Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
When Dr. Indiana Jones – the tweed-suited professor who just happens to be a celebrated archaeologist – is hired by the government to locate the legendary Ark of the Covenant, he finds himself up against the entire Nazi regime.
Rated PG • 1981 • 1h 55m
Originally released with a PG rating before the creation of PG-13, Raiders of the Lost Ark contains action violence and frightening imagery more intense than modern family films. The film's rating is driven by frequent, stylized violence featuring fistfights, gunplay, and one famously shocking climax where several villains are supernaturally killed, with their faces melting and heads exploding in graphic detail. Archaeologist Indiana… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Raiders of the Lost Ark appropriate for kids?
Originally released with a PG rating before the creation of PG-13, Raiders of the Lost Ark contains action violence and frightening imagery more intense than modern family films. The film's rating is driven by frequent, stylized violence featuring fistfights, gunplay, and one… Read more — free account
Content severity in Raiders of the Lost Ark
What happens in Raiders of the Lost Ark, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:09 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:11 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Sex and nudity in Raiders of the Lost Ark
Content is mild. Romance between Indiana and Marion is shown through kissing and one morning-after scene where Marion is seen from the shoulders up in bed, implying they slept together. In another scene, her back is briefly seen in a mirror as she gets dressed. There is no nudity.
Violence and gore in Raiders of the Lost Ark
Moderate to strong for its PG rating. The action is frequent, with numerous fistfights, chases, and shootouts, though typically without graphic blood. A man is killed off-screen by an airplane propeller, with a spray of blood hitting the cockpit window. The climax features several graphic supernatural deaths as villains who look upon the Ark have their faces melt off their skulls or their heads explode.
Language in Raiders of the Lost Ark
Mild. There are a few uses of "damn," "hell," and one use each of "son of a bitch," "bastard," and "shit." The Lord's name is used as an exclamation (e.g., "God," "Jesus Christ").
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Raiders of the Lost Ark
Moderate amount of social drinking and some smoking. Marion is introduced handily winning a drinking contest in her Nepalese bar. Later, she and Belloq get very drunk together on liquor. Characters, including Indiana Jones, are seen drinking whiskey, and background characters smoke cigarettes and hookahs.
Mature themes in Raiders of the Lost Ark
Contains several frightening and intense sequences that may scare younger viewers. The opening scene features booby-trapped corridors with skeletons (one impaled on spikes) and a tense chase from a giant boulder. Characters are in constant peril, including a scene where Marion is threatened with torture via a hot poker and another where she and Indy are trapped in a tomb filled with thousands of snakes. The film's climax, involving angry spirits and gruesome deaths, is particularly intense.
Scary moments in Raiders of the Lost Ark
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Raiders of the Lost Ark 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raiders of the Lost Ark appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Raiders of the Lost Ark is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. Originally released with a PG rating before the creation of PG-13, Raiders of the Lost Ark contains action violence and frightening imagery more intense than modern family films. The film's rating is driven by frequent…
What age rating does Raiders of the Lost Ark have?
Raiders of the Lost Ark is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is Raiders of the Lost Ark about?
Originally released with a PG rating before the creation of PG-13, Raiders of the Lost Ark contains action violence and frightening imagery more intense than modern family films. The film's rating is driven by frequent, stylized violence featuring fistfights, gunplay, and one famously shocking climax where several…
Is there sex or nudity in Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Content is mild. Romance between Indiana and Marion is shown through kissing and one morning-after scene where Marion is seen from the shoulders up in bed, implying they slept together. In another scene, her back is briefly seen in a mirror as she gets…
How violent is Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Moderate to strong for its PG rating. The action is frequent, with numerous fistfights, chases, and shootouts, though typically without graphic blood. A man is killed off-screen by an airplane propeller, with a spray of blood hitting the cockpit window. The…
Is the language in Raiders of the Lost Ark appropriate for kids?
Mild. There are a few uses of "damn," "hell," and one use each of "son of a bitch," "bastard," and "shit." The Lord's name is used as an exclamation (e.g., "God," "Jesus Christ").
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Moderate amount of social drinking and some smoking. Marion is introduced handily winning a drinking contest in her Nepalese bar. Later, she and Belloq get very drunk together on liquor. Characters, including Indiana Jones, are seen drinking whiskey, and…
What mature themes appear in Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Contains several frightening and intense sequences that may scare younger viewers. The opening scene features booby-trapped corridors with skeletons (one impaled on spikes) and a tense chase from a giant boulder. Characters are in constant peril, including a…
How long is Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Raiders of the Lost Ark runs 115 minutes, directed by Steven Spielberg, released in 1981.
Where can I read the full Raiders of the Lost Ark parent guide?
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