I just rewatched this fantasy movie from my childhood on Disney+ — and it's still a heartbreaking watch

L-R: Leslie (AnnaSophia Robb) and Jess (Josh Hutcherson) look at a beam of light in a scene from "Bridge to Terabithia" — (Image credit: AJ Pics/Walden Media/Alamy)

I was scrolling through Disney+ recently, and I happened across a film that had long lingered in my memory as a particularly devastating watch: "Bridge to Terabithia." I don't recall ever revisiting it since seeing it as a kid in 2007 (nor was I familiar with the book it's based on), but I immediately recalled the emotions that I felt while watching it back then. As such, I couldn't help but wonder whether it would hit the same way all these years later.

I may have watched "Bridge to Terabithia" the first time through uncritical, 10-year-old eyes, but post-viewing, I'm happy to report that I'm still very fond of this fantasy film, and that it's still just as powerful as it once was. I'd be more than happy to recommend it if you're struggling to find something on the streaming service — with one caveat. If you're not prepared to bawl your eyes out, you might want to look elsewhere.

What is 'Bridge of Terabithia' about?

Bridge to Terabithia (2007) Trailer #1 | Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel - YouTube

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In Gábor Csupó's "Bridge to Terabithia," we meet Jess Aarons (Josh Hutcherson), a 12-year-old kid who lives with the rest of his family in Lark Creek. Money is tight, and he's bothered by school bullies, but his life changes forever when new girl Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb) enrolls at his school.

The pair quickly form a bond, and after stumbling upon an abandoned treehouse in the woods, they start dreaming up an imagined secret world they dub "Terabithia." Soon, they spend their free time after class ruling as king and queen and fighting the forces of the "Dark Master."

Alongside Hutcherson and Robb, the "Bridge to Terabithia" cast also includes Zooey Deschanel, Robert Patrick, Kate Butler, and Bailee Madison.

'Bridge to Terabithia' is an enchanting fantasy movie that'll have you in tears

L-R: Jess (Josh Hutcherson) and Leslie (AnnSophia Ribb) holding their dog P.T. in a scene from "Bridge to Terabithia" — (Image credit: Cinematic/Walden Media/Disney/Alamy)

I think newcomers could easily overlook "Bridge to Terabithia" as a forgotten family movie, but to do that would be a huge disservice to what remains a grounded, charming, and deeply moving coming-of-age story; it's a big-hearted tale with real depth.

I can't think of a way to go into any further detail on why it left such a lasting impression without addressing the turning point of the tale, so be warned: there are spoilers ahead if you've never seen or read "Bridge to Terabithia" before. If you'd prefer to remain out of the loop, don't read on, but just know that it's still as affecting as a full-grown adult.

The big pivot in "Bridge to Terabithia" comes in the form of a tragedy that arrives out of the blue.

Late into the film, Jess returns from a field trip with his music teacher (Deschanel) to learn that his newfound friend has had a terrible accident while trying to enter Terabithia on her own. The rope swing they used to enter the kingdom snapped, and she fell and drowned in the creek they had to cross every time they disappeared into their imagination.

From there, the story switches gears. "Bridge to Terabithia" up to this point is a whimsical adventure, full of make-believe fantasy action, but that atmosphere is understandably shattered by this reveal. Then, the film becomes a far more poignant, somber watch about loss, the grief that follows, and coping with it through the eyes of a kid.

As someone who never encountered the book, Leslie's death was such a shock and a real gut-punch, and the way it sucks the whimsy out of the story (only for it to return stronger, in the final moments) still moved me to tears almost two decades later.

Jess (Josh Hutcherson) and his little sister enter Terabithia in a scene from "Bridge to Terabithia" — (Image credit: Album/Walden Media/Walt Disney Pictures/Alamy)

I know I'm susceptible to shedding a tear or two at the movies at the best of times, but this really does feel a cut above the average Disney live-action movie. It's well-acted and still enchanting, even if the imagined fantasy visuals might not measure up to modern standards.

I'm pleased to see that it's still held in high esteem elsewhere, too. At the time of writing, "Bridge to Terabithia" still holds an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it's drawn high praise from critics, both at the time of its release and in the years since.

Simply put, it's still very easy to get wrapped up in the fantasy and the heartfelt emotions of "Bridge to Terabithia." It may not be a timely or trending recommendation, but I'd absolutely recommend you stream "Bridge to Terabithia" on Disney Plus. But if you're not sold on watching it, be sure to check out our round-up of the best movies on Disney Plus, the best Netflix family movies, or the best Disney Plus shows for tons more top streaming suggestions.

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Martin is a Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, covering all things movies and TV. If it’s in the theaters or available to stream somewhere, he’s probably watched it… especially if it has a dragon in it. Before joining the team, he was a Staff Writer at What To Watch where he wrote about a broad range of shows that stretched from "Doctor Who" and "The Witcher" to "Bridgerton" and "Love Island". When he’s not watching the next must-see movie or show, he’s probably still in front of a screen playing massive RPGs, reading, spending a fortune on TCGs, or watching the NFL.

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