Dante's Peak (1997) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Dante's Peak
Director: Roger Donaldson
Released: 1997
Duration: 108 min
Rating: 6.2

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Volcanologist Harry Dalton comes to the sleepy town of Dante's Peak to investigate the recent rumblings of the dormant volcano the burg is named for. Before long, his worst fears are realized when a massive eruption hits, and immediately, Harry, the mayor and the townspeople find themselves fighting for their lives amid a catastrophic nightmare.

Rated PG-13 • 1997 • 1h 48m

Directed by Roger Donaldson

6.2

2K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

13+

This classic 1990s disaster film earns its PG-13 rating with frequent and intense sequences of disaster-related peril, destruction, and some graphic content. The primary reason for caution is the unrelenting, life-threatening danger the main characters, including two young children, face from a catastrophic volcanic eruption. The film features several on-screen deaths, including one by impact, one by drowning, and another from severe… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Pierce Brosnan

Linda Hamilton

Arabella Field

Jamie Renée Smith

Jeremy Foley

Elizabeth Hoffman

Charles Hallahan

Grant Heslov

Kirk Trutner

Tzi Ma

Brian Reddy

Lee Garlington

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Is Dante's Peak appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Dante's Peak

Sex Mild 2/10

Violence Strong 7/10

Language Strong 5/10

Substances Mild 2/10

Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in Dante's Peak, moment by moment

0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
0:24 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
0:26 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10

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Sex and nudity in Dante's Peak

A couple is briefly seen skinny-dipping in a hot spring before they are killed off-screen; their bodies are found later with their backsides partially visible. There is no other nudity or sexual content.

Violence and gore in Dante's Peak

Violence is strong and frequent, stemming entirely from the natural disaster. In the opening scene, a woman is killed instantly when a lava bomb smashes through a truck roof and strikes her head. Later, the burned bodies of two people are discovered floating in a hot spring. Characters are in constant peril from earthquakes, falling debris, lava flows, and pyroclastic clouds. Several on-screen deaths occur: a man is swept away in a flood, and a woman suffers fatal chemical burns from an acidic lake. One character…

Language in Dante's Peak

Language is moderate for a PG-13 film. The IMDb guide notes approximately 5 uses of "shit", 8 of "hell", 5 of "damn", 2 of "ass", and 2 of "son of a bitch." There is also one use of "God damn" and frequent use of milder exclamations like "Oh my God" and "Jesus."

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Dante's Peak

Substance use is minor. Characters are seen drinking beer and wine in social settings, such as at a local bar or over dinner, but this is not a focus of the story.

Mature themes in Dante's Peak

Thematic content is very intense, centered on survival, death, and sustained peril. The main characters, including a brother and sister, are repeatedly placed in life-or-death situations. Major themes include the death of loved ones (a fiancée, a grandmother, a colleague), grief, and scientific responsibility versus bureaucratic inaction. The destruction of an entire town and the constant threat of death create a frightening and intense atmosphere throughout the second half of the film.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dante's Peak appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Dante's Peak is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This classic 1990s disaster film earns its PG-13 rating with frequent and intense sequences of disaster-related peril, destruction, and some graphic content. The primary reason for caution is the unrelenting…

What age rating does Dante's Peak have?

Dante's Peak is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Dante's Peak about?

Is there sex or nudity in Dante's Peak?

How violent is Dante's Peak?

Is the language in Dante's Peak appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Dante's Peak?

Substance use is minor. Characters are seen drinking beer and wine in social settings, such as at a local bar or over dinner, but this is not a focus of the story.

What mature themes appear in Dante's Peak?

How long is Dante's Peak?

Dante's Peak runs 108 minutes, directed by Roger Donaldson, released in 1997.

Where can I read the full Dante's Peak parent guide?

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