Masters of the Universe (1987) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Masters of the Universe
Director: Gary Goddard
Released: 1987
Duration: 106 min
Rating: 5.8

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

When the evil Skeletor finds a mysterious power called the Cosmic Key, he becomes nearly invincible, seizing Castle Grayskull and the surrounding city. The Sorceress is now Skeletor's prisoner and he begins to drain her life-force as he waits for the moon of Eternia to align with the Great Eye of the Universe which will bestow god-like power upon him. However, courageous warrior He-Man locates the locksmith inventor Gwildor, who created the Key and has another version of it. During a battle, one of the Keys is transported to Earth… Sign up for the full guide

Rated PG • 1987 • 1h 46m

Directed by Gary Goddard

5.8

1K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

10+

This live-action adaptation of the popular toy line is significantly darker and more intense than its cartoon counterpart, earning its PG rating with moderate fantasy violence and mature themes. The film contains frequent laser battles and sword fights, with some moments being particularly strong for a PG film, including a scene where the hero is whipped and shows bloody wounds, and another where a villain disintegrates a henchman… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Dolph Lundgren

Frank Langella

Billy Barty

Jon Cypher

Courteney Cox

James Tolkan

Chelsea Field

Robert Duncan McNeill

Christina Pickles

Meg Foster

Tony Carroll

Pons Maar

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Is Masters of the Universe appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Masters of the Universe

Sex Mild 1/10

Violence Strong 6/10

Language Moderate 4/10

Substances Mild 2/10

Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Masters of the Universe, moment by moment

0:04 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
0:09 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
0:22 ♥ Sex & Nudity 1/10

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Sex and nudity in Masters of the Universe

This category is very light. The hero, He-Man, is shirtless for much of the film, which is consistent with the character's design but not presented in a sexual context. The villainess Evil-Lyn wears a stylized, metallic breastplate, but she is fully covered and there is no nudity or sexual content.

Violence and gore in Masters of the Universe

Violence is moderate and consistent, with many scenes of sci-fi combat. Characters fight with swords and laser guns, but injuries are minimal for most of the runtime. However, a few moments stand out for their intensity: Skeletor summarily disintegrates one of his own henchmen; a main character is struck by a magic blast, leaving a nasty wound on her leg; and He-Man is captured, chained, and whipped with a laser-like weapon, showing bloody marks on his back. The final battle is large-scale but typical for the…

Language in Masters of the Universe

Language is infrequent but includes some profanity that is notable for a PG film of its era. The word "shit" is used once, along with milder exclamations like "hell." Otherwise, the language is clean.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Masters of the Universe

Substance use is very minor. In one brief scene, a detective character is seen at home drinking a can of beer. There is no other use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

Mature themes in Masters of the Universe

The film's themes are surprisingly mature for a toy-based movie. The villain Skeletor is visually frightening with a skull face, and his cruelty is a central element. The hero is captured, humiliated, and tortured, introducing themes of despair and resilience. A major subplot involves a teenage character's ongoing grief and self-blame over the accidental death of her parents, a topic that is handled seriously and may be upsetting for some viewers.

Scary moments in Masters of the Universe

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Masters of the Universe 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Masters of the Universe appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Masters of the Universe is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. This live-action adaptation of the popular toy line is significantly darker and more intense than its cartoon counterpart, earning its PG rating with moderate fantasy violence and mature themes. The film contains…

What age rating does Masters of the Universe have?

Masters of the Universe is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What is Masters of the Universe about?

Is there sex or nudity in Masters of the Universe?

How violent is Masters of the Universe?

Is the language in Masters of the Universe appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Masters of the Universe?

Substance use is very minor. In one brief scene, a detective character is seen at home drinking a can of beer. There is no other use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

What mature themes appear in Masters of the Universe?

How long is Masters of the Universe?

Masters of the Universe runs 106 minutes, directed by Gary Goddard, released in 1987.

Where can I read the full Masters of the Universe parent guide?

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