Daylight (1996) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Daylight
Director: Rob Cohen
Released: 1996
Duration: 115 min
Rating: 6.1

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A group of armed robbers fleeing the police head for the New Jersey Tunnel and run right into trucks transporting toxic waste. The spectacular explosion that follows results in both ends of the tunnel collapsing and the handful of people who survived the explosion are now in peril. Kit Latura is the only man with the skill and knowledge to lead the band of survivors out of the tunnel before the structure collapses.

Rated PG-13 • 1996 • 1h 55m

Directed by Rob Cohen

6.1

1K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

13+

This 1996 disaster film earns its PG-13 rating for frequent and intense sequences of disaster-related peril, destruction, and several on-screen character deaths. The plot follows Kit Latura as he attempts to lead a group of survivors out of a collapsed Hudson River tunnel. Parents should be aware of intense explosions, frightening drowning sequences, characters being crushed, and moments of emotional despair, including characters dying… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Sylvester Stallone

Amy Brenneman

Viggo Mortensen

Stan Shaw

Barry Newman

Dan Hedaya

Jay O. Sanders

Karen Young

Claire Bloom

Vanessa Bell Calloway

Renoly Santiago

Colin Fox

Unlock ratings, reviews, recommendations and guides for all content types

Is Daylight appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Daylight

Sex None 0/10

Violence Strong 7/10

Language Moderate 4/10

Substances Mild 1/10

Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in Daylight, moment by moment

0:13 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
0:16 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
0:18 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10

Unlock all 16 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Daylight

None. There is no sexual content or nudity.

Violence and gore in Daylight

Strong and frequent disaster-related violence is central to the film. The movie begins with a massive, fiery explosion in a tunnel that kills many people and sets the perilous tone. Characters are killed in subsequent explosions, crushed by falling debris and vehicles, and drown in rising water. Some injuries are shown, including burns and bloody wounds, but the focus is on peril rather than gore. One scene features a character being swarmed by rats.

Language in Daylight

Moderate. There are several uses of profanity throughout, including multiple uses of "shit" and "goddamn." Most of the language occurs during moments of high stress and danger.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Daylight

This category is very light. The central disaster is caused by the illegal transport of toxic waste, which creates hazardous fumes, but there is no recreational drug use depicted. One character is briefly seen smoking a cigarette.

Mature themes in Daylight

Thematic content is strong, focusing on themes of intense peril, claustrophobia, death, and sacrifice. The survivors are in a constant state of fear, trapped deep underground with rising water and collapsing structures. The film includes the deaths of several main and secondary characters, including one elderly character who gives up hope and succumbs to hypothermia, and another who must be left behind after being fatally injured. The sustained psychological distress is a major component of the film.

Bontent Member Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Daylight appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Daylight is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This 1996 disaster film earns its PG-13 rating for frequent and intense sequences of disaster-related peril, destruction, and several on-screen character deaths. The plot follows Kit Latura as he attempts to lead a…

What age rating does Daylight have?

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

What is Daylight about?

Is there sex or nudity in Daylight?

None. There is no sexual content or nudity.

How violent is Daylight?

Is the language in Daylight appropriate for kids?

Moderate. There are several uses of profanity throughout, including multiple uses of "shit" and "goddamn." Most of the language occurs during moments of high stress and danger.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Daylight?

What mature themes appear in Daylight?

How long is Daylight?

Daylight runs 115 minutes, directed by Rob Cohen, released in 1996.

Where can I read the full Daylight 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.