Lincoln (2012) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The revealing story of the 16th US President's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come.
Rated PG-13 • 2012 • 2h 30m
Steven Spielberg's Lincoln explores the political complexities of the American Civil War, focusing on the 16th President's final months. The film is rated PG-13 due to its realistic and sometimes graphic depictions of battlefield carnage, as well as moderate profanity and intense emotional drama. Parents should be aware of scenes showing severe physical injury to soldiers that may be distressing to younger or sensitive viewers. The… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Lincoln appropriate for kids?
Steven Spielberg's Lincoln explores the political complexities of the American Civil War, focusing on the 16th President's final months. The film is rated PG-13 due to its realistic and sometimes graphic depictions of battlefield carnage, as well as moderate profanity and… Read more — free account
Content severity in Lincoln
What happens in Lincoln, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:35 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:45 💬 Language 6/10
Sex and nudity in Lincoln
There is no sexual content in the film. A husband and wife share an affectionate moment in bed, but it is entirely non-explicit.
Violence and gore in Lincoln
The film contains moderate to strong depictions of war violence. The opening scene features intense hand-to-hand combat, including bayonet stabbings and drownings in mud. Later, Lincoln visits a battlefield hospital where the camera focuses on severed limbs, disemboweled soldiers, and gruesome, bloody injuries.
Language in Lincoln
Moderate profanity is present throughout. This includes approximately two uses of the 'F-word,' multiple instances of 'shit,' 'damn,' and 'hell,' as well as historically accurate, offensive racial slurs.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Lincoln
Substance use is mild and consistent with the historical setting. Characters are frequently shown smoking cigars and consuming wine or beer in social settings; one character is instructed to get drunk to facilitate sleep during travel.
Mature themes in Lincoln
The film deals with the heavy weight of the Civil War, slavery, political manipulation, and the human cost of leadership. Significant themes include the trauma of war, racial inequality, and the impending death of a national icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Lincoln is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Steven Spielberg's Lincoln explores the political complexities of the American Civil War, focusing on the 16th President's final months. The film is rated PG-13 due to its realistic and sometimes graphic depictions of…
What age rating does Lincoln have?
Lincoln is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Lincoln about?
Steven Spielberg's Lincoln explores the political complexities of the American Civil War, focusing on the 16th President's final months. The film is rated PG-13 due to its realistic and sometimes graphic depictions of battlefield carnage, as well as moderate profanity and intense emotional drama. Parents should be…
Is there sex or nudity in Lincoln?
There is no sexual content in the film. A husband and wife share an affectionate moment in bed, but it is entirely non-explicit.
How violent is Lincoln?
The film contains moderate to strong depictions of war violence. The opening scene features intense hand-to-hand combat, including bayonet stabbings and drownings in mud. Later, Lincoln visits a battlefield hospital where the camera focuses on severed limbs…
Is the language in Lincoln appropriate for kids?
Moderate profanity is present throughout. This includes approximately two uses of the 'F-word,' multiple instances of 'shit,' 'damn,' and 'hell,' as well as historically accurate, offensive racial slurs.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Lincoln?
Substance use is mild and consistent with the historical setting. Characters are frequently shown smoking cigars and consuming wine or beer in social settings; one character is instructed to get drunk to facilitate sleep during travel.
What mature themes appear in Lincoln?
The film deals with the heavy weight of the Civil War, slavery, political manipulation, and the human cost of leadership. Significant themes include the trauma of war, racial inequality, and the impending death of a national icon.
How long is Lincoln?
Lincoln runs 150 minutes, directed by Steven Spielberg, released in 2012.
Where can I read the full Lincoln 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.
Parents also checked these movies for 13-year-olds
Sign up to filter
Movies like Lincoln with similar intensity
Sign up to filter
Less intense movies for families
Sign up to filter
More history movies with parent guides
- Interstellar parent guide
- Fight Club parent guide
- The Shawshank Redemption parent guide
- Forrest Gump parent guide
- Django Unchained parent guide
- Joker parent guide
- Titanic parent guide
- The Wolf of Wall Street parent guide
- Shutter Island parent guide
- The Dark Knight Rises parent guide
- Inglourious Basterds parent guide
- Inside Out parent guide
US History movies parents are checking
- Captain America: Civil War parent guide
- Black Panther parent guide
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier parent guide
- The Hunger Games: Catching Fire parent guide
- The Intouchables parent guide
- Bohemian Rhapsody parent guide
- Schindler's List parent guide
- Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace parent guide
- 12 Years a Slave parent guide
- Oppenheimer parent guide
- The Pursuit of Happyness parent guide
- Don't Look Up parent guide
More movies with Bontent parent guides
- Sullivan's Travels parent guide
- To the Wonder parent guide
- Sibyl parent guide
- An American Pickle parent guide
- The Layover parent guide
- Grand Piano parent guide
- Boiling Point parent guide
- Planet Hulk parent guide
- Ophelia parent guide
- Full Speed parent guide
- Marvel One-Shot: All Hail the King parent guide
- Barbie Presents: Thumbelina parent guide
- Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar parent guide
- Them parent guide
- The Night Before the Exams parent guide
- When a Stranger Calls parent guide