Poster for Cowboys & Aliens

Cowboys & Aliens (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A stranger stumbles into the desert town of Absolution with no memory of his past and a futuristic shackle around his wrist. With the help of mysterious beauty Ella and the iron-fisted Colonel Dolarhyde, he finds himself leading an unlikely posse of cowboys, outlaws, and Apache warriors against a common enemy from beyond this world in an epic showdown for survival.

Rated PG-13 • 2011 • 1h 59m

5.7
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Age
13+

Cowboys & Aliens is a hybrid genre film that blends traditional Western tropes with science-fiction action. The PG-13 rating is driven primarily by intense sci-fi violence, including creature attacks and gunplay, as well as several scenes involving gore and medical trauma. Parents should also be aware of brief, non-explicit nudity and sporadic instances of mild profanity and drug use. The film is suitable for older teenagers and… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford
Olivia Wilde
Olivia Wilde
Sam Rockwell
Sam Rockwell
Adam Beach
Adam Beach
Paul Dano
Paul Dano
Noah Ringer
Noah Ringer
Keith Carradine
Keith Carradine
Clancy Brown
Clancy Brown
Walton Goggins
Walton Goggins
Abigail Spencer
Abigail Spencer
Ana de la Reguera
Ana de la Reguera
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Is Cowboys & Aliens appropriate for kids?

Cowboys & Aliens is a hybrid genre film that blends traditional Western tropes with science-fiction action. The PG-13 rating is driven primarily by intense sci-fi violence, including creature attacks and gunplay, as well as several scenes involving gore and medical trauma… Read more — free account

Content severity in Cowboys & Aliens

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Moderate 3/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Cowboys & Aliens, moment by moment

  1. 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
  2. 0:25 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
  3. 0:38 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
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Sex and nudity in Cowboys & Aliens

Contains brief, non-sexual nudity. One scene features a woman walking past men while unclothed, though sensitive areas are obscured, and there is a fleeting shot of a woman in a wet shirt.

Violence and gore in Cowboys & Aliens

Moderate, persistent violence throughout the film. This includes intense gunfights, scenes of creatures mauling humans, and graphic medical procedures such as stitching a bloody wound. Characters are killed by gunfire, explosions, and alien attacks.

Language in Cowboys & Aliens

Mild language is used sparingly, including occasional uses of the words 'shit,' 'bitch,' and 'ass.'

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Cowboys & Aliens

Features brief depictions of alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and the consumption of an unspecified hallucinogenic substance during a ritual.

Mature themes in Cowboys & Aliens

The narrative includes themes of survival, loss, the horrors of human vivisection by aliens, and the struggle against an overwhelming, technologically superior enemy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cowboys & Aliens appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Cowboys & Aliens is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Cowboys & Aliens is a hybrid genre film that blends traditional Western tropes with science-fiction action. The PG-13 rating is driven primarily by intense sci-fi violence, including creature attacks and gunplay, as…

What age rating does Cowboys & Aliens have?

Cowboys & Aliens is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Cowboys & Aliens about?

Cowboys & Aliens is a hybrid genre film that blends traditional Western tropes with science-fiction action. The PG-13 rating is driven primarily by intense sci-fi violence, including creature attacks and gunplay, as well as several scenes involving gore and medical trauma. Parents should also be aware of brief…

Is there sex or nudity in Cowboys & Aliens?

Contains brief, non-sexual nudity. One scene features a woman walking past men while unclothed, though sensitive areas are obscured, and there is a fleeting shot of a woman in a wet shirt.

How violent is Cowboys & Aliens?

Moderate, persistent violence throughout the film. This includes intense gunfights, scenes of creatures mauling humans, and graphic medical procedures such as stitching a bloody wound. Characters are killed by gunfire, explosions, and alien attacks.

Is the language in Cowboys & Aliens appropriate for kids?

Mild language is used sparingly, including occasional uses of the words 'shit,' 'bitch,' and 'ass.'

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Cowboys & Aliens?

Features brief depictions of alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and the consumption of an unspecified hallucinogenic substance during a ritual.

What mature themes appear in Cowboys & Aliens?

The narrative includes themes of survival, loss, the horrors of human vivisection by aliens, and the struggle against an overwhelming, technologically superior enemy.

How long is Cowboys & Aliens?

Cowboys & Aliens runs 119 minutes, directed by Jon Favreau, released in 2011.

Where can I read the full Cowboys & Aliens parent guide?

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