Dora and the Lost City of Gold: Hit or Flop? Is It OK for Kids?

There’s a reason people keep returning to Dora the Explorer, even decades after the show first aired. The 2019 live-action film Dora and the Lost City of Gold took that nostalgia and turned it into a smart, self-aware adventure that critics and families actually loved.

Release date: August 9, 2019 ·
Runtime: 102 minutes ·
Budget: $49 million ·
Box office: $120.6 million ·
Rotten Tomatoes score: 85% (critics), 74% (audience) ·
Common Sense Media age rating: 8+

With a budget of $49 million, it grossed over $120 million worldwide, proving that a children’s cartoon can translate to the big screen without losing its charm. Six key specs, one pattern: the film’s production and distribution were a joint effort between Nickelodeon Movies, Walden Media, and Paramount Players, and it earned a PG rating for action and some impolite humor.

Is Dora and the Lost City of Gold a hit or flop?

Box office performance

• The film earned $17,431,588 in its domestic opening weekend (Box Office Mojo).
• Domestic total: $60,477,943; international total: $60,119,165 (Box Office Mojo).
• Worldwide gross: $120,597,108 against a $49 million budget (Box Office Mojo).

Critical reception

• Rotten Tomatoes critics gave it 85% approval based on 156 reviews (Wikipedia).
• Metacritic score: 62/100 (Wikipedia).

Audience reception

• Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 74% (Rotten Tomatoes).
• Common Sense Media rated the film 4/5 quality, with a 3/5 age rating of 8+ (Common Sense Media).

Is Dora and the Lost City of Gold ok for kids?

Age appropriateness by Common Sense Media

• Common Sense Media recommends ages 8+ due to mild peril, slapstick humor, and brief crude language (Common Sense Media).
• No sexual content or intense violence, but some scenes may scare very young children.

Content overview: scares, language, messages

• The movie includes positive messages about friendship, family, and perseverance.
• Rated PG by the MPAA for action and some impolite humor (Rotten Tomatoes).

Parental guidance tips

• Watch with children ages 5–7 to discuss mild peril and help them distinguish fantasy from reality.
• For ages 8 and up, the film is generally fine without parental co-viewing.

Is Dora and the Lost City worth watching?

Pros: humor, cast, adventure

• Reviewers praise the self-aware humor and Isabela Moner’s performance (Wikipedia).
• The film blends adventure with genuine heart, appealing to both kids and nostalgic adults.

Cons: pacing, target audience

• Some critics note that the film may be too childish for teens but enjoyable for young kids and families.
• Runtime is tight at 102 minutes, but the plot moves quickly.

Overall verdict for families and nostalgic adults

• With an 85% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is widely considered a successful adaptation (Wikipedia).
• It’s a rare live-action cartoon that doesn’t feel like a cash grab.

Who stars in Dora and the Lost City of Gold?

Isabela Moner as Dora

• Isabela Moner plays the titular Dora (Wikipedia).

Supporting cast

• Jeffrey Wahlberg plays Diego, Madeleine Madden as Sammy, Nicholas Coombe as Randy.
• Eva Longoria and Michael Peña portray Dora’s parents (Wikipedia).
• Danny Trejo voices Boots the monkey (Wikipedia).

Cameos and voice actors

• The film includes a cameo from the original Dora voice actress, Kathleen Herles.

Where can I watch Dora and the Lost City of Gold?

Streaming on Netflix

• Dora and the Lost City of Gold is currently available to stream on Netflix in many regions (Netflix).

Digital rental/purchase

• It can be rented or bought on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital platforms.

Blu-ray/DVD availability

• Physical disc versions are available from major retailers.

What we know for sure

• The film was a commercial and critical success (Box Office Mojo).
• It is rated PG and suitable for children 8+ according to Common Sense Media (Common Sense Media).
• Cast includes Isabela Moner, Eva Longoria, Michael Peña (Wikipedia).

What remains unclear

• Whether a sequel is in development; no official announcement as of 2025 (Wikipedia).

Quotes about the film

“Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a fun adventure with positive messages, but some scenes may scare younger viewers.”

— Common Sense Media editorial review (Common Sense Media)

“Critics agree that the movie is a successful live-action adaptation that captures the spirit of the original series.”

— Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus (Rotten Tomatoes)

“It’s a surprisingly good movie for both kids and adults.”

— Reddit user in r/movies (Reddit)

For families deciding whether to watch, the implication is clear: Dora and the Lost City of Gold delivers on its promise of a fun, family-friendly adventure without sacrificing the intelligence that made the original show beloved. Parents of children under 8 should co-view and discuss the mild peril, but for everyone else, it’s a safe bet for a movie night.

Related reading

• Rise of the Guardians: Sequel Cancelled, Flop Status, Netflix?
• A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder: Plot, Cast, Season 2 & Parents Guide

For a closer look at age recommendations and streaming options, check out our detailed Dora guide for the 2019 film.

Frequently asked questions