Never Back Down (2008) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Jake, full of anger after his father's death, is just starting to find a place for himself at his new Orlando high school - until Ryan, head of an underground MMA fight club, picks Jake out as a prime opponent. After being trounced by Ryan in front of the entire school, Jake begins training under the firm, moral guidance of a MMA master, where he learns how to fight... and how to avoid a fight. But it becomes obvious that a rematch will be inevitable if Jake wants to stop Ryan and his bullying, once and for all.
Rated PG-13 • 2008 • 1h 53m
Never Back Down is a martial arts drama about Jake Tyler, a high school transfer student who gets drawn into an underground MMA fighting circuit after being bullied. The film is rated PG-13 for frequent intense hand-to-hand combat, depictions of social aggression, and thematic elements regarding grief and trauma. Parents should be aware of persistent bullying, scenes of physical injury, and the glamorization of vigilante fighting. It… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Never Back Down appropriate for kids?
Never Back Down is a martial arts drama about Jake Tyler, a high school transfer student who gets drawn into an underground MMA fighting circuit after being bullied. The film is rated PG-13 for frequent intense hand-to-hand combat, depictions of social aggression, and thematic… Read more — free account
Content severity in Never Back Down
What happens in Never Back Down, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:25 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
Sex and nudity in Never Back Down
Brief instances of teenage partying including scantily clad women in bikinis, and a fleeting scene of two girls kissing in a hot tub.
Violence and gore in Never Back Down
Moderate to strong; the film features frequent, realistic, and occasionally bloody hand-to-hand combat. Characters are shown being punched, kicked, choked until unconscious, and hit with debris. Injuries include facial bruising, bleeding, and serious hospitalization as a result of bullying.
Language in Never Back Down
Moderate; the script includes recurring uses of 'shit', 'ass', 'hell', 'bitch', and 'damn'.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Never Back Down
Mild; depicts social drinking at high school parties with red plastic cups and occasional mentions of a fatal drunk-driving incident involving a character's father.
Mature themes in Never Back Down
Deals with the loss of a parent, unresolved anger, toxic masculinity, and the aftermath of a violent murder in a character's family history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Never Back Down appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Never Back Down is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Never Back Down is a martial arts drama about Jake Tyler, a high school transfer student who gets drawn into an underground MMA fighting circuit after being bullied. The film is rated PG-13 for frequent intense…
What age rating does Never Back Down have?
Never Back Down is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Never Back Down about?
Never Back Down is a martial arts drama about Jake Tyler, a high school transfer student who gets drawn into an underground MMA fighting circuit after being bullied. The film is rated PG-13 for frequent intense hand-to-hand combat, depictions of social aggression, and thematic elements regarding grief and trauma…
Is there sex or nudity in Never Back Down?
Brief instances of teenage partying including scantily clad women in bikinis, and a fleeting scene of two girls kissing in a hot tub.
How violent is Never Back Down?
Moderate to strong; the film features frequent, realistic, and occasionally bloody hand-to-hand combat. Characters are shown being punched, kicked, choked until unconscious, and hit with debris. Injuries include facial bruising, bleeding, and serious…
Is the language in Never Back Down appropriate for kids?
Moderate; the script includes recurring uses of 'shit', 'ass', 'hell', 'bitch', and 'damn'.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Never Back Down?
Mild; depicts social drinking at high school parties with red plastic cups and occasional mentions of a fatal drunk-driving incident involving a character's father.
What mature themes appear in Never Back Down?
Deals with the loss of a parent, unresolved anger, toxic masculinity, and the aftermath of a violent murder in a character's family history.
How long is Never Back Down?
Never Back Down runs 113 minutes, directed by Jeff Wadlow, released in 2008.
Where can I read the full Never Back Down 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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