Blackfish (2013) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Notorious killer whale Tilikum is responsible for the deaths of three individuals, including a top killer whale trainer. Blackfish shows the sometimes devastating consequences of keeping such intelligent and sentient creatures in captivity.
Rated PG-13 • 2013 • 1h 23m
This PG-13 documentary investigates the controversy surrounding the captivity of orcas, focusing on an individual named Tilikum responsible for three human deaths. The rating is primarily for disturbing and violent images, including real footage of trainers being attacked and held underwater by whales. The film also contains mature thematic material related to animal cruelty, psychological trauma, and corporate negligence, with graphic… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Blackfish appropriate for kids?
This PG-13 documentary investigates the controversy surrounding the captivity of orcas, focusing on an individual named Tilikum responsible for three human deaths. The rating is primarily for disturbing and violent images, including real footage of trainers being attacked and… Read more — free account
Content severity in Blackfish
What happens in Blackfish, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:19 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
Sex and nudity in Blackfish
A brief, clinical scene shows trainers masturbating a male orca to collect sperm for the park's breeding program. The whale's genitals are visible. This is presented in a procedural context and is not sexualized.
Violence and gore in Blackfish
The violence is real and can be intense. The film includes authentic footage of orcas attacking trainers, grabbing them, and dragging them underwater for extended periods. One trainer is shown with a visibly broken arm. While the human deaths are not shown on screen, they are described in graphic, disturbing detail via autopsy reports and witness accounts. There is also footage of whale-on-whale violence, including photos of bloody wounds and rake marks.
Language in Blackfish
Language is very infrequent. There are a few uses of "shit" and "damn" during interviews.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Blackfish
None. No use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs is depicted.
Mature themes in Blackfish
Thematic content is heavy and central to the film. It deals extensively with animal cruelty, the psychological trauma of captivity on intelligent animals (leading to aggression and self-harm), corporate cover-ups, and the reality of human death. The separation of mother and calf orcas is shown and presented as an emotionally devastating event for the animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blackfish appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Blackfish is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This PG-13 documentary investigates the controversy surrounding the captivity of orcas, focusing on an individual named Tilikum responsible for three human deaths. The rating is primarily for disturbing and violent…
What age rating does Blackfish have?
Blackfish is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Blackfish about?
This PG-13 documentary investigates the controversy surrounding the captivity of orcas, focusing on an individual named Tilikum responsible for three human deaths. The rating is primarily for disturbing and violent images, including real footage of trainers being attacked and held underwater by whales. The film also…
Is there sex or nudity in Blackfish?
A brief, clinical scene shows trainers masturbating a male orca to collect sperm for the park's breeding program. The whale's genitals are visible. This is presented in a procedural context and is not sexualized.
How violent is Blackfish?
The violence is real and can be intense. The film includes authentic footage of orcas attacking trainers, grabbing them, and dragging them underwater for extended periods. One trainer is shown with a visibly broken arm. While the human deaths are not shown on…
Is the language in Blackfish appropriate for kids?
Language is very infrequent. There are a few uses of "shit" and "damn" during interviews.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Blackfish?
None. No use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs is depicted.
What mature themes appear in Blackfish?
Thematic content is heavy and central to the film. It deals extensively with animal cruelty, the psychological trauma of captivity on intelligent animals (leading to aggression and self-harm), corporate cover-ups, and the reality of human death. The…
How long is Blackfish?
Blackfish runs 83 minutes, directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, released in 2013.
Where can I read the full Blackfish 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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