Contact (1997) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A radio astronomer receives the first extraterrestrial radio signal ever picked up on Earth. As the world powers scramble to decipher the message and decide upon a course of action, she must make some difficult decisions between her beliefs, the truth, and reality.
Rated PG • 1997 • 2h 30m
A scientist detects the first signal from alien intelligence and fights to be part of humanity's response. One of the most thoughtful and family-friendly films on this list. The PG rating is well-earned — this is genuinely appropriate for older children. A bombing provides the film's most intense moment of violence.
Cast
Is Contact appropriate for kids?
A scientist detects the first signal from alien intelligence and fights to be part of humanity's response. One of the most thoughtful and family-friendly films on this list. The PG rating is well-earned — this is genuinely appropriate for older children. A bombing provides the… Read more — free account
Content severity in Contact
What happens in Contact, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:35 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:40 💬 Language 2/10
Sex and nudity in Contact
A romantic relationship between the scientist and a theologian — handled tastefully.
Violence and gore in Contact
A terrorist bombing destroys the first machine — shocking and sudden but not graphic.
Language in Contact
Very mild. Consistent with PG rating.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Contact
None of significance.
Mature themes in Contact
Science versus faith — the film's central intellectual argument, treated with genuine respect for both positions. A scientist's childhood trauma (her father's death) and how it drives her search for connection across the void. The politics of who represents humanity in a first contact scenario. One of the most thoughtful explorations of faith and science in American cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Contact appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Contact is best for ages 11+. It's rated PG. A scientist detects the first signal from alien intelligence and fights to be part of humanity's response. One of the most thoughtful and family-friendly films on this list. The PG rating is well-earned — this is…
What age rating does Contact have?
Contact is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 11+.
What is Contact about?
A scientist detects the first signal from alien intelligence and fights to be part of humanity's response. One of the most thoughtful and family-friendly films on this list. The PG rating is well-earned — this is genuinely appropriate for older children. A bombing provides the film's most intense moment of violence.
Is there sex or nudity in Contact?
A romantic relationship between the scientist and a theologian — handled tastefully.
How violent is Contact?
A terrorist bombing destroys the first machine — shocking and sudden but not graphic.
Is the language in Contact appropriate for kids?
Very mild. Consistent with PG rating.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Contact?
None of significance.
What mature themes appear in Contact?
Science versus faith — the film's central intellectual argument, treated with genuine respect for both positions. A scientist's childhood trauma (her father's death) and how it drives her search for connection across the void. The politics of who represents…
How long is Contact?
Contact runs 150 minutes, directed by Robert Zemeckis, released in 1997.
Where can I read the full Contact 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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