Poster for Batman Begins

Batman Begins (2005) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Driven by tragedy, billionaire Bruce Wayne dedicates his life to uncovering and defeating the corruption that plagues his home, Gotham City. Unable to work within the system, he instead creates a new identity, a symbol of fear for the criminal underworld - The Batman.

Rated PG-13 • 2005 • 2h 20m

7.7
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Age
13+

This dark and gritty reboot of the Batman franchise earns its PG-13 rating with frequent, intense action violence and a pervasive sense of psychological dread. The film's central plot involves a powerful hallucinogenic fear toxin, leading to several disturbing and frightening sequences of characters experiencing terrifying visions. Key thematic elements include the on-screen murder of a child's parents and the lingering trauma that… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Christian Bale
Christian Bale
Michael Caine
Michael Caine
Liam Neeson
Liam Neeson
Katie Holmes
Katie Holmes
Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman
Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy
Tom Wilkinson
Tom Wilkinson
Rutger Hauer
Rutger Hauer
Ken Watanabe
Ken Watanabe
Mark Boone Junior
Mark Boone Junior
Linus Roache
Linus Roache
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman
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Is Batman Begins appropriate for kids?

This dark and gritty reboot of the Batman franchise earns its PG-13 rating with frequent, intense action violence and a pervasive sense of psychological dread. The film's central plot involves a powerful hallucinogenic fear toxin, leading to several disturbing and frightening… Read more — free account

Content severity in Batman Begins

Sex Mild 2/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Moderate 3/10
Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in Batman Begins, moment by moment

  1. 0:09 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
  2. 0:16 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
  3. 0:38 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
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Sex and nudity in Batman Begins

Very light. There is one scene where two main characters share a romantic but not passionate kiss. In one other scene, a character pretends to be a playboy and is seen in a hotel fountain with two women in evening gowns, but the interaction is not overtly sexual.

Violence and gore in Batman Begins

Strong and frequent, though rarely graphic or bloody. The film contains intense sequences of martial arts, sword fighting, and brawling. Bruce Wayne's parents are shot and killed on-screen, which is a pivotal and emotionally intense moment. Other scenes include a large temple being burned and exploding, a major character being set on fire, intense interrogations (including a man being dangled from a building), and a chaotic riot. The climax involves a brutal fight aboard a speeding train that ultimately crashes in…

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Language in Batman Begins

Very mild. There is a single use of "God damn" and a couple of uses of "damn" and "hell." Otherwise, profanity is not a significant component of the film.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Batman Begins

Moderate. While social drinking (champagne) is shown briefly, the main substance use is a fictional hallucinogenic drug that is central to the plot. This "fear toxin" is used as a weapon, sprayed into victims' faces to induce terrifying hallucinations, and is also released into the city's water supply to cause mass panic. There is also a depiction of illegal drugs being smuggled inside teddy bears.

Mature themes in Batman Begins

Pervasive and intense. The core of the film is built on the trauma of Bruce Wayne witnessing his parents' murder as a child, and his subsequent struggles with grief, fear, and a desire for revenge. The villain's plan involves psychological warfare and terrorism, using a fear-inducing chemical to plunge a city into chaos, resulting in disturbing and frightening hallucinatory imagery. The film explores complex moral questions about justice, vigilantism, and the line between fighting evil and becoming it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Batman Begins appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Batman Begins is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This dark and gritty reboot of the Batman franchise earns its PG-13 rating with frequent, intense action violence and a pervasive sense of psychological dread. The film's central plot involves a powerful hallucinogenic…

What age rating does Batman Begins have?

Batman Begins is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Batman Begins about?

This dark and gritty reboot of the Batman franchise earns its PG-13 rating with frequent, intense action violence and a pervasive sense of psychological dread. The film's central plot involves a powerful hallucinogenic fear toxin, leading to several disturbing and frightening sequences of characters experiencing…

Is there sex or nudity in Batman Begins?

Very light. There is one scene where two main characters share a romantic but not passionate kiss. In one other scene, a character pretends to be a playboy and is seen in a hotel fountain with two women in evening gowns, but the interaction is not overtly…

How violent is Batman Begins?

Strong and frequent, though rarely graphic or bloody. The film contains intense sequences of martial arts, sword fighting, and brawling. Bruce Wayne's parents are shot and killed on-screen, which is a pivotal and emotionally intense moment. Other scenes…

Is the language in Batman Begins appropriate for kids?

Very mild. There is a single use of "God damn" and a couple of uses of "damn" and "hell." Otherwise, profanity is not a significant component of the film.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Batman Begins?

Moderate. While social drinking (champagne) is shown briefly, the main substance use is a fictional hallucinogenic drug that is central to the plot. This "fear toxin" is used as a weapon, sprayed into victims' faces to induce terrifying hallucinations, and is…

What mature themes appear in Batman Begins?

Pervasive and intense. The core of the film is built on the trauma of Bruce Wayne witnessing his parents' murder as a child, and his subsequent struggles with grief, fear, and a desire for revenge. The villain's plan involves psychological warfare and…

How long is Batman Begins?

Batman Begins runs 140 minutes, directed by Christopher Nolan, released in 2005.

Where can I read the full Batman Begins parent guide?

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