Poster for I Can Only Imagine

I Can Only Imagine (2018) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Growing up in Greenville, Texas, Bart Millard suffers physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his father, Arthur. When Arthur becomes terminally ill, he finds redemption by embracing his faith and rediscovering his love for his son. Years later, Bart's troubled childhood and mended relationship with his dad inspires him to write the hit song "I Can Only Imagine" as singer of the Christian band MercyMe.

Rated PG • 2018 • 1h 50m

7.5
400+
Average rating by Bontent members
Sign up for full access
Age
10+

I Can Only Imagine follows the life of Bart Millard, lead singer of the band MercyMe, and his turbulent relationship with his abusive father, Arthur. The film is rated PG primarily for its portrayal of domestic abuse and the intense emotional themes surrounding a dying parent. While it is a biographical drama suitable for many teens, younger viewers may be troubled by the depictions of verbal and physical aggression. Parents should… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

J. Michael Finley
J. Michael Finley
Madeline Carroll
Madeline Carroll
Dennis Quaid
Dennis Quaid
Trace Adkins
Trace Adkins
Cloris Leachman
Cloris Leachman
Jason Burkey
Jason Burkey
Mark Furze
Mark Furze
Randy McDowell
Randy McDowell
Cole Marcus
Cole Marcus
Alexander Dominguez
Alexander Dominguez
Brody Rose
Brody Rose
Taegen Burns
Taegen Burns
Sign up to get 40,000+ Bontent parent guides
Unlock ratings, reviews, recommendations and guides for all content types

Is I Can Only Imagine appropriate for kids?

I Can Only Imagine follows the life of Bart Millard, lead singer of the band MercyMe, and his turbulent relationship with his abusive father, Arthur. The film is rated PG primarily for its portrayal of domestic abuse and the intense emotional themes surrounding a dying parent… Read more — free account

Content severity in I Can Only Imagine

Sex None 0/10
Violence Moderate 4/10
Language None 0/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Moderate 4/10

What happens in I Can Only Imagine, moment by moment

  1. 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
  2. 0:25 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
  3. 0:42 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
Unlock all 8 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in I Can Only Imagine

There is no sexual content; the film contains only brief, chaste romantic interest between teenagers.

Violence and gore in I Can Only Imagine

The film features several moments of domestic violence, including an abusive father shouting, throwing objects, and striking his son. These scenes are depicted with emotional intensity but remain non-graphic.

Language in I Can Only Imagine

Language is entirely absent.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in I Can Only Imagine

Substance use is entirely absent.

Mature themes in I Can Only Imagine

The story revolves around serious themes of child abuse, abandonment, terminal illness, and the complex process of parental forgiveness. The emotional weight of the father-son conflict is the film's primary focus.

Scary moments in I Can Only Imagine

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for I Can Only Imagine yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.

Bontent Member Reviews

Register for free to join the conversation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is I Can Only Imagine appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests I Can Only Imagine is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. I Can Only Imagine follows the life of Bart Millard, lead singer of the band MercyMe, and his turbulent relationship with his abusive father, Arthur. The film is rated PG primarily for its portrayal of domestic abuse…

What age rating does I Can Only Imagine have?

I Can Only Imagine is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What is I Can Only Imagine about?

I Can Only Imagine follows the life of Bart Millard, lead singer of the band MercyMe, and his turbulent relationship with his abusive father, Arthur. The film is rated PG primarily for its portrayal of domestic abuse and the intense emotional themes surrounding a dying parent. While it is a biographical drama suitable…

Is there sex or nudity in I Can Only Imagine?

There is no sexual content; the film contains only brief, chaste romantic interest between teenagers.

How violent is I Can Only Imagine?

The film features several moments of domestic violence, including an abusive father shouting, throwing objects, and striking his son. These scenes are depicted with emotional intensity but remain non-graphic.

Is the language in I Can Only Imagine appropriate for kids?

Language is entirely absent.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in I Can Only Imagine?

Substance use is entirely absent.

What mature themes appear in I Can Only Imagine?

The story revolves around serious themes of child abuse, abandonment, terminal illness, and the complex process of parental forgiveness. The emotional weight of the father-son conflict is the film's primary focus.

How long is I Can Only Imagine?

I Can Only Imagine runs 110 minutes, directed by Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin, released in 2018.

Where can I read the full I Can Only Imagine 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.

Sign up for access to 40,000+ parent guides.