Apollo 13 (1995) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The true story of technical troubles that scuttle the Apollo 13 lunar mission in 1970, risking the lives of astronaut Jim Lovell and his crew, with the failed journey turning into a thrilling saga of heroism. Drifting more than 200,000 miles from Earth, the astronauts work furiously with the ground crew to avert tragedy.
Rated PG • 1995 • 2h 20m
Based on the true story of the perilous 1970 lunar mission, this film earns its PG rating for sustained emotional intensity and some language. The story focuses on the harrowing survival attempt by three astronauts after their spacecraft is crippled by an explosion, leading to constant, realistic life-and-death peril. While there is no traditional violence, the tense disaster sequences, including the explosion and a nerve-wracking… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Apollo 13 appropriate for kids?
Based on the true story of the perilous 1970 lunar mission, this film earns its PG rating for sustained emotional intensity and some language. The story focuses on the harrowing survival attempt by three astronauts after their spacecraft is crippled by an explosion, leading to… Read more — free account
Content severity in Apollo 13
What happens in Apollo 13, moment by moment
- 0:05 🍷 Substances 1/10
- 0:08 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
Sex and nudity in Apollo 13
Sexual content is very light and brief. In one scene, an astronaut's wife is seen in a babydoll nightgown. In another, a couple is in the shower, but a strategically placed thumb obscures any nudity. There is a brief, comedic moment where one astronaut speculates another gave him "the clap" (an old term for an STD), and a mother tells her teenage daughter that her outfit is too revealing, though nothing is shown.
Violence and gore in Apollo 13
There is no combat or gore, but the film contains moderate and sustained situational peril. An early scene includes brief, somber archival footage and re-enactment of the fatal Apollo 1 launchpad fire. A startling nightmare sequence shows an astronaut being violently sucked out of a damaged spacecraft. The central event is a loud, jarring explosion that cripples the ship, and the remainder of the film depicts the astronauts in constant, intense jeopardy from freezing temperatures, system failures, and the threat…
Read more — free accountLanguage in Apollo 13
Language is moderate for a PG-rated film and is used during moments of extreme stress. The screenplay contains approximately 15 uses of "shit," as well as frequent instances of "damn," "goddamn," "hell," and "ass." Exclamations of "Christ" and "Jesus" are also used.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Apollo 13
Substance use is light and reflective of the era. Adults drink beer at a party near the beginning of the film. Throughout the crisis, NASA Mission Control staff are frequently shown smoking cigarettes and cigars.
Mature themes in Apollo 13
The film is built on strong and mature themes of survival against overwhelming odds, courage, and ingenuity under pressure. It deals directly with the constant, realistic threat of death and the profound emotional strain this puts on the astronauts and their families on Earth. Characters argue out of fear and stress, one becomes seriously ill, and the psychological toll of being stranded in space is a central focus. The scenes of the families waiting anxiously for news are emotionally intense.
Scary moments in Apollo 13
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Apollo 13 yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apollo 13 appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Apollo 13 is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. Based on the true story of the perilous 1970 lunar mission, this film earns its PG rating for sustained emotional intensity and some language. The story focuses on the harrowing survival attempt by three astronauts…
What age rating does Apollo 13 have?
Apollo 13 is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is Apollo 13 about?
Based on the true story of the perilous 1970 lunar mission, this film earns its PG rating for sustained emotional intensity and some language. The story focuses on the harrowing survival attempt by three astronauts after their spacecraft is crippled by an explosion, leading to constant, realistic life-and-death peril…
Is there sex or nudity in Apollo 13?
Sexual content is very light and brief. In one scene, an astronaut's wife is seen in a babydoll nightgown. In another, a couple is in the shower, but a strategically placed thumb obscures any nudity. There is a brief, comedic moment where one astronaut…
How violent is Apollo 13?
There is no combat or gore, but the film contains moderate and sustained situational peril. An early scene includes brief, somber archival footage and re-enactment of the fatal Apollo 1 launchpad fire. A startling nightmare sequence shows an astronaut being…
Is the language in Apollo 13 appropriate for kids?
Language is moderate for a PG-rated film and is used during moments of extreme stress. The screenplay contains approximately 15 uses of "shit," as well as frequent instances of "damn," "goddamn," "hell," and "ass." Exclamations of "Christ" and "Jesus" are…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Apollo 13?
Substance use is light and reflective of the era. Adults drink beer at a party near the beginning of the film. Throughout the crisis, NASA Mission Control staff are frequently shown smoking cigarettes and cigars.
What mature themes appear in Apollo 13?
The film is built on strong and mature themes of survival against overwhelming odds, courage, and ingenuity under pressure. It deals directly with the constant, realistic threat of death and the profound emotional strain this puts on the astronauts and their…
How long is Apollo 13?
Apollo 13 runs 140 minutes, directed by Ron Howard, released in 1995.
Where can I read the full Apollo 13 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.
Parents also checked these movies for 10-year-olds
Sign up to filter
Movies like Apollo 13 with similar intensity
Sign up to filter
Less intense movies for families
Sign up to filter
More drama movies with parent guides
- Interstellar parent guide
- Fight Club parent guide
- The Shawshank Redemption parent guide
- Forrest Gump parent guide
- Django Unchained parent guide
- Joker parent guide
- Titanic parent guide
- The Wolf of Wall Street parent guide
- Shutter Island parent guide
- The Dark Knight Rises parent guide
- Inglourious Basterds parent guide
- Inside Out parent guide
More movies with Bontent parent guides
- Sullivan's Travels parent guide
- Grand Piano parent guide
- Boiling Point parent guide
- Ophelia parent guide
- Marvel One-Shot: All Hail the King parent guide
- Full Speed parent guide
- Ruby Red parent guide
- Barbie Presents: Thumbelina parent guide
- Friends with Money parent guide
- Don't Worry, I'm Fine parent guide
- Them parent guide
- Lifted parent guide
- Those Happy Days parent guide
- The Night Before the Exams parent guide
- Scoop parent guide
- The Black Dahlia parent guide