Doctor Who (1996) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The Seventh Doctor becomes the Eighth. And on the streets of San Francisco – alongside new ally Grace Holloway - he battles the Master.
Rated PG-13 • 1996 • 1h 26m
This 1996 TV movie bridges the classic and modern eras of Doctor Who, introducing the Eighth Doctor with a darker, more action-oriented tone that earned its TV-14 rating. Parents should be aware of moderate sci-fi violence, including shootings and several instances of characters' necks being snapped by the villainous Master. Other content includes some frightening and grotesque imagery, such as The Master possessing a human host in… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Doctor Who appropriate for kids?
This 1996 TV movie bridges the classic and modern eras of Doctor Who, introducing the Eighth Doctor with a darker, more action-oriented tone that earned its TV-14 rating. Parents should be aware of moderate sci-fi violence, including shootings and several instances of… Read more — free account
Content severity in Doctor Who
What happens in Doctor Who, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:17 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Sex and nudity in Doctor Who
Content in this category is very light. The Doctor and his companion Grace share two passionate but brief kisses that are not sexualized. In one scene following his regeneration, the Doctor is seen walking around wearing only a hospital sheet, but no nudity is depicted.
Violence and gore in Doctor Who
Violence is moderate but contains some strong moments. The Doctor is shot twice in a gang crossfire, and an extended, tense surgical scene follows. The Master is a primary source of violence, at one point snapping a man's neck on-screen and later killing two other characters in a similar fashion. The final confrontation involves a physical fight that ends with a character being pushed into a swirling energy vortex.
Language in Doctor Who
Language is very mild. A single use of 'crap' is present.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Doctor Who
None. There is no on-screen smoking, drinking, or use of illegal drugs.
Mature themes in Doctor Who
The film centrally deals with death and rebirth through the Doctor's regeneration, depicted after he 'dies' on an operating table. The concept of bodily violation is a strong theme, shown when the Master hijacks a paramedic's body and later possesses Grace. The impending destruction of the world creates a constant sense of peril, and two main characters are killed on screen before being revived by a time reversal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Doctor Who appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Doctor Who is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This 1996 TV movie bridges the classic and modern eras of Doctor Who, introducing the Eighth Doctor with a darker, more action-oriented tone that earned its TV-14 rating. Parents should be aware of moderate sci-fi…
What age rating does Doctor Who have?
Doctor Who is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Doctor Who about?
This 1996 TV movie bridges the classic and modern eras of Doctor Who, introducing the Eighth Doctor with a darker, more action-oriented tone that earned its TV-14 rating. Parents should be aware of moderate sci-fi violence, including shootings and several instances of characters' necks being snapped by the villainous…
Is there sex or nudity in Doctor Who?
Content in this category is very light. The Doctor and his companion Grace share two passionate but brief kisses that are not sexualized. In one scene following his regeneration, the Doctor is seen walking around wearing only a hospital sheet, but no nudity…
How violent is Doctor Who?
Violence is moderate but contains some strong moments. The Doctor is shot twice in a gang crossfire, and an extended, tense surgical scene follows. The Master is a primary source of violence, at one point snapping a man's neck on-screen and later killing two…
Is the language in Doctor Who appropriate for kids?
Language is very mild. A single use of 'crap' is present.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Doctor Who?
None. There is no on-screen smoking, drinking, or use of illegal drugs.
What mature themes appear in Doctor Who?
The film centrally deals with death and rebirth through the Doctor's regeneration, depicted after he 'dies' on an operating table. The concept of bodily violation is a strong theme, shown when the Master hijacks a paramedic's body and later possesses Grace…
How long is Doctor Who?
Doctor Who runs 86 minutes, directed by Geoffrey Sax, released in 1996.
Where can I read the full Doctor Who 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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