Man of Steel (2013) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.
Rated PG-13 • 2013 • 2h 23m
Man of Steel provides a gritty, grounded reboot of the Superman origin story, focusing on Kal-El’s struggle to balance his alien identity with his life as Clark Kent. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for relentless, large-scale sci-fi destruction and intense combat sequences throughout Metropolis and Smallville. Parents should be aware of a somber tone that features a character death by tornado and the central conflict ending in a… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Man of Steel appropriate for kids?
Man of Steel provides a gritty, grounded reboot of the Superman origin story, focusing on Kal-El’s struggle to balance his alien identity with his life as Clark Kent. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for relentless, large-scale sci-fi destruction and intense combat sequences… Read more — free account
Content severity in Man of Steel
What happens in Man of Steel, moment by moment
- 0:05 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
- 0:25 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:45 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
Sex and nudity in Man of Steel
Content is mild and limited. There are brief moments of romantic flirting, hand-holding, and kissing between Clark and Lois. A few shots show a character's cleavage, and the film opens with a very brief, non-sexual glimpse of a newborn infant.
Violence and gore in Man of Steel
The violence is moderate but frequent, characterized by mass destruction and high-stakes combat. Buildings are leveled, aircraft are crushed, and superhuman beings engage in brutal, concussive fistfights. The climax involves a neck-snapping death that is presented with emotional weight.
Language in Man of Steel
Language is mild throughout the film. There are sporadic uses of words like 'shit,' 'ass,' 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'crap,' along with one instance of a vulgarity regarding sexual organs used for comedic effect.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Man of Steel
Substance use is light. Two scenes feature characters in a bar or restaurant setting consuming Scotch and beer, which is portrayed as a standard social activity for adults.
Mature themes in Man of Steel
The film explores heavy themes of isolation, parental loss, and the burden of destiny. The death of Jonathan Kent in a storm and the moral dilemma Clark faces regarding his place in humanity serve as significant, sobering narrative drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Man of Steel appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Man of Steel is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Man of Steel provides a gritty, grounded reboot of the Superman origin story, focusing on Kal-El’s struggle to balance his alien identity with his life as Clark Kent. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for relentless…
What age rating does Man of Steel have?
Man of Steel is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Man of Steel about?
Man of Steel provides a gritty, grounded reboot of the Superman origin story, focusing on Kal-El’s struggle to balance his alien identity with his life as Clark Kent. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for relentless, large-scale sci-fi destruction and intense combat sequences throughout Metropolis and Smallville…
Is there sex or nudity in Man of Steel?
Content is mild and limited. There are brief moments of romantic flirting, hand-holding, and kissing between Clark and Lois. A few shots show a character's cleavage, and the film opens with a very brief, non-sexual glimpse of a newborn infant.
How violent is Man of Steel?
The violence is moderate but frequent, characterized by mass destruction and high-stakes combat. Buildings are leveled, aircraft are crushed, and superhuman beings engage in brutal, concussive fistfights. The climax involves a neck-snapping death that is…
Is the language in Man of Steel appropriate for kids?
Language is mild throughout the film. There are sporadic uses of words like 'shit,' 'ass,' 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'crap,' along with one instance of a vulgarity regarding sexual organs used for comedic effect.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Man of Steel?
Substance use is light. Two scenes feature characters in a bar or restaurant setting consuming Scotch and beer, which is portrayed as a standard social activity for adults.
What mature themes appear in Man of Steel?
The film explores heavy themes of isolation, parental loss, and the burden of destiny. The death of Jonathan Kent in a storm and the moral dilemma Clark faces regarding his place in humanity serve as significant, sobering narrative drivers.
How long is Man of Steel?
Man of Steel runs 143 minutes, directed by Zack Snyder, released in 2013.
Where can I read the full Man of Steel 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.
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