totally awful
single_in_in9 May 2019
Lovely show
agustinaam23 December 2017
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