Poster for Harriet

Harriet (2019) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

Rated PG-13 • 2019 • 2h 5m

7.3
800+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
12+

The story of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and her transformation into a conductor on the Underground Railroad. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — the violence of slavery is depicted but not as graphically as in 12 Years a Slave. An inspiring, accessible film suitable for most teenagers.

Cast

Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo
Leslie Odom Jr.
Leslie Odom Jr.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe
Clarke Peters
Clarke Peters
Vanessa Bell Calloway
Vanessa Bell Calloway
Omar J. Dorsey
Omar J. Dorsey
Henry Hunter Hall
Henry Hunter Hall
Joseph Lee Anderson
Joseph Lee Anderson
Antonio J Bell
Antonio J Bell
Zackary Momoh
Zackary Momoh
Alexis Louder
Alexis Louder
Aria Brooks
Aria Brooks
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Is Harriet appropriate for kids?

The story of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and her transformation into a conductor on the Underground Railroad. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — the violence of slavery is depicted but not as graphically as in 12 Years a Slave. An inspiring, accessible film suitable for… Read more — free account

Content severity in Harriet

Sex None 0/10
Violence Strong 6/10
Language Strong 5/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Harriet, moment by moment

  1. 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
  2. 0:15 💬 Language 5/10
  3. 0:20 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
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Sex and nudity in Harriet

There is no sexual content or nudity depicted in this film. The story maintains a focus on historical drama and Harriet's mission, remaining suitable for a general audience in terms of physical maturity. A character mentions a desire for a wife and children, but the context remains rooted in family and freedom rather than sexual themes.

Violence and gore in Harriet

The violence of slavery — whipping, pursuit, the threat of being sold and separated from family — depicted clearly but not with graphic gore. A slave is shot. The violence is historically necessary and not sensationalised.

Language in Harriet

The film contains moderate language consistent with its PG-13 rating, including occasional uses of 'damn' and 'hell'. The script features frequent and intense use of period-accurate racial slurs, including the N-word, to illustrate the dehumanizing nature of slavery. These slurs are used to convey historical realism and the verbal abuse faced by the characters.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Harriet

There is no significant use of illegal drugs or alcohol portrayed as a primary focus. Characters may be seen in the background of historical settings where social drinking or tobacco use was common, but these instances are brief and incidental to the plot. The film does not feature any scenes of intoxication or substance abuse.

Mature themes in Harriet

American slavery and the extraordinary courage required to resist it. Harriet Tubman's divine visions as both a spiritual experience and a neurological condition (after a childhood head injury). The Underground Railroad as a network of human courage. The film is fundamentally inspirational rather than harrowing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harriet appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Harriet is best for ages 12+. It's rated PG-13. The story of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and her transformation into a conductor on the Underground Railroad. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — the violence of slavery is depicted but not as graphically as in…

What age rating does Harriet have?

Harriet is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.

What is Harriet about?

The story of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and her transformation into a conductor on the Underground Railroad. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — the violence of slavery is depicted but not as graphically as in 12 Years a Slave. An inspiring, accessible film suitable for most teenagers.

Is there sex or nudity in Harriet?

There is no sexual content or nudity depicted in this film. The story maintains a focus on historical drama and Harriet's mission, remaining suitable for a general audience in terms of physical maturity. A character mentions a desire for a wife and children…

How violent is Harriet?

The violence of slavery — whipping, pursuit, the threat of being sold and separated from family — depicted clearly but not with graphic gore. A slave is shot. The violence is historically necessary and not sensationalised.

Is the language in Harriet appropriate for kids?

The film contains moderate language consistent with its PG-13 rating, including occasional uses of 'damn' and 'hell'. The script features frequent and intense use of period-accurate racial slurs, including the N-word, to illustrate the dehumanizing nature of…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Harriet?

There is no significant use of illegal drugs or alcohol portrayed as a primary focus. Characters may be seen in the background of historical settings where social drinking or tobacco use was common, but these instances are brief and incidental to the plot…

What mature themes appear in Harriet?

American slavery and the extraordinary courage required to resist it. Harriet Tubman's divine visions as both a spiritual experience and a neurological condition (after a childhood head injury). The Underground Railroad as a network of human courage. The film…

How long is Harriet?

Harriet runs 125 minutes, directed by Kasi Lemmons, released in 2019.

Where can I read the full Harriet parent guide?

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