Poster for Chariots of Fire

Chariots of Fire (1981) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

In the class-obsessed and religiously divided UK of the early 1920s, two determined young runners train for the 1924 Paris Olympics. Eric Liddell, a devout Christian born to Scottish missionaries in China, sees running as part of his worship of God's glory and refuses to train or compete on the Sabbath. Harold Abrahams overcomes anti-Semitism and class bias, but neglects his beloved sweetheart in his single-minded quest.

Rated PG • 1981 • 2h 5m

6.8
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Age
10+

This historical drama follows two British track athletes—one motivated by his Christian faith and the other by a desire to overcome antisemitism—as they prepare for the 1924 Olympics. The film is rated PG and and is most suitable for children ages 10 and up due to its slow pacing and mature themes regarding religious conviction and prejudice. While the content is very mild, parents should expect some period-accurate social drinking… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Ben Cross
Ben Cross
Ian Charleson
Ian Charleson
Cheryl Campbell
Cheryl Campbell
Alice Krige
Alice Krige
Nigel Havers
Nigel Havers
Ian Holm
Ian Holm
Nicholas Farrell
Nicholas Farrell
Daniel Gerroll
Daniel Gerroll
John Gielgud
John Gielgud
Lindsay Anderson
Lindsay Anderson
Nigel Davenport
Nigel Davenport
Dennis Christopher
Dennis Christopher
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Is Chariots of Fire appropriate for kids?

This historical drama follows two British track athletes—one motivated by his Christian faith and the other by a desire to overcome antisemitism—as they prepare for the 1924 Olympics. The film is rated PG and and is most suitable for children ages 10 and up due to its slow… Read more — free account

Content severity in Chariots of Fire

Sex None 0/10
Violence None 0/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Moderate 3/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Chariots of Fire, moment by moment

  1. 0:53 🍷 Substances 3/10
  2. 0:59 💬 Language 3/10
  3. 1:35 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
See the full timeline with a free account →

Sex and nudity in Chariots of Fire

There is no sexual content or nudity depicted in the film. The story focuses on athletic competition and personal integrity, maintaining a wholesome tone appropriate for all ages regarding physical intimacy.

Violence and gore in Chariots of Fire

The film contains no physical violence, gore, or combat sequences. The primary conflicts are internal and social, focusing on the pressure of international sports and personal beliefs rather than physical aggression.

Language in Chariots of Fire

The film contains very mild language, including occasional uses of 'damn' and 'hell.' There are also some period-specific insults and instances of antisemitic prejudice that are presented as negative traits of certain characters.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Chariots of Fire

Reflecting the historical setting of the early 20th century, characters are frequently seen smoking pipes or cigarettes in social settings. Additionally, there are scenes of moderate social drinking, including wine at formal dinners and ales at local pubs.

Mature themes in Chariots of Fire

Faith, conviction, antisemitism, and running for something greater than glory. A stately, inspiring period drama; slow-paced but very mild in content, best for patient older kids.

Scary moments in Chariots of Fire

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Chariots of Fire 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chariots of Fire appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Chariots of Fire is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. This historical drama follows two British track athletes—one motivated by his Christian faith and the other by a desire to overcome antisemitism—as they prepare for the 1924 Olympics. The film is rated PG and and is…

What age rating does Chariots of Fire have?

Chariots of Fire is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What is Chariots of Fire about?

This historical drama follows two British track athletes—one motivated by his Christian faith and the other by a desire to overcome antisemitism—as they prepare for the 1924 Olympics. The film is rated PG and and is most suitable for children ages 10 and up due to its slow pacing and mature themes regarding religious…

Is there sex or nudity in Chariots of Fire?

There is no sexual content or nudity depicted in the film. The story focuses on athletic competition and personal integrity, maintaining a wholesome tone appropriate for all ages regarding physical intimacy.

How violent is Chariots of Fire?

The film contains no physical violence, gore, or combat sequences. The primary conflicts are internal and social, focusing on the pressure of international sports and personal beliefs rather than physical aggression.

Is the language in Chariots of Fire appropriate for kids?

The film contains very mild language, including occasional uses of 'damn' and 'hell.' There are also some period-specific insults and instances of antisemitic prejudice that are presented as negative traits of certain characters.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Chariots of Fire?

Reflecting the historical setting of the early 20th century, characters are frequently seen smoking pipes or cigarettes in social settings. Additionally, there are scenes of moderate social drinking, including wine at formal dinners and ales at local pubs.

What mature themes appear in Chariots of Fire?

Faith, conviction, antisemitism, and running for something greater than glory. A stately, inspiring period drama; slow-paced but very mild in content, best for patient older kids.

How long is Chariots of Fire?

Chariots of Fire runs 125 minutes, directed by Hugh Hudson, released in 1981.

Where can I read the full Chariots of Fire parent guide?

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