Poster for Jack Reacher

Jack Reacher (2012) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

One morning in an ordinary town, five people are shot dead in a seemingly random attack. All evidence points to a single suspect: an ex-military sniper who is quickly brought into custody. The interrogation yields one written note: 'Get Jack Reacher!'. Reacher, an enigmatic ex-Army investigator, believes the authorities have the right man but agrees to help the sniper's defense attorney. However, the more Reacher delves into the case, the less clear-cut it appears. So begins an extraordinary chase for the truth, pitting Jack Reacher… Sign up for the full guide

Rated PG-13 • 2012 • 2h 10m

6.7
5K+
Average rating by Bontent members
Sign up for full access
Age
13+

A former military investigator digs into a sniper case the evidence suggests is open and shut — and discovers it isn't. Tom Cruise. The PG-13 rating covers action violence including a graphic opening mass shooting. A pleasingly old-fashioned thriller.

Cast

Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise
Rosamund Pike
Rosamund Pike
Richard Jenkins
Richard Jenkins
David Oyelowo
David Oyelowo
Werner Herzog
Werner Herzog
Jai Courtney
Jai Courtney
Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall
Vladimir Sizov
Vladimir Sizov
Joseph Sikora
Joseph Sikora
Nicole Forester
Nicole Forester
Michael Raymond-James
Michael Raymond-James
Alexia Fast
Alexia Fast
Sign up to get 40,000+ Bontent parent guides
Unlock ratings, reviews, recommendations and guides for all content types

Is Jack Reacher appropriate for kids?

A former military investigator digs into a sniper case the evidence suggests is open and shut — and discovers it isn't. Tom Cruise. The PG-13 rating covers action violence including a graphic opening mass shooting. A pleasingly old-fashioned thriller. Read more — free account

Content severity in Jack Reacher

Sex None 0/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in Jack Reacher, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
  2. 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
  3. 0:18 💬 Language 3/10
Unlock all 7 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Jack Reacher

None.

Violence and gore in Jack Reacher

The opening sniper sequence — five civilians killed, depicted with sobering realism. Hand-to-hand combat where Reacher takes real damage. A car chase. Purposeful violence.

Language in Jack Reacher

Moderate language consistent with PG-13.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Jack Reacher

None.

Mature themes in Jack Reacher

A man who exists outside the system but uses it when convenient. The mass shooting's aftermath — the investigation of a tragedy that might not be what it seems. An unusually grounded action film for its era.

Bontent Member Reviews

Register for free to join the conversation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jack Reacher appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Jack Reacher is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. A former military investigator digs into a sniper case the evidence suggests is open and shut — and discovers it isn't. Tom Cruise. The PG-13 rating covers action violence including a graphic opening mass shooting. A…

What age rating does Jack Reacher have?

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

What is Jack Reacher about?

A former military investigator digs into a sniper case the evidence suggests is open and shut — and discovers it isn't. Tom Cruise. The PG-13 rating covers action violence including a graphic opening mass shooting. A pleasingly old-fashioned thriller.

Is there sex or nudity in Jack Reacher?

None.

How violent is Jack Reacher?

The opening sniper sequence — five civilians killed, depicted with sobering realism. Hand-to-hand combat where Reacher takes real damage. A car chase. Purposeful violence.

Is the language in Jack Reacher appropriate for kids?

Moderate language consistent with PG-13.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Jack Reacher?

None.

What mature themes appear in Jack Reacher?

A man who exists outside the system but uses it when convenient. The mass shooting's aftermath — the investigation of a tragedy that might not be what it seems. An unusually grounded action film for its era.

How long is Jack Reacher?

Jack Reacher runs 130 minutes, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, released in 2012.

Where can I read the full Jack Reacher 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.