Masha and the Bear (2007– ) User Reviews

Great series, HORRIBLE English version

[prizm4 · 8/10 · 11 May 2014]

This is a really fun Russian animated series, and our 3 year old can't get enough. In fact, our daughter's antics reminds us of Masha all too often!

You don't need to know Russian as the series generally keeps dialogue to a minimum. All the episodes are presented FREE on YouTube by the company that makes the show, so it's easy to give it a go and see if you'll like it. Some of the episodes are real classics and a crack up to watch.

The only downside is the recent English version. It's horrible. Masha is only about 3 or 4 years old in the show, but the English dialogue makes her sound like she's 8 years old. All the charm is lost, the English dialogue is just too mature and poorly written -- it does not suit an innocent three year old. Not only that, but the voice acting isn't great and sounds stilted. Although that could be a result of the poor lines. Now Masha sounds more like an annoying school-age kid in a Disney movie.

Some of the Russian episodes have English subtitles, and even they are more charming to read than watching the botched English version.

Occasionally Masha sings a Russian song, and again the English translation is a real mess, they could've done a much better job translating the lyrics.

Bottom line: Don't let the English version taint your experience, go see the original episodes. Your young children will love it.

My kid likes it

[alexandra-bolchi · 8/10 · 9 October 2020]

It annoys me to be honest... The girl is a little psychopath. Thank God is just a cartoon but honestly I just can't wait for my kid to grow and stop watching this.

Bare necessities

[petra_ste · 8/10 · 20 March 2015]

Not since Disney and Looney Tunes classics an animated series aimed at children made me laugh so much.

This Russian cartoon about a grumpy but good-natured bear dealing with hurricane-like toddler Masha is a gem: hilarious, breathlessly paced and visually compelling, with a color palette of rich greens and browns.

The stroke of genius was keeping the bear mute (along with all other animals), which somehow makes his straight man attitude - and annoyed reactions to Masha's disasters - ten times funnier. Comic timing is impeccable.

Add to this a catchy soundtrack and secondary characters like two loser wolves, a thieving rabbit and a disco-obsessed pig, and the result is amusing for both kids and adults.

8/10

Forget the language, a real gem!

[vawlkee_2000 · 10/10 · 1 April 2012]

As someone who grew up on classic Russian 2D animation, I was leery of watching anything CGI, no matter where it was produced! I've seen bits and pieces of stuff made by the various animation studios in so-called "3D" animation - they all stink! I don't care what outfit produced it, I hated it.

Well surprise, surprise when I caught Masha and the Bear the first time I was VERY impressed with the quality of the animation and attention to detail. Once again the Russians have proved the grasp they have on the animation media. no matter what format! The series is an updated version of an old Russian folk tale. In this series a terror tot (Masha) is semi adopted by a retired circus bear and there the fun begins! Masha constantly drives the poor bear to distraction with hilarious results. It's on you tube and is easily accessible! Oh yeah, in case you have doubts, how many you tube programs have nearly 11 million hits! Watch it!

Fun, fun, fun!

[coolhatrecords · 10/10 · 24 July 2013]

I came across Masha and Medved while I was looking for kid's TV shows in Russian, to help me study the language. I fell in love instantly! The characters convey the same delightful spirit as Wallace and Gromit, Calvin and Hobbes, and the animal "cast" of Tundra. The animation is top quality CGI with plenty of attention to details.

My kids like to watch it with me, even though they don't speak a word of Russian. There's plenty of visual humor and the characters' expressions speak for themselves. Any parent can relate to the poor Bear's patient efforts to keep up with busy Masha, and her adventures in the Siberian forest are the stuff of every kids' dreams.

Great Russian Animation

[davidgilleard-98-715526 · 10/10 · 4 September 2014]

My Russian fiancée introduced me to this gem of an animated series, My Russian is very poor but you can follow these story's easily even if you know no Russian and they are great for kids. Masha is adorable and the bear and other animals are very funny too. You can follow their adventures on you tube and I think you can get the DVD's too. All together a lovely CGI animation from Russia. I really cannot recommend this highly enough, the kids will love it and I suspect a few adults will too, me included. The animation is fantastic and the detail in these short little story's is superb. A charming, heart-warming and funny series of adventures of a lovable little Russian girl and her friend the bear. I don't know if there is an English version but don't worry as the story's are quite charming even if you cannot speak any Russian. Well worth a look for animation fans of any age.

Simply amazing animation series.. Lots of love from India :)

[malikswati · 10/10 · 10 November 2015]

I came across this animation series while searching rhymes on YouTube for my two year old niece. I watched a few episodes with her. It is just fabulous. It makes you laugh, it makes you learn and it just makes you fall in love with the two characters -"Masha" and the "bear". It reminds me of my childhood days when I used to watch "Tom and Jerry", "Duck Tales". I have been a cartoon buff since childhood, but since past few years I didn't find any good cartoon series on TV. This series comes as a fresh breath in such a scenario.

If you ask me then this is the best animation series of the decade.

I wish great success for this series and all those who are associated with this.

Lots of love from India

delight

[Vincentiu · 2 June 2014]

it remembers old Russian animation and its seduction. it is one of series who preserves the childhood spirit in wise clothes. it is far from common trends and it is fresh at whole. a modern fairy tale with deep roots in tradition who reminds basic things in a seductive manner. the story, the animation, the dialogs, the admirable humor, each episode are good occasions to joy again and again. the great virtue is the status of different film. like a piece from ancestors place from memories. and that fact is a real good thing because, after so many blockbusters, a refreshing meeting with two lovely characters is almost a blessing. adventures for entire family, Russian precision and characters who seems be real unique.

Cheap Badly Made Computer Animation

[mariya_mirabella · 1/10 · 19 December 2022]

Its been a long time since I had to be subjected to any kind of young-kid oriented stuff, but I was reminded of this delight by Netflix - for some reason, it appeared on my start page. This cartoon is everything I hate about cheap computer animation aimed at children. Most of the similar stuff is on Youtube, but for some reason this one made it to Netflix. Its badly made, simplistic, garish and loud. Bear character design is clearly a rip off some Disney cartoon, Masha character is a really annoying thing with huge head and dead eyes. The characters are two dimensional, with roughly two character traits each - poor Masha got "loud" and "irritating", and she is not allowed to be anything else. Storylines are repetitive and are mostly plagiarised from older Soviet cartoons (which, if anything, had much more effort, craft and thought put into them).

I guess its inevitable that kids will watch all sorts of stuff, but this is literally has no value whatsoever. These cartoons are blunt and basic, don't have any subtlety and there is absolutely no room left for interpretation, imagination or anything an inquisitive mind might want. Just a cheap fast food of noise and bright colours.

Excellent

[geezy-33845 · 10/10 · 14 July 2021]

The animation is excellent. The details, the craftsmanship, the execution, the production is top notch and very satisfying to me as one who really appreciates the art. I love the characters, stories and the music, it's just great and very well done. I originally got to watching this show with my baby and really enjoyed watching it probably more than him. But we both enjoy it together probably for our different reasons as father and child.

Gone downhill

[mattt-schwartz · 3/10 · 9 May 2020]

The first season or two were great, but by season 3 they started doing spinoffs and season 4 is terrible. It use to have the premise of this obnoxious and adorable girl getting into all sorts of hijinks while the bear scrambles to maintain order. It's completely strayed from that formula and in the new season it is all these musical numbers about different countries. It's lost the comedy that made this series so enjoyable.

A Fantastic Animation for All Ages

[alphaborealis · 10/10 · 16 February 2016]

Impossible not to have fun and not be moved and thrilled about Masha's antics ! Having a calm and intelligent Bear as protector, friend and partner in fun, this animation has a sensational story line, amazing adventures that take place in a bucolic and colorful environment, giving space for lots of fun and of course , lot of mess! Each episode is a surprise that we do not get tired to see, review, watch countless and tireless times. A series for all ages! It's impossible not to sing along with Masha during her own birthday song neither not to be touched when she sings " Happy birthday to me " My husband and I elected as our favorite animated series of all times.

Amazing Children's Cartoon

[aggie_morgan · 10/10 · 18 January 2016]

My son is 18 months old he LOVES Masha and the Bear! The little girl is mischievous and adorable! He thinks she is hilarious! The animation is on point and the plots are really cute and funny! The songs are catchy and you will be humming them days later! I like that the animals don't have names they are called by what they are: bear, rabbit, etc.. And they don't talk. I highly recommend this 3D cartoon! This show kept my son laughing and happy on a 10 hour car ride! If you are looking for a good clean cartoon to let your children watch this is the one! The creators of Masha and the Bear did an amazing job! They created a thoughtful, cute, and funny cartoon! This is a must watch show for children of all ages!

Understanding masha

[pzxnawyd · 9/10 · 29 November 2020]

My soon to be 3 year old loves Masha and the bear . We began watching this show in English on Netflix (we hope to see the other seasons brought to Netflix) . Over the internet I have seen criticism and controversy . I'm not sure what I'm not seeing or missing , every episode is innocent and made with only kids in mind . Only thing I suppose some parents may not like is that Masha gets into trouble time to time. But the show doesn't show that is the way to act . It's usually followed by the consequence or bear teaching a lesson , vice versa since Masha does teach bear things too . Great show , definitely recommend , only 9/10 due to not all seasons on netflix.

Highest Recommendation!

[sleepygrin · 10/10 · 23 April 2021]

I love watching Masha and the Bear!

Perfectly timed cartoons for little ones. They have wholesome lessons and the most impressive production values. Each episode is a high resolution movie, with professional direction and animation.

I love Masha, her friends, and adventures.

Highly recommend for anyone with children and anyone who wants a reminder to feel good.

Our 6 year old loves this

[roxyjava · 27 January 2018]

The English version is great. Our six year old has no idea it's dubbed. Very cute. It's nice to hear the talking instead of just noises.

Where can I see the English Version

[mstvglw · 4/10 · 26 February 2019]

Hello how can I see the English version in You tube?

Excellent Quality Production for toddlers, WOW

[christineroberts-82270 · 10/10 · 25 April 2017]

I fell upon this series by accident, and ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW, Masha and the Bear is in a league of it's own. my 25month old- I myself find myself engaged and impressed with the quality of graphics and content.

I highly recommend this international caliber series to any parent that is concerned about content and quality.

Amazing Cartoon

[mattconrad5150 · 10/10 · 17 March 2016]

We played an episode of this show for my daughter, who is almost 2 years old when we saw it on Netflix. She, my wife, and I were hooked after 1 episode. My daughter constantly asks to watch the show whenever it's not on. It has something special that I've noticed is missing from a lot of cartoons these days. The physical comedy element in this show reminds me of the old days of cartoons like early Disney cartoons as well as great silent comedy like Charlie Chaplin. Not that there isn't any dialogue, because there is some, but a majority of the interaction between the characters on the show needs no dialogue. This is why we are able to watch the original Russian versions on Netflix and still enjoy them until they are all translated into English. Highly recommended for children and adults who enjoy comedy.

A big like

[amirhossein-71941 · 10/10 · 19 May 2016]

I am 28 years old BUT i love to watch mas-ha and the bear every day :D maybe because i remember my childhood when i watch mas-ha.thank you for making us happy. We need more episode in English please.

Got to get "the pandemonium," And that means all pans and pots. Clear the way! I need to make room To make jam and to make lots.

What was on the garden patches, What grew on the tree I got, Made from it some mix-and-matches, Put it all in one big pot.

I'll add carrots for some nice zest To the Portobello jams. But the juiciest and sweetest Will be pine cones and the yams!

I peek in, and as I'm looking At the weird brew, I yell, "Now I know what's really cooking! I am in a jam, as well! <3 <3 <3

Emotions are a universal language!

[rajshri-64893 · 10/10 · 26 January 2018]

My daughter and I love Masha and bear. She laughs out aloud whenever Masha enters the scene with an "aha". My 19 months old connects with Masha and addresses her as "Masha chechi". Chechi is used for older sister. It is such a stress buster! The bear is so matured in handling the kind and naughty kid Masha. Though we don't understand the language, human emotions are universal. The songs sung are beautiful. It's a beautiful show. Keep up the great work! Congratulations to the team.

Pure Fun!

[consortpinguin · 10/10 · 8 October 2018]

Having grown up during the coldest of the Cold War, and I mean Cuban Missile Crisis, we in America were only led to believe terrible things about Russia and Russians. Then I got a little older and read Tolstoy, listened to Rimsky-Korsakov, and saw Ilya Repin paintings. Did I mention that growing up in Pittsburgh, I saw some beautiful Eastern churches? And many of them have church signs, which is how I first saw the Cyrillic alphabet. America really is the melting pot. Anyway, the point is that Russians are people too. So I really enjoy watching the wonderful Russian cartoons available to us in modern times. Masha i Medved is a wonderful show. Anyone who has children can appreciate the adorable and well-meaning Masha as she drives the bear to his wit's end. The Bear is like most parents, just wanting a bit of "me time" to work in his garden or read. Masha turns things upside down for Bear, the neighboring animals and the other bears n that forest. This show is the perfect antidote for all the serious TV shows and all-Kavanaugh, all the time news. The media will move on as soon as the next big issue comes up, but we will always need entertainment. In my younger days I never thought that Russia would make cartoons, and if they did, the cartoons would be violent - something like "Comrade Lenin smashes the evil West forever." Back in the second grade when THEY launched the Sputnik, things were scary. But -- just like Nikolai Gogol, there really is Russian humor! It's amazing how the Internet shrinks the world and lets us see other people in other countries. This is a great show -- very heartwarming and many laughs! Definitely a 10! Also recommended are "Hedgehog in the Mist" and "Three from Prostokvashino". Enjoy!

I saw this bear! And I'm glad I did.

[GiraffeDoor · 8/10 · 19 May 2021]

I was not prepared for how delightful this show was. It is something special.

I happened to be familiar with the fairytale with which this shares a title and I happen to be quite the russophile so this was almost made for me. And it's SO RUSSIAN! Not only in the brilliant cultural details like the bear, Snegorochka or that cool tea thing but in the unusual elegance and restraint in a show made for very small children.

The success lies in letting Masha be all the energy you need. Only humans talk on this show and (usually) Masha is the only human where other animals can understand her but cannot vocalize Russian. This means that less time is taken up by painful dialog and becomes a delight of visual story telling.

I like to watch it raw: I can't even understand Masha but I don't care. In fact I prefer it. I know this isn't exactly the show's genius showing but there is something hilarious about an adorable little girl speaking the a language so immense and formidable as the Russian language (I love the Russian language by the way) and it makes for a very satisfying narrative experience which never halts or delays the plot. They're pretty clever about it.

Masha that kind of little girl: one who is just too cute not to love and yet can be a bit much. The animals indulge her to an extent, but often she is held accountable to her actions when she needs to be. She embodies everything that is enriching and also frustrating about life with a small child and (with infrequent exceptions) she does not cross the line into being completely obnoxious. And I love that she wears a veil. It's so cute when she takes it off and you see how short her hair is.

The animation is surprisingly competent. You get a lot of excellent character models with convincing fur effects and expressive faces. Masha herself is always a treat to watch for all the energy and personality she puts into everything she does.

This is a show that manages to mix a vision of the idyllic, slavic countryside with so many agreeable bedtime story type anecdotes. It's rarely painful to watch and end with a good sense of karma or reward.

The music is enchanting including the songs when they appear.

I have noticed that the latter day episodes seem more like a more typical animated show for this demographic, relying on a lot more modern references at the expense of the show's quaint charm to mixed effect.

Overall an excellent cool down show after you've just watched something heavy.

A Classic Children's Tragedy

[alex_shifrin · 8/10 · 15 April 2019]

A non-verbal savant bear fosters a human child with ADHD and struggles to raise her in isolation from society. Unmedicated, Masha's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and the bear begins to question his decision. Contains violence and some adult situations.

Adamthewoo:Bears!

[rabenulrik · 10/10 · 7 May 2021]

In 2007 the first Russian Masha the Bear episodes was out, and it became an event all over the World thanks to Youtube. This about Masha the mute bear and a girl up for hilarious antics living in the remote Eastern forests. Do not let the title fool you as there are some Looney Tunes like situations and at times animation that blows the budget. No classic serious TV show like Archer of course, but some fun for the whole family. Stream this, or buy the DVDs if you want more than NICK and Disney mainstream cartoons for your family.