American History X (1998) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two African-American men. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did.
Rated R • 1998 • 1h 59m
Overall: A former neo-Nazi tries to prevent his younger brother from following in his footsteps. Edward Norton in the performance of his career. The R rating covers extreme racial violence, strong language, and the film's unflinching portrait of racism.
Cast
Is American History X appropriate for kids?
Overall: A former neo-Nazi tries to prevent his younger brother from following in his footsteps. Edward Norton in the performance of his career. The R rating covers extreme racial violence, strong language, and the film's unflinching portrait of racism. Read more — free account
Content severity in American History X
What happens in American History X, moment by moment
- 0:05 💬 Language 8/10
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 9/10
Sex and nudity in American History X
A sexual situation between Derek and his girlfriend — brief and non-explicit.
Violence and gore in American History X
A man's head curb-stomped — shown graphically and is one of cinema's most disturbing moments of violence. A gang beating. Prison rape — implied. The violence is real and consequential.
Language in American History X
Constant racist language and strong profanity throughout — a character who is a neo-Nazi speaks accordingly.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in American History X
None.
Mature themes in American History X
Radicalisation and the path out of it. A father's offhand racism creating a son's extremism. Prison as the place Derek's worldview is shattered. The film's ending is devastating — the brother's death erasing everything Derek worked to prevent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American History X appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests American History X is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. Overall: A former neo-Nazi tries to prevent his younger brother from following in his footsteps. Edward Norton in the performance of his career. The R rating covers extreme racial violence, strong language, and the…
What age rating does American History X have?
American History X is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is American History X about?
Overall: A former neo-Nazi tries to prevent his younger brother from following in his footsteps. Edward Norton in the performance of his career. The R rating covers extreme racial violence, strong language, and the film's unflinching portrait of racism.
Is there sex or nudity in American History X?
A sexual situation between Derek and his girlfriend — brief and non-explicit.
How violent is American History X?
A man's head curb-stomped — shown graphically and is one of cinema's most disturbing moments of violence. A gang beating. Prison rape — implied. The violence is real and consequential.
Is the language in American History X appropriate for kids?
Constant racist language and strong profanity throughout — a character who is a neo-Nazi speaks accordingly.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in American History X?
None.
What mature themes appear in American History X?
Radicalisation and the path out of it. A father's offhand racism creating a son's extremism. Prison as the place Derek's worldview is shattered. The film's ending is devastating — the brother's death erasing everything Derek worked to prevent.
How long is American History X?
American History X runs 119 minutes, directed by Tony Kaye, released in 1998.
Where can I read the full American History X parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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