Poster for Queen of Katwe

Queen of Katwe (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A young girl overcomes her disadvantaged upbringing in the slums of Uganda to become a Chess master.

Rated PG • 2016 • 2h 4m

7.2
400+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
10+

Rated PG for its mature thematic elements, an accident, and some suggestive material, *Queen of Katwe* is an inspiring but realistic biopic that doesn't shy away from depicting hardship. The film centers on Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the slums of Kampala, Uganda, and her journey to become a chess champion. Parents should be aware of scenes depicting extreme poverty, including homelessness, and a key sequence where a child is hit… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

MN
Madina Nalwanga
David Oyelowo
David Oyelowo
Lupita Nyong'o
Lupita Nyong'o
MK
Martin Kabanza
T"
Taryn "Kay" Kyaze
ET
Esther Tebandeke
Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine
Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine
EN
Ethan Nazario Lubega
NW
Nikita Waligwa
RS
Ronald Ssemaganda
PO
Peter Odeke
Philip Luswata
Philip Luswata
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Is Queen of Katwe appropriate for kids?

Rated PG for its mature thematic elements, an accident, and some suggestive material, *Queen of Katwe* is an inspiring but realistic biopic that doesn't shy away from depicting hardship. The film centers on Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the slums of Kampala, Uganda, and her… Read more — free account

Content severity in Queen of Katwe

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Strong 6/10
Language Mild 1/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Queen of Katwe, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
  2. 0:25 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
  3. 0:34 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
Unlock all 13 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Queen of Katwe

Suggestive material is brief and handled with discretion. Phiona's older sister leaves home to live with a man who has money; it is implied this is a transactional relationship, and there are passing references to prostitution. She later returns, abandoned and pregnant. A married couple shares a brief, clothed kiss in bed. Nothing is explicit.

Violence and gore in Queen of Katwe

Violence is infrequent but includes one impactful scene. A young boy is struck by a motorcycle; a bloody gash on his leg is shown clearly. He is later seen receiving stitches in a clinic without anesthesia and screams in pain. In another scene, a flash flood sweeps through the family's shack, and a young child is briefly swept away in the rushing water before being rescued.

Language in Queen of Katwe

Language is not a concern. There is a single use of "oh my God." Some very mild name-calling and bullying occurs between the children early in the film, but there is no profanity.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Queen of Katwe

None. No characters are shown drinking, smoking, or using drugs.

Mature themes in Queen of Katwe

Thematic elements are strong and central to the story. The film's primary focus is on the daily struggle of life in extreme poverty, including hunger and a lack of access to education and healthcare. Key thematic events include the family being evicted from their home and becoming homeless, a major character suffering a life-threatening injury, the peril of a natural disaster, and the emotional pressures of high-stakes competition.

Scary moments in Queen of Katwe

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Queen of Katwe 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 Queen of Katwe appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Queen of Katwe is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. Rated PG for its mature thematic elements, an accident, and some suggestive material, *Queen of Katwe* is an inspiring but realistic biopic that doesn't shy away from depicting hardship. The film centers on Phiona…

What age rating does Queen of Katwe have?

Queen of Katwe is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What is Queen of Katwe about?

Rated PG for its mature thematic elements, an accident, and some suggestive material, *Queen of Katwe* is an inspiring but realistic biopic that doesn't shy away from depicting hardship. The film centers on Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the slums of Kampala, Uganda, and her journey to become a chess champion…

Is there sex or nudity in Queen of Katwe?

Suggestive material is brief and handled with discretion. Phiona's older sister leaves home to live with a man who has money; it is implied this is a transactional relationship, and there are passing references to prostitution. She later returns, abandoned…

How violent is Queen of Katwe?

Violence is infrequent but includes one impactful scene. A young boy is struck by a motorcycle; a bloody gash on his leg is shown clearly. He is later seen receiving stitches in a clinic without anesthesia and screams in pain. In another scene, a flash flood…

Is the language in Queen of Katwe appropriate for kids?

Language is not a concern. There is a single use of "oh my God." Some very mild name-calling and bullying occurs between the children early in the film, but there is no profanity.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Queen of Katwe?

None. No characters are shown drinking, smoking, or using drugs.

What mature themes appear in Queen of Katwe?

Thematic elements are strong and central to the story. The film's primary focus is on the daily struggle of life in extreme poverty, including hunger and a lack of access to education and healthcare. Key thematic events include the family being evicted from…

How long is Queen of Katwe?

Queen of Katwe runs 124 minutes, directed by Mira Nair, released in 2016.

Where can I read the full Queen of Katwe parent guide?

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