Poster for Ben-Hur

Ben-Hur (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A falsely accused nobleman survives years of slavery to take vengeance on his best friend who betrayed him.

Rated PG-13 • 2016 • 2h 5m

5.8
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Age
13+

This 2016 retelling of Ben-Hur is rated PG-13 primarily for intense sequences of historical violence and disturbing imagery related to ancient warfare and torture. Parents should be aware of frequent scenes of brutal combat, including chariot race collisions, naval destruction, and the crucifixion of Jesus. While the film lacks explicit sexual content or significant substance use, its mature themes of systemic injustice, family… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Jack Huston
Jack Huston
Toby Kebbell
Toby Kebbell
Rodrigo Santoro
Rodrigo Santoro
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman
Nazanin Boniadi
Nazanin Boniadi
Ayelet Zurer
Ayelet Zurer
Pilou Asbæk
Pilou Asbæk
Sofia Black-D'Elia
Sofia Black-D'Elia
Marwan Kenzari
Marwan Kenzari
Moisés Arias
Moisés Arias
James Cosmo
James Cosmo
Haluk Bilginer
Haluk Bilginer
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Is Ben-Hur appropriate for kids?

This 2016 retelling of Ben-Hur is rated PG-13 primarily for intense sequences of historical violence and disturbing imagery related to ancient warfare and torture. Parents should be aware of frequent scenes of brutal combat, including chariot race collisions, naval destruction… Read more — free account

Content severity in Ben-Hur

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Intense 8/10
Language Mild 2/10
Substances Mild 1/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in Ben-Hur, moment by moment

  1. 0:15 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
  2. 0:35 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
  3. 0:40 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
Unlock all 11 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Ben-Hur

The film contains very mild content, including one romantic kiss and an implied reference to sexual violence against a woman in the past.

Violence and gore in Ben-Hur

This is the most prominent concern. It features brutal naval warfare, chariot crashes with graphic injury, and the crucifixion of Jesus. Blood and physical suffering are depicted throughout the runtime.

Language in Ben-Hur

Language is infrequent and mild, limited to incidental profanity that does not escalate to harsh or pervasive levels.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Ben-Hur

There is no on-screen substance use or drug-related content in the film.

Mature themes in Ben-Hur

The narrative explores heavy subjects including the pain of betrayal, the physical and emotional toll of slavery, and the isolation caused by chronic disease like leprosy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ben-Hur appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Ben-Hur is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This 2016 retelling of Ben-Hur is rated PG-13 primarily for intense sequences of historical violence and disturbing imagery related to ancient warfare and torture. Parents should be aware of frequent scenes of brutal…

What age rating does Ben-Hur have?

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

What is Ben-Hur about?

This 2016 retelling of Ben-Hur is rated PG-13 primarily for intense sequences of historical violence and disturbing imagery related to ancient warfare and torture. Parents should be aware of frequent scenes of brutal combat, including chariot race collisions, naval destruction, and the crucifixion of Jesus. While the…

Is there sex or nudity in Ben-Hur?

The film contains very mild content, including one romantic kiss and an implied reference to sexual violence against a woman in the past.

How violent is Ben-Hur?

This is the most prominent concern. It features brutal naval warfare, chariot crashes with graphic injury, and the crucifixion of Jesus. Blood and physical suffering are depicted throughout the runtime.

Is the language in Ben-Hur appropriate for kids?

Language is infrequent and mild, limited to incidental profanity that does not escalate to harsh or pervasive levels.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Ben-Hur?

There is no on-screen substance use or drug-related content in the film.

What mature themes appear in Ben-Hur?

The narrative explores heavy subjects including the pain of betrayal, the physical and emotional toll of slavery, and the isolation caused by chronic disease like leprosy.

How long is Ben-Hur?

Ben-Hur runs 125 minutes, directed by Timur Bekmambetov, released in 2016.

Where can I read the full Ben-Hur 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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