Black Panther (2018) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
King T'Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country's new leader. However, T'Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne by factions within his own country as well as without. Using powers reserved to Wakandan kings, T'Challa assumes the Black Panther mantle to join with ex-girlfriend Nakia, the queen-mother, his princess-kid sister, members of the Dora Milaje (the Wakandan 'special forces') and an American secret agent, to prevent Wakanda from being… Sign up for the full guide
Rated PG-13 • 2018 • 2h 15m
This film earns its PG-13 rating for prolonged sequences of action violence that are frequent, intense, and central to the story. While not graphic or gory, the violence includes numerous large-scale battles with bladed weapons, gunfights, several on-screen deaths by stabbing, and intense one-on-one combat. The film also explores complex and mature themes, such as grief, colonialism, radicalization, and familial betrayal, which drive… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Black Panther appropriate for kids?
This film earns its PG-13 rating for prolonged sequences of action violence that are frequent, intense, and central to the story. While not graphic or gory, the violence includes numerous large-scale battles with bladed weapons, gunfights, several on-screen deaths by stabbing… Read more — free account
Content severity in Black Panther
What happens in Black Panther, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:21 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:32 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
Sex and nudity in Black Panther
Sexual content is nearly absent. There are a few brief, tender kisses between T'Challa and Nakia. Male characters are seen shirtless during ritual combat scenes, which are non-sexual in nature.
Violence and gore in Black Panther
Violence is frequent, stylized, and strong for a PG-13 film, though it is largely bloodless. Multiple large-scale battle scenes feature combat with spears, swords, and futuristic energy weapons. Key moments include two instances of ritual combat, a fatal stabbing of a major character (Zuri), and T'Challa being thrown from a waterfall and presumed dead. There are also gunfights, point-blank shootings, a car chase with explosions, and a final fight that ends with the villain being fatally stabbed. The violence is a…
Read more — free accountLanguage in Black Panther
Language is infrequent and mild for its rating. There are a couple uses of "shit" and "hell." In a notable humorous scene, a character playfully gives her brother the middle finger, which is presented as a rude gesture from another culture.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Black Panther
Substance use is minimal and mostly fantastical. Characters drink alcoholic beverages in the background of a casino scene. A central plot device is the 'heart-shaped herb,' a mystical plant that grants superhuman powers when consumed; it is used by T'Challa and Killmonger and is also used medicinally to save a life. It is not depicted as a recreational drug.
Mature themes in Black Panther
The film explores significant and complex themes. Central topics include grief over a parent's death, the legacy of colonialism and slavery, and debates around isolationism versus global responsibility. The main villain's backstory is rooted in abandonment and radicalization born from injustice. Themes of patricide (in a flashback), civil war, and betrayal between family and friends are prominent and emotionally intense. One character's body is covered in self-inflicted scars, one for each person he has killed…
Read more — free accountFrequently Asked Questions
Is Black Panther appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Black Panther is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This film earns its PG-13 rating for prolonged sequences of action violence that are frequent, intense, and central to the story. While not graphic or gory, the violence includes numerous large-scale battles with bladed…
What age rating does Black Panther have?
Black Panther is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Black Panther about?
This film earns its PG-13 rating for prolonged sequences of action violence that are frequent, intense, and central to the story. While not graphic or gory, the violence includes numerous large-scale battles with bladed weapons, gunfights, several on-screen deaths by stabbing, and intense one-on-one combat. The film…
Is there sex or nudity in Black Panther?
Sexual content is nearly absent. There are a few brief, tender kisses between T'Challa and Nakia. Male characters are seen shirtless during ritual combat scenes, which are non-sexual in nature.
How violent is Black Panther?
Violence is frequent, stylized, and strong for a PG-13 film, though it is largely bloodless. Multiple large-scale battle scenes feature combat with spears, swords, and futuristic energy weapons. Key moments include two instances of ritual combat, a fatal…
Is the language in Black Panther appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent and mild for its rating. There are a couple uses of "shit" and "hell." In a notable humorous scene, a character playfully gives her brother the middle finger, which is presented as a rude gesture from another culture.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Black Panther?
Substance use is minimal and mostly fantastical. Characters drink alcoholic beverages in the background of a casino scene. A central plot device is the 'heart-shaped herb,' a mystical plant that grants superhuman powers when consumed; it is used by T'Challa…
What mature themes appear in Black Panther?
The film explores significant and complex themes. Central topics include grief over a parent's death, the legacy of colonialism and slavery, and debates around isolationism versus global responsibility. The main villain's backstory is rooted in abandonment…
How long is Black Panther?
Black Panther runs 135 minutes, directed by Ryan Coogler, released in 2018.
Where can I read the full Black Panther parent guide?
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