I Am Number Four (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: I Am Number Four
Director: D.J. Caruso
Released: 2011
Duration: 109 min
Rating: 6.2

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A teenage fugitive with an incredible secret races to stay one step ahead of the mysterious forces seeking destroy him in this sci-fi action thriller. With three dead and one on the run, the race to find the elusive Number Four begins. Outwardly normal teen John Smith never gets too comfortable in the same identity, and along with his guardian, Henri, he is constantly moving from town to town. With each passing day, John gains a stronger grasp on his extraordinary new powers, and his bond to the beings that share his fantastic fate… Sign up for the full guide

Rated PG-13 • 2011 • 1h 49m

Directed by D.J. Caruso

6.2

5K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

13+

Rated PG-13 for its intense sci-fi action, "I Am Number Four" is a teen-oriented thriller with frequent, sustained sequences of violence. The film follows John Smith, a super-powered alien teen hiding in Paradise, Ohio, as he is hunted by hostile alien assassins. Parents should be aware of numerous combat scenes involving energy blasts, stabbings with alien weapons, and attacks by large monsters, though the violence is largely… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Alex Pettyfer

Dianna Agron

Teresa Palmer

Timothy Olyphant

Kevin Durand

Callan McAuliffe

Jake Abel

Garrett M. Brown

Patrick Sebes

Emily Wickersham

Jeff Hochendoner

Greg Townley

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

Is I Am Number Four appropriate for kids?

Content severity in I Am Number Four

Sex Mild 2/10

Violence Intense 8/10

Language Strong 5/10

Substances None 0/10

Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in I Am Number Four, moment by moment

0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
0:22 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10

Unlock all 13 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in I Am Number Four

Content is very light in this category. John and his love interest, Sarah, share a few romantic kisses. In an early scene, characters are at a beach and women are seen in bikinis, but this is brief and not in a sexualized context.

Violence and gore in I Am Number Four

The film contains frequent and intense sci-fi action and violence, which is the primary reason for its PG-13 rating. The Mogadorian villains are menacing, and there are numerous battles. Violence includes characters being thrown, impaled with alien blades (resulting in disintegration rather than blood), and attacked by large, bat-like monsters called Pikens. One character is fatally stabbed, and another is killed when a spiked object is forced into his mouth (not graphic). The climax is a prolonged battle at a…

Language in I Am Number Four

The language is moderate for a PG-13 film. The dialogue includes a few uses of "shit," "bitch," and "ass." There is also one use of "pussy" as an insult. Other, milder exclamations like "hell" and "damn" are also present.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in I Am Number Four

Substance use is very minor. There is a brief scene at a high school house party where teenagers are seen holding red cups, implying the presence of alcohol, but there is no depiction of drinking, drunkenness, or any focus on substance use.

Mature themes in I Am Number Four

The film deals with themes of being a refugee, genocide (the destruction of John's home planet is a key part of the backstory), and being hunted. Bullying is a recurring plot point, with characters being physically and verbally tormented. A significant theme is loss; John's guardian and parental figure, Henri, is killed in a heroic sacrifice, a moment that is emotional and intense for the protagonist.

Bontent Member Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is I Am Number Four appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests I Am Number Four is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Rated PG-13 for its intense sci-fi action, "I Am Number Four" is a teen-oriented thriller with frequent, sustained sequences of violence. The film follows John Smith, a super-powered alien teen hiding in Paradise, Ohio…

What age rating does I Am Number Four have?

I Am Number Four is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is I Am Number Four about?

Is there sex or nudity in I Am Number Four?

How violent is I Am Number Four?

Is the language in I Am Number Four appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in I Am Number Four?

What mature themes appear in I Am Number Four?

How long is I Am Number Four?

I Am Number Four runs 109 minutes, directed by D.J. Caruso, released in 2011.

Where can I read the full I Am Number Four 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.