Flight of the Phoenix (2004) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Flight of the Phoenix
Director: John Moore
Released: 2004
Duration: 113 min
Rating: 6.0

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

When an oil rig in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia proves unproductive, an aircraft crew are sent to shut the operation down and fly them out. On the flight out over the desert on the way to Beijing, Capt. Frank Towns and co-pilot A.J. are unable to keep their cargo plane, a C-119 Flying Boxcar, in the air when a violent sandstorm strikes. Crash-landing in a remote uncharted part of the desert, the two pilots and their passengers -- a crew of oil workers and a drifter -- must work together to survive by rebuilding the aircraft. Soon, low… Sign up for the full guide

Rated PG-13 • 2004 • 1h 53m

Directed by John Moore

6.0

800+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

13+

This film's PG-13 rating is primarily for intense action violence, peril, and strong language. "Flight of the Phoenix" follows the survivors of a plane crash in the Gobi desert as they struggle against the elements and hostile smugglers. The most significant content includes a chaotic and frightening plane crash sequence, several gunfights resulting in bloody injuries and death, and a startling scene where a main character executes an… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Dennis Quaid

Tyrese Gibson

Giovanni Ribisi

Miranda Otto

Tony Curran

Sticky Fingaz

Jacob Vargas

Hugh Laurie

Scott Michael Campbell

Kevork Malikyan

Jared Padalecki

Paul Ditchfield

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Is Flight of the Phoenix appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Flight of the Phoenix

Sex None 0/10

Violence Intense 8/10

Language Strong 7/10

Substances Mild 2/10

Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Flight of the Phoenix, moment by moment

0:10 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
0:14 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10

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Sex and nudity in Flight of the Phoenix

None. This film contains no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

Violence and gore in Flight of the Phoenix

Violence is strong and central to the plot. The film opens with a prolonged and intense plane crash where characters are killed, including one who falls from the plane. Later, a character's bloody, bullet-riddled body is discovered. There are multiple gunfights with smugglers that result in characters being shot and killed. The most intense moment involves a main character deliberately executing a captured, unarmed man with a gunshot to the head; the act is not graphically gory but the impact is shocking.

Language in Flight of the Phoenix

Language is strong for a PG-13 film. There is one use of the f-word and its derivatives. The dialogue also includes around 30 uses of "shit," 15 uses of "hell," and multiple instances of "ass," "damn," "bastard," "son of a bitch," and exclamatory uses of "Jesus" and "Christ."

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Flight of the Phoenix

Substance use is mild. Several characters are shown smoking cigarettes, often during moments of stress or contemplation. There is no depiction of alcohol or illegal drug use.

Mature themes in Flight of the Phoenix

The film has moderate mature themes centered on survival, desperation, and moral compromise. Characters face the constant threat of death from dehydration or violence, leading to intense arguments and betrayals. The story explores the psychological toll of being stranded and the ethical lines people cross to survive, particularly in the scene involving an execution.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Flight of the Phoenix appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Flight of the Phoenix is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This film's PG-13 rating is primarily for intense action violence, peril, and strong language. "Flight of the Phoenix" follows the survivors of a plane crash in the Gobi desert as they struggle against the elements and…

What age rating does Flight of the Phoenix have?

Flight of the Phoenix is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Flight of the Phoenix about?

Is there sex or nudity in Flight of the Phoenix?

None. This film contains no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

How violent is Flight of the Phoenix?

Is the language in Flight of the Phoenix appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Flight of the Phoenix?

Substance use is mild. Several characters are shown smoking cigarettes, often during moments of stress or contemplation. There is no depiction of alcohol or illegal drug use.

What mature themes appear in Flight of the Phoenix?

How long is Flight of the Phoenix?

Flight of the Phoenix runs 113 minutes, directed by John Moore, released in 2004.

Where can I read the full Flight of the Phoenix parent guide?

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