Hellboy (2004) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Hellboy
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Released: 2004
Duration: 122 min
Rating: 6.7

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

In the final days of World War II, the Nazis attempt to use black magic to aid their dying cause. The Allies raid the camp where the ceremony is taking place, but not before they summon a baby demon who is rescued by Allied forces and dubbed "Hellboy". Sixty years later, Hellboy serves the cause of good rather than evil as an agent in the Bureau of Paranormal Research & Defense, along with Abe Sapien - a merman with psychic powers, and Liz Sherman - a woman with pyrokinesis, protecting America against dark forces.

Rated PG-13 • 2004 • 2h 2m

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

6.7

5K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

13+

This film earns its PG-13 rating with frequent, intense sci-fi action violence and numerous frightening images. Parents should be aware of significant monster violence, including creature-on-human and creature-on-creature fights that result in goo, slime, and some non-graphic blood. The film's dark tone is established by an opening sequence involving a Nazi occult ritual and continues with themes of demonic destiny, apocalyptic… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Ron Perlman

Selma Blair

Doug Jones

John Hurt

Rupert Evans

Jeffrey Tambor

Ladislav Beran

Bridget Hodson

Karel Roden

Brian Steele

Corey Johnson

Kevin Trainor

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Is Hellboy appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Hellboy

Sex Mild 2/10

Violence Intense 8/10

Language Moderate 3/10

Substances Mild 2/10

Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in Hellboy, moment by moment

0:04 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
0:06 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10

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Sex and nudity in Hellboy

Sexual content is nearly non-existent. There is a very brief, non-sexual glimpse of a villainess's side breast during a ritual in the opening scene. Two main characters share a romantic kiss at the end. Hellboy is seen shirtless multiple times, but not in a sexual context.

Violence and gore in Hellboy

Violence is strong, frequent, and stylized, forming the core of the film. It's primarily sci-fi action against supernatural creatures but includes intense moments. Characters are shot, stabbed, and beaten in several scenes. A key villain is a blade-wielding sadist who kills multiple agents, and a main character is stabbed in the neck and killed. Monster fights are brutal, with creatures being shot, smashed, and impaled, resulting in goo and slime. One creature is seen from a distance eating a person's head, and…

Language in Hellboy

Language is mild and infrequent. The dialogue includes a few uses of words like "ass," "damn," "hell," and "crap," often used in moments of frustration or for comedic effect. There is no use of the f-word.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Hellboy

Substance use is mild. The main character, Hellboy, is frequently seen smoking large cigars, which is presented as a signature character trait. In one scene, a character steals a six-pack of beer.

Mature themes in Hellboy

Thematic content is moderate to strong and often dark. The plot is driven by occultism, black magic, and demonic forces, beginning with a Nazi ritual to summon world-ending entities. Central themes include the nature of destiny versus free will, the murder of a father figure, and the threat of the apocalypse. Scenes involving reanimated corpses, ghostly apparitions, and grotesque monsters contribute to a frightening and intense atmosphere.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hellboy appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Hellboy is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This film earns its PG-13 rating with frequent, intense sci-fi action violence and numerous frightening images. Parents should be aware of significant monster violence, including creature-on-human and…

What age rating does Hellboy have?

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

What is Hellboy about?

Is there sex or nudity in Hellboy?

How violent is Hellboy?

Is the language in Hellboy appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Hellboy?

Substance use is mild. The main character, Hellboy, is frequently seen smoking large cigars, which is presented as a signature character trait. In one scene, a character steals a six-pack of beer.

What mature themes appear in Hellboy?

How long is Hellboy?

Hellboy runs 122 minutes, directed by Guillermo del Toro, released in 2004.

Where can I read the full Hellboy parent guide?

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