Poster for Along Came a Spider

Along Came a Spider (2001) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

After the harrowing death of his partner, forensic psychologist and best-selling author Alex Cross cannot forgive himself and has retreated to the peace of retirement. But when a brilliant criminal kidnaps a senator's young daughter, he is lured back into action as the kidnapper wants to deal with Alex personally. Teamed with Jezzie Flanigan, the Secret Service agent assigned to protect the missing girl, Alex follows a serpentine trail of clues that leads him to a stunning discovery - the kidnapper wants more than just ransom.

Rated R • 2001 • 1h 44m

6.4
2K+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
16+

This film's R rating is primarily due to strong violence and language. In "Along Came a Spider," forensic psychologist Alex Cross is pulled from retirement to hunt a brilliant kidnapper who has abducted a senator's young daughter. The movie contains several intense scenes of violence, including shootings with graphic blood spatter, a deadly car crash, and the constant peril of a child. Profanity is also strong, with several uses of the… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman
Monica Potter
Monica Potter
Michael Wincott
Michael Wincott
Dylan Baker
Dylan Baker
Mika Boorem
Mika Boorem
Anton Yelchin
Anton Yelchin
Kim Hawthorne
Kim Hawthorne
Jay O. Sanders
Jay O. Sanders
Billy Burke
Billy Burke
Michael Moriarty
Michael Moriarty
Penelope Ann Miller
Penelope Ann Miller
Anna Maria Horsford
Anna Maria Horsford
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Is Along Came a Spider appropriate for kids?

This film's R rating is primarily due to strong violence and language. In "Along Came a Spider," forensic psychologist Alex Cross is pulled from retirement to hunt a brilliant kidnapper who has abducted a senator's young daughter. The movie contains several intense scenes of… Read more — free account

Content severity in Along Came a Spider

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Intense 8/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances Mild 1/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in Along Came a Spider, moment by moment

  1. 0:03 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
  2. 0:05 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
  3. 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
Unlock all 14 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Along Came a Spider

Sexual content is very limited. In an early scene, a man makes a crude verbal proposition to a female colleague while placing his hand on her thigh in an unwanted advance. She immediately rebuffs him, and the scene ends. There is no nudity or further sexual activity.

Violence and gore in Along Came a Spider

Violence is strong and sometimes graphic, earning the film its R rating. There are multiple shootings, some of which are shown with brief but bloody results, including spatter on a car window and a visible head wound. Other violent acts include a fatal car crash at the beginning, a character being incapacitated with a taser, a strangulation, and fights. The constant threat to a kidnapped child adds to the intensity.

Language in Along Came a Spider

The film contains strong language. There are around half a dozen uses of the 'f-word', both spoken and mouthed. Other profanity includes scatterings of anatomical references, insults, and milder expletives throughout the dialogue.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Along Came a Spider

Substance use is minor. A main character is occasionally seen smoking cigarettes, but this is incidental to the plot. There is no depiction of alcohol or drug use.

Mature themes in Along Came a Spider

The central theme is child kidnapping, which creates a sustained sense of dread and peril. The young victim is shown drugged, held captive, and in fear for her life, including a harrowing escape attempt. The film also explores themes of grief, professional guilt, and the betrayal by trusted colleagues, with conspiracies and double-crosses forming a major part of the plot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Along Came a Spider appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Along Came a Spider is best for ages 16+. It's rated R. This film's R rating is primarily due to strong violence and language. In "Along Came a Spider," forensic psychologist Alex Cross is pulled from retirement to hunt a brilliant kidnapper who has abducted a senator's…

What age rating does Along Came a Spider have?

Along Came a Spider is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 16+.

What is Along Came a Spider about?

This film's R rating is primarily due to strong violence and language. In "Along Came a Spider," forensic psychologist Alex Cross is pulled from retirement to hunt a brilliant kidnapper who has abducted a senator's young daughter. The movie contains several intense scenes of violence, including shootings with graphic…

Is there sex or nudity in Along Came a Spider?

Sexual content is very limited. In an early scene, a man makes a crude verbal proposition to a female colleague while placing his hand on her thigh in an unwanted advance. She immediately rebuffs him, and the scene ends. There is no nudity or further sexual…

How violent is Along Came a Spider?

Violence is strong and sometimes graphic, earning the film its R rating. There are multiple shootings, some of which are shown with brief but bloody results, including spatter on a car window and a visible head wound. Other violent acts include a fatal car…

Is the language in Along Came a Spider appropriate for kids?

The film contains strong language. There are around half a dozen uses of the 'f-word', both spoken and mouthed. Other profanity includes scatterings of anatomical references, insults, and milder expletives throughout the dialogue.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Along Came a Spider?

Substance use is minor. A main character is occasionally seen smoking cigarettes, but this is incidental to the plot. There is no depiction of alcohol or drug use.

What mature themes appear in Along Came a Spider?

The central theme is child kidnapping, which creates a sustained sense of dread and peril. The young victim is shown drugged, held captive, and in fear for her life, including a harrowing escape attempt. The film also explores themes of grief, professional…

How long is Along Came a Spider?

Along Came a Spider runs 104 minutes, directed by Lee Tamahori, released in 2001.

Where can I read the full Along Came a Spider parent guide?

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